Pass switch

[Clockwork]

Every bike has one but I'm buggered if I know exactly what it's supposed to be used for. Can anyone advise? Does anyone use it? Is flashing headlights technically an offence (if you're not a B cup or bigger)

[mossy1200]

some countries you flash your headlight before pulling out to pass so the car your passing notices you.

[oneofsix]

Every bike has one but I'm buggered if I know exactly what it's supposed to be used for. Can anyone advise? Does anyone use it? Is flashing headlights technically an offence (if you're not a B cup or bigger)

In some more cultured countries you use the pass switch to flash the vehicle ahead to let them know you are about to over take and they actually moderate their speed, they don't speed up :shit:, and move over to give you visibility :shit: making the passing manoeuvres safer. Yeah I know it is unbelievable but in some places driving on the roads isn't a competition and you can you the pass switch to signal your intentions and they let you pass :weird:
No it is not an offence to flash your headlights. It used to be you flashed your headlights to warning an on coming driver of a danger ahead an then they introduced radar speed traps and drivers rightly saw these as a danger but now most people think a headlight flash only refers to a speed trap. I still use it to alert others to crashes, unmarked road works etc. I figure if they have lift their level of attention to look out for the speed trap then they will see the other hazard earlier too.

[munster]

In Europe it is used on the Autobahns to politely signal the slower vehicle in front that you wish to pass and then they politley move over to let you pass. Of course, this wouldn't work in NZ. :facepalm:

[Clockwork]

In Europe it is used on the Autobahns to politely signal the slower vehicle in front that you wish to pass and then they politley move over to let you pass. Of course, this wouldn't work in NZ. :facepalm:
I was told that to "politely ask" they'd indicate to the passing side, even if there was no lane for them to move in to.

I'd love to be able to do this here but I don't think anyone would get it.

Don't know that I'd be too pleased with someone flashing headlights at night.

[roogazza]

Every bike has one but I'm buggered if I know exactly what it's supposed to be used for. Can anyone advise? Does anyone use it? Is flashing headlights technically an offence (if you're not a B cup or bigger)

A reasonable traffic warning device, you choose.

[grbaker]

Also used to indicating to vechiles wanting to merge that they can go ahead. (I see you - go for it).

[oneofsix]

Also used to indicating to vechiles wanting to merge that they can go ahead. (I see you - go for it).

Not always. In some places it is used to warn the vehicle that you are coming through regardless so stay out the way. :Oops:

[Zedder]

Not always. In some places it is used to warn the vehicle that you are coming through regardless so stay out the way. :Oops:

That's the problem, it has a number of meanings and also the legality of using it varies from place to place.

[Tigadee]

In Europe it is used on the Autobahns to politely signal the slower vehicle in front that you wish to pass and then they politley move over to let you pass. Of course, this wouldn't work in NZ.

In NZ, you need frickin' laser beams attached to your frickin' headlights to get the frickin' cagers to move aside!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh7bYNAHXxw

[Scuba_Steve]

Every bike has one but I'm buggered if I know exactly what it's supposed to be used for. Can anyone advise? Does anyone use it? Is flashing headlights technically an offence (if you're not a B cup or bigger)

In NZ it's only real use it to warn oncoming traffic of any scam ahead other than that it's pretty much a cosmetic feature of the bike :p

[avgas]

Mine launches rockets

[SMOKEU]

It's for when you do a runner from the cops at night. Turn your lights off, but hold the "pass switch" to activate your high beams. Cars have this feature too.

[Scuba_Steve]

Mine launches rockets

:eek: I needs one

[ducatilover]

Mine launches rockets
Is that all?

[superman]

If I've been sitting behind a car doing 60 through windy back country for a few km, I start to indicate to the right whenever no oncoming car is in sight. Funny how even then they won't pull over into bays or slow down a bit more so that you can safely pass, though for some it gives them enough of a reminder to what they should be doing. That and weaving heavily on straights within your lane. But mostly the nice people who do pull over do it almost straight away because they actually have forethought. YEAH THAT'S RIGHT FUCKING BIKER YOU CAN GO SLOWLY! :facepalm:

[ckai]

I was in the car with the father-in-law driving back to Hampton last year. There were some plonkers doing 80-90 in the outside line. He didn't hestitate to pull in behind them and give them a flash. They pulled back smartly. One muppet was doing the same speed as the person he was passing so out with the flash. He took a little longer to respond but got the message. It was the first time I'd seen it used at it was intended. I'm always wanting to use it but don't anyone thinking I'm an asshole :) Which is just silly...because I am an asshole :)

[Trade_nancy]

I use it often...each time I approach a rural "Smidsy" intersection and a cager is sitting waiting to maybe pull out in front of me..I flash 2-3 times...to maximise my chances of being seen. It saved my arse twice (so far) doing this. On 1 occasion, doing about 90kph and about 50m behind a 4x4...in morning darkness about 6:45...the 4x4 cruises thru the intersection in front of me and a little convertible sports car is sitting waiting....I approach the intersection now and get to within 30-40m of him and he slowly pulls out and starts a right turn in front of me...really slow. My 1st instinct was not to brake,..but to swerve right and flash the fuck outta the pass switch. He saw and left about 6 months worth of tread rubber in two strips about 2 metres long. The convergence took place in the intersection middle - so there was heaps of road to the right..and luckily no oncoming B-train....Missed me by t..h...a...t much.
I also use it when overtaking if I suspect the cager in front MAY be thinking of pulling out..sometimes give a quick beep on the horn too...and wave..so they know it was a friendly..

[oneofsix]

I was in the car with the father-in-law driving back to Hampton last year. There were some plonkers doing 80-90 in the outside line. He didn't hestitate to pull in behind them and give them a flash. They pulled back smartly. One muppet was doing the same speed as the person he was passing so out with the flash. He took a little longer to respond but got the message. It was the first time I'd seen it used at it was intended. I'm always wanting to use it but don't anyone thinking I'm an asshole :) Which is just silly...because I am an asshole :)

How does not using the pass switch stop us thinking you are an arse hole?
:Oops: I see you are American so refer to an ass hole? How is an animal resulting from cross breeding a hole? Never figured that. An anus, I can see how that is an insult.
:corn:

:yes: a few, very few, do respond to the pass switches proper use.

[Parlane]

I use it often...each time I approach a rural "Smidsy" intersection and a cager is sitting waiting to maybe pull out in front of me..I flash 2-3 times...to maximise my chances of being seen. It saved my arse twice (so far) doing this. On 1 occasion, doing about 90kph and about 50m behind a 4x4...in morning darkness about 6:45...the 4x4 cruises thru the intersection in front of me and a little convertible sports car is sitting waiting....I approach the intersection now and get to within 30-40m of him and he slowly pulls out and starts a right turn in front of me...really slow. My 1st instinct was not to brake,..but to swerve right and flash the fuck outta the pass switch. He saw and left about 6 months worth of tread rubber in two strips about 2 metres long. The convergence took place in the intersection middle - so there was heaps of road to the right..and luckily no oncoming B-train....Missed me by t..h...a...t much.
I also use it when overtaking if I suspect the cager in front MAY be thinking of pulling out..sometimes give a quick beep on the horn too...and wave..so they know it was a friendly..

I would never recommend flashing lights near an intersection..... It's commonly used for letting someone else know that you are waiving your right of way.

[Scuba_Steve]

I use it often...each time I approach a rural "Smidsy" intersection and a cager is sitting waiting to maybe pull out in front of me..I flash 2-3 times...to maximise my chances of being seen.

That to me sounds dangerous, a quick flash is usually a "go for it" or "I'm letting you in" signal IMO your playing with fire with that one

[Trade_nancy]

I would never recommend flashing lights near an intersection..... It's commonly used for letting someone else know that you are waiving your right of way.

Hmm that's interesting...and worrisome...but at least I'm not "common"..I've never heard of it...will do some checking..don't wanna cause more crap than I avoid..

[oneofsix]

Hmm that's interesting...and worrisome...but at least I'm not "common"..I've never heard of it...will do some checking..don't wanna cause more crap than I avoid..

yeah generally those that waive their right of way just screw the rest of the traffic flow. I wouldn't recommend it, wave them through if you must but don't flash your lights.

[Taz]

You can wire your garage door remote to it and then it can do something really useful.

[Zedder]

Just ride with ya high beam on all the time!

[Scuba_Steve]

Just ride with ya high beam on all the time!

Don't recommend that either, it's dangerous too. Don't know how anyone thinks blinding people is safe???

[Gremlin]

I would never recommend flashing lights near an intersection..... It's commonly used for letting someone else know that you are waiving your right of way.
Agreed. Quick flashes for letting people in, either at intersections, or on roads, changing lane etc. Also to alert of possible dangers ahead for oncoming traffic.

One big solid flash to cars at night, who think they don't need headlights... :facepalm:

Most cars seem to move out of the way of the big BMW on the motorway though, without flashing, so they get a nice wave to say thanks :laugh:

[martybabe]

Hmm that's interesting...and worrisome...but at least I'm not "common"..I've never heard of it...will do some checking..don't wanna cause more crap than I avoid..

Crickey, don't do that in Britain or most of Europe, it's primary use is to say I give way to you and flashing more than once means fer f#cks sake will you come out or through. I gave up using it here because people just stare at you blankly.

[Trade_nancy]

Point taken...:innocent:

[Zedder]

Don't recommend that either, it's dangerous too. Don't know how anyone thinks blinding people is safe???

It was tongue in cheek SS but a number of biker sites etc recommend high beam on all the time but it obviously needs to be modified for certain circumstances for example at night.

[oneofsix]

It was tongue in cheek SS but a number of biker sites etc recommend high beam on all the time but it obviously needs to be modified for certain circumstances for example at night.

Have you tried to work out where a bike with its lights on high actually is? Those site are stupid. The bike becomes invisible in a ball of light.

[Zedder]

Have you tried to work out where a bike with its lights on high actually is? Those site are stupid. The bike becomes invisible in a ball of light.

You again!

Maybe the ball of light is the actual idea of it.

[FJRider]

I've never used it for it's intended (or any other) use ... When I appear in their mirrors, they know I'm going to pass.

[Parlane]

You again!

Maybe the ball of light is the actual idea of it.

I'd get out of the way of Goku's Kamahamaha any day. Or an angel..

[Parlane]

I've never used it for it's intended (or any other) use ... When I appear in their mirrors, they know I'm going to pass.

Mirrors?.....

[Zedder]

I've never used it for it's intended (or any other) use ... When I appear in their mirrors, they know I'm going to pass.

Pass, pass what? Wind, a kidney stone? Sorry FJR I couldnt help it.

It actually sounds like a line from a song, yeah, that Dire Straits one: FJ Rider on the KB....

[FJRider]

Mirrors?.....

Those that don't use them ... usually get their first glimpse of me as I pass, as the exaust system on my FJ is stock standard. They just dont hear me behind them.

[FJRider]

It actually sounds like a line from a song, yeah, that Dire Straits one: FJ Rider on the KB....

You have my permission to sing it ... :yes:

Most realise the FJ is big enough to pass them easily enough, that anything they do to stop me is pointless ... if I want past.
Truckies are the best at giving you a bit of room ... or the thumbs up (or wave) to go. I've never had any issues with them. I give them a big wave as I pass ...

[Zedder]

You have my permission to sing it ... :yes:

Most realise the FJ is big enough to pass them easily enough, that anything they do to stop me is pointless ... if I want past.
Truckies are the best at giving you a bit of room ... or the thumbs up (or wave) to go. I've never had any issues with them. I give them a big wave as I pass ...

Thanks.

Yeah I know what ya mean, the FJ is a bit of a beast.

[Laava]

while back on the V Strom forum, someone started a thread about how every time they changed gear their high beam would flash momentarily. Of course this person was hugging close to the LH switchblock and rubbing the pass switch when pulling in the clutch, but they had no idea at the time.
Oh, how we laughed!

[avgas]

Is that all?
Pfffft you think the rockets are attached to my bike? Amateur.
http://www.cosmos4kids.com/misc/photos/v21.jpg
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3zvLVnNmlLo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


My horn says "Tsar" so I haven't got the balls to try it out.

[george formby]

Also used to indicating to vechiles wanting to merge that they can go ahead. (I see you - go for it).

That is what I was taught, to let another road user know that you have seen them. The consequences of that need to be considered before you use the "courtesy flash". Scenarios like a vehicle stuck at a junction who you make space for, somebody reversing out of a parking space or a hazard on the road. It helps the traffic flow & I guess could mean pay attention.

I often give a courtesy flash prior to overtaking, particularly truckies & long vehicles if I think they may not have seen me.

I do not courtesy flash if their is a speed camera on the road, not my problem.