Headlight Modulators

Particle Man · 08-07-2009, 10:14 PM

Ok, I know this usually turns into an either-or topic but still wanted to get everyone's opinion on these things.

There have been a large number of bikers killed this year in my area (on average of almost one per night

which in my sparcely populated area is quite a bit) due to idiotic drivers (the most common being, of course, the left hand turn in front of a rider followed by "but I didn't SEE them!").

Tonight on the news, after reporting on yet another couple of riders killed by maniac cage drivers, they did a story about Headlight Modulators and how they make a motorcycle more visible.

My wife now wants me to get one.

Thoughts, impressions, etc?

Gas Man · 08-07-2009, 10:17 PM

Can't use them at night. Its illegal.

The only legal modulators are ones that have daylight sensors so they don't work at night.

But their gay so just keep em on the goldwings

derf · 08-07-2009, 10:25 PM

They work, but yeh you cant really use them at night

BobTheBiker · 08-07-2009, 10:31 PM

I'm torn on them. during the day, they're EXCELLENT items to increase your visibility. its like putting a giant neon green flag on your bike.

They're extremely irritating during the day, which means you see it, which means you ARE SEEN. eliminating the "I didnt see him" excuse.

at night, nothing will help like safe riding habits.

101lifts2 · 08-07-2009, 10:37 PM

The problem isn't increase of visability, but rather increase of motorcycle approaching speed and location. Anything that is bright or blinks makes it harder IMO.

Headlights are just fine. Learn how to swerve.

azoomm · 08-07-2009, 11:26 PM

I think they create a nice bullseye for target fixation... they're like deer whistles, you only know when they don't work.

was92v · 08-08-2009, 12:02 AM

Around here headlamp flashes means " you can go ahead and turn"
The wrong message on a bike.

Mr Lefty · 08-08-2009, 08:14 AM

I just ride with my brights on durring the day... and at night... change lane position frequently and quickly. a little push and pull on the clipons will cause my lights to "flash" cause of the cut off the HID's have.

get a reflective vest and be hyper vigilant... that's about all you can do at night.

askmrjesus · 08-08-2009, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azoomm

I think they create a nice bullseye for target fixation... they're like deer whistles, you only know when they don't work.

Exactly.

You'll just end up with small children stuck to the front of your bike.

JC

08-07-2009, 10:14 PM	#1
Particle Man Custom User Title Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central NY Moto: 2003 SV650S Posts: 14,959	Headlight Modulators Ok, I know this usually turns into an either-or topic but still wanted to get everyone's opinion on these things. There have been a large number of bikers killed this year in my area (on average of almost one per night which in my sparcely populated area is quite a bit) due to idiotic drivers (the most common being, of course, the left hand turn in front of a rider followed by "but I didn't SEE them!"). Tonight on the news, after reporting on yet another couple of riders killed by maniac cage drivers, they did a story about Headlight Modulators and how they make a motorcycle more visible. My wife now wants me to get one. Thoughts, impressions, etc? __________________ I'm not "fat." I'm "Enlarged to show texture." Handle every stressful situation like a DOG: If you can't eat it or hump it, pi$$ on it & walk away.

08-07-2009, 10:17 PM	#2
Gas Man Trip's Assistant Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Imported from Detroit Moto: 2009 HD Street Classic Posts: 12,149	Can't use them at night. Its illegal. The only legal modulators are ones that have daylight sensors so they don't work at night. But their gay so just keep em on the goldwings __________________ -Chris "Why pay somebody else to fuck up your bike?" Run Amsoil Product

08-07-2009, 10:25 PM	#3
derf token jewboy Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: CBR 900, KLR ugly ass duckling, Gas Man Posts: 10,799	They work, but yeh you cant really use them at night __________________

08-07-2009, 10:37 PM	#5
101lifts2 WSB Champion Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Anaheim, CA Moto: 2009 Kawi ZX6R Posts: 5,570	The problem isn't increase of visability, but rather increase of motorcycle approaching speed and location. Anything that is bright or blinks makes it harder IMO. Headlights are just fine. Learn how to swerve. __________________ Train Hard Ron Paul - 2012 Mark of Excellence GM

08-07-2009, 11:26 PM	#6
azoomm moderator chick Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hill Country TX Moto: Pasta Rockets Posts: 8,917	I think they create a nice bullseye for target fixation... they're like deer whistles, you only know when they don't work. __________________ We have enough youth. How about a fountain of "smart"? Come Play at the Track!! http://www.elitetrackdays.com

08-07-2009, 10:31 PM	#4
BobTheBiker too much time on my hands Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: the northern district of god damn Moto: 01 ZX6R, looking for more now. Posts: 1,802	I'm torn on them. during the day, they're EXCELLENT items to increase your visibility. its like putting a giant neon green flag on your bike. They're extremely irritating during the day, which means you see it, which means you ARE SEEN. eliminating the "I didnt see him" excuse. at night, nothing will help like safe riding habits.

08-08-2009, 12:02 AM	#7
was92v Nowhere Man Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 558	Around here headlamp flashes means " you can go ahead and turn" The wrong message on a bike.

08-08-2009, 08:14 AM	#8
Mr Lefty TWFix Legend Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver CO Moto: 01 BMW F650GS Dakar Posts: 15,677	I just ride with my brights on durring the day... and at night... change lane position frequently and quickly. a little push and pull on the clipons will cause my lights to "flash" cause of the cut off the HID's have. get a reflective vest and be hyper vigilant... that's about all you can do at night.