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Being seen by motorists
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March 7, 2010 at 7:08 pm #24820RabParticipant
I thought about doing the same thing but never got around to trying it out.
As I understand it, to be legal, they have to flash at a certain rate and have to have a photo-electric switch which disables the flashing at night. Additionally though, like you said, it would be nice to have a switch so that you could manually over-ride this default day/night behavior.
Like I said, for lane-splitting, it was great as they probably thought I was a cop; woe betide any other motorcyclist lane-splitting in another lane though as they could quite easily have been knocked-of as the car drivers swerved out of my way. That said, most seasoned motorcyclists here in California know that you should really only be lane-splitting in the left-most “lane” or working your way over there to lane-split.
March 7, 2010 at 7:13 pm #24821RabParticipantYes, you can indeed switch to low beam (dipped headlight) which disables the flashing, but on low beam you’re also diminishing your visibility quite a bit versus high beam.
Alternatively, you can wire them to modulate the low beam and disable by switching to high beam. That’s probably preferable, but after having used a modulator daily for some months, I felt I was safer without it.
I actually installed it and uninstalled it twice as I thought I’d give it another chance, but I came to the same conclusion the second time.
March 7, 2010 at 7:24 pm #24823eonParticipantI’m not a fan of having high beams on. Yes, it certainly gets you seen but at the expense of blinding other road users. Was on a group ride yesterday and the guy behind me had his high beam on all day. Was pissing me off as every time I glance in the mirror to check he was still there I get dazzled, leaving me with retina burn as I looked forward again. So yes, it will get you noticed but it may cause aggression towards you.
And be aware any oncoming drivers are not going to see any signals you make.
March 7, 2010 at 7:32 pm #24822RabParticipantI don’t agree that a properly adjusted full beam blinds other road users; not during the day anyway.
If I’m lane splitting behind another motorcyclist, I’ll dip the light (use low beam). If I’m sitting (static) in traffic behind another road user, I’ll dip the beam. If I’m going through a tunnel I’ll dip the beam.
Otherwise, it’s on full time.
My life is far more important than someone else having a slight inconvenience.
March 7, 2010 at 7:44 pm #24824Sean_DParticipantWebBike World published the regs for modulators http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-technical-articles/Modulator-regs.htm
I would assume the current models would have to comply if they are from a reputable company. So I am thinking since section (e) states: Means shall be provided so that both the lower beam and upper beam remain operable in the event of a modulator failure. There should be a way to bypass the modulator so that the system faults to a “fail” state and both the high beam and low beam operate as normal.
So my bike has a cover for a dummy switch for the headlight. I would like to order one of the Euro Spec switches to replace the blank plate and wire the modulator to be able to bypass it at will.
I think I am going to write to a few of the companies and get their feedback on that as a solution.
March 7, 2010 at 7:54 pm #24825SantaCruzRiderParticipantAny rider splitting lanes in a lane beside another lanesharer is asking to get creamed. The smart rider will follow your split.
I’ve had plenty of riders come up on my tail while I’m splitting and either draft me, or if they seem intent on going faster than I, I’ll slide into traffic, wave them one and then enjoy the parting of the seas they are likely to create.
March 7, 2010 at 8:09 pm #24827SantaCruzRiderParticipantI’ve wondered about that in the past as well, as I ride with my high beams on during the day.
I think I’ve always hoped that lane positioning (I’m rarely in the center behind a car) might help minimize the glare, but I’m only guessing.
So far, the only aggression I’ve seen is motorists who are stopped and see me lane splitting toward them and will pull into my path to keep me from getting past. It’s really pretty rare, and I always figure it’s fellow commuter who’s jealous of my progress and is too much of a pussae to ride.
March 7, 2010 at 8:53 pm #24830eonParticipantWell this guy was on a V-Strom and I have read they have extra bright lights. The fact he was behind me for 10 hours didn’t much help but it was certainly a very very bright light that I could still see if I shut my eyes.
I’m not sure what you mean by “properly adjusted full beam”. Aren’t full beams by definition shining directly out in all directions?
March 8, 2010 at 12:50 am #24833RabParticipantThe guy on the V-Strom could have had hi-intensity bulbs and/or poorly aimed main beam. V-Strom and KLR650 etc. riders often buy all that adventure accessory stuff even if the only off-roading they do is on Safeways parking lot.
That aside, when riding behind someone for an extended length of time like that, it’s just plain common sense to dip the headlamp. Isn’t it?
On your other point, no, full beams should not be shining out in all directions.
If they are aimed too high, then you light up all the freeway signs for miles ahead, but there’s very little light going onto the road in front of you. I know, I’ve seen this on my current bike before I adjusted the aim downward (a vast improvement).
On modern faired motorcycles they can (and should be) adjusted both laterally and vertically so that at some point, the beam ends on the road (not off into the horizon). On all bikes (even old ones), you’ve got at least an up/down adjustment. I’ll bet if you look in your user manual, it’ll show you how to adjust your headlamps low and high beams.
I remember seeing cars in Europe with a headlamp beam adjuster on the dash to allow the driver to re-aim the headlamps when carrying heavy loads in the trunk.
Anyway, this has always been a controvertial point (full beams during the day or not), so I guess we can agree to disagree.
March 8, 2010 at 1:17 am #24835IBA270ParticipantWhen I started riding more and more cross country trips, it became evident to me that motorcycle headlights, at least the one’s being produced when I started riding, were woefully underpowered to be safe. My first mount, a ZX-10R (no, the 1989 model) had an H4 headlight, and couldn’t reliably be upgraded…I had to tough it out with an 85w highbeam…not much difference. My next mount, a ’93 BMW K1100RS also had a single pathetic H4, but it also had 700w of power. First thing I did was add 85/100w main bulb and two (that’s right, 2) six inch 110w PIAA. Let’s just say it made traveling towards Crawford, CO at O’dark thirty a wee bit better!
My main road tripping bike now is a BMW R1150RT with full HID conversions, and an additionally 220w of forward looking lights. I only run the single (low beam) during the day, but it’s much higher intensity light is much brighter than a halogen.
I am cautious to try not to blind the drivers in front of me, or oncoming of course, but it’s a fine line between being seen and not. As someone mentioned, left turning drivers are one of the main causes for vehicle/bike collision…actually, they are the highest. Even with a high beam, some people have a hard time judging closing distance.
Here is another idea if you want to increase your visibility; try lower, fork mounted lights much like motolights. This gives oncoming drivers three lights instead of a single light to judge closing distance. I have not tried them, but I have heard that they seem to work…with the added advantage of not blinding drivers in front of you…
March 8, 2010 at 5:01 pm #24841CBBaronParticipantAbout Red:
It seems to be a standout color in good light but in low light conditions it is not much better than black.
White is much better and ofcourse hi-vis if very noticeable in near all conditions.
I have a hi-vis jacket and silver helmet. I intend to add hyperlites LED running and brake lights with modulators for the rear. Hopefully i can figure out a bright economical addition for the front. I will also add some reflective tape to my helmet and perhaps my bike.
I try to be as visible as possible. It is too easy for a small vehicle to be lost in the background. I figure it should reduce the number of people who “don’t see” me so it reduces the chance that someone will hit me.
I have been an all weather bicycle commuter for several years and I have noticed first of all how hard it is to see people with dark clothing in poor conditions. And how much easier yellow, white or hi-vis stand out. I’ve also noticed that people appear to move left to pass me earlier if I am more visible.
I will be the one that looks like a dork, by I could care less what i look like, just that you notice me.Craig
March 8, 2010 at 7:13 pm #24843Gary856ParticipantI like the look of a silver helmet but I’ve read, and agree from personal observation, that silver helmets are not very visible on the road since it blends into the grey background.
To me, a bright yellow helmet is the most visible during the day, while a white helmet is the most visible in low-light condition (dusk, night). Adding reflective band/tape brings it up to a whole new level for night visibility.
March 8, 2010 at 8:02 pm #24844JackTradeParticipantused to make a helmet in solid, day-glo, safety-vest orange. That’s probably the ultimate in helmet visibility!
Silver helmets look great with black leather gear IMO, for a cool retro look. Saw a guy this weekend on an old BMW dressed that way.
March 8, 2010 at 10:03 pm #24845Gary856ParticipantOne day about 1-1/2 year ago I was standing across the street from an old Spanish mission (here in Fremont, CA) and a guy wearing a silver helmet and a fitted black leather jacket slowly cruized by on a BMW bike. That was like the scene from an old European village – very nostalgic and cool. I wanted an outfit like that. But when I started riding and thinking about safety, hi-rez took priority. I bought a silver helmet and a yellow helmet, put them side by side on one end of room at night, and looked at the from across the room about 30 ft away. The yellow helmet won the dim-light visibility contest, so the silver helmet went back to the store.
March 10, 2010 at 7:02 pm #24883jcwhiteParticipantTen cents on the high beams debate: I used to ride with my high-beams on, since I had read that it increased visibility, and made sense to me. I stopped after I had someone flash me (the “you’re being a jerk” signal) with their high beams while I was manoeuvreing in traffic – I was pulling around a slow right-turning vehicle when I was momentarily blinded by the oncoming car (and there was a popular cross-walk right in front of me, and another car turning right off the side street). After that little stunt I decided it wasn’t worth it.
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