General Harley Davidson Chat Forum to discuss general Harley Davidson issues, topics, and experiences.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

SAFETY: Headlight Modulation - Yes or No?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 03-22-2009 | 02:05 PM
street_glider's Avatar
street_glider
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 6
From: Jackson, Michigan
Default SAFETY: Headlight Modulation - Yes or No?

I read through an old thread from 2006 and wonder if times have changed. When considering safety out on the road, I wonder if modulated headlights help prevent accidents.

A young man from our local high school that graduated two years ago was killed last week in Florida when someone turned left in front of him. He went to school with my sons and it drives the point home as my 19 year old and I both ride. Now I'm thinking about getting these modulators for both of us. Any advise on usefulness and brands/systems to look at?
 
  #2  
Old 03-22-2009 | 02:39 PM
Pelonz's Avatar
Pelonz
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: SoCal - 661
Default

I run a headlite modulator and yellow lenses in my passing lamps and have been told on club runs that I can always be spotted. The other measure, when lane splitting I feel like Moses ;-)

As far as brands go just do a search as the're all about the same. My lens covers are from Cee Bailey.
 
  #3  
Old 03-22-2009 | 02:42 PM
Other Sheep's Avatar
Other Sheep
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,615
Likes: 9
From: Escondido, CA
Default

The extra two driving lights out front make a HUGE difference in whether people in cages pull out in front of you or not. After experiencing bikes both way, with and without, I won't ride without them. Bright lites even during the day irritate me so I wouldn't do that to others, even modulated.
 
  #4  
Old 03-22-2009 | 02:59 PM
gambler's Avatar
gambler
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 683
Likes: 3
From: Tallahassee, FL
Default

A headlight modulator is the single most important add-on that I recommend to fellow riders. It has gotten drivers' attention many times when they were about to pull out in front of me. I STRONGLY recommend it.

http://www.kisantech.com/view_produc...roduct=P115W-S

Ride Safe.
 
  #5  
Old 03-22-2009 | 03:02 PM
tda69's Avatar
tda69
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 82
From: Southern California
Default

Modulators work. Studies have found that. Like other safety initiatives that have had much press, I'm surprised we don't hear more about modulators. With my Ultra, I am considering using my passing lamps with a modulator. Thanks for posting this subject. Will be interesting to see the responses.
 
  #6  
Old 03-22-2009 | 03:48 PM
street_glider's Avatar
street_glider
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 6
From: Jackson, Michigan
Default

Originally Posted by gambler
A headlight modulator is the single most important add-on that I recommend to fellow riders. It has gotten drivers' attention many times when they were about to pull out in front of me. I STRONGLY recommend it.

http://www.kisantech.com/view_produc...roduct=P115W-S

Ride Safe.

I've seen this company's website and it's not the easiest to navigate and pick the right components. I've read posts concerning turning the modulation on/off and I don't see how this works based on the website info I found, also there is a component called a daylight sensor. What is this for? I emailed the company and will update if I hear back.
 
  #7  
Old 03-22-2009 | 04:16 PM
tt_ksu's Avatar
tt_ksu
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 417
Likes: 4
From: Mission, Kansas
Default

Originally Posted by Other Sheep
The extra two driving lights out front make a HUGE difference in whether people in cages pull out in front of you or not. After experiencing bikes both way, with and without, I won't ride without them. Bright lites even during the day irritate me so I wouldn't do that to others, even modulated.
+1 I've noticed a big difference since I've moved to a bike with the 3 lights in the front.
 
  #8  
Old 03-22-2009 | 04:30 PM
Ghosty's Avatar
Ghosty
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Tacoma, Washington
Default

street glider, the daylight sensor is a strand of fiber optic wire attached to a photoelectric cell. When it is daylight the light is transmitted to the cell causing the modulator to function. When night falls and it becomes dark outside the fiber optic wire no longer transmits light and the cell shuts off the modulator. In other words the daylight sensor insures that the headlight modulator only functions during the daylight hours. If you ride into a tunnel or heavy shade the headlight stops modulating until you are back in the brighter light. When installing the sensor be sure to place it where the headlights of oncoming vehicles will not hit it. I do not have a modulator on my current bike but have had one on a previous bike and they do work.
 
  #9  
Old 03-22-2009 | 04:33 PM
erictolsma's Avatar
erictolsma
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Default

I have a modulator but don't run it constantly. I flip it on when approaching a crossing with a waiting car, or when I see a car waiting to turn left. Also, as road captain when passing the group on the wrong side of the road.

I have no proof, but I am sure people notice me more when I switch it on. But apart from these circumstances, I don't like the flashing headlight and I would find it annoying if someone else ran them without reason...
 
  #10  
Old 03-22-2009 | 04:53 PM
Trock's Avatar
Trock
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
Default

I just put one on my bike. I also put a LED brake light that flashes. There's no doubt they do the job intended.
www.comagination.com Is cheaper than most.
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:42 PM.