Thumper

Ok I know everyone thinks the modulating headlights are for Cruisers and Gold wings, but i am here to tell you that i have them on my VTR and SV650 and compared to when I ride my old CBF or Streetard it is night and day different how cars recognize you earlier.

Cars see me well in advance as they notice the flashing headlight. The biggest risk we have is someone pulling out of a side street in front of us, because they didn't see us.


Reduce your risk and install a modulator. It is not a fix all for cars seeing you, but it sure helps.

Here are several options and i have both brands.

http://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=2

http://www.signaldynamics.com/produc...dStar/dshm.asp

VTRsurfer

I've ridden with my high beam on during daylight hours for over 20 years. And I've still had people start to pull out in front of me. Drivers are just more aggressive nowadays, they're all in a huge hurry and they're distracted.

Have you had any close calls since installing the modulator?

Thumper

Not yet, i have had the modulator on the VTR for 3 years.

I too run bright light all the time even with the modulator.

Bright lights and modulator are two completely different preventative measures.

Heck i have cars pull over and get out of the way when we are on back road twisties.

VTRsurfer

Now that is a feature worth buying it for.

Thumper

Happens all of the time, kewl plus

Wolverine

I saw one of these on a goldwing for the first time today on my way home from work. Totally .

Opinions are like ...holes, it's just my opinion. I'm not trying to flame anyone. I would never get one. I thought (as I was in my truck) it totally distracted oncoming drivers. I just think it's a bad idea. Yes, I'm all for safety. Maybe if it didn't modulate the light so far to dim. I just thought, wow, that's target fixation. With so many ****-poor drivers, I don't want someone's eyes fixated on me as a motorcyclist.
Again, it's just my opinion.

Thumper

Understand,

but your comments are exactly what the modulator is for, to attract attention to see you.

To each his own, i got thick skin and i knew there would be "Lame" comments and so forth.

Just pointing out the added protection it provides as passing info on to other riders.

I guess i will just be "Lame" and be noticed by the 3,000 pound car about to pull out in front of me or better yet get the heck out of my way as i approach them from behind.

inderocker

I've always hated them... but I've always noticed them as well. I've changed my tune as of late, and have been considering doing this mod.

lazn

I can verify this! Just happened to me today!

cliby

I think the modulators help. There is some biologic principle/fact that we don't see things well coming at us from just the right angle. Even something with a constant headlight on. That angle is very similar to the angle of a car stopped at a stop sign perpendiculr to a road we are traveling on. Somewhere I read bugs, or birds of prey use this fact in pursuing an object. At just the right angle your the only frame of reference to tell you an object is moving and thus catch your attention, is its change in perceived size as it gets closer (because its not moving across your visual field left to right). Very easy to miss. Cars are much bigger so we see them more easily, bikes have narrow frontal fields and blend in more. Pay attention next time your at a stop sign waiting for a bike to pass by. I hate careless drivers too, but sometimes when they say I never saw you, that is why. Hate it or not, its in our best interest to know why it happens. The modulator at least gives some additional movement and should help.

Wolverine

Thumper, I in no way think you are lame. I have respect for your (or anyones)decision to use them. It's just not for me. I totally stared at the oncoming goldwing the entire time he was in my sight. Say I'm a soccer mom in a minivan staring and the bike in front of me stops suddenly.

Gregw

Just idle curiosity, wonder if those things induce seizures in epileptics.

cliby

to slow frequency

Gregw

I don't know, I've met some pretty slow people. Might just be their speed.

bcwood

Are the modulating lights OK with the law? I could see how someone might mistake you for a cop and pull over because of that...

Little_Horse

I am all for being more visible but the whole argument I hit you because I didn't see you shouldn't even be valid. When cars get in other accidents with cars do you think it would have happened if both drivers had "seen" each other. Motorcyclist need every advantage out there so I am not against this modulator.

Thumper

It is a federal law,and yes some cars pull over and get out of your way, plus