Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: rjamesohio on December 22, 2019, 02:55:22 PM
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https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/why-motorcyclists-wont-wear-high-visibility-gear?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=boosted-posts%7Ctpfn-content&utm_content=common-tread-opinion&utm_term=why-motorcyclists-wont-wear-high-visibility-gear-102219-%7Ctpfn
Interesting article confirming what I suspected ; most motorcyclists are sadly more concerned about how they look than adding another layer of safety.
Since my accident - I like my motorcycles to have added LED lighting and when my black Summer mesh finally wears out itll be replaced by a hi /vis mesh.
But it appears thats the minority view...
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You could be wearing a bright clowns suit with flashing lights and bright streamers, and the cage drivers still wouldn't see you.
I don't think they want to see you. :violent1:
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Even with our heavily HD-populated Antique Bikes on Main rally, we found when we started offering hi-vis color shirts that they now typically sell out faster than the other color schemes. The first time we offered the hi-vis yellow and safety orange colors a few years ago, we worried they would never sell. They were gone almost immediately.
Not everyone likes or wears them, but enough do that there are always hi-vis shirts available now.
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I have the advantage of knowing that I'm not cool, and have never been. So I wear Hi-Viz, and I'm the weirdo who (among my other bikes) rides Harleys with stock mufflers. Hi-Viz is not magic, and relying on it to save your butt is foolish, but it's part of your arsenal.
I don't have a gremlin bell, either . . .
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Nope nothing is guaranteed to save us. It’s merely a process of increasing our odds.
I heard that the BMW school encourages riders to ride with their brights on in the day.
Having had a significant accident I’ll do everything I can until I can’t ride anymore. I’m enjoying being back on the road but definitely have a new approach post accident.
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You could be wearing a bright clowns suit with flashing lights and bright streamers, and the cage drivers still wouldn't see you.
I don't think they want to see you. :violent1:
IMHO
Most if not all non riders driving autos are not looking for motorbikes, they are looking for things that are as big or bigger than themselves, things that can do them in and motos are not likely to be on that list.
Doesn't matter what your wearing as far as Hi Vis. A white helmet is probably more conspicuous and noticed more as it can be a policeman.
Its risky, riding a moto as we all know. I have decided long ago that the best thing I can do is be vigilant and wear good moto gear w/pads, abrasion resistant apparel w/armor, and a good quality helmet.(almost always).
:-)
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I've been using Hi-Viz for years...I rode with a blaze orange backpack as a kid. Nowadays, I like my yellow drybag and the red or yellow accents on my textile jackets, but the reflective and auxiliary lighting options help, too.
Gosh...I guess I am getting a bit long of tooth.
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Out riding the old Ariel and pulled over by a motor officer who told me that he'd recently returned to work after having been rear-ended with his blues flashing! I couldn't believe it! Search image is everything.
He still wrote me a ticket. :undecided:
Next helmet will probably be white. Moon eyes or some similar graphics probably help. This image from a German helmet supplier.
(https://i.ibb.co/HTRh5hx/moon-eyes-600x600.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HTRh5hx)
https://www.24helmets.de/en/mooneyes-sticker-moon-eyes
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Out riding the old Ariel and pulled over by a motor officer who told me that he'd recently returned to work after having been rear-ended with his blues flashing! I couldn't believe it! Search image is everything.
He still wrote me a ticket. :undecided:
Next helmet will probably be white. Moon eyes or some similar graphics probably help. This image from a German helmet supplier.
(https://i.ibb.co/HTRh5hx/moon-eyes-600x600.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HTRh5hx)
https://www.24helmets.de/en/mooneyes-sticker-moon-eyes
I have to ask. What possible illegal thing could you have been doing on an old Ariel? Cops in your area don’t have any real crime to fight?
Larry
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Thanks for the read. My personal input / reaction:
I prefer leather for street riding and I carry a high-vis chest strap that I wear at night. My helmet is mostly white with a splash of high-vis yellow and some reflectors.
I just put a 2 inch strip of black reflective tape around all three cases on my Stelvio. It's hard to see during the day - but it pops brilliant white at night.
The article cites some study that "the presumption" is that high-vis gear helps. Does anyone know of any actual evidence for the effectiveness of hi-vis gear? Personally, I don't think it helps during clear days. But my rain gear is 100% hi-vis yellow. I'm open to seeing the evidence.
I also ride with the high beam during the day.
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Not related to motorcycles, but I discovered that hi-viz clothing actually makes you invisible.
How? Well here in Oz all tradespeople wear hi-viz shirts. In one job I was regularly wearing hi-viz and had to travel in lifts (sorry, elevators) a lot in hi-rise office blocks. All the other people in the lift (usually in suits) would ignore me. It's like I wasn't there. No eye-contact, no "g'day", nothing. I was obviously a tradesperson and therefore invisible.
Gonzo
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I have to ask. What possible illegal thing could you have been doing on an old Ariel? Cops in your area don’t have any real crime to fight?
Larry
Typical Snohomish county speed trap. Rural road, mostly trees, posted 45-50. No real change in the road except a couple of residences ahead but the limit had dropped to 35. He was off the sight line in a gravel logging(?) road with a chain across. 53mph. Stopped just past him but he threw the book anyway. Called it a tax.
This was way more fun. :evil:
(https://i.ibb.co/qNLDV7G/Turn13.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qNLDV7G) (https://i.ibb.co/gwf6xNv/Ariel2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gwf6xNv)
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My brother would ride with high beam and it irritated the hell out of me. It was blinding in the rear view, and blinding coming at you. If a headlight is so bright it's hard to look at, it's hard to judge speed.
I think it's just plain rude using high beams around other drivers.
There's no substitute for commanding the space around you and demanding others see you. It's something of a spiritual thing - sort of like using THE FORCE.
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I'm with wirespokes. It's gotten much worse with modern lighting, much of it poorly installed or purposely aimed to boast their brilliance. All those riding about on matte black bikes with glaring headlights are a rolling oxymoron. They don't see the glare from others? R3~
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This was way more fun. :evil:
(https://i.ibb.co/qNLDV7G/Turn13.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qNLDV7G) (https://i.ibb.co/gwf6xNv/Ariel2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gwf6xNv)
Is that the 37 0r the 49 red Hunter, Im guessing the 1937 by the girder forks
My first real bike was a 600 single side valve VB Ariel, I think 1949 with telescopic forks.
I had another old 600 with one piece head and barrel, brass plugs to get the valves out.
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Typical Snohomish county speed trap. Rural road, mostly trees, posted 45-50. No real change in the road except a couple of residences ahead but the limit had dropped to 35. He was off the sight line in a gravel logging(?) road with a chain across. 53mph. Stopped just past him but he threw the book anyway. Called it a tax.
This was way more fun. :evil:
(https://i.ibb.co/qNLDV7G/Turn13.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qNLDV7G) (https://i.ibb.co/gwf6xNv/Ariel2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gwf6xNv)
What a Dick,that cop was for "throwing the book " at you SED! He should have given you a break just for riding such a cool old bike! :laugh:
I sure would have ,were I the cop....I guess thats why I am not a cop!
Rick.
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Typical Snohomish county speed trap. Rural road, mostly trees, posted 45-50. No real change in the road except a couple of residences ahead but the limit had dropped to 35. He was off the sight line in a gravel logging(?) road with a chain across. 53mph. Stopped just past him but he threw the book anyway. Called it a tax.
This was way more fun. :evil:
(https://i.ibb.co/qNLDV7G/Turn13.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qNLDV7G) (https://i.ibb.co/gwf6xNv/Ariel2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gwf6xNv)
Sorry for the thread drift. I wear hi-vis at at the construction sites that I visit every day. On the bike, black leather. Just old school, I guess.
Larry
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Here in Italy, the problem is not that they don't see you, but that they don't CARE about you...
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Here in Italy, the problem is not that they don't see you, but that they don't CARE about you...
That is true here in the US too. Too many people care more about texting their friends than the lives of the strangers around them.
Maybe when someone they care about if maimed or killed, then they'll change their priorities.
I do what I can to be seen, but, assume that I'm not, and ride accordingly.
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There's no substitute for commanding the space around you and demanding others see you.
People smash their cars into school buses with their lights flashing.
They crash at full speed into fire trucks with all lights on and sirens going.
They hit semi rigs with clearance lights all around.
You can "demand" all you want and the average driver's attitude is "I've got something else to do. Don't you realize how IMPORTANT my time is compared to your or anyone else's life? Learn how to multitask." They're not going to pay attention to any demand you may think you're making.
Be that as it may, I've started going bright - We have bright yellow helmets, Fay has a HiViz harness on her Rukka, I have a HiViz Aerostich. We did that, and got away from the traditional stylish black leather, because I noticed that I could see motorcyclists half a mile away when they're wearing that sort of gear. But given the brain-dead nature of your average 21st century driver, the improvement in safety is likely only marginal.
Doesn't matter what you're wearing or how many lights are flashing if the opposing driver is staring down at their smart phone ...
Lannis
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Maybe when someone they care about if maimed or killed, then they'll change their priorities.
Never happen. The annual butcher's bill from smart phone abuse on the highways today is estimated at about 8,000 per year. That's more Americans in the past 10 years than died in Vietnam.
The addiction is too strong, like opiods. They just don't care.
Lannis
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The distracted driving problem is going to force us all into autonomous-only vehicles.
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Not only are highbeams annoying but with approaching traffic they are illegal at least in MO.
I think a lot of drivers have the attitude they own the road and you should stay out of their way. My son says he can be laying on the air horn, have all lights flashing and have the siren screaming and drivers don't move. Some even tell him he's #1.
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Probably the most effective way to be more visible is to increase your profile . Depth perception in humans works better when the eyes pick up larger objects . Hi viz is helpful in some situations , but making your profile wider is likely a better ploy .
Dusty
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It's true, Lannis. no matter how visible you are, you're still at risk. There's no substitute for being aware and ready to handle whatever comes up.
We're living in interesting times (and old Chinese curse) when 80% of the drivers out there are on drugs or medication, and the rest are texting or talking on the phone. Never assume they'll do the right thing.
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Unfortunately, getting and keeping a drivers license in the states is far to easy. That goes for M/C as well. When my father was in his early 80's he was stricken with Parkinson's disease. He could barely walk unaided, yet he was able to renew his drivers license with just a vision exam. When I told him he was in no condition to be behind the wheel and would kill someone, he said, "I've got lots of insurance!"
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Unfortunately, getting and keeping a drivers license in the states is far to easy. That goes for M/C as well. When my father was in his early 80's he was stricken with Parkinson's disease. He could barely walk unaided, yet he was able to renew his drivers license with just a vision exam. When I told him he was in no condition to be behind the wheel and would kill someone, he said, "I've got lots of insurance!"
Even at my age, I already know that my sense of manhood and self-respect is NOT tied to my ability to drive a car. I've watched very many people do it right - ritually hand over the keys even before others sense that their driving abilities are getting dangerous, and they are my role models - my two grandmothers, my two grandfathers, my mother-in-law.
Others have driven (my mother, my uncle) until there had to be an intervention, and they felt that their life was over if they couldn't drive themselves any more. I suppose that an aging brain whose filters are gone results in this warped sense of priorities ("Who cares if I kill someone - I have to drive!"), but I've already put down in writing what my sons are to do if I get that way due to my brain shutting down and me not being the same person I am now ...
Lannis
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I've been wearing white helmets and yellow hi-viz for years.
I think the white helmet is the most help. They really stand out in traffic.
The yellow hi-viz also seems to be good. With all the police/fire/contruction workers wearing it, I think the color registers with drivers.
Even with the white helmet and hi-viz, I still get the occasional driver pulling out in front of me. Still need to ride vigilant.
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Is that the 37 0r the 49 red Hunter, Im guessing the 1937 by the girder forks
My first real bike was a 600 single side valve VB Ariel, I think 1949 with telescopic forks.
I had another old 600 with one piece head and barrel, brass plugs to get the valves out.
Cool bikes Roy! Thanks Larry. 1947 with girders put on by the previous owner. It is a fun bike and the one I'll always keep. Sorry for the thread drift.
My next helmet will probably be white and I may start wearing the hi-vis vest. A friend did the entire hi-vis neon helmet, suit and accents on the bike. We were riding down a river road and you could see him well ahead (1/2 mile?) across a meander bend. He was riding in a group and the only one you would notice or could pick out on a clear sunny day.
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"Not only are highbeams annoying but with approaching traffic they are illegal at least in MO."
I had to renew my license last spring. Never know what Cali is going to do and since I had to take a written test due to my advanced age I figured I better get the study materials. There used to be all kinds of screwy questions and dubious answers in the study guides so I wanted to be able to provide the answers they wanted and not necessarily the correct ones.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that the MC study guide is quite good with lots of excellent advice. One thing that surprised me was that California actually recommends riding with your high beams during daylight hours. I agree with this especially now that most new headlights are so well focused that they are actually hard to see when they are on low beam. I now ride with my high beam on. I would rather be in one piece and obnoxious rather than the alternative. However I don't when riding with other bikers. I would check your state laws before doing it.
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On the pushbike I wear Hi-Viz, either any of my bike shirts (one is so bad the name of it when sold was "ugly" :grin:, sure is different) or a Hi-Viz over vest on normal clothes. Interesting comment about not being seen. Over 8 years after our earthquake and orange road cones still role the roost. A lot of people, me included, have decided to go to that eye catching luminous yellow-green so that you can be separated from being yet another road cone.
On the Guzzi I just wear my riding suit which is grey and black. it does have luminous strips and piping which really do show up at night.
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Wth is a pushbike?
A HD?
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I have noticed that how one sets Hi beams makes a ton of difference. Setting Hi beams too high for day lite driving sucks. But I do think and have see lights set so that HB could be run in day light with out being offensive, but still garnering attention. It can be done, and work pretty well.
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Wth is a pushbike?
A HD?
A bicycle with pedals that propel you when you push on them. :thumb:
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Quote from: Kiwi Dave on Today at 06:30:41 PM (https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=103896.msg1645562#msg1645562)A bicycle with pedals that propel you when you push on them. :thumb:
Why not call it what it is-a bicycle?
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I’ll offer my considered opinion. I’m not arguing with anyone. We’re all adults and if you want to wear all black that’s fine with me.
I think Hi Viz provides a significant safety benefit. But obviously not 100%. It is true that dingbats manage to hit huge firetrucks with flashing lights, hi-viz, and the whole schmear.
I have never owned a helmet other than a plain, solid white one. I think this is considerably more visible, and you get the benefit of people thinking you are a cop.
I wear an engineer’s hi-viz vest over my gear. $9. It’s mostly orange since I think that orange is more visible to the eye compared to yellow. But I hedge my bets because my vest usually has decent sized yellow stripes on it too.
The reflective stuff makes a huge difference at night or in bad weather.
My evidence? Well, people seem to notice me much better in traffic when I wear this gear. I’ve also had my wife or daughters follow me home on various occasions, and they report that I’m very, very much more visible wearing the high viz.
Related comment. Unlike most people, I have rejected the social custom that it is somehow rude or déclassé to use your horn. I make liberal use of a loud horn. If some situation is getting hincky, or I’m giving more than about 1/2 seconds worth of attention to somebody who looks like they are going to Do Dumb, then I’m on the horn. I am convinced that being aggressive on the horn has saved me dozens of times. Sure, I’m totally prepared to aggressively brake or steer too, but the horn is the opening gambit. Blast them with sound waves. Make them hesitate or take a second look or get HOOA. After the “rude” sonic treatment you can always give them a friendly wave or an Aw Shucks grin, now that they didn’t kill you.
I also a huge fan of the SMIDSY weave. I do that all the time and again strongly believe it makes a difference.
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Along those lines.
I think nothing is black and white.
Nothing is a panacea.
Wearing brighter colors may help, but (assuming your lights are working) wearing dark ones might not actually hurt.
Reflective materials seem to me to be a free one...I don't know where the downside is.
High beams are definitely annoying, the benefit may outweigh the few target fixated ones or road ragers, but by how much and at what cost to general hatred of our kind?
Same goes for headlight modulators and brake pulsators, though perhaps a little less hatred and a little more stupid target fixators or dumbass ooppssers.
Bottom line, there are many tools in the box, any one might save us or cost us, but likely the biggest inputs are fate plus our own actions (attentiveness).
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Just bought a new jacket, hi-res was the reason why. And I often ride with my high-beam on during the day. They have to see me to bitch about me.
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Nothing like blinding oncoming drivers with high beams. They do that during daytime, too. They will darn sure see you but nothing else.
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Quote from: Kiwi Dave on Today at 06:30:41 PM (https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=103896.msg1645562#msg1645562)A bicycle with pedals that propel you when you push on them. :thumb:
Why not call it what it is-a bicycle?
Why not call what you're riding a motorbicycle?
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I wore yellow types of jackets for years along with a yellow accented helmet. I also used my hi-beam (gen 1 FZ1) but lowered it a bit so that wasn't blinding to oncoming traffic or behind someone as it is somewhat like an animal being blinded by the light and it disorients them. Just use my low beam and spots on my Harley. Now when I am on familiar roads and in the winter (SoCal), I will wear my black leather and sometimes a black helmet or a hi-viz one depending on which day of the week and how much traffic there is but when on a long trip I will wear a hi-viz vest. I have been down before and no amount of hi-viz would have kept me from going down. I think situational awareness is the most important thing and not doing something stupid is next. Hi-viz definitely helps especially on gray days and knowing how to get out of a situation and steering through a slide is most important.
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As an MSF Rider Coach and Rider Coach Trainer, I preached HiViz for years, but personally put no stock in it at all for all the reasons previously mentioned. Until.
I rode up to SE England to do a Rider Coach Prep for the US Air Force and saw many local riders wearing traffic yellow helmets. The thing about them was that the movement of the riders head, when looking right-left, etc combined with the bright color really caught the eye.
I've been wearing them since and made sure my son had one when he started street riding. Cant recall how many times riding partners have remarked on how easy it was to follow me because of the way the lid stood out.
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I wear various hi viz clothing, to include dry bags. I realize I notice other bikers wearing it, it just catches my eye. Look at it this way, it can't hurt. If leather vests and sleeveless Sturgis T-shirts are your thing, thanks I need a laugh.
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Quote from: Kiwi Dave on December 24, 2019, 02:20:32 PM (https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=103896.msg1645694#msg1645694)Why not call what you're riding a motorbicycle?
When you were a kid did you say pushbike or bicycle?
As for the hi viz shirts they have become fashionable. Wearing one makes you look like you work outside rather than at a computer.
When I worked at MODoT we didn't have any vests or anything else to make us stand out in a crowd. But we got $35 a month "metro area bonus" which was actually like military combat area pay.
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Quote from: Kiwi Dave on December 24, 2019, 02:20:32 PM (https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=103896.msg1645694#msg1645694)Why not call what you're riding a motorbicycle?
When you were a kid did you say pushbike or bicycle?
Pushbike
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I doubt headlight modulators piss people off, assuming they are used as designed and acting on the low beam. I used to ride with one, and don't recall having anybody give me grief over it, aside from other bikers who just didn't like the idea. I have seen dozens of them in use over the years and not once did I think they were two bright. In most cases I did notice them far sooner than I would have a standard headlight, because they were modulating, which caught my attention! They work by cycling the voltage from 100% to 50% repeatedly, they do not turn the light on and off. I did occasionally have people ask if my headlight was working correctly, and once in a great while I would notice vehicles seemingly pulling out of my way, I assume they were mistaking me for a motor cop. I did get a kick out that. :grin:
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I think headlight modulators were even recommended in the Hurt Report. As I recall, they're legal in all states, and they've never irritated me when I've seen them. They also save electricity which is a good thing considering the old bikes I ride with minimal charging systems. One of these days I'll have to wire one up.
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Modulating the voltage by 100% IS turning the headlight off.
Iirc state laws only allow the voltage to be modulated a certain percentage.
It does reduce bulb filament life.
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I've heard it doesn't reduce filament life. I've also heard of using a turn signal flasher - hard to imagine getting pulled over for the headlight not flashing strictly per law.
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I wear an orange vest everytime and if I forget it I come right back for it. I know it makes a big difference because I’ve seen the double take and the attention I get as opposed to without it.It also helps I wear a white helmet and a black jacket with patches.On the black Stone the impression is I’m the law which really focuses them.As to the vest, my ego is not so in control that I care what I look like vs safety.As a late friend said “what do I care what I look like I can’t see me”.I disagree with the green over the blaze orange.When I was a utility worker there was certain vegetation that the limey-green blended in perfectly if the sun was out. I argued with OSHA that if green was better why didn’t hunters use it and why are construction barriers orange?
(https://i.ibb.co/Sv19MWM/6-C66-A35-E-FA49-4-F5-B-AF17-88-ECEF0-FAB7-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Sv19MWM)
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Headlight modulators are incredibly annoying. I think they should be banned. Same with riding with your high beams on. The point is to be visible, not to annoy and distract other motorists. I think that sort of approach to riding is counterproductive. I always assume I am invisible to everyone on the road(except the po po).
I don’t wear hi-viz jackets but I do like reflective piping on them. I tend to use brightly colored, hi-viz or white helmets and gloves. My reasoning is that my head and hands are what are moving on the bike as I ride. That’s especially true approaching intersections. My head is swiveling, my hands are moving around on the bars and I almost always do the SMIDSY weave. Yes, I’m sure a hi-viz twatsuit(my favorite Roper-ism ever) would be even more visible. I’m still not going to wear one.
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My goal is to look as much like Ronald McDonald as I can when riding.
I was T-Boned 3 weeks back while driving my pickup by an illegal alien guy who admitted he was reading a text & not paying attention! I was actually prepping to ride my Cali sidecar rig BUT was wary of possible rain. Good thing! It was a somewhat light "smack" but & was moving at 25mph & the light damage was on most of the rt side. Still $2200 damage....but I was glad I left the bike at home. Could've been much worse!
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You could be wearing a bright clowns suit with flashing lights and bright streamers, and the cage drivers still wouldn't see you.
I don't think they want to see you. :violent1:
Extra lighting, and Hi-Vis will give those that are at least trying to look for hazards a better chance of seeing you. You still have to ride like you are invisible. If you do that you lessen your chances of someone hitting you.
I wear Hi-vis when I do, and not when I don't. Really depends on where I am planning on riding and what time of year. Hi-Viz works better on overcast and rainy days than it does on bright sunny days. My rain gear is Hi-Vis.
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Modulators only work by cycling from normal voltage to half. They do not get any brighter than the headlight would be if it were just on without a modulator.
I ran one for several years and didn't have to change the bulb. Just my experience.
I think I'll get another one soon. I felt it garnered more notice than Hy Viz, especially now that so many trades are now required to wear them. The more Hy Viz around, the less people will notice it.
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I have noticed that how one sets Hi beams makes a ton of difference. Setting Hi beams too high for day lite driving sucks. But I do think and have see lights set so that HB could be run in day light with out being offensive, but still garnering attention. It can be done, and work pretty well.
[/quote
+1!
With original spec wattage bulbs, High Beams are not bothersome to oncoming traffic, but should not be used at night in traffic.
I have been doing this for several years.
As an added benefit, on our older machines (T, T-3, SP, G5, etc.) you have also noticed that the Flash button on your bar switch flashes the LOW Beam. This feature allows the Low beam to flash while the High beam is on. Therefore, if your high beam is on during the day, it can be supplemented with a quick flash every now and then to either signal your intentions or presence, as needed. Now, If your Hi beam is on on a dark deserted road at night, the flash feature could give you some momentary extra light before approaching a curve or low visibility area.
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I always wear hi viz jacket. The exception is my tan darien jacket and it’s got reflective bits on it. I also always use my high beam and my aux lights. When your in your cage and you see a Moto coming at you from far away, and he’s all lit up with Moto lights” down on the front axle— it looks like a spaceship and I can see that triangle of lights from FAR off. When they knock you down your lawyer can argue “ there’s no way they didn’t see my client”
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"Your Honor, I couldn't see him because his lights blinded me".
MO law states headlights must be dimmed within 500 ft of oncoming vehicles and 300 when following.
This includes daytime.
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This board is riddled with comments about weak headlights and how to improve night visibility. Now suddenly my headlight that isn't adequate in the dead of night is going to be blinding at high noon? I hate miss-aimed lights, lifted trucks, and morons who can't be bothered to dim their high beams at night. Unless it is a dreary, overcast and dark day, I never have been blinded by an oncoming headlight. Next time the sun is shining, I'll park the Stelvio with the high beam on and walk towards it. If the light blinds me, I will stop using it. If not, it stays on during the day. Before daytime running lights lit up every car on the road, we stood out. Now we blend into the background of other vehicles. One of the cues people unconsciously use to judge distance is the space between the lights. With only one, we are often overlooked as being farther away than we are. Brightness seems to substitute for the space between lights and makes me register as a vehicle in their immediate vicinity, and I will use that to my advantage.
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^^^
Let's parse this out a bit . On an overcast day the pupils in our eyes will be dilated , so high beams will present a huge contrast in brightness . Sudden change in the amount of light entering the human eye can cause a form of temporary blindness . On a really bright day our pupils will be contracted , so the sudden change in brightness will not cause the same effect .
Dusty
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No way anyone's headlights ever blinded an oncoming driver in the daylight, don't care what the law says. ....
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On the other end of the spectrum are matte, flat and murdered out colors. I'd guess that flat black and matte gray are the worst.
But the flat colors work well with hi viz stuff like yellow and green.
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No way anyone's headlights ever blinded an oncoming driver in the daylight, don't care what the law says. ....
Since I apparently am developing cataracts, they take a while to effect your vision noticeably, any bright lights, including high beams during daylight, annoy, irritate, or distract my driving. Just because they don't bother you, well everyone's tolerances are different. And I just passed my DMV eye test, so don't think it's only my problem. If anybody feels they have to drive with their high beams on all the time, well maybe they should just take the bus.
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Since I apparently am developing cataracts, they take a while to effect your vision noticeably, any bright lights, including high beams during daylight, annoy, irritate, or distract my driving. Just because they don't bother you, well everyone's tolerances are different. And I just passed my DMV eye test, so don't think it's only my problem. If anybody feels they have to drive with their high beams on all the time, well maybe they should just take the bus.
I've always been light sensitive , have always had really good night vision , even at 65 see better in low light situations than in really bright sunlight, so yeah , bright high beams are annoying , and can cause a loss of visual acuity .
Dusty
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(https://i.ibb.co/cNyfYsJ/20191229-213233.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cNyfYsJ)
Figure just maybe a texter might catch me out of the corner of their eye. Got a bright green one also.
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As another poster adverted to, one of my reasons for wearing Hi Viz gear is the thought that maybe the dingbat who finally takes me out won’t be able to say to the investigating officer: “I just didn’t see him.”
Well, I guess they can still say it.
Just want them to look dumb doing so. :shocked:
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Another piece of strong support for headlight modulators - they work very well. First thing I do when buying a new bike is to fit http://www.signaldynamics.com/ (http://www.signaldynamics.com/) front and rear modulators/tail light flashers (did it to the Laverda I just bought). Never understood riders who are against them, or their typical argument that they just ride like they are invisible, as if you can't do both and be safer. The light modulation works well because it happens over time/distance, allowing cagers to perceive you and your speed better vs. just hi-viz gear.
All I can tell you is that I clearly see drivers perceive me, while I cover the front brake and keep my speed to 30 MPH around town. They've been proven to work over decades of use.
Helmet colors: White or with lots of white, why cops wear them. There are youtube videos on the subject.
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Wear a gun, Then they will see you from half a mile away. If you are in a state that doesn't approve of that, wear a cap gun. They will perceive you as a threat but they will perceive you.
Years ago in Oregon when riding the desert I always had a pistol in plain view. I know for a fact that it makes you visible
even to those who are selectively blind to motorcycles. They don't see the motorcycle, but they do see the gun.
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I don't see how anyone at a distance (at a glance) could see something as small as a pistol on a motorcycle coming at you. Often all you see is the headlight, so where would you keep a pistol so it's visible?
Anyone who thinks headlights during the day aren't blinding must be half blind already. Lots of times I flip the night mirror on in the cage during the day.
It's something like the arms race - "they've got more powerful bombs than us, we'd better make even bigger ones!!!" Now that a lot of cars have headlights on permanently, we'd better have more powerful lights and MORE OF THEM!!!
Gets kind of silly after a while. There's only so much you can do making yourself visible - don't go overboard. Light modulators and all that are great, but please don't use 100 or 200 watt (or even just 60 watt) high beams and irritating shit like that! There is such a thing as highway etiquette.
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Don't think people can see a gun?
How about a stumper bicker that reads, "start seeing motorcycles"?
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Don't think people can see a gun?
How about a stumper bicker that reads, "start seeing motorcycles"?
I guess I could put it on the front fender or across the headlight.
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<sigh>
Dusty
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I voted with my wallet. :smiley: Just picked up a new AGV K5 on closeout (guzzi content )in high viz green and black. :thumb:
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I voted with my wallet. :smiley: Just picked up a new AGV K5 on closeout (guzzi content )in high viz green and black. :thumb:
I thought we weren't supposed to talk guns here? AGV K5 vs AK 47... get it? just playing.
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I thought we weren't supposed to talk guns here? AGV K5 vs AK 47... get it? just playing.
You are absolutely correct and it is strictly enforced.
MOTORCYCLES! Not guns.
We already have a thread going on Royal Enfield motorcycles. What a lot of history there is behind that brand, and still going strong today!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/General/i-nQ9H68h/0/4c7be7a3/O/1-mettalic28-monk-29-original-imaezburamrjten3.jpg) (https://lannisselz.smugmug.com/General/i-nQ9H68h/A)
Lannis
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VERY much agree with the smidsy wave “ sorry mate I didn’t see you!” Ain’t gonna fly when you see me coming! Lol
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Another piece of strong support for headlight modulators - they work very well. First thing I do when buying a new bike is to fit http://www.signaldynamics.com/ (http://www.signaldynamics.com/) front and rear modulators/tail light flashers (did it to the Laverda I just bought). Never understood riders who are against them, or their typical argument that they just ride like they are invisible, as if you can't do both and be safer. The light modulation works well because it happens over time/distance, allowing cagers to perceive you and your speed better vs. just hi-viz gear.
All I can tell you is that I clearly see drivers perceive me, while I cover the front brake and keep my speed to 30 MPH around town. They've been proven to work over decades of use.
Helmet colors: White or with lots of white, why cops wear them. There are youtube videos on the subject.
Incredibly, incredibly annoying. Headlight modulators make me want to reach for a tire iron. I wear polarized sunglasses because the glare from a rear window on a car in front of me will trigger a migraine. An oncoming rider with his headlight strobing like an attention whore has me wincing in pain and looking in the opposite direction after five seconds. Remember a few years ago when all those Japanese kids had seizures because a tv show had long sequences of strobing lights? Yeah. That’s a real thing. Flashing your headlight over and over and over into oncoming traffic is an aggressive thing to do. It’s not the same, at all, as a brake light modulator. One says, “Hey there! Please don’t run me over”. The other says, “I really don’t care if my light induces epileptic seizures or you run off the road because you’re trying to shield your eyes from my incessantly flashing lights”.
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A correctly set headlight with a modulator is nothing like what you’re describing.
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I'm not a big fan of everybody running around in the twatsuits as Pete would say, but after seeing how highly visible some of the racers are out on the tracks with the high viz helmets, I'm rethinking my gear set up.
I have a well used/faded armored/padded Rukka riding suit w black pant and red&black jacket, other than the reflective stripes and piping nothing high viz about it; I love the suit, I'll be wearing it until it falls apart, suspenders snapping lol.
I have a newer Shoei GTAir helmet in matt black that I love, but I've thought very seriously of buying some type of high viz sticker system to put on it, I would be looking for effective but not something garish or ugly, and definitely would want something that the glue wouldn't attack the plastic in helmet.
Has anyone tried a high viz sticker kit on a helmet? Pros cons thoughts?
Tia
Kelly
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A few years ago I had a mishap with a ladder that was crossways on I-85. A tractor trailer was to my right, guardrail to my left. Hit it about 55mph guesstimate. Trust me when I say the terrifying part of sliding to a stop on the interstate was looking up into oncoming headlights. After that, I wear hi viz. it didn’t help in Jan ‘19, idiot in a van said “I didn’t see you” even with my safety yellow helmet!!! I still wear hi viz, because a pedestrian (after an accident) vs a car or truck! loses every time.