Has anyone ever used the Headlight modulator from Signal Dynamics

[bscrive]

I am thinking of putting a headlight modulator on and I wanted to know if anyone has one on and if there are any problems associated with them.  Do they burn out the headlights prematurely?  Do these modulators last?  Do they cause wiring problems?

Here is the link to the one I am considering.  I do have to buy an adapter as well to work with my IS.

http://signaldynamics.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=14&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=215&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=77&vmcchk=1&Itemid=77

Thanks,

Brian

[Oyeaa]

I had one on my IS for a few years and initially I really liked it.  But it did not seem to consistently work.  My headlights were often on solid in the middle of a sunny day when they should be flashing.  So I bypassed the light sensor with a simple switch so that it thought is was always a bright sunny day or completely black and eliminate any confusion for the little black control box.  That did not really help as well as I thought it should as I often noticed that they had stopped flashing when they should be flashing.  The other issue that is initially funny, but soon irritating, is that many folks are uncertain if you are the police and then slow down when you are behind them,  or worse yet pull over and then get mad at you when you do not pull up behind them and give them a ticket    The other extreme is a few times folks that I was sure should see me coming pulled right out in front of me!  WTF that is why I got it was to stop that nonsense!  I actually think it may make a motorcyclist less defensive while riding because they expect to be seen by the morons driving cages and let their guard down.  Then there were people you know that you would see you on the road and then later tell you how much they dislike the flashing lights in their face or mirrors.  So when they are working they get you noticed by the folks that probably would have noticed you anyway and it just ticks them off and those that would run you over or pull out in front of you still will not see you.  If you decide to get one...

I mistakenly purchased the Kit that converts it from single head light to twin headlight because I thought I needed it because, duh, I have two headlights, it was a waste of $$.    That conversion kit that I bought was a just a couple of pieces of wire and those cheap snapon in line splices.  This just allows you to cross connect both headlights, if you spend a few minutes you can make the splice upstream before the factory harness splits to power up each headlight then you do not need the conversion kit.  http://images.oreillyauto.com/parts/img/medium/bwd/stp210x_1.jpg

Anyway if you have any electrical ability I recommend that all connections be soldered and covered with heat shrink tubing and throw away those snap on splices.  If you are not very electrically proficient the harness is worth the $$$ to make sure that you have solid connections.  I do not think that the harness was an option when I bought mine.  It does look like a quality harness in the picture and will certainly simplify the installation, and later removal, when you change your mind and you will have no damage to your factory harness .  I have not noticed any difference in headlight burnout rate.

I removed mine and tossed it at the start of this season.

[Skinhead]

One thing I would be cautious of, many people interpret a flashed headlight to indicate you are relinquishing the right of way, the "go ahead signal".  I never flash my lights, or relinquish my right of way.  That might explain why some folks still pull out in front of you with the modulator.

[Ricky-D]

It's very easy to distinguish the difference between someone flashing their high beams or a headlight that is being modulated.

Of course, this is not to say, there will be some that cannot (or do not want to) see the difference.

I have witnessed many drivers that cannot see an emergency vehicle whether in front or behind them regardless of the number of flashing orange/red/blue lights on the vehicle.

Modulating headlights do not make a driver all of a sudden become attentive or any other positive type driving behavior.

But, modulating headlights are an easy and positive way to improve the driving environment in which you are immersed.

***

[Hoser]

I think the animosity and confusion of other drivers is more dangerous than not having one, so I don't have one. This is in addition to the police bikes having them around here.   Hoser

[Gear Jammer]

It's very easy to distinguish the difference between someone flashing their high beams or a headlight that is being modulated.

Of course, this is not to say, there will be some that cannot (or do not want to) see the difference.

I have witnessed many drivers that cannot see an emergency vehicle whether in front or behind them regardless of the number of flashing orange/red/blue lights on the vehicle.

Modulating headlights do not make a driver all of a sudden become attentive or any other positive type driving behavior.

But, modulating headlights are an easy and positive way to improve the driving environment in which you are immersed.

***

+1

[iliveforcurves]

I bought one from Kisan and I'm happy with it.  It doesn't have as many features as the one from Signal Dynamics.  I have noticed many times when somebody starts to pull out from a side street or driveway and then suddenly stop when they see me.  I don't use it on the freeway or if I'm following close enough to another vehicle because it can be annoying.  I enjoy seeing  the looks I get when people try to figure out what it is that they are seeing.  The most common thing is when they tilt their head slightly when looking right at me, kind of like how a dog would!

[ricoman]

I think the animosity and confusion of other drivers is more dangerous than not having one, so I don't have one. This is in addition to the police bikes having them around here.  Hoser

a big +1
I think having extra lights does more to make you be seen by others

[Ricky-D]

"O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree............"

There are laws limiting the number of driving lights allowed on motor vehicles, while at the same time, modulating headlights are legal in all 50 states.

I really don't think there is a question about the efficacy of modulating headlights.

The federal government recognizes this and that is why they made federal laws to override all other state laws regarding the modulating headlight thus promoting the safety benefits derived from using a headlight modulating device.

Granted there is no question regarding the benefit of having additional lighting while riding at night but it's daytime riding when the most accidents/fatalities occur.

***

[ricoman]

"O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree............"

There are laws limiting the number of driving lights allowed on motor vehicles, while at the same time, modulating headlights are legal in all 50 states.

I really don't think there is a question about the efficacy of modulating headlights.

The federal government recognizes this and that is why they made federal laws to override all other state laws regarding the modulating headlight thus promoting the safety benefits derived from using a headlight modulating device.

Granted there is no question regarding the benefit of having additional lighting while riding at night but it's daytime riding when the most accidents/fatalities occur.

***

not doubting the "efficacy" of the headlight modulator at all, just agreeing with Hoser. I read the same post on webbike worls about the nationwide legality of modulators.
cetainly laws limit the number of driving lights or we'd be seeing broadway marguees coming down the road.
I have, and will continue to run driving lights whenever I operate my bike on a road-day and night, I believe in the conspicuity of three points of light as a safety practice. The extra lighting in the daytime has proven to be effective in being seen by oncoming traffic and does not seem to be as annoying (to me and many others) in the rear view as a blinking headlight.
It's great to live where we have a choice and no one is wrong in the preference for conspicuous lighting that they exhibit.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

I also installed one on my I/S.  Works well.  I generally leave it off most of the time.  I like that is activates for 3 seconds when I hit the horn.