Any one using headlight modulator?

[GPz1100]

i'm going to get one but wanted to see what others are using.

[BonS]

I have Signal Dynamics modulators. They're pretty much plug and play. I just dangled the daylight sensor at the level of the bottom of the triple trees and nothing else. I'm happy with the attention it gets. It's kind of funny though when some folks pull over because they think they've been busted. I turn it off when riding in a group so I don't drive those ahead of me crazy with the blinking light.

Oh, and I don't get as many waves as I used to. They must think I'm a cop (or a Goldwing rider?).

[gordonv]

Yes, on my bikes. Will always add it to a new to me bike. I love the way people behave differently. I see positive reactions from drivers. As in they come to a stop, not slowly as if they just notice me.

Riding down the highway, have people in front slow down and pull over. People passing me, slow down for a while, and then continue on. Drivers coming towards me flashing their lights too. All let me know that they see me. Which is what I want. I also turn it off when ridding behind other riders.

Only draw back, which I will live with, other's have claimed people see your light and figure you are flashing them to proceed. I disagree, because the modulation is not the same (continues) as someone flashing their lights at you. If they do pull out, then it is not because of the light.

Also, I find they "suck" around dawn/dusk and dark shade, like in the forest and mountain valleys. I wish they would have an on and an off switch.

Mine in my GW burned out, wasn't designed for a dual head light. I was testing. The company seems to have gone out of business. So the next I buy will be from Wingstuff, and plugs inline with the dual headlights. A PathBlazer.

I would also consider a back-off brake light, by Hyperlite, to add to the system. I need to still mount mine. Rode behind a few Valk rider, and loved how bright and high visibility it was. They need to see you coming and going.

[Crackerborn]

This is the one I have with the headlight mod that Mark T has on his site so I can use a 100 W high beam. I also have a light bar and lower fog spots.

 http://www.customdynamics.com/signal_dynamics_diamond_star_headlight_modulator.htm#Plug_and_Play_Headlight_Module_

If they can't see me they need a white cane. I still keep the head on a swivel since they really ARE trying to get me. It can be turned off when you are following.

Now I just need to get the back end set up with more lights so when running less than 80 MPH the cages don't try to park up my a$$. (Flashers usually get them to back off in a hurry.)

[mmvalk]

Just so you know, headlight modulators will not work if using an H4 LED bulb.

[MarkT]

I bought Kisan's circuit board model with 150w capacity back in '99 so I could use it with my 130/90 headlight upgrade.  It goes between the high beam relay and the bulb.  Installed the sensor on the top of the headlight bucket. Still using it.  

Bought the dual-headlight, back-of-the-bulb model also from Kisan for the wing.  It failed on a road trip with less than a year on it - modulated at night when I needed the high beams to see the thousands of deer all over Red Mountain Pass (Hwy 550, the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray & Silverton) at midnight.  Big PITA to get to the bulbs on the 1800 wing -not a roadside fix.  I had Kisan replace it under warranty but never re-installed them.  Though if I do, I will include a bypass circuit of my design.  The govt requirement for modulators includes the stipulation that if it fails, it must fail to normal operation.  Interesting that they specify what behavior a failed unit must have.  Not really realistic if you ask me and I was a digital engineer.  One can maybe try for that with the design and error processing and hope for only failures for which the error has a handler simulating normal, unmodulated operation - but failed is FAILED; maybe including the error handler too.

[BobB]

I have used a Kisan Path Blazer, the puck that is installed behind the bulb, for seven years.  It operates on high beams and has an ambient light sensor to disable it at night.  I have done a great deal to improve the lighting on the Valk but the Path Blazer is probably the key improvement.  No one has violated my right of way in the seven years.  Many drivers that look at me do not turn away until I pass by, and that's not because I'm good looking.  I highly recommend use of such devices. 

[0leman]

My Valk had both headlight mod and a back-off tail light mod.   Not sure of the brands on either of them as I have a I/S model and the Head light mod is somewhere under the front.   The Head light Mod works on High beam with a sensor to shut it off when it get dark (and in tunnels).  The tail light mod works with both the lights on the trunk and the tourer tail light that was installed before she became mine.   

I too notice folks pulling off to the side of the road when they pass by me.  AND several that have really reduced their speed after passing me.   

[pancho]

"It failed on a road trip with less than a year on it - modulated at night when I needed the high beams to see the thousands of deer all over Red Mountain Pass (Hwy 550, the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray & Silverton) at midnight.'

I know that road,,,,,,  not the best place to have a breakdown of any kind on a bike,,, Especially if it is between the first of October and the end of March.....   Good road, but personally, I can't think of any any circumstances that would have me on it at midnight on a motorcycle,,,,,   If I was twenty years younger, I can think of a couple that might get me to do it.......  if I lived there.

[MarkT]

"It failed on a road trip with less than a year on it - modulated at night when I needed the high beams to see the thousands of deer all over Red Mountain Pass (Hwy 550, the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray & Silverton) at midnight.'

I know that road,,,,,,  not the best place to have a breakdown of any kind on a bike,,, Especially if it is between the first of October and the end of March.....   Good road, but personally, I can't think of any any circumstances that would have me on it at midnight on a motorcycle,,,,,   If I was twenty years younger, I can think of a couple that might get me to do it.......  if I lived there.

Had to return to our motel in Montrose with wife after an evening cookout with friends in Durango - who didn't offer to put us up in the lodge they managed.  Or ever did with multiple visits, though I've put them up many times.  Just the nature of this "friend";  I don't have high expectations.  No problem I don't mind a night ride especially with good lights - but have never seen so many deer before - thousands of them all over the road.  W/O the lights working right, it was 20mph.  At least muleys aren't skittish like whitetails.  This was in summer, July.  Also went over Coal Bank and Molas passes between Durango and Silverton - these are all 11,000 ft passes close to the timberline. No weather problems and it's the only route for many miles, not a deserted road even at midnight there will be occasional cars and bikes and even LEOs.  There was little extra risk on a Gold Wing - breakdowns just don't happen esp with it fairly new.  Now I wouldn't consider it on American iron.  Alone anyway.

[GPz1100]

where the heck do you get 130w bulbs?

[MarkT]

Not listed in the "product details" but they are in the pulldown and the "Availability" tab.

http://www.compacc.com/p/kuryakyn-replacement-headlight-bulbs

[GPz1100]

i believe i'm going to look into this upgrade...

[blackvalkyrie]

 
I  have one and I agree with everything everyone's posted about them..i zipped tied mine below the triple tree and it works great!

i'm going to get one but wanted to see what others are using.

[pancho]

   "Also went over Coal Bank and Molas passes between Durango and Silverton - these are all 11,000 ft passes close to the timberline"


Yeah,,  over 100 miles of mountainous road with back to back switchbacks, sheer drop offs,  many without guardrails, complete with mountain passes and plenty of wildlife,,,,,, Maybe I've been a lowlander for too long as I just can't see see that road as a pleasant "night ride" ,, especially with someone on back..    

Not sure I could think of the guy in Durango as much of a friend..    

To keep on thread,, I am checking on the  Diamond Star modulator,,, I like the idea of additional visibility.

[BonS]

When riding in a group my modulating headlight drives some of them crazy. I'm thinking about a way to reliably turn it off. Rapidly switching the high beam does it but I have no way to know that it's on or off after doing so. Speaking of that, I sometimes hit my high beam switch and then, again, don't know if my modulation is running. Restarting the engine or any on/off activity also leaves me uncertain.

Covering up the daylight sensor is a sure way to turn the modulation off but that can't be done while riding. So, I'm thinking about putting a switch in line with the daylight sensor to turn it off. I'm not sure that this will work but I'm pretty sure it will. I might also try adding a small indicator light somewhere in view, that runs in parallel with the headlight so I can "see" what the modulator is doing.

[MarkT]

  "Also went over Coal Bank and Molas passes between Durango and Silverton - these are all 11,000 ft passes close to the timberline"


Yeah,,  over 100 miles of mountainous road with back to back switchbacks, sheer drop offs,  many without guardrails, complete with mountain passes and plenty of wildlife,,,,,, Maybe I've been a lowlander for too long as I just can't see see that road as a pleasant "night ride" ,, especially with someone on back..    

Not sure I could think of the guy in Durango as much of a friend..    

To keep on thread,, I am checking on the  Diamond Star modulator,,, I like the idea of additional visibility.

I have a lot of mountain riding miles - nearly 1/4M with the majority in Colorado high country.  Lots of 4X4 mountain mining trails driving, some extremely hairy - like Black Bear pass into Telluride, and most of the jeep trails in the San Juan Mountains.  Not bothered by heights - also as a hang glider pilot.  Hwy550 is a snooze by comparison.  It's a pleasant ride at night with no traffic, and I've seen the views of this road many many times. The key is, don't sightsee.  Keep your eyes on the road.

A lot of history with my Durango friend - since high school - calls me his "best friend" - that's nice but the words & actions don't match.  I have always been generous - him - no.  "Unrequited giving" might be the words.  But I don't keep score, just don't expect a change.  To not be invited to spend the night, even when they have lots of bedrooms at their cost; instead it being OK to let us ride home 2 1/2 hours over high passes at midnight - well that's M####.  I expected that and so had only one beer that evening.

When riding in a group my modulating headlight drives some of them crazy. I'm thinking about a way to reliably turn it off. Rapidly switching the high beam does it but I have no way to know that it's on or off after doing so. Speaking of that, I sometimes hit my high beam switch and then, again, don't know if my modulation is running. Restarting the engine or any on/off activity also leaves me uncertain.

Covering up the daylight sensor is a sure way to turn the modulation off but that can't be done while riding. So, I'm thinking about putting a switch in line with the daylight sensor to turn it off. I'm not sure that this will work but I'm pretty sure it will. I might also try adding a small indicator light somewhere in view, that runs in parallel with the headlight so I can "see" what the modulator is doing.

In a group - do you really need your high beam on when behind others in the ride?  I mean, there's plenty of visibility for safety with all the headlights.

[BonS]

In a group - do you really need your high beam on when behind others in the ride?  I mean, there's plenty of visibility for safety with all the headlights.

No I don't. With my brand of modulator I can turn off the modulation with a quick flip of the high beams. The problem is that if I do it again the modulation comes back on and I can't see that it's modulating again. So it's sometimes a guessing game as to whether the modulation is on or off. That's why I'd like to have a switch or indicator.

[pancho]

"A lot of history with my Durango friend - since high school - calls me his "best friend" - that's nice but the words & actions don't match.  I have always been generous - him - no. "

I understand,, I have "friends" that don't seem to live up to the title,,, but your case is at the extreme end,,, especially with the wife being there!!   Our book of instructions for living on earth says that it is better to give than receive, and I have found it to be true.    

Good advice on the no sightseeing tip......  I seem be be prone to wondering attention,, best off when riding alone.  The trip from Durango to Montrose is adventure enough for me in the daytime.



BonS,, an indicator would be easy to build,,, an LED with a series resistor, placed in parallel with the headlight circuit would do the job with very little installation effort and minimum parts,, maybe $2.  Values of  the components can be easily found, or a complete indicator is probably available on eBay for next to nothing.      Good Idea.   I/m going to pull the trigger on a modulator, and will probably add an indicator.      

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-LED-Indicator-Light-Lamp-Pilot-Dash-Directional-Car-Truck-Boat-12V-/171562616479?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27f1edc69f&vxp=mtr

It will not load down the headlight circuit.

[gordonv]

When riding in a group my modulating headlight drives some of them crazy. I'm thinking about a way to reliably turn it off. Rapidly switching the high beam does it but I have no way to know that it's on or off after doing so. Speaking of that, I sometimes hit my high beam switch and then, again, don't know if my modulation is running. Restarting the engine or any on/off activity also leaves me uncertain.

Covering up the daylight sensor is a sure way to turn the modulation off but that can't be done while riding. So, I'm thinking about putting a switch in line with the daylight sensor to turn it off. I'm not sure that this will work but I'm pretty sure it will. I might also try adding a small indicator light somewhere in view, that runs in parallel with the headlight so I can "see" what the modulator is doing.

My modulator was not "programmable" like some others. Works on high only. The bike has a high beam indicator. I notice that it flashes also with the modulator. Hard to see in sun light.

As for turning it off while daylight riding, but being able to use high beam, I have a small rubber screw end protector (so you don't scratch yourself on sheet metal screws pocking through), and this I place over the light sensor, which makes it think it's dark out, and turns the modification off. I keep it in my pocket, add it on in the dawn and drive away with high beam on. Stop for coffee, and take it off, and get my modulation back on.

[MarkT]

Yep - mine is wired to the high beam circuit - modulates only with high beam when there's plenty of light as detected by the photocell.  I can certainly tell when it's working - the light flashes off reflective signs and the back of any vehicle in front of me.  No need for an indicator, it always works with high beam until dusk or in tunnels.  I only hit high beam in daytime when someone is about to cross my path.  Otherwise I have 2 50w spots on the crash bars also on all the time.  When I hit the high beam, it triggers a relay which powers 2 aircraft landing light spots.  Now there's 5 really bright lights with the headlight 130w and modulating.

[BonS]

Yep - mine is wired to the high beam circuit - modulates only with high beam when there's plenty of light as detected by the photocell.  I can certainly tell when it's working - the light flashes off reflective signs and the back of any vehicle in front of me.  No need, it always works with high beam until dusk or in tunnels.  I only hit high beam in daytime when someone is about to cross my path.  Otherwise I have 2 50w spots on the crash bars also on all the time.  When I hit the high beam, it triggers a relay which powers 2 aircraft landing light spots.  Not there's 5 really bright lights with the headlight 130w and modulating.

The Kisan and Signal Dynamics modulators certainly have different design philosophies. I had a bad experience with the Kisan Signal Minder but I'd be willing to give their modulator a go because it's easier to know when the modulation is enabled (high beam) and the fact that it uses the high beam circuit for modulation. Using the high beam seems to have three advantages 1) it's brighter 2) it's not wearing out the low beam so I should have a get-her-home low beam and 3) I'd inherently know (high beam) when I'm in modulation mode. I could also add 4) The modulated high beam reflects off signs more easily than the low beam. The Signal Dynamics modulators have other features that I don't use because they're not worth fooling with.

[Jetflyer]

Not for group riding... they are very annoying to have pulsing in your mirror.

[Ricky-D]

I've had the Kisan units in my bike for many years

and have experienced very few hick-ups.  Some

times the system gets stuck "on" at night, but a few

toggles of the hi beam switch clears that right up.

***

[GPz1100]

ok, i'm going with the kisan because of simple operation and i'm doing the headlight mod to run either a 100/80 or 130/90 bulb

is there that much difference between the 2 bulbs?

[blackvalkyrie]

i'm going to get one but wanted to see what others are using.

I too have the signal dynamics.. and it works great! mounted the sensor under the tripe tree.

[John Schmidt]

ok, i'm going with the kisan because of simple operation and i'm doing the headlight mod to run either a 100/80 or 130/90 bulb

is there that much difference between the 2 bulbs?

If you're planning on going with a bulb with that high a wattage, be sure to change the plug that goes on the bulb. The OEM unit isn't built to take the current/heat and will begin to melt on you. Suddenly you're in the dark....or possibly worse.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Signal Dynamics modulator is the one I have and if it were to go out tomorrow I would quickly get another. I have it on my interstate and it is a plug and play if you get the dual headlight hookup' If it fails. You Can  in a short time  by unbolting  fairing and tilting it forward you can just unplug it and go back to stock wiring. Very easy to install and I know it has saved my bacon several time in traffic. Sitting in a left turn lane waiting to turn the flashing lights have saved me from cell phone users and soccermoms coming from the other direction not paying attention as they enter center lane.

[hoosier jaybird]

I use the signal Dynamics on my I/S. Gets peoples attention. I solved the problem of not knowing if it is on or off by wiring in a small led light into each light circuit. One each for high beam and one for low beam. Just a quick glance tells me if the headlights are pulsating or not. I mounted the leds on the inside of the fairing low but still visible from the seat. Sometimes I feel that it goes into night mode too quickly though. My brother has a Kisan on his wing and it stays on a little longer FYI. Did someone mention that Signal Dynamics may no longer be in business?

[hoosier jaybird]

I forgot to mention that the reflective road signs let you know that your head light is pulsating. For sure on high beam.

[Ricky-D]

The Kisan only works on high beam so there will be no modulating with the low beam.

I caution those who would be contemplating employing a modulating system, that

to also employ greater wattage headlight bulbs risks damaging the modulating unit.

There's warnings on the packages showing max wattage ratings. Kicking up the wattage

tempts fate.

***