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Author Topic: Headlight Modulators, responses encouraged.  (Read 4126 times)
Ricky-D
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Posts: 5031


South Carolina midlands


« on: June 01, 2009, 07:21:44 AM »

Well I've finally decided to get a headlight modulator system for my Interstate.  I've looked at the "Kisan" site and also looked at the "Diamond Star" site.

I am really interested in feedback regarding a modulator set-up if you have installed one in your Interstate.

"Kisan" makes a Goldwing (1500) specific unit that "plugs in" and I wonder in it will also just plug in in the Interstate. The "Kisan unit is for dual bulbs, just like the Interstate is equipped.

I have also looked (very little) at some cheaper set-ups but not seriously which might be a mistake, I don't know.

I am firmly decided to get a modulating headlight system for my Interstate and intend to install it myself. So I sure want to hear from anyone who has experience with them. Good or bad. Doesn't matter since I have no experience.

Thanks, and I will appreciate any replies.
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
MP
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Posts: 5532


1997 Std Valkyrie and 2001 red/blk I/S w/sidecar

North Dakota


« Reply #1 on: June 01, 2009, 07:27:06 AM »

Please, do not follow me.  I detest those things.  I always think something is wrong.  Also, after many years of truck driving, a flash of the headlights is a signal to go ahead. 
So, if you are coming down the road, a truck is on the side road, glances up, sees you flashing your headlight, he may just take it that you are a nice guy, and just gave him the go ahead to pull out in front of you.  Good luck. Maybe you can fit UNDER his trailer???
MP
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"Ridin' with Cycho"
Garland
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Posts: 451


#618

Hendersonville NC


« Reply #2 on: June 01, 2009, 08:25:06 AM »

I have the Kisan unit on my Tourer, as well as their Tailblazer unit, which flashes the brake light automatically. They are both plug and play, very easy installs.  I only use my headlight modulator to flash cars when my Spidey sense tells me that they might pull out in front of me. I also use it when I am flying down the HOV lane passing slow congested traffic. I agree that headlight modulators can be somewhat aggravating to the public to leave on all the time, but the five or six times a week I use mine made the purchase worthwhile for me. I recently installed Motolights on my forks, and I think they do a great job of enhancing visibility.
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bogator
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IN GOD WE TRUST------KK4KSN-------

Valley,Al


« Reply #3 on: June 01, 2009, 08:48:13 AM »

Ricky-d I do not use them for the same reason/ truck driver for 44 yrs/no flashing lights for me!!
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Airetime
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Posts: 156


U Never See a Valk Parked @ a Psychiatrist Office

Anacortes, WA


« Reply #4 on: June 01, 2009, 08:58:56 AM »

Well I've finally decided to get a headlight modulator system for my Interstate.  I've looked at the "Kisan" site and also looked at the "Diamond Star" site.

I am really interested in feedback regarding a modulator set-up if you have installed one in your Interstate.

"Kisan" makes a Goldwing (1500) specific unit that "plugs in" and I wonder in it will also just plug in in the Interstate. The "Kisan unit is for dual bulbs, just like the Interstate is equipped.

I have also looked (very little) at some cheaper set-ups but not seriously which might be a mistake, I don't know.

I am firmly decided to get a modulating headlight system for my Interstate and intend to install it myself. So I sure want to hear from anyone who has experience with them. Good or bad. Doesn't matter since I have no experience.

Thanks, and I will appreciate any replies.


Some like them but I was never a fan of the Modulators as it always looked like the light was faulty  tickedoff. I picked up a Rainbow Strobe by Bluhm years ago and still like it. Check one out at http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=22443&store=Main&productId=p22443&catId=313&leafCatId=31303 and yes they are legal in all 47 states (according to Obama  2funny)



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Grandpot
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Rolling Thunder South Carolina Chapter 1

Fort Mill, South Carolina


« Reply #5 on: June 01, 2009, 09:29:05 AM »

I use a Kissan model P115W-D on my I/S.  It is an easy unit to install and so far has worked very well.

I have stopped using it on major highways and interstates because people think I am a police officer and acutually have pulled over and stopped.   I can only guess what they thought and said after I went by.  This is dangerous and self defeating.  I also agree about the truck comments.

I do use it on city streets all the time.  It works well to alert people entering from side streets that I am there.  There were a few times that I am sure it has saved me from an exciting moment.
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crazy2 Experience is recognizing the same mistake every time you make it.crazy2
BF
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Posts: 9932


Fort Walton Beach, Florida I'm a simple man, I like pretty, dark haired woman and breakfast food.


« Reply #6 on: June 01, 2009, 10:04:11 AM »

I almost bought a headlight modulator once, but after seeing alot of headlight modulators on the streets......I've come to the conclusion that simply adding more lights to the front of the bike increases your visability way more than a headlight modulator does.  

A bike with a headllight added with a light bar grabs my attention more than a modulator does.  Add a set of driving lights to the mix and you essentialy have 5 headllights on the front of your bike.   That's the set-up I've put on my bike.  I also ride with my headlight on bright during the day light hours.  

Add a ton of lights to the rear, a stebel air horn, a bright colored safety vest and front end lights and you've done just about everything you can do to make 'em aware.  

If that doesn't get people's attention, nothing will.

 
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I can't help about the shape I'm in
I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
 

Ricky-D
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Posts: 5031


South Carolina midlands


« Reply #7 on: June 01, 2009, 12:47:32 PM »

I really appreciate all the comments posted so far.

First I want to explain that a modulator is not a flasher. Flashing lights on the front are illegal.  The lights are modulated which is a less amplified result than flashing.

Next I want to express that it is not a matter of visibility (seeing or being seen) but rather being noticed by those few drivers who are in such a hurry that when they glance in your direction for oncoming traffic, continue to pull out right in front of you because they didn't see you. That's what they all say you know.

Statistics say it's the front on the motorcycle that see 80% of the accidents. I've had a few (in a hurry) drivers pull out in front of me like I'm invisible and I want to increase my chances without installing a bunch of lights on my ride.

I don't think anyone can mistake a modulating headlight as a "go ahead" to pull in front of me to pass a vehicle. That's a red herring in my estimation.

Finally I will say how aggravating it is to have to ride behind slow traffic in the pass lane because people just refuse to pull over to let you pass. I'm sure all of you have experienced this yourself.  If this will help out in that area I will be happy no doubt.

Still I'm wanting to know if that one that's made for a 1500 Goldwing will plug in on my Interstate.
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
Grandpot
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Rolling Thunder South Carolina Chapter 1

Fort Mill, South Carolina


« Reply #8 on: June 01, 2009, 01:34:44 PM »

Ricky:

I think the Kissan model P115W-D that I have on my I/S is the same one for the Goldwing.  Just check out the Kissan site and compare model numbers.  Mine was plug and play.

The only modification you will need to do is drill a small hole in which to mount the photo cell.  The photo cell keeps the modulator from flashing at night.  I mounted mine on the left side of the fairing near the base of the windshield.
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crazy2 Experience is recognizing the same mistake every time you make it.crazy2
BamaDrifter64
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Posts: 1020


Athens, Alabama


« Reply #9 on: June 01, 2009, 03:46:45 PM »

The Kisan P115W-D works on both the Goldwing and the Interstate.  I know, I just bought one.  Second I/S for me, second Kisan modulator.  Plugs right onto the headlight prongs, then plug the headlight connector to the modulator.  I bought the modulator because I know it works - have seen too many cars start to pull out on me and then stop.  They use to be the ones that pulled out and didn't stop.  I run it in the city, full-access highways and the backroads - but not on the interstates.  Only took one car pulling out from the left and making me hit the ditch to make me find something that would get their attention - the modulator is it.  You can say more lights, but I had my headlight on bright and the lightbar on and they still didn't see me - until I passed them in the ditch and pulled back in front of them.  Do what you want, it's your life - but don't fuss when I take measures to try to protect mine.   Roll Eyes
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BF
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Fort Walton Beach, Florida I'm a simple man, I like pretty, dark haired woman and breakfast food.


« Reply #10 on: June 01, 2009, 06:32:37 PM »

Not sure about the legalities where you're from.....for that matter, I'm not totally sure what they are here in Florida. 

I've been told by one Deputy Sherif that modulating lights, front and rear are Okay.  Then again, I've been told by another Deputy and one city police officer, that they're NOT Okay. 

However, ALL said pretty much the same thing.  That is, that there isn't a cop anywhere that'd pull you over just for lights on your bike....that they understand it's a safety thing and that your trying to be seen.  They wouldn't pull you over unless you were doing something else illegal or stupid....and they ALL said attitude is paramount when getting pulled over and determines a great deal on whether or not your going to get a ticket or not.  Then you just might get a ticket for the lights.  If that happened, then the lights would be a "moving citation" (fairly small fine) and you'd have 30 days to prove to them that they where either taken off, or disabled, then the ticket would be voided. 

Good luck with your kit install. 

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I can't help about the shape I'm in
I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
 

Madmike
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Posts: 837


Campbell River BC, Canada


« Reply #11 on: June 01, 2009, 06:45:42 PM »

I haven't seen a lot of them here in the hinterlands but I use mine when I feel that approaching traffic may not notice me - someone passing a long line of traffic or maybe gonna turn left in front of me - of course you have to couple that with a defensive attitude.  After I turn it on it seems that people going the other way often pay extra attention when the pass you- maybe think you are a cop or something.
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Valker
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Posts: 3001


Wahoo!!!!

Texas Panhandle


« Reply #12 on: June 01, 2009, 07:28:46 PM »

Nope, headlight modulators are legal at the federal level which overrides any state or local statute. Now tail lights that flash are a different matter. They are illegal in most states....but I've never been cited for the Electro pods I run.
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I ride a motorcycle because nothing transports me as quickly from where I am to who I am.
Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008
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Posts: 3025

Huffman, Texas close to Houston


« Reply #13 on: June 01, 2009, 07:57:57 PM »

I got one from Custom Dynamics a while back and installed on the sons busa.I don't like only having one headlight and he didn't want to add any more lights to his bike. I don't recall what brand it was but it was universal and still it was easy to install. I think they really do a good job of making you more visible and that's want you are looking for. I 've got a pair of spots on my interstate so I didn't put one on my bike.
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Ken Tarver
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North Mississippi


« Reply #14 on: June 02, 2009, 03:55:59 AM »

I go along with the trucker theory myself
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MP
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Posts: 5532


1997 Std Valkyrie and 2001 red/blk I/S w/sidecar

North Dakota


« Reply #15 on: June 02, 2009, 04:38:33 AM »

Remember, do not think that every car that pulls out in front of you, or does something really stupid, did it because you are a motorcycle.
I am an over the road semi driver. ND to FL, and CA, and all around. Averaged over 150,000 miles each of the last eight years.

Cars will pull out in front of ME!  A big old Classic big nose 03 Peterbilt, with lots of shiny chrome, red, pulling a 53 ft., tall, white reefer, with headlights on. 

Trains have cars pull in front of them.

My point is, every pull out, is not just because you are on a bike.  It happens to everyone, all the time.  So, pretend you are a Boy Scout.   BE PREPARED.

Assume EVERONE is going to turn in front of you.

By the way, those eight years, accident free. Not a scratch.

Another hint, PLEASE, do not hang out close behind or beside a truck.  It is hard to see you.  And tires do explode.  You DO NOT want to be where it can hit you.  PLEASE.  When you pass, get on it, and get by me.  Thanks.

MP
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"Ridin' with Cycho"
John U.
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Posts: 1085


Southern Delaware


« Reply #16 on: June 02, 2009, 03:37:30 PM »

I've never used a headlight modulator, and until yesterday I favored the trucker's position. Yesterday an old lady almost killed me by pulling out of a shopping center right in my path. I'm sure she's a nice old lady but it was all i could do to stop in time since she stopped when she saw me, there was no time and no room to go around her. A chirping front tire will cause it's own kind of stress.
Anyway, if it saves your skin, and it just might, it's worth the money and whatever minor irritation it visits on the citizenry. JMHO
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Ricky-D
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Posts: 5031


South Carolina midlands


« Reply #17 on: June 02, 2009, 03:54:25 PM »

Well, I'm gonna go ahead and get that Kisan unit mentioned above.   Damn, it's very expensive. Can anyone point me to a better deal. There's one on E-Bay that's  a little better deal than that from the factory.
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
JerryH
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Posts: 139


« Reply #18 on: June 02, 2009, 04:46:06 PM »

Try "Comagination" site.  I have their modulator on my Standard with the starter switch relay and brake light flasher - all one package..  Works great for me.
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FLAVALK
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Posts: 2699


Winter Springs, Florida


« Reply #19 on: June 02, 2009, 06:04:11 PM »

I personally think they're obnoxious as hell, but that's just me. They DO get your attention though. First thing I think of, is the rider is warning me that there's radar ahead!  Shocked
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Live From Sunny Winter Springs Florida via Huntsville Alabama
jammer
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#5407 3 valks 97-98-99

Illinois


« Reply #20 on: June 02, 2009, 06:23:04 PM »

Got one on my Tourer.  I like it, provides  for advance warnings.  Use at U'r descrition.  Thought of putting one on my I/S but have not  yet invested in one. Undecided

G
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G
Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008
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Posts: 3025

Huffman, Texas close to Houston


« Reply #21 on: June 05, 2009, 08:34:52 AM »

This is the one I installed on sons bike about two years ago. Pretty easy to wire in .http://www.customdynamics.com/signal_dynamics_diamond_star_headlight_modulator.htm
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MarkT
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VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"

Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km


WWW
« Reply #22 on: June 05, 2009, 02:40:47 PM »

I have and use a modulator on Deerslayer.  Only flip it on when there's someone looking to cross my path.  It pulses my 130 watt high beam, while the high beam switch also triggers the relay for my "passing lights - two 130 watt spots on the forks.  This is in addition to the 50 watt spots that are always on, on the crash bars.  I have never had an encroachment on my right of way, with these lights.  This Kisan modulator is the circuit board model, not the light bulb socket one, so it can handle up to 150 watts.

I got the Kisan dual bulb modulator for my wing.  They plug in between the bulbs and the sockets.  It failed on me on a ride-in to Montrose.  The law says, it has to, be designed so if it fails, it simply stops working and the lights  have to return to normal operation.  Not what happened.  It was flashing at night, when it's not supposed to, and when I needed my high beams to help see the hundreds of mule deer all over Red Mountain Pass (Hwy 550 between Ouray and Silverton).  They failed, apparently because of all the moisture, and shorted out. 

I squawked at Kisan, and they were quick to replace the unit at no cost.  But I never installed it.  Not until I take a little extra time and figure how to install it with my own defeat circuit - if it fails again I want to trow a switch that has the effect of uninstalling it.  It's a major PITA to get to the high beam sockets on the GL1800, even in the shop with the right tools.  Never mind on the side of the road.
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Cliff
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Posts: 930


Manchester, NH


« Reply #23 on: September 30, 2009, 10:12:49 AM »

I've been waiting to decide to use a modulator myself,,, just bought one on ebay for my I/S, New Kissan Model P115W-Dual $75 free shipping, I quess the price made it an easier decison.  I'll chime in later after I've ridden with it a bit to toss in my opinion.
« Last Edit: September 30, 2009, 10:34:53 AM by Cliff » Logged

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DFragn
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« Reply #24 on: September 30, 2009, 11:44:42 AM »

A bike with a headllight added with a light bar grabs my attention more than a modulator does.  Add a set of driving lights to the mix and you essentialy have 5 headllights on the front of your bike.   That's the set-up I've put on my bike.  I also ride with my headlight on bright during the day light hours.

I agree that more lights are better than a modulating headlight.
Modulating headlights are rationalized as either an emergency vehicle or a cager being given the go-head to pull out. If a vehicle only glances at you they can easily assume you've forfeited the right-of-way. I consider them dangerous.

I'm OK with modulating tail lights tho'.

In regard to more upfront lighting. I have 2 sets of driving lights totaling 200 watts. I can't be seen any better then that. I only run 1 set at a time. Primarily because it's illegal to run more then 4 headlights in the state of Illinois on any vehicle. And, 1 set is daytime running and the other for nighttime to spot the bambi's.




These are the lightbar spots for nighttime. They are small aircraft landing lights [100,000 candle power] and are aimed in a crisscross pattern so as to not blind oncoming.
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Printer Mike
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Posts: 217

Eatonton, Georgia


« Reply #25 on: September 30, 2009, 05:44:49 PM »

Modulators?!!!! I've already had folks slowing down 'cause they think I'm the fuzz on my Tourer... LOL
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Never give up!
gordonv
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Posts: 5762


VRCC # 31419

Richmond BC


« Reply #26 on: January 22, 2010, 08:54:31 PM »

I couldn't hold back on this subject.

First, let me say I respect everyones opion, and am not trying to put anyone down for it. But I needed to put my 2 cents in, and also play a little Devils Advocate.

I bought and use a modulater on my bike for most of last year, on a daily bases, and I would never ride a bike again without one. Reasons to follow.

I've read what people have said about the flashing lights being mistaken for a "go ahead" to another driver. I think this is false. The flashing light could never be mistaken for anything else other than an emergency vehicle advancing towards you. Which makes people pause and look closer.

I had heard about a modulator before I had actually seen one. When I first saw one, it was a bike coming up behind me, and it made me look twice to get a better look at it (I was on my bike), so it made me more aware that a bike was there. I did not mistake it for anything else, nor did I "freak out" and think it was a cop, no color lights to go along with it.

Now that I ride with a modulator, I notice drivers actually STOP and LOOK! The people turning left infront stop. The people coming out into my path STOP. No more cursing and being almost killed.

Yes, people mistake the modulator for a cop. I ride a black/white ACE Tourer, wear a yellow jacket and a white full face helmet. I look very much like a cop.  When riding down the streets, again, people see me. Down the highway, some people pass me and then slow down as they see my head light. Even the odd person pulls over and stops, and I just ride by. Some people stop me and mention my lights broken. I don't care, I'm being seen, and poeple are paying attention to me. If they mistake me for something I'm not, tuff.

But here is one for you all to think about. I blame the above on all the other riders who DON'T have a modulator! We spend hundreads on our bikes. To make it safer, nicer, to protect the bike (crash guards) but for something that I feel may just save your life more than your riding gear, by avoiding an accident, you won't spend a dime. So people never see these things, so they don't know what they are when they encounter one. In all my 10,000 KM last year, I never saw more than 3 other bikes with modulators, and one was at the WA Oyster Run, approx 20,0000 bikes.

We are all most likely old enough to remember cars without daylight running lights. Remember?

I'm looking into a modulator for my IS. I used a Biker Buddy for the ACE, but the IS needs something for the dual lights.


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1999 Black with custom paint IS

X Ring
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VRCC #27389, VRCCDS #204

The Landmass Between Mobile And New Orleans


« Reply #27 on: January 23, 2010, 12:15:48 AM »

According to Kisan Tech, their P115W-D will fit the I/S.

Marty
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People are more passionately opposed to wearing fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than bikers.           
sandy
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Posts: 5388


Mesa, AZ.


« Reply #28 on: January 23, 2010, 07:13:03 AM »

Ricky: I recently installed the Kisan unit on my '05 Wing (high beams). I love them but in less than a week, a lady pulled over on the freeway because I might be a LEO. This put her in a dangerous position because she had to remerge into the rt lane from 0 MPH into 65 MPH. I stopped using them on the freeway UNLESS I'm in the HOV lane and the other lanes are very slow. On surface streets they're on all the time.
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Ricky-D
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Posts: 5031


South Carolina midlands


« Reply #29 on: January 23, 2010, 08:07:23 AM »

Yup, there's no telling about some drivers, and there sure are a bunch of ignoramuses out there.

I can't help that and don't feel any responsibility regarding their actions at all.

Just don't want any involvement with the results of their inept and ill-conceived reactions.

My concern is for me! Absolutely me. Any little wrong infraction can kill me and they will just keep on driving by.

I've had people get out from in front of me on the highways because they didn't like seeing my modulating headlight in their rear view mirror. That's fine with me.

The whole and only idea with the modulating headlight is to be noticed and that job is done wonderfully.

When that guy that runs into, or over, or turns in front of a biker and kills him, only response is "I didn't see him" and you get that most all the time, well to me, I've got to be real proactive and try to get the odds more in my favor.

When you're killed on the road all that will happen is a bunch of mourning by those that are left.

I not interested in defending their cause (the killers).

I want to keep on living.

And don't get me started on phones and texting!

It is continually getting worse out there for survivability.

Remember this, you can't wish you had installed modulators,,,,,,,, from the grave!

***
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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