Flashing headlights

[TKM]

i have been noticing an increase this year with auto/bike collisions , turning left into the bikes lane with the expected results
I have been thinking about acquiring the flashing headlight module , is anyone using them ?  where would i  find one

Terry

[tank_post142]

check ebay for headlight modulator in parts/motorcycle.

lots of people swear by them.

i think they should be illegal

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I'm not a fan of the " flashing " light...I drive for a living ( Heavy hauler over-size loads )  and in my world a " flash " of the headlight means GO FOR IT.

[Jabba]

Google is your friend...

https://www.google.com/#hl=en&gs_nf=1&cp=11&gs_id=16&xhr=t&q=headlight+modulator&pf=p&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&oq=headlight+m&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=fabbb575014bf17&biw=1680&bih=959

For the record... I'm with Joe... I don't like them either.  I "wag" my handlebars at them.  Move the bike around in my lane.  Make the bike do weird... so they notice.

Jabba

[gordorad]

i have been noticing an increase this year with auto/bike collisions , turning left into the bikes lane with the expected results
I have been thinking about acquiring the flashing headlight module , is anyone using them ?  where would i  find one

Terry

http://bikerbuddy.net/

I have one of these and it works......You do get noticed much more.  I've had some people even pull over!!  But where it works best....it prevents a lot of people from pulling out from side streets when they see the flashing.

Plug and play installation.  Simple 5 minute job!  And the Bikerbuddy has a little diode, that will automatically stop the flashing when it is dark.

[Hoser]

Very annoying but apparently legal.  Hoser
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=299694

[steve 3054]

Like it not.....it works, I had one on a bike for over a year and no one ever pulled into my path...when my son got his first bike I put it on his for safty...they work!!!   period.

[f6john]

People do that on purpose? I thought that a lot of folks had bad grounds or something.

[Jack]

A motorcyclist was run off the road a couple of blocks from my work by a texter.  He has a concussion, bruises and scrapes.  The texter kept going.

[Hef]

They do work. The fact that they are not liked by the majority of motorist is proof that they do attract attention. The most common accidents with bikers and cagers are cagers making left turns in front of the biker or the cager pulling out in front of the biker because they did not see the biker. No one running the flasher has reported such an incident. If you use the flasher you need to remember that the flasher works off the high beam and therefore, can be annoying to the cager in front of you when at a stop light. Topic is kind of like the car tire issue, some like them, some don't...... Did I say car tire????

[larswlvs]

I use the head light modulator but I rewired mine to low low beam ,it still works as far as getting attention but is not as annoying to others when riding in a group or to the cagers.

[0leman]

My Valk had a Headlight Mod on it when I got it 4 years ago.  I like it especially on the back roads I normally ride on. Some folks around here like to take their half out of the middle.   I do shut it off when I come up behind folks.  When I do ride in town I also shut it off and use the waggle of handle bars to attrach attention of the folks making turns in front of me.

Mine is on the High beam and has a sensor to turn it off for night time driving.

[Fudd]

I'm not a fan of the " flashing " light...I drive for a living ( Heavy hauler over-size loads )  and in my world a " flash " of the headlight means GO FOR IT.

I agree with Joe.  I was scared of sending a mixed signal that may be interpreted as "go ahead."  

I have a headlight modulator from JCWhitney.  It cost $32.  It does not have a photocell to cancel it at night.  You have to do that manualy, which I prefer anyway.  It appears more like an emergency vehicle comming down the road than anything else.  It tends to get peoples attention and freeze them where they are instead of them pulling out.  The bulb never gets switched all the way off, it drops down to 17% power for a short instant before powering back to full beam.

I have it connected to my high beam only, which is what I run exclusively in the day time.  By switching to low beam or activating a rocker switch over my clutch resevior, I can turn it off.

I whole heartedly endorse using a modulator.

[..]

I've used one of these for over 10 years.

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

People who run in groups with them on deserve a kick in the shins as do the riders who keep their brights on. UNLESS you are leading.

I too turn mine off when following a vehicle unless I can see the driver is occupied doing something other than driving.

As for drivers misunderstanding the RAPID flashing.

I'd like to meet any rider who can thumb their high / low beam switch that quickly.


Do they work? I know that I've seen drivers kinda pull out from the right then stop. I've also had drivers start to turn across me and then stop.

Was it because of the modulating light?
The extra fork mounted halogen lights?
They looked again?

Dunno.

I always ride as if the idiots can't see me and make sure that I slow down in perceived threat areas. I think riding aware does more for a rider than anything else.

Be responsible for your actions on the road. Don't blame others.

[G-Man]

I'm not a fan of the " flashing " light...I drive for a living ( Heavy hauler over-size loads )  and in my world a " flash " of the headlight means GO FOR IT.

And that's exactly the opposite of what it SHOULD mean.  All too often, someone gives up the right of way by flashing their head lights to the oncoming motorist.  I ignore it.  I'll even beckon them to step on the gas and go because I ain't moving.  Had two women flash me to give up the right of way and just as I hit the throttle, they moved forward and scared the crap out of me.  No more, not gonna take that chance a third time.

I only flash to warn, never to give up the right of way.

[Jess Tolbirt]

Like it not.....it works, I had one on a bike for over a year and no one ever pulled into my path...when my son got his first bike I put it on his for safty...they work!!!   period.

i have not had one for 45 years and no one has pulled into my path...

[Jess Tolbirt]

I'm not a fan of the " flashing " light...I drive for a living ( Heavy hauler over-size loads )  and in my world a " flash " of the headlight means GO FOR IT.

And that's exactly the opposite of what it SHOULD mean.  All too often, someone gives up the right of way by flashing their head lights to the oncoming motorist.  I ignore it.  I'll even beckon them to step on the gas and go because I ain't moving.  Had two women flash me to give up the right of way and just as I hit the throttle, they moved forward and scared the crap out of me.  No more, not gonna take that chance a third time.

I only flash to warn, never to give up the right of way.

joe is right, if a truck wants over the flash of the lights of the vehicle behind him means the coast is clear come on over,,,

[..]

I'm not a fan of the " flashing " light...I drive for a living ( Heavy hauler over-size loads )  and in my world a " flash " of the headlight means GO FOR IT.

And that's exactly the opposite of what it SHOULD mean.  All too often, someone gives up the right of way by flashing their head lights to the oncoming motorist.  I ignore it.  I'll even beckon them to step on the gas and go because I ain't moving.  Had two women flash me to give up the right of way and just as I hit the throttle, they moved forward and scared the crap out of me.  No more, not gonna take that chance a third time.

I only flash to warn, never to give up the right of way.

I agree.

I CONTROL my actions on my bike not other road users. I'm in charge.

If I arrive at a 4 way stop 1 second before another road user I will let them go first by waving them across. That way I'm in CONTROL of the situation.

I don't understand the MASSIVE EGO of riders who MUST go first. Bloody stupid.

I don't understand riders who think that because the rider ahead has proceeded thru the stop they somehow have the RIGHT to proceed without stopping. Way to get killed and piss off other road users.

[..]

I'm not a fan of the " flashing " light...I drive for a living ( Heavy hauler over-size loads )  and in my world a " flash " of the headlight means GO FOR IT.

And that's exactly the opposite of what it SHOULD mean.  All too often, someone gives up the right of way by flashing their head lights to the oncoming motorist.  I ignore it.  I'll even beckon them to step on the gas and go because I ain't moving.  Had two women flash me to give up the right of way and just as I hit the throttle, they moved forward and scared the crap out of me.  No more, not gonna take that chance a third time.

I only flash to warn, never to give up the right of way.

joe is right, if a truck wants over the flash of the lights of the vehicle behind him means the coast is clear come on over,,,

What  ???

[Jess Tolbirt]

I'm not a fan of the " flashing " light...I drive for a living ( Heavy hauler over-size loads )  and in my world a " flash " of the headlight means GO FOR IT.

And that's exactly the opposite of what it SHOULD mean.  All too often, someone gives up the right of way by flashing their head lights to the oncoming motorist.  I ignore it.  I'll even beckon them to step on the gas and go because I ain't moving.  Had two women flash me to give up the right of way and just as I hit the throttle, they moved forward and scared the crap out of me.  No more, not gonna take that chance a third time.

I only flash to warn, never to give up the right of way.

joe is right, if a truck wants over the flash of the lights of the vehicle behind him means the coast is clear come on over,,,

What  ?

I'm not a fan of the " flashing " light...I drive for a living ( Heavy hauler over-size loads )  and in my world a " flash " of the headlight means GO FOR IT.

And that's exactly the opposite of what it SHOULD mean.  All too often, someone gives up the right of way by flashing their head lights to the oncoming motorist.  I ignore it.  I'll even beckon them to step on the gas and go because I ain't moving.  Had two women flash me to give up the right of way and just as I hit the throttle, they moved forward and scared the crap out of me.  No more, not gonna take that chance a third time.

I only flash to warn, never to give up the right of way.

joe is right, if a truck wants over the flash of the lights of the vehicle behind him means the coast is clear come on over,,,

What  ???

self explanatory.. but,,, if you are a truck driver and want to move over into the lane to the left if there is a car there and he backs off a bit to make room for the truck, then when there is enough room the car will flash his lights at the truck to let him know the coast is clear,, go for it!!!

[BF]

.......When I do ride in town I also shut it off and use the waggle of handle bars to attrach attention of the folks making turns in front of me.........

Isn't riding around in town where there are lots and lots of intersections where there are people who are prone to turn left in front of motorcycles and where they pull out from side streets in front of motorcycles and in general, pull out in front of motorcycles from almost anywhere exactly where you'd want to use a headlight modulator?

[steve 3054]

Jess tolbirt

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote from: steve 3054 on Today at 06:46:24 AM
Like it not.....it works, I had one on a bike for over a year and no one ever pulled into my path...when my son got his first bike I put it on his for safty...they work!!!   period.

i have not had one for 45 years and no one has pulled into my path...


WOW!!!   Never in 45 years....with no disrespect sir...either you have not road many miles or you have been extremely lucky!!!   I live in the land of the nearly dead and I have had many occasions where someone has entered my path for what ever reason...just sayin    The more you can get your vehicle to stand out the better, the more lights, horns, safty jacket, bright colors, what ever...its dangerous out there...just read the posts...

[MacDragon]

I happen to be with the crowd of; It's a mixed signal.  flashing the headlights to a trucker is pretty much letting him move lanes and giving him the ok to go.  That's been going on for so long that it's a common, accepted practice.  That is also why I would never get a modulator as I think it could put me in more danger than I already am in by riding at all.  I accept the danger of riding... but will not accept the responsibility of what someone elses perception is of my blinking headlight if I had one.

My .02

[steve 3054]

With all due respect to professional drivers...surly they can tell the difference between a vehicle flashing them over from a police car with wig-wags going or a motorcycle with there head light flashing as well...

[TKM]

thanks for all the help and food for thought-----be safe out there
Regards
Terry

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

With all due respect to professional drivers...surly they can tell the difference between a vehicle flashing them over from a police car with wig-wags going or a motorcycle with there head light flashing as well...

My only point is...You could be asking for it with a flash of the lights.

[9Ball]

It seems that 4 way stop signs around here are only "suggestions".  I often see people ride right through without even hesitating, let alone slowing down.  They must figure that everyone else will obey the rules and they can go through un-impeded.  

Would love to have the State Police set up cameras at the one that's only 1 mile from my house.  They could stay there all day and write citations.

This seems to be a side-effect of living out in the farmland....I never yield to a wave or a flash of the lights as this will get you T-boend around here.

[Xtracho]

I'm kind of torn between on this.

Having said that, I feel much more control of what's in front of me than what may be behind me. For that I would prefer the brightest, most noticeable, brake light modulators you can get over the headlight modulator. Then, you think about the visibility issue for drivers in front of you. I've had them pull out in front of me on city streets and on open road, even failing to yield as they enter the highway from an on ramp. I'll most likely go with the bikerbuddy product after I pick up my Valkyrie next month. It's the visibility issue and being noticed that made the decision for me. I could really care less how much it perturbs cagers. However, I'll never relax my vigilance while riding. I'll continue to ride as if I never had the modulator installed.

[Hef]

Terry (TKM) Well, you heard a lot of discussion from both likers and dislikers, so now it's up to you. The great thing about human beings is we're all made a like, yet we are all very different when it comes to ideas and opinions whether it be bike brands, oil, or tires (OOPS! Did I say tires again?) It is all a matter of personal choice and thankfully we all have that freedom. On a side note I really don't see how anyone could think that a biker is capable of flashing his headlight that quickly manually with a dimmer switch to give a go-ahead signal, but then again, we saw a post on here about a lady in a motorized chair trying to take it up an escalator   Anyway, the responses have given you some things to consider so I guess now I would just like to know what you decide? Ride Safe, Hef  

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Terry (TKM) Well, you heard a lot of discussion from both likers and dislikers, so now it's up to you. The great thing about human beings is we're all made a like, yet we are all very different when it comes to ideas and opinions whether it be bike brands, oil, or tires (OOPS! Did I say tires again?) It is all a matter of personal choice and thankfully we all have that freedom. On a side note I really don't see how anyone could think that a biker is capable of flashing his headlight that quickly manually with a dimmer switch to give a go-ahead signal, but then again, we saw a post on here about a lady in a motorized chair trying to take it up an escalator   Anyway, the responses have given you some things to consider so I guess now I would just like to know what you decide? Ride Safe, Hef  

Big Al's wife's Dad is in ICU and not looking good ....He was running a tractor down the road with flashers and a big ass hay rank attached...He was ran over and they never touch the brakes...I did'nt see him .

[Hef]

Joe, Sorry to hear about Big Al's father-in-law. The incident you mention just goes to show that no matter what a person tries to do to be safe, someone can still get you. Sounds like in this case even if the wagon had been blazing with fire he would have still gotten run over. Best wishes to the father-in-law and family. Hef

[BF]

Terry (TKM) Well, you heard a lot of discussion from both likers and dislikers, so now it's up to you. The great thing about human beings is we're all made a like, yet we are all very different when it comes to ideas and opinions whether it be bike brands, oil, or tires (OOPS! Did I say tires again?) It is all a matter of personal choice and thankfully we all have that freedom. On a side note I really don't see how anyone could think that a biker is capable of flashing his headlight that quickly manually with a dimmer switch to give a go-ahead signal, but then again, we saw a post on here about a lady in a motorized chair trying to take it up an escalator   Anyway, the responses have given you some things to consider so I guess now I would just like to know what you decide? Ride Safe, Hef  

Big Al's wife's Dad is in ICU and not looking good ....He was running a tractor down the road with flashers and a big ass hay rank attached...He was ran over and they never touch the brakes...I did'nt see him .

Sad to hear. 

They've ran into school buses around here before. 

You'd think they'd paint them bright yellow and put big flashing lights all over them so they'd stand out more.   

[JC]

Got a buddy at work that has a modulator on his Shadow and mentions how many cars he 'pulled over' on his way to work. Lots of folks get out of his way thinking he is a LEO, and are pissed once he passes and realizes they were mistaken.

[BigChris99]

I drive a gasoline tanker ( big rig ) for a living and I have a headlight modulator on one of my bikes, my Goldwing. First, there is a big difference between turning your lights off then on, or even flashing your high beams to tell someone it alright to "go". I see bikes with modulator's all the time. I can tell the difference. Most people can. But, if they are looking at the person next to them and talking, or texting, they aren't going to see the U.S.S Ronald Regan coming anyway! Second, like them or hate them, they flat out work. People see you and that is the point,right?  Hate me all you want, just see me to be mad at me, then I'm past the danger zone anyway. Oh yeah, I also wear a Hi-Viz helmet and a reflective vest. And yes, I too have had people pull over for me. Which is pretty cool actually......

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I have one and I like it. Haven't had anyone try to turn in front of me since I installed it. That was not the case before and the main reason I put one on. I will ask if it bothers anyone and turn it off if riding in a group ride.  JMHO it works.

[Fritz The Cat]

Just got off the phone with a trucker buddy of mine. I told him what some of you guys were saying and his reply was - "That's just plain stupid, a trucker sees a continuous flash the same as anybody else, i.e. as an emergency vehicle. A single flash, at the most 2, means it's clear to come on over." 

[Atl-Jerry]

I rode for 44 years and never had one, never liked em either.  After T-boning that car last year who pulled out and I just could'nt get around her, I bought one and installed it on the replacement Valk.  I still don't like em, but I'll never be without one again either. 

AJ

[tank_post142]

continuous flash = emergency vehicle

that's correct, so anyone using these is impersonating an emergency vehicle or at the very least diluting the authority and safety of emergency vehicles everywhere.

[Fudd]

continuous flash = emergency vehicle

that's correct, so anyone using these is impersonating an emergency vehicle or at the very least diluting the authority and safety of emergency vehicles everywhere.

It's legal in all 50 states (or in Obama's case, 57 states) by Federal law.

[BigChris99]

continuous flash = emergency vehicle

that's correct, so anyone using these is impersonating an emergency vehicle or at the very least diluting the authority and safety of emergency vehicles everywhere.

Maybe, I guess. I don't think so though. Emergency vehicles have side by side headlights that "wig-wag" One is off while one is on. Motorcycles have on headlight, so it can't wig-wag. All I know is that a headlight modulator is LEGAL in the state of California. It says so in the DMV handbook. I've had one on my Wing for years. Passed or been passed by about a million cops, NEVER been pulled over. And believe me, in this state that is broke, if they thought they could generate revenue by giving me a ticket for it, they would. About the truckers, again maybe that guy is right. I don't know...... I've only been driving for a little while.......34 years. So maybe.....