Looking for advice on safety add-ons

[Joey P]

Santa said I could order some safety goodies for Christmas for my (new to me) 98 Valk Tourer so I'm looking for some advice from my fellow Valk riders.  I would love your recommendations for the following 3 safety items -- need to know what to get AND if I should let dealer install (degree of difficulty):

1) Modulating headlight device --- be seen from the front

2) Modulating brake light --- be seen from the rear

3) Mirrors with LED signals built in

Really appreciate any advice you can provide, as I'd like to get stuff ordered in the next day or two, and then installed ASAP.

 

[Gryphon Rider]

As far as accident prevention add-ons for your motorcycle go, I would prioritize them like this:
1. An experienced rider course with your current bike; learn how to handle it in emergency situations.
2. Lights for conspicuity on the front of the bike, whether it be a headlight modulator or auxiliary lights or both.  If auxiliary lights, space them as far apart as practical.
3. An extra loud horn.  Make drivers who are drifting into your lane crap their pants because they think they are in the path of a '70's Cadillac, 18-wheeler, or freight train.
4. Additional tail/brake lights on the back, spaced as far apart as is practical.

[Grandpot]

1.  Modulating headlight.
2.  Really loud horn.
3.  Rider course.

[iliveforcurves]

I have a headlight modulator, LED taillight bulb, Big BF quad horns, and wear a hi-viz vest and white helmet.  I still have the occasional driver try to move into my lane when I'm right next to them.  I guess I need to get a really loud exhaust next.

[old2soon]

I have a headlight modulator, LED taillight bulb, Big BF quad horns, and wear a hi-viz vest and white helmet.  I still have the occasional driver try to move into my lane when I'm right next to them.  I guess I need to get a really loud exhaust next.

   Phaser set to extreme pain.  RIDE SAFE.

[sandy]

I have a headlight modulator, LED taillight bulb, Big BF quad horns, and wear a hi-viz vest and white helmet.  I still have the occasional driver try to move into my lane when I'm right next to them.  I guess I need to get a really loud exhaust next.

I can't say how important the WHITE helmet is. I've added several strips of reflective tape to my helmets. I commute in the dark 16 miles on a freeway and never have anyone change lanes into me. I also have the extra lights and air horn, but your first defense is to be seen easily.

[Len]

1.Hi Viz and/or reflective gear

2. Headlight upgrade or modulator...bright lights in daytime can do more harm than good(speaking as someone hyper sensitive to light).

3. DOT approved rear lighting upgrades. As well as front, I have a H.I.D. that is DOT approved and adjusted and it is high low beam. 

4. Loud horn(s).

5. Rider course if new to riding.

[saddlesore]

Good to hear that you're tackling safety first.
Other than that I agree with the other posts. Gotta be seen!

[BF]

A light bar.  You really need that triangle and additional lighting. 

A couple of driving lights mounted low....like on the crash bar. 

Put one of these in your tail light....

http://stores.motolume.com/-strse-208/Motorcycle%2C-Ducati%2C-Kawasaki%2C-Honda%2C/Detail.bok?category=Honda+Tail+Lights%3AValkyrie

Horn......get a Stebel. 

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[Dorkman]

Brake light mod first off.  Several out there, this one is rock solid:

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,49820.0.html

[Ricky-D]

The safety experts say that over 80% of the accidents occur to the front 40° of the bike.

Since that is the case, the majority of your attention should be on the front of the bike.

The stock taillight on the Valkyrie is very bright in my opinion and I think if anyone were to run into you,

it would be another fellow bike rider that's not paying enough attention. That is actually the most dangerous times

riding. When you are riding with a crowd of bikers. There are some I will not let ride behind me.

I suggest to always check your brake light before starting to ride. I do.

***

[gordonv]

I feel my accident happened because I wasn't seen nor heard. I was riding an IS at the time, white helmet and a bright yellow rain gear.

All what Gryphon already wrote.

There are head light modulators that only need to be plugged in, no shop required.

I bought a set of GW GL1800 OEM horns, which are like normal car horns. But a Steible is much loader.

With the IS I felt the rear brake lights are high enough to be seen, but after ridding behind another rider with the high intensity modulating LED brake lights, I bought a set for my GW.

[salty1]

Your thinking right, I like your priority but a lot of other good advise is being offered here.    Remember you can also add to the "farkel" of your bike as well as making your ride potentially safer. My priorities would be a ride course, a white helmet, driving lights, a Stebel air horn, etc.





Enjoy your new ride

[MarkT]

As far as accident prevention add-ons for your motorcycle go, I would prioritize them like this:
1. An experienced rider course with your current bike; learn how to handle it in emergency situations.
2. Lights for conspicuity on the front of the bike, whether it be a headlight modulator or auxiliary lights or both.  If auxiliary lights, space them as far apart as practical.
3. An extra loud horn.  Make drivers who are drifting into your lane crap their pants because they think they are in the path of a '70's Cadillac, 18-wheeler, or freight train.
4. Additional tail/brake lights on the back, spaced as far apart as is practical.

DITTO +1000.  I have all of these.  5 Lights on the front, 2 are aircraft landing lights, headlight is upgraded to 130/90 with modulator.  EXPECT stupidity and always have outs planned.  Turn signals in back are red run/brake/turn.  Also have Kisan signal minder to shut off turns if I fail.  They have added other features incl run/brake/turn and true signal cancelling with a switch/spring mod, and hazards.  See http://kisantech.com/view_product_pop.php?product=SM-3  I have added a 24" air fire truck horn for lane violators, also works on some sleeping cagers who try to pull out in front of me.

The 2 best things you can do are increase your visibility, and get advanced training and practice the principles that they are trying to kill you so act accordingly.  Also practice panic braking and swerving.  Some also add ATGATT but for me that depends on weather.  There are others, like a car tire does have more grip for more effective braking but can degrade handling some.  Depends on the tire - many say the Austone has the grip w/o compromising handling.

[98pacecar]

How bout,,, a rear view mirror?????   

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[Gideon]

No one  has mentioned Tire Valve Stems 
Replace your stock tire valve stems. Stock valves can come apart if they get hard or you lose the plastic support. Replace with them with a 90 deg. Tubeless Chrome Valve Stem ($2 from Jake Wilson- Part No #1196640001). They presently have Free Shipping. That's a good deal.

Merry Christmas to all.