posted August 22, 2002 08:27 AM
IMHO...........a must read! I'd like to see everyone on this and other boards read this post if possible!
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It is in regards to your safety while riding on the public roads. I have been always frustrated with all the cages always trying to take me out just because the morons where unable to "see" me and my ride.
So my decision to ride with HIGH beams during daylight hours was implimented. I noticed a mark improvement in the reduction of attempted take-outs. I would say a 50% reduction overall. And about one in a thousand would be offended that I was running with high beams on. Morons just do not get it.
But I was still frustrated about the remaining ~50%. So I did a little research and with all those fancy lights -"PIAA" etc, I figured that I should invest in them. About the same time, the "Cool Blue" whites 9003 CB from Sylvania came on the market. They are DOT and MOT legal. About 10% brighter for the same wattage, and not that anouying shimiring rainbow of colors.
They are just plain bright pure white light that stands out like a sore thumb. They are also reasonably priced at $17.99 CDN. So I would ASS-U-ME about $12.00 US.
After installing them, I immediatly noticed that I was seen by approching cages without fail. Now one in hundred cages would be offended by there brightness. I would say that the number of incidents of someone trying a bone head left turn in front of my has reduced to almost nil. This of-course may bring on complacency on my part. But I just still ride like they do not see me.
The only down side is that they are fragile in regards to poorly executed wheelies and will fail more frequently that regular bulbs. But at 18 bucks a piece, still way cheaper than getting wauded up in the side of a cage.
In closing, this posting is a result of last week-end when friends of mine two up on a blackbird riding down the street, a lady in a mini-van that was stopped to make a left turn, pulled in front of them just as they entered a very well engineered intersection. They hit the side of the van at about 25-30 mph. Thankfully no broken bones or skin, but serious concusions, neck and back injuries for both. This could have been a very, very bad accident, or not! IMHO.
This info is free. The lights are not. You choose what you go with it. I have put them in all my bikes, my cages next.
posted August 22, 2002 08:52 AM
I agree...even the local Moto Cops around here recommend driving during the day with highbeams on (and they all do)
____________
Do not taunt happy fun ball!
posted August 22, 2002 08:57 AM
The Virginia state handbook for motorcyclists (to obtain your license) has recommended for 30 years to ride with your high-beam on. In one situation years ago a friend of mine was stopped by a cop coming from the other direction because he failed to yield/dim his highbeam to oncoming traffic; but after stating this is clearly printed in the VA handbook he was waived on.
posted August 22, 2002 10:22 AM
I've seen a few new cool bulbs that were nearly invisible in the day time (the PIAA isn't one of them) and that's an addtional risk that you don't need to take.
I seriously question the comments like:
"I noticed a mark improvement in the reduction of attempted take-outs"
and
"After installing them, I immediatly noticed that I was seen by approching cages without fail"
How did he know this ?
I agree the better you're seen the better off you are, the point is well taken, be as visible as possible.
posted August 22, 2002 11:19 AM
The statements that are made above I will only stand by with the mentioned bulbs. 9003 CB Sylvania Cool Blue. With the sun at your back, one will be able to pick out the light emitted by them(again with HIGH BEAMS).
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"I noticed a mark improvement in the reduction of attempted take-outs"
and
"After installing them, I immediatly noticed that I was seen by approching cages without fail"
I
============================================================================
I also said - "I would say that the number of incidents of someone trying a bone head left turn in front of my has reduced to almost nil."
"ALMOST NIL"
Yes, again, I stand by this. The WHITE LIGHT gets noticed, therefore people don't mistakenly run you over. A few have moved on me, but they have seen the light (LOL) and stop before extreme menuovering is required.
I would say that it has been effectively reduced by 90% for ME! This little study I performed was done over a two year period on both my Zx-11 and Zx-12r. It is very effective on the Zx-12r because of the dual headlights. Like I said this info costs you nothing. The bulbs $40.00 bucks. Next time a bulb burns out, put "9003 CB Sylvania Cool Blue" in and see. Again, I will not make claims for any other bulbs then the 9003 CB Sylvania Cool Blues on high beam.
posted August 22, 2002 12:56 PM
I don't know why anyone would ever NOT have their high beams on during the day. That's just not taking advantage of something that could save your life. I take it one step further, and installed a Kriss headlight modulator on my 12. Now not only do people see my NAPA 80/100 bulbs coming at them, but they're also flashing on and off, very similar to a cop car's. I've been behind people plenty of times and had them move to the left or right as I lane-split by. Now, some will say that it's annoying to other people, but my take in it is that I'd rather annoy them than not be seen by them.
Needs a life
Miles to go before I sleep....
Posts: 10623
posted August 22, 2002 01:03 PM
Edited By: worm~hole on 22 Aug 2002 14:06
...I agree 100%...ride with your hi-beams on for conspicuity...however, it is still reasonable to dim your lights WHEN and IF on-coming traffic or traffic you're following signal you to do so...think about it...if other motorists are signaling you because of your hi-beams, then it means they see you, and your hi-beams have accomplished what you intended, right?...whether or not you'll be involved in a collision with said other motorist, is another matter...better yet...hi-beams ANDreasonably louder exhaust tone works for me....
____________ “We sleep safe in our beds because rough men
stand ready in the night to visit violence on those
who would do us harm.”
-George Orwell
posted August 22, 2002 01:10 PM
I dunno about that flashing thing...that annoys me to no end. Ive only ever seen it on big cruisers before however.
____________
Do not taunt happy fun ball!
Needs a life
Miles to go before I sleep....
Posts: 10623
posted August 22, 2002 01:11 PM
...modulators are a great idea, too...the beam intensity is not constant in the eyes of the offended...and it gets you get noticed...
____________ “We sleep safe in our beds because rough men
stand ready in the night to visit violence on those
who would do us harm.”
-George Orwell
posted August 22, 2002 07:10 PM
yeh remember there are more of them voting then us, and the more folks who annoy cagers who make a point of voting to spite other groups of citizens (we ALL know they are out there, in droves) the more retrictive things WE have to endure
highbeams, ok, but i do agree that if the other car flashes you, dim out of courtesy sake. no need to be rude, as long as they see you.
a highbeam light in daylight is just as annoying as it is at night, just doesnt blind you completely from contrast.
posted August 23, 2002 01:27 AM
Being seen is one of the reasons I wear a plain white Arai helmet. Very visable!....at night too. Also cooler in the hot sun. -ZXtra
____________
The sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick!
posted August 23, 2002 05:41 AM
Disclaimer: I agree w/everything you said.... but I find myself wondering:
In this area of constant freeway & major thoroughfare traffic jams, where cages see you coming up lane-splitting then deliberately try to "squeeze" you or otherwise prevent you from passing, this kind of thing pisses people off. They then start to think "revenge" out of spite. Modulators & high beams work yes (again, I AGREE), but the average cager around here is more likely to squeeze you, throw objects, or otherwise mess w/you out of spite.
I've been doused with coffee, beer/soda, cigs/butts, anything handy to throw at the approaching motorcyclist for no other reason that using my legal right of "lane-sharing." I like the idea of being seen yes (where someone may violate your right of way), but in very heavy traffic where everyone is extremely frustrated & pissed off, I'd rather them not know I'm coming -which most don't anyway...
____________
Enjoy the ride!
02' ZRX1200
00' ZX12R sold
posted August 23, 2002 06:48 AM
If you are spliting lanes-which we can not do in BC, then you are right, you would like to be invisable and the on-coming traffic is the least of your concern at than time.
To add to the above, Modulators are very anouying. I feel they would piss of people more than running straight highs, for no other reason that you intentionally installed this device. Most cagers would think that the rider accidently has the highs on. Not purposely so. Also, here in Canada ever since 1990, all vehicle sold here must have Day-light running lights. Those are high beams on all vehicles running at 50% power/wattage via a module that cuts the voltage back on the high beam circuit.
PS- a standing joke in BC and I am sure elsewhere, "How do you make a BC driver blind?..........Put a windshield in front of him/her!!!"
posted August 23, 2002 08:28 AM
Edited By: TReMor on 23 Aug 2002 13:12
EBDave,
So far, I haven't ever encountered any of the situations you describe (knock on my cranium. ) In fact, more often than not people move over for me to make room, and I give a quick tap on my horn or a quick wave to let them know I appreciate it. I've not yet had anyone try and squeeze me intentionally, nor have I ever had anything thrown out the window at me. I have had a few people yell and/or jump when I pull up next to them at a stoplight, but usually that's because they were daydreaming and the next thing they know some snarling black/gold beast is sitting next to them at the light.
I'm not naive enough to think that there aren't people out there like that, but so far I guess I've just been lucky. I am very selective about when I lanesplit, and rarely find myself in heavy traffic of the sort that would cause people to get uptight. If I do, I travel in first gear at perhaps 5 mph faster than the traffic around me. Again, more often than not people will work to the side of their lane opposite the one I'm in.
Regardless of how annoying the modulator may or may not be, I am absolutely convinced of it's effectiveness, especially in the dreaded left-turn-with-no-arrow people. With a quick flip to low beams I can turn it off, but I've never had the need to that I can think of. Of course, it doesn't modulate at night, so I'm covered there automatically.
Part of my success I think is the fact that I very, very carefully aimed my headlights for maximum dispersal pattern without hitting oncoming traffic. Nano or Muzbgreen can vouch for the pattern my headlights throw off after our ride up Palomar at 11:00pm a couple weekends ago. The high beams give off a better, more uniform pattern than my Dodge Dakota R/T does even with foglights on.
Tim
edited to fix the incorrect name that smartass Nano had to comment on.
No offense was meant by my comments. I read what you posted as a repost of someone else's information and not your comments. That's why I said what I did as a rebuttal instead of asking you about how you tested the statistics you presented. I get a bit touchy with statistics sometimes because I have to deal with people that make them up and end up fighting the comments about perception and not real the problem. (this computer takes twice as long as the other one.... blah blah blah)
Like I said, no offense was meant. I do agree with you and your theory and appreciate that you posted something as a concern that needed attention.
TReMor,
Do you use a modulator that flashes one light, both lights ? I think a left-right flash would be cool but the PD may have issues with that. You couldn't be more right about the proper aim. I was out with 2 other ZX-12's and a Hayabusa last night on some real dark roads. I have spent a lot of time getting my lights adjusted just where I wanted them and it makes a huge difference. The other 2 12's were pointed so low they were hardly effective. The Busa's light pattern seems to be all over the place. With the projector looking light on the front I expected to see it be a lot better. Of course he has standard bulbs that also look yellow compared to what I'm running but the pattern, especially on high, was all over.
Needs a life
Full throttle!
Posts: One MEEEEEELLION
posted August 23, 2002 09:03 AM
Best lights out of the box are on my ZZR. They are effective, pointed correctly, and illuminate a good portion of the road ahead. My 12 has the PIAA Extreme White bulbs, and took a couple tries to get them aimed correctly.
____________
82 Gpz750, 84 Ninja 900, 2000 ZX12R (Muzzy Big Bore Kit), *another* 2000 ZX12R (Muzzy custom stroke crank 1341cc motor), 2004 ZZR1200, 2005 ZX10R, 2007 ZX14, 2008 Concours 14, 2014 Versys 650, 2014 Yamaha WR450F, 2015 Ninja H2
It flashes both lights at the same time. It only reduces the brights to 70% of full intensity (or thereabouts) and then back up. It's not the same thing as literally flicking the high beam switch on and off. It is similar in appearance to someone riding over a rough road. There's just enough flicker there to catch your attention, but not enough for someone to get seriously annoyed by it, imho. Again, headlight aim accounts for SO much. It amazes me how many people never adjust their beams, and do a helluva good job of illuminating the road 10ft in front of their tire but nothing ahead of that or to the sides. The 12 has one of the best headlight patterns I've ever seen on a bike when it's adjusted properly, and one of the worst when you leave it where the factory sets it.
posted August 23, 2002 09:12 AM
I have had one person try to squeeze me, they did the same to the 3 bikes in front of mre also. Then as they passed he leaned on his horn, just basically acted like an ass. Well right behind me was a nice CHP bike. After he was a jerk to me and I got through CHP made his commute worse. To me those ass's of the road are not common but they are there.
posted August 23, 2002 10:04 AM
I find myself wondering how the modulator knows the difference between night & day? A sensor or something?
____________
Enjoy the ride!
02' ZRX1200
00' ZX12R sold
Needs a life
Miles to go before I sleep....
Posts: 10623
posted August 23, 2002 10:30 AM
Edited By: worm~hole on 23 Aug 2002 11:34
...yeah, TReMor...how does the modulator know the difference between day and night?....and how do you know the difference betweetn ddpete3 and muzbgreen going up Palomar at 11pm?....just messin' witcha ____________ “We sleep safe in our beds because rough men
stand ready in the night to visit violence on those
who would do us harm.”
-George Orwell
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posted August 22, 2002 08:27 AM
Edited By: 
-ZXtra
) In fact, more often than not people move over for me to make room, and I give a quick tap on my horn or a quick wave to let them know I appreciate it. I've not yet had anyone try and squeeze me intentionally, nor have I ever had anything thrown out the window at me. I have had a few people yell and/or jump when I pull up next to them at a stoplight, but usually that's because they were daydreaming and the next thing they know some snarling black/gold beast is sitting next to them at the light. 
