Hi-viz works, but like others have said, you have to be looking up to see it. All the highway people wear orange or green, they stand out pretty well. Military bases require a safety orange vest when riding, maybe buy the black bike and get a new jacket?

 

The brightest lights in the world are ineffective when other driver's eyes are on their crotches.
Sound, being omni directional, might be an avenue to investigate, however...

Yes, I said it.

 

I remember a study on motorcycle accidents where the researchers observed the vast majority of bikes involved in accidents were black. It's common sense. What colors are high visibility safety clothing? You don't ever see road crews, etc, wearing all black.

 

"Conclusions Low conspicuity may increase the risk of motorcycle crash related injury. Increasing the use of reflective or fluorescent clothing, white or light coloured helmets, and daytime headlights are simple, cheap interventions that could considerably reduce motorcycle crash related injury and death."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC387473/

 

Seriously $7,000 off a RK special? You can get one for $16,000? Where is that HD store? I would trade in a heartbeat. I prefer the green on those but $7,000 off, I could live with nearly any color.

Edit: I see that '19s have the 114 motor. That makes sense now. Still a good price though

 

Nope...you ride with the mindset that they see you...and are trying to kill you....

 

Count me among those who think bike color has little to do with overall visibility and accident prevention. Well...maybe some colors could get you deliberately targeted, lol. My ride is black. I think the best visual thing is lights and plenty of them. LEDs are superior in bright sunlight. I've got the front and rear of my bike very well lit with LEDs. I actually worry more about getting hit from behind, as there's little I can do avoid impending impact. On the other hand, I can ride to avoid what's in front of, or coming toward me. Between the tour pack lights, air wing rack lights, keystone filler lights, and BAL tail light....all LED....when I hit the brakes I'm probably 5x as bright as a car.

The one situation where bright bike color might help would be situations where a driver has many visual distractions and could inadvertently miss a dark bike against a darker background...most likely in congested traffic with turn lanes and lots of things happening. If I rode in serious traffic routinely I would likely wear high visibility vests, jackets or shirts and helmet.

I don't have any problem admitting I ride completely on the defensive when there are cars and deer on the road.

 

you do realize that if you really wanted to add those passing lights back on that it is not against the rules to do so? in fact, i bet you could even buy the parts from hd, i am quite sure they would be happy to take (more of) your money....

you still won't be seen though.

 

Hmm, I guess LEO agencies running all black police cars with LEO's inside wearing all black uniforms are just not into safety.
My concern with neon yellow motorcycle clothing is the false sense of security it might give the person wearing it.
Kind of like only crossing a road at a crosswalk because pedestrians think it's safer.
Hi-Viz makes no difference to a texting/drunk/impaired/not paying attention drivers.
Maybe researchers discovered the majority of bikes involved in crashes were black because most motorcycles are black.

 

I would rather get hit...