FLASHING HEADLIGHTS
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 329
Likes: 2
From: Poultney, VT
RE: FLASHING HEADLIGHTS
I think some are getting Federal Law and State Law confused with Federal Crime and State Crime.
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Federal Law is the Bare Minimum a state can enforce. Any state can enact laws exceeding Federal Law, but No state can enact a law that minimizes Federal Law.
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For instance: Federal Law requires a License Plate on the rear of any Morita vehicle. Some states can require a Front plate as well, but no states can say you do not need a real plate. There is no Federal Helmet law, but States can motor their own Helmet law without violating Federal Law.
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NOW! If I rob a grocery store, thats a State Crime. If I rob a bank, its a Federal Crime. If I rob Both a Bank and \\; grocery store, the Federal crime takes precedence and I will serve time for that first, then I am handed over to the state for the state crime. \\; When a crime escalates from a state crime to a federal crime (for example: kidnapping is state and as soon as I go over a state line, its federal) The Feds get control over the case.
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With all that said, I like the modulating headlights since I was t-boned by an unaware cage that pulled out directly in front of me only giving me less than a second to react. So yeah, I like the lights and I like the idea of being able to turn them off, but YOU WILL or I should say, Can get a ticket for it in NY because only the Police and Fire Department can have flashing White, Red and/or Blue lights. So even my Brakelight is illegal. I'll take my chance with a ticket over my chance of not being seen again.
 \\;
 \\;
 \\;
Federal Law is the Bare Minimum a state can enforce. Any state can enact laws exceeding Federal Law, but No state can enact a law that minimizes Federal Law.
 \\;
For instance: Federal Law requires a License Plate on the rear of any Morita vehicle. Some states can require a Front plate as well, but no states can say you do not need a real plate. There is no Federal Helmet law, but States can motor their own Helmet law without violating Federal Law.
 \\;
NOW! If I rob a grocery store, thats a State Crime. If I rob a bank, its a Federal Crime. If I rob Both a Bank and \\; grocery store, the Federal crime takes precedence and I will serve time for that first, then I am handed over to the state for the state crime. \\; When a crime escalates from a state crime to a federal crime (for example: kidnapping is state and as soon as I go over a state line, its federal) The Feds get control over the case.
 \\;
With all that said, I like the modulating headlights since I was t-boned by an unaware cage that pulled out directly in front of me only giving me less than a second to react. So yeah, I like the lights and I like the idea of being able to turn them off, but YOU WILL or I should say, Can get a ticket for it in NY because only the Police and Fire Department can have flashing White, Red and/or Blue lights. So even my Brakelight is illegal. I'll take my chance with a ticket over my chance of not being seen again.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 887
Likes: 4
From:
RE: FLASHING HEADLIGHTS
I don't care for them. I won't use them. If it makes a guy feel safer having them, I have no problem with that. I guess it is sort of like the loud pipes thing. I just ride defensively (that's what the loud pipe haters would say) and take extra care to make sure I leave myself an "out" in a bad situation. I have also seen a number of guys running them at night, on two lane roads and highways. Not all of the "modulator" users remember, (or can) turn them off at night.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From:
RE: FLASHING HEADLIGHTS
I don't have one but after reading this thread I have ordered one. I have seen them on other bikes they are annoying to the point that eveyone sees them. I plan on leaving the thing off but when coming to a busy intersection I will turn it on. Or like yesterday a cager was about to pull out right in front of me but saw me at the last second and stopped. I was on the brakes and wouls not have t-boned the guy with the headlight modulator I culd have turned it on and started braking and increased my odds of avoiding disaster. \\;
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 13
RE: FLASHING HEADLIGHTS
ORIGINAL: Brackneyc
I don't care for them. I won't use them. If it makes a guy feel safer having them, I have no problem with that. I guess it is sort of like the loud pipes thing. I just ride defensively (that's what the loud pipe haters would say) and take extra care to make sure I leave myself an "out" in a bad situation. I have also seen a number of guys running them at night, on two lane roads and highways. Not all of the "modulator" users remember, (or can) turn them off at night.
I don't care for them. I won't use them. If it makes a guy feel safer having them, I have no problem with that. I guess it is sort of like the loud pipes thing. I just ride defensively (that's what the loud pipe haters would say) and take extra care to make sure I leave myself an "out" in a bad situation. I have also seen a number of guys running them at night, on two lane roads and highways. Not all of the "modulator" users remember, (or can) turn them off at night.
Every kit I've seen has a sensor that will not allow the modulator to operate if there is not enough sunlight. \\; Durring the monrning commute if I ride under some larger trees and the bike is in the shade the lights will not modulate. \\;
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It is interesting that some people condem the modulators (allowed under the FMVSS) yet will bypass the auxiliarry lights so they can be on when the high beam is on and most states not only have statues for "failure to dim" when approaching oncoming vehicles most states have laws on the number of lights when the high beams are on. \\; I guess each person has a different interpretation of what they \\;should be able to due in the name of their safety? \\;
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 683
Likes: 3
From: Tallahassee, FL
RE: FLASHING HEADLIGHTS
ORIGINAL: Digger1799
 \\;but YOU WILL or I should say, Can get a ticket for it in NY because only the Police and Fire Department can have flashing White, Red and/or Blue lights. So even my Brakelight is illegal. I'll take my chance with a ticket over my chance of not being seen again.
 \\;\\\\\\;
 \\;\\\\\\;
 \\;but YOU WILL or I should say, Can get a ticket for it in NY because only the Police and Fire Department can have flashing White, Red and/or Blue lights. So even my Brakelight is illegal. I'll take my chance with a ticket over my chance of not being seen again.
 \\;\\\\\\;
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gambler
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
RE: FLASHING HEADLIGHTS
To meet the DOT code headlight modulators have to perform within tight parameters. \\; The ones mentioned in this thread (Kisan, Kriss, etc.) do. \\; Law requires them to automatically switch off after dark. \\; Lights modulate approximately 240 times a minute (6 times per second) I'm not sure anyone can manually switch hi and lo beams that quick. \\; http://www.kriss.com/modrules.htm
 \\;
S7.9.4 Motorcycle headlamp modulation system.
S7.9.4.1 A headlamp on a motorcycle may be wired to modulate either the upper beam or the lower beam from its maximum intensity to a lesser intensity, provided that:
 \\; \\; \\; (a) The rate of modulation shall be 240 plus-minus 40 cycles per minute.
 \\; \\; \\; (b) The headlamp shall be operated at maximum power for 50 to 70 percent of each cycle.
 \\; \\; \\; (c) The lowest intensity at any test point shall be not less than 17 percent of the maximum intensity measured at the same point.
 \\; \\; \\; (d) The modulator switch shall be wired in the power lead of the beam filament being modulated and not in the ground side of the circuit.
 \\; \\; \\; (e) Means shall be provided so that both the lower beam and upper beam remain operable in the event of a modulator failure.
 \\; \\; \\; (f) The system shall include a sensor mounted with the axis of its sensing element perpendicular to a horizontal plane. Headlamp modulation shall cease whenever the level of light emitted by a tungsten filament light operating at 3000 deg. Kelvin is either less than 270 lux (25 foot-candles) of direct light for upward pointing sensors or less than 60 lux (5.6 foot-candles) of reflected light for downward pointing sensors. The light is measured by a silicon cell type light meter that is located at the sensor and pointing in the same direction as the sensor. A Kodak Gray Card (Kodak R-27) is placed at ground level to simulate the road surface in testing downward pointing sensors.
 \\; \\; \\; (g) When tested in accordance with the test profile shown in Figure 9,the voltage drop across the modulator when the lamp is on at all testconditions for 12 volt systems and 6 volt systems shall not be greater than .45 volt. The modulator shall meet all the provisions of the standard after completion of the test profile shown in Figure 9.
 \\; \\; \\; (h) Means shall be provided so that both the lower and upper beam function at design voltage when the headlamp control switch is in either the lower or upper beam position when the modulator is off.
 \\; \\; \\; S7.9.4.2(a) Each motorcycle headlamp modulator not intended as original equipment, or its container, shall be labeled with the maximum wattage, and the minimum wattage appropriate for its use. Additionally, each such modulator shall comply with S7.9.4.1 (a) through (g) when connected to a headlamp of the maximum rated power and a headlamp of the minimum rated power, and shall provide means so that the modulated beam functions at design voltage when the modulator is off.
 \\; \\; \\; (b) Instructions, with a diagram, shall be provided for mounting the light sensor including location on the motorcycle, distance above the road surface, and orientation with respect to the light.
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 \\;
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TITLE 49TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER VNATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PART 571FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDSTable of ContentsDEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Subpart BFederal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
Sec. 571.108 Standard No. 108\\; Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.S7.9.4 Motorcycle headlamp modulation system.
S7.9.4.1 A headlamp on a motorcycle may be wired to modulate either the upper beam or the lower beam from its maximum intensity to a lesser intensity, provided that:
 \\; \\; \\; (a) The rate of modulation shall be 240 plus-minus 40 cycles per minute.
 \\; \\; \\; (b) The headlamp shall be operated at maximum power for 50 to 70 percent of each cycle.
 \\; \\; \\; (c) The lowest intensity at any test point shall be not less than 17 percent of the maximum intensity measured at the same point.
 \\; \\; \\; (d) The modulator switch shall be wired in the power lead of the beam filament being modulated and not in the ground side of the circuit.
 \\; \\; \\; (e) Means shall be provided so that both the lower beam and upper beam remain operable in the event of a modulator failure.
 \\; \\; \\; (f) The system shall include a sensor mounted with the axis of its sensing element perpendicular to a horizontal plane. Headlamp modulation shall cease whenever the level of light emitted by a tungsten filament light operating at 3000 deg. Kelvin is either less than 270 lux (25 foot-candles) of direct light for upward pointing sensors or less than 60 lux (5.6 foot-candles) of reflected light for downward pointing sensors. The light is measured by a silicon cell type light meter that is located at the sensor and pointing in the same direction as the sensor. A Kodak Gray Card (Kodak R-27) is placed at ground level to simulate the road surface in testing downward pointing sensors.
 \\; \\; \\; (g) When tested in accordance with the test profile shown in Figure 9,the voltage drop across the modulator when the lamp is on at all testconditions for 12 volt systems and 6 volt systems shall not be greater than .45 volt. The modulator shall meet all the provisions of the standard after completion of the test profile shown in Figure 9.
 \\; \\; \\; (h) Means shall be provided so that both the lower and upper beam function at design voltage when the headlamp control switch is in either the lower or upper beam position when the modulator is off.
 \\; \\; \\; S7.9.4.2(a) Each motorcycle headlamp modulator not intended as original equipment, or its container, shall be labeled with the maximum wattage, and the minimum wattage appropriate for its use. Additionally, each such modulator shall comply with S7.9.4.1 (a) through (g) when connected to a headlamp of the maximum rated power and a headlamp of the minimum rated power, and shall provide means so that the modulated beam functions at design voltage when the modulator is off.
 \\; \\; \\; (b) Instructions, with a diagram, shall be provided for mounting the light sensor including location on the motorcycle, distance above the road surface, and orientation with respect to the light.
 \\;
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: S.E. Michigan
RE: FLASHING HEADLIGHTS
As some have said we also run KISAN, I really dont care how cool they DONT make me look, but Ill tell you they are attention grabbers, \\; Tim
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 684
Likes: 1
From:
RE: FLASHING HEADLIGHTS
ORIGINAL: lviguy
Sheesh, what a stretch...
I ride in and around Las Vegas, NV and if flashing lights bothered very many people the streets would be filled with people having seizures. They are not.
What the streets are filled with is selfish, distracted, and just plain BAD drivers, and my headlight modulator works wonders in getting me noticed by the soccer moms in the SUV's talking on their cell phones while little Skippy and Tiffani watch DVD's on the entertainment system. I'll leave them on, thanks.
Sheesh, what a stretch...
I ride in and around Las Vegas, NV and if flashing lights bothered very many people the streets would be filled with people having seizures. They are not.
What the streets are filled with is selfish, distracted, and just plain BAD drivers, and my headlight modulator works wonders in getting me noticed by the soccer moms in the SUV's talking on their cell phones while little Skippy and Tiffani watch DVD's on the entertainment system. I'll leave them on, thanks.
Good post...
No doubt they get you noticed. The difference is immediate once you put them on. I also could not care less if they make me less cool...
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