Headlight Modulators - Yes or No
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
They have to have a light sensor to keep them from being always on. They work from the high beam. Modulate when lights are on high during the day only. They certainly do increase visibility, but I don't use one.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,913
Likes: 2,542
Run them on both of my bikes. Also have BAL 1's on both my bikes as well. Never been pulled over by LEO, and even if I were, I'd just tell them it's legal. I don't see how anyone can confuse 4 flashes per second as a go ahead and pull out in front of me signal. Those people are going to pull out of turn in front of you no matter what your doing to get their attention.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Interesting to see this post today. Been thinking a lot about getting one after reading about so many accidents lately with people turning into a biker's path. I think I'm leaning more towards taking the plunge and going with a modulator.
Stage I
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Oakland County, Michigan
I had one installed on my 2002 Heritage. Never a problem from LE. They even wave sometimes. Did get a little ridicule from a few of my so called HD biker buddies. I just laughed back at them about their $20 buckets. At night they don't modulate unless you tap the horn button which is nice coming into an intersection. Just another tool to keep my wife and I safe. Ride safe.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 4
Style?? If it prevents soccer-mom's minivan from turning left in front of me, it's definitely my HD's style.
When I bought my RK, I added two things. A BAL taillight and a headlight modulator. I'm not worried about tickets or style, but I am concerned about idiots out there, especially after a taxi almost took me out last year.
Both BAL & the modulator work by flashing. The human eye is attracted to movement, and just turning on your brights isn't as effective as flashing them at a quick rate. It really does attract attention.
To those who get annoyed by them, they DO have an on/off feature. I turn mine on when riding through the city, but off when on the highway or riding with others. Use it when you think the risk is greatest.