Modulator ? Headlight/Spotlight
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Modulator ? Headlight/Spotlight
Saw a EG running a modulator on the spots the other day (not a wigwag, they pulsed in sync ), It did a really good job of catching my eye when they were still a couple miles away ( long stretch of desert highway*)
I thought it was more effective than pulsing a single light source like the headlight.
Comments/Thoughts from other riders?
I don't need a plug and play device, I can wire anything.
- I'm thinking a kisan P75W would be dandy between the spot switch and the lights.
Appreciate input or suggests on other devices- cost is the prime mover.
pt 2: wiring a switched LED to the light sensor may allow the modulator to be used at night...kind of an easy way to get a "passing light" for the 54 MPH in the fast lane drivers...and if sealed inside the fairing, switching off the led might allow an easy way to switch off the modulator
Mike
*sometimes on these roads drivers seem to assume they are on their own and it's time to build a picnic on the dashboard or check emails..catching the eye farther out allows them time to get the cap on the mustard bottle.
I thought it was more effective than pulsing a single light source like the headlight.
Comments/Thoughts from other riders?
I don't need a plug and play device, I can wire anything.
- I'm thinking a kisan P75W would be dandy between the spot switch and the lights.
Appreciate input or suggests on other devices- cost is the prime mover.
pt 2: wiring a switched LED to the light sensor may allow the modulator to be used at night...kind of an easy way to get a "passing light" for the 54 MPH in the fast lane drivers...and if sealed inside the fairing, switching off the led might allow an easy way to switch off the modulator
Mike
*sometimes on these roads drivers seem to assume they are on their own and it's time to build a picnic on the dashboard or check emails..catching the eye farther out allows them time to get the cap on the mustard bottle.
Last edited by mkguitar; Oct 20, 2014 at 02:40 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 4
From: Florida
I use a modulator on my Street Glide and I like it. I've used them for about 10 years and you definitely get noticed. If I'm group riding or following another rider I turn it off to not bother them. I also have a pulse system on my rear brake. I'd recommend both.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,324
From: Western South Dakota
I use one. It is a Kisan Pathblazer. It only works on high.
I use an Osram/Sylvania 80/100 watt H4 bulb too.
It is not illegal anywhere to my knowledge.
Police see me all the time and I have never had any issues, not 1.
If I am in a group I turn it off unless I am riding lead.
I want to be seen dam-it!!
Run a B A L for the tail light too.
I use an Osram/Sylvania 80/100 watt H4 bulb too.
It is not illegal anywhere to my knowledge.
Police see me all the time and I have never had any issues, not 1.
If I am in a group I turn it off unless I am riding lead.
I want to be seen dam-it!!
Run a B A L for the tail light too.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Western New York
Have only seen one bike (Patriot Guard Rider)with a headlight modulator that I can recall in my neck of the woods. He said they are not legal in New York. According to the article with the P75W the federal gov't. said they are approved for motorcycles.
Having flashing spots could be an issue in city traffic but sounds like a great idea traveling thru the dessert. I believe in being seen and run my spots and fog lights all the time.
Having flashing spots could be an issue in city traffic but sounds like a great idea traveling thru the dessert. I believe in being seen and run my spots and fog lights all the time.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
Every bike I have ever seen with modulators easily caught my eye whether i was in a car or on the bike.
I think the spots would make it more visible and you could rotate the spots slightly outboard for even more recognition.
I never even thought of running them on the spots.
Do they work with LED setups??
I think the spots would make it more visible and you could rotate the spots slightly outboard for even more recognition.
I never even thought of running them on the spots.
Do they work with LED setups??
Thread Starter
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
special versions can be found for leds and/ or can bus system wired bikes.
Thanks Fellas.
I'll troll ebay and see what deals pop up.
Mike
Thanks Fellas.
I'll troll ebay and see what deals pop up.
Mike
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 306
Likes: 6
From: Florida
Head light modulators, probably the dumbest thing ever to install on a motorcycle. IMO. To me they just say " Hey Mr left turner, im flashin ya to go" Please turn in front of me!!! Or hey, go ahead and pull out from that side street, im flashin ya to go!
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 2
From: Mass
I use my headlight modulator whenever I think the extra visibility will save my ***. See sig for make.
I don't think anyone can mistake a strobing headlight as a "go ahead" signal. I've had cars pull over thinking I was a LEO.
I don't think anyone can mistake a strobing headlight as a "go ahead" signal. I've had cars pull over thinking I was a LEO.
Thread Starter
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I get your point, but that also proves that at least they saw you!
the modulators flash quite rapidly- even a waiting to turn driver who just glanced would see a number of light pulses, rather than a slow clicky clicky high beam go ahead.
DOT standard is 4 pulses per second
there's no winning.
Mike
the modulators flash quite rapidly- even a waiting to turn driver who just glanced would see a number of light pulses, rather than a slow clicky clicky high beam go ahead.
DOT standard is 4 pulses per second
there's no winning.
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Oct 20, 2014 at 11:44 PM.