Mondulating headlight
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 377
From: Georgia
i don't have a modulator. don't plan on it either. but i don't hold anything against those that do. i also don't find them anger inducing or irritating either. i don't 'target fixate' when i see one coming towards me, or think that they are signaling me to 'go ahead' if i encounter one at an intersection.
However, as motorcyclists, I believe we pay more attention to our surroundings and have a more complete knowledge of what we see, especially when motorcycle related, than the average driver. No matter what we are driving.
I will say that I find I have to pay more attention, as I get older, to not drift toward something that attracts my attention.
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 83
Likes: 5
From: fort lauderdale
Update on modulating headlight
So I installed the Kissan headling modulator on my 2016 Ultra Limited. Its plug and play. Just plug in the wires and go. You have to route the sensor out of the fairing which is easy just follow the handlebars. One piece of wire wrap and you are all set.
The light works fine, I notice that it turns off when in a tunnel which is fine. I used it in the crowded highway 5pm traffic on our turnpike and also on the city rush hour traffic. I feel that people see it better, but it's easy to turn off when behind someone at a light. The visibilty is great and I am happy with the product. I do notice a slight buzz in the headset when idle and operating the modulator. I guess it is inducing some RF noice but it is barely perceptable. All in all I am pleased with it.
Mike
The light works fine, I notice that it turns off when in a tunnel which is fine. I used it in the crowded highway 5pm traffic on our turnpike and also on the city rush hour traffic. I feel that people see it better, but it's easy to turn off when behind someone at a light. The visibilty is great and I am happy with the product. I do notice a slight buzz in the headset when idle and operating the modulator. I guess it is inducing some RF noice but it is barely perceptable. All in all I am pleased with it.
Mike
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 243
Likes: 51
From: Topeka, Kansas
I installed one in my '12 Ultra Classic. I think every bike should have them! I also installed an LED headlight also. Mine truley flashes completely on and off. On a ride I do have people pull over or somone try to get my attention about the headlight flashing. There is a module that you install pointing down that shuts it off at night.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,149
Likes: 2,975
From: WACO
Thinking about a modulating headlight for my 2016 Ultra Limited. Couple of questions.
1) They dont work at night ? I get that they work during the day but why not take advantage of it at night as well ?
2) Do they work with the newer bikes
3) Which one do I get. Some modulate the high beam, others the main beam.
Thanks in advance for the help . Trying to learn whats up with this.
Mike
1) They dont work at night ? I get that they work during the day but why not take advantage of it at night as well ?
2) Do they work with the newer bikes
3) Which one do I get. Some modulate the high beam, others the main beam.
Thanks in advance for the help . Trying to learn whats up with this.
Mike
Last edited by OLD 96; Oct 20, 2017 at 10:37 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,324
From: Western South Dakota
I have run modulators on all my bikes since the mid 1980's. They most definitely work. Nope, NEVER has anybody mistake my headlight for an "OK turn left in front of me"....LMAO at the idea. NEVER.
It has saved my bacon twice. Once a driver even caught up to me down the road at a stoplight and told me he was about to pull out from a stalled line of cars into my lane when he noticed something flashing. That's first hand evidence.
Annoying? I don't give a chit who thinks it's annoying. NEVER had anybody give me a hard time about it. NEVER. Most people talk way tougher online than in person. I've had plenty of people ask me about it at a stoplight, but NEVER had anybody give me a hard time. Let's face it. In Chicago, you mouth off and you might get shot
Certainly makes you more visible, and with all the cell phone usage nowadays I'll do anything to stay alive. My brake light flashes too. Bright *** Lights taillight, and it's damn bright. Maybe even annoying LOL.
I will say the modulator on the LED is damn attention getting. Yes, with this setup I have had some people pull over. Thank you!
Now look at my sig closely. Not many guys on this forum have put anywhere near my type of mileage on their bikes and I have stayed safe all these years. Knock on wood. I hope all you stay safe too. Be visible, any way you can.
So you do what you want. I'll keep annoying drivers, being highly visible, and staying SAFE.
It has saved my bacon twice. Once a driver even caught up to me down the road at a stoplight and told me he was about to pull out from a stalled line of cars into my lane when he noticed something flashing. That's first hand evidence.
Annoying? I don't give a chit who thinks it's annoying. NEVER had anybody give me a hard time about it. NEVER. Most people talk way tougher online than in person. I've had plenty of people ask me about it at a stoplight, but NEVER had anybody give me a hard time. Let's face it. In Chicago, you mouth off and you might get shot
Certainly makes you more visible, and with all the cell phone usage nowadays I'll do anything to stay alive. My brake light flashes too. Bright *** Lights taillight, and it's damn bright. Maybe even annoying LOL.
I will say the modulator on the LED is damn attention getting. Yes, with this setup I have had some people pull over. Thank you!
Now look at my sig closely. Not many guys on this forum have put anywhere near my type of mileage on their bikes and I have stayed safe all these years. Knock on wood. I hope all you stay safe too. Be visible, any way you can.
So you do what you want. I'll keep annoying drivers, being highly visible, and staying SAFE.
I've been running one for the past few years a Pathblazer on the front and a BAL on the rear.
No issues, nobody ever appears to be pissed off and or gives me attitude as a result of it.
I would not run with out to tell you the truth. It's not worth it, IMHO.
It's just for the split second thing that captivates the cager's attention that will save your life and if the modulator does it then so be it.
Usually my wife is riding with me so I have to be protective of her life as well.
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Personally, I also think the modulating headlights are very distracting. I put amber lenses on the passing lights of my 03 Roadking. The color isn't the norm so people tend to notice them right away when I'm behind them or passing and they catch a glimpse in the side mirrors. My friends like me to ride trail when in a group--if they can see my lights then they know everyone else is in between.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,394
Likes: 263
From: Southern California
I have, and have had Headlight Modulators on several bikes. They are particularly useful (noticed by other drivers) when splitting lanes here in California. I have never had anyone complain or exhibit any sort of road rage because of them. I have had folks pull up next to me at a stop light and tell me there's something wrong with my headlight(s).
Mine work on High Beam or Low Beam. They shut off (stop modulating) at night, or even if/when i go under a bridge. If I flick my headlight switch from High to Low and Back again quickly (or vice versa) it shuts the Modulator off until I do this again or shut the bike off and restart it.
I've never had any issues with anyone about this Modulator. I do carry a laminated copy of the Federal Law that allows Motorcycle Headlight Modulators. I carry this laminated copy on the bike in case I ever do get pulled over by an over zealous Leo. FWIW Federal laws always supersede all State Laws unless the law specifically allows a State to do so and spells out. Ex: California Emissions Standards. See the attached:
Mine work on High Beam or Low Beam. They shut off (stop modulating) at night, or even if/when i go under a bridge. If I flick my headlight switch from High to Low and Back again quickly (or vice versa) it shuts the Modulator off until I do this again or shut the bike off and restart it.
I've never had any issues with anyone about this Modulator. I do carry a laminated copy of the Federal Law that allows Motorcycle Headlight Modulators. I carry this laminated copy on the bike in case I ever do get pulled over by an over zealous Leo. FWIW Federal laws always supersede all State Laws unless the law specifically allows a State to do so and spells out. Ex: California Emissions Standards. See the attached:
Last edited by Bluehighways; Oct 27, 2017 at 01:29 AM.
