Headlight modulators anyone?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,709
Likes: 9,211
From: Snow Hill, NC
I believe if you have bright enough quality lighting, the modulation isn’t needed and it’s annoying as hell. If anyone in our club runs one we politely ask them to turn it off.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 518
Likes: 397
From: So Western Ohio
I read of them a long time ago, before I ever saw one on the road. Then I saw them in use and decided not to put one on my bike.
They annoy the crap out of me, too. If someone is acting unpredictable near an intersection I switch to high beam for a second.
So far so good.
They annoy the crap out of me, too. If someone is acting unpredictable near an intersection I switch to high beam for a second.
So far so good.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
I feel that people become fixated on a flashing light.... I find that some will stare at the light if it is coming from a distance. Personally I would not have them. I have Custom Dynamics headlamp and run lights and hope that is enough to get most normal people attention!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3,621
Likes: 2,877
From: Mostly Florida, some Michigan
Thank you. I have the CD unit that flashes my brake lights. I never knew their was an option like this for headlights.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,001
Likes: 6,901
From: NC
I will ride behind those with headlight modulators with LED high beam and LED spots and get close enough to annoy you.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
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From: USA
I often see them on Goldwings. Personally, I find them annoying, but they do garner attention.
Friend has one on is DR which is oddly different. At intersections and such, I can see it pulsing. It's mild, but there. However, running down the road, I don't see any pulsing. I've had him behind me for many thousands of miles, never see it until we come to a stop. All the more odd since his bike has no sensor or such to detect vehicle speed.
He and others I know who run them do claim to see a difference in how traffic notices them.
Friend has one on is DR which is oddly different. At intersections and such, I can see it pulsing. It's mild, but there. However, running down the road, I don't see any pulsing. I've had him behind me for many thousands of miles, never see it until we come to a stop. All the more odd since his bike has no sensor or such to detect vehicle speed.
He and others I know who run them do claim to see a difference in how traffic notices them.
Flashing lights are illegal on most vehicles. Headlight modulators cycle between 20% and max voltage. The law also requires a method to ensure no pulsing at night.
Headlight modulators can also confuse some folks as to speed and distance , just like very bright lights do.
They are annoying.
Headlight modulators can also confuse some folks as to speed and distance , just like very bright lights do.
They are annoying.
I agree that modulated headlights are very annoying. That's kind of the point though, if it catches the eye of someone that's not paying attention and could potentially enter your path, it's done its job.
