Headlight modulators anyone?
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 114
From: Nevada
I've used modulators on 2 Gold Wings and 2 Ultras. I know they work since a Sebastopol (CA) soccer mommy got out of her car at a stop light and yelled at me about being annoyed by them. After hearing that it was a safety device and that it obviously worked since she noticed it while driving with her cell phone glued to her ear, she went back to her car (and probably had to go to her safe space as well since the big ugly biker didn't care about her feels and actually yelled back at her... how dare he!). I've noticed a couple of things about them that cause me not to have installed one on my current SG and went to an LED headlight instead:
First, there are the folks who think that modulated lights = wigwag lights = OMG there's a cop behind me, he probably wants to pull me over, I better come to a screeching halt right here in the #1 lane! (The same thing that driver would probably do when they see the red 'n blues in their mirror... I've had it happen more than once!)
Second, there are the folks who think the modulated lights = "go ahead, you go first/pull in front of me/do whatever your tiny cager mind comes up with"
On my 3rd Ultra, a 2009, I didn't install a modulator but did change the passing lamps to amber. This seemed to work better as drivers still seemed to spot the colored lights but didn't mistake me for a police motor or think I was flashing my lights to tell them to go ahead with whatever stupidity they were planning. If a modulator is what someone thinks is a better safety enhancement, I've got nothing to say about that but no more for me.
Now I wish I could find a set of mounts and amber LED passing lamps for a decent price for the SG... the prices are crazy!
First, there are the folks who think that modulated lights = wigwag lights = OMG there's a cop behind me, he probably wants to pull me over, I better come to a screeching halt right here in the #1 lane! (The same thing that driver would probably do when they see the red 'n blues in their mirror... I've had it happen more than once!)
Second, there are the folks who think the modulated lights = "go ahead, you go first/pull in front of me/do whatever your tiny cager mind comes up with"
On my 3rd Ultra, a 2009, I didn't install a modulator but did change the passing lamps to amber. This seemed to work better as drivers still seemed to spot the colored lights but didn't mistake me for a police motor or think I was flashing my lights to tell them to go ahead with whatever stupidity they were planning. If a modulator is what someone thinks is a better safety enhancement, I've got nothing to say about that but no more for me.
Now I wish I could find a set of mounts and amber LED passing lamps for a decent price for the SG... the prices are crazy!
Last edited by gonefortheborder; Nov 2, 2023 at 11:17 PM. Reason: fixed wrong bike year!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,281
Likes: 3,418
From: Idaho Panhandle
I've used modulators on 2 Gold Wings and 2 Ultras. I know they work since a Sebastopol (CA) soccer mommy got out of her car at a stop light and yelled at me about being annoyed by them. After hearing that it was a safety device and that it obviously worked since she noticed it while driving with her cell phone glued to her ear, she went back to her car (and probably had to go to her safe space as well since the big ugly biker didn't care about her feels and actually yelled back at her... how dare he!). I've noticed a couple of things about them that cause me not to have installed one on my current SG and went to an LED headlight instead:
First, there are the folks who think that modulated lights = wigwag lights = OMG there's a cop behind me, he probably wants to pull me over, I better come to a screeching halt right here in the #1 lane! (The same thing that driver would probably do when they see the red 'n blues in their mirror... I've had it happen more than once!)
Second, there are the folks who think the modulated lights = "go ahead, you go first/pull in front of me/do whatever your tiny cager mind comes up with"
On my 3rd Ultra, a 2009, I didn't install a modulator but did change the passing lamps to amber. This seemed to work better as drivers still seemed to spot the colored lights but didn't mistake me for a police motor or think I was flashing my lights to tell them to go ahead with whatever stupidity they were planning. If a modulator is what someone thinks is a better safety enhancement, I've got nothing to say about that but no more for me.
Now I wish I could find a set of mounts and amber LED passing lamps for a decent price for the SG... the prices are crazy!
First, there are the folks who think that modulated lights = wigwag lights = OMG there's a cop behind me, he probably wants to pull me over, I better come to a screeching halt right here in the #1 lane! (The same thing that driver would probably do when they see the red 'n blues in their mirror... I've had it happen more than once!)
Second, there are the folks who think the modulated lights = "go ahead, you go first/pull in front of me/do whatever your tiny cager mind comes up with"
On my 3rd Ultra, a 2009, I didn't install a modulator but did change the passing lamps to amber. This seemed to work better as drivers still seemed to spot the colored lights but didn't mistake me for a police motor or think I was flashing my lights to tell them to go ahead with whatever stupidity they were planning. If a modulator is what someone thinks is a better safety enhancement, I've got nothing to say about that but no more for me.
Now I wish I could find a set of mounts and amber LED passing lamps for a decent price for the SG... the prices are crazy!
I will not ride with someone who needs a headlight modulator as a safety device. I was taught to gently weave my bike when I see a car looking to pull out. The gentle weave is seen as motion on the headlight by the driver. Knock on wood, it has worked for me for 40 plus years.
Im not against a headlight modulator if you feel you need one for your personal safety. I can see situations, urbanely, stroads, lots of traffic an miscellaneous lights from cars, trucks, signs, buildings, advertising, etc., where it might make you stand out against a devilish background. They are rare in Idaho. The few I’ve seen were in Seattle congestion. I guess there, who cares whether you have one or not.
Added: What I do not like about the modulator for me is that I would start to trust it. Then I’d get more complacent, trusting it instead of my awareness and skills to stay safe. One of my joys in riding is being in condition yellow, aware but relaxed. It’s that awareness of every car, animal, dark spot on the road, potential car pulling out and yet being ready to react to any sign of danger without stress. Elk coming out of the woods, car turning left, pulling out of a driveway, running a stop sign, running dog, kids playing ball, leaf pile makes no difference. I know myself to know I’d trust it, relax, become slightly less aware as I’d figure they saw me instead of me watching them. You are different. I know. That’s okay. Ride your own ride and I’ll ride mine.
Last edited by son of the hounds; Nov 3, 2023 at 08:25 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3,622
Likes: 2,877
From: Mostly Florida, some Michigan
Good point, and I can easily see this happening.
"as on nearly every ride, cars saw him and believed he was signaling them it was okay to pull out in front of him."
Just how exactly would he know that or come to that conclusion? As opposed to it being attributed to dumbass, inattentive drivers? I've never knowingly pulled out in front of a vehicle with any perception of speed just because they signaled their headlight.
I guess some here would hate me. I put the Denali's on with their Smartcan with the sole purpose of being able to have light modulation. They are set for the low beam, different intensities for each light on the engine guard and you can adjust the frequency of modulation. Flash to pass will brightly flash both lights with no mistaking their visibility. Then there's always the off chance the driver at the intersection is looking the other way when I do that and pulls out anyway.
Different strokes, but I put those on as added light at night, added daytime visibility and just another tool in the tool bag. Same reason I have the Custom Dynamics on the rear with flash patterns. If I'm sitting at a stoplight, I'll press and release the brake lever a couple times to activate those lights, and maybe, keep from getting someones front grill in my pelvis.
Just how exactly would he know that or come to that conclusion? As opposed to it being attributed to dumbass, inattentive drivers? I've never knowingly pulled out in front of a vehicle with any perception of speed just because they signaled their headlight.
I guess some here would hate me. I put the Denali's on with their Smartcan with the sole purpose of being able to have light modulation. They are set for the low beam, different intensities for each light on the engine guard and you can adjust the frequency of modulation. Flash to pass will brightly flash both lights with no mistaking their visibility. Then there's always the off chance the driver at the intersection is looking the other way when I do that and pulls out anyway.
Different strokes, but I put those on as added light at night, added daytime visibility and just another tool in the tool bag. Same reason I have the Custom Dynamics on the rear with flash patterns. If I'm sitting at a stoplight, I'll press and release the brake lever a couple times to activate those lights, and maybe, keep from getting someones front grill in my pelvis.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,428
Likes: 7,122
From: Beyond Fucital
I had 1 on my stock bucket with the stock bulb
But when I upgraded to LED I had to replace the bucket with something deeper
and the LED isn't compatible with the modulator according to the modulator instructions.
But when I upgraded to LED I had to replace the bucket with something deeper
and the LED isn't compatible with the modulator according to the modulator instructions.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,177
Likes: 683
From: Forest Hill, Md
cars saw him and believed he was signaling them it was okay to pull out in front of him.
I was taught to gently weave my bike when I see a car looking to pull out. The gentle weave is seen as motion on the headlight by the driver. Knock on wood, it has worked for me for 40 plus years.
I was taught to gently weave my bike when I see a car looking to pull out. The gentle weave is seen as motion on the headlight by the driver. Knock on wood, it has worked for me for 40 plus years.
The weave is what I started doing a few years ago, so far so good
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 2,236
Likes: 2,158
From: West Coast
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