Passing lamps etiquette?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 7,997
Likes: 6,896
From: NC
But with bright, glaring lights, can someone accurately estimate your speed and distance?
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
There's a BMW rider here that's a rolling light show, but not in a good way. He must have at least a dozen, if not 20, lights on his bike. Bright as hell, all kinds of colors. You definitely notice him!
But you can't see him, and can't see what he's doing.
He's so blinding that all you know is a bunch of light is over there (vague hand waving).
He startled me once, turning left right in front of me, because I couldn't see his turn signals through his blinding lights. I also couldn't tell how far away he was until he started that turn in front of me, and got the glare out of my eyes.
Blinding other drivers with your lights really doesn't help you out.
Being seen and standing out certainly does.
But you can't see him, and can't see what he's doing.
He's so blinding that all you know is a bunch of light is over there (vague hand waving).
He startled me once, turning left right in front of me, because I couldn't see his turn signals through his blinding lights. I also couldn't tell how far away he was until he started that turn in front of me, and got the glare out of my eyes.
Blinding other drivers with your lights really doesn't help you out.
Being seen and standing out certainly does.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,709
Likes: 9,209
From: Snow Hill, NC
There's a BMW rider here that's a rolling light show, but not in a good way. He must have at least a dozen, if not 20, lights on his bike. Bright as hell, all kinds of colors. You definitely notice him!
But you can't see him, and can't see what he's doing.
He's so blinding that all you know is a bunch of light is over there (vague hand waving).
He startled me once, turning left right in front of me, because I couldn't see his turn signals through his blinding lights. I also couldn't tell how far away he was until he started that turn in front of me, and got the glare out of my eyes.
Blinding other drivers with your lights really doesn't help you out.
Being seen and standing out certainly does.
But you can't see him, and can't see what he's doing.
He's so blinding that all you know is a bunch of light is over there (vague hand waving).
He startled me once, turning left right in front of me, because I couldn't see his turn signals through his blinding lights. I also couldn't tell how far away he was until he started that turn in front of me, and got the glare out of my eyes.
Blinding other drivers with your lights really doesn't help you out.
Being seen and standing out certainly does.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 938
From: Lincolnshire, IL
YES, I always ride with my passing lights ON. I also never wear all black clothing when I ride.
Yep, I know the "black" clothing look is cool, exactly what a HD rider is "expected" to wear,.....BUT....for me I wear "hi-vis" shirts, jackets and vests to help to be seen AND a white helmet. I have no statistical evidence that "hi-vis" clothing or a white helmet makes me easier to see and makes me safer out there but it can't hurt.
Yep, I know the "black" clothing look is cool, exactly what a HD rider is "expected" to wear,.....BUT....for me I wear "hi-vis" shirts, jackets and vests to help to be seen AND a white helmet. I have no statistical evidence that "hi-vis" clothing or a white helmet makes me easier to see and makes me safer out there but it can't hurt.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 2,858
From: Oklahoma
Passing lights always on. No one has really addressed passing light aim. Mine are set so the top of the passing light beam is at the same level as the top of the low beam bright spot. If my low beam is acceptable, then the so too are the passing lights. The passing lights have a very wide beam, my guess is close to 90 degrees (about 45 degrees on both sides of center. Left/right aiming is not as critical as those with a more narrow beam.
My 08 Road King was my first bike with passing lights. At that point I had survived over 50 years of riding with only a headlight up front. It seemed not being noticed by other drivers was about cut in half compared to no passing lights. I would suggest that requires one to be even MORE defensive to avoid complacency. Some will still look straight at you, even with passing lights on, and try to kill you. Comes with the territory.
My 08 Road King was my first bike with passing lights. At that point I had survived over 50 years of riding with only a headlight up front. It seemed not being noticed by other drivers was about cut in half compared to no passing lights. I would suggest that requires one to be even MORE defensive to avoid complacency. Some will still look straight at you, even with passing lights on, and try to kill you. Comes with the territory.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,031
From: Carlsbad, CA
Yup, passing lights & high beam# during the day. At night I dine the high beam# when encountering oncoming traffic.
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