Headlight Use
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 474
Likes: 5
Headlight Use
I have been in an on-going debate with my friends over headlight use, now with my new bike, Harley seems to be adding credibility to their cause.
My contention is that the bright setting ought to be used during the daylight. The reasons for this are twofold, it can be seen a little better (aimed higher and higher wattage light) and you don't burn out your low beam filament by having it on all the time.
With the new touring bike, I had to change the wiring to allow the driving lights to be on with the low beam. Is Harley siding with my friends or what's the deal? Its switched anyway, let ME decide.
What do you guys ride with high beam on or low beam during the day?
I know this is not as interesting as the question about farting, but thought I would ask.
My contention is that the bright setting ought to be used during the daylight. The reasons for this are twofold, it can be seen a little better (aimed higher and higher wattage light) and you don't burn out your low beam filament by having it on all the time.
With the new touring bike, I had to change the wiring to allow the driving lights to be on with the low beam. Is Harley siding with my friends or what's the deal? Its switched anyway, let ME decide.
What do you guys ride with high beam on or low beam during the day?
I know this is not as interesting as the question about farting, but thought I would ask.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 496
Likes: 2
From: Weston, Florida
Same theory as you. Hi during daylight. If the filament burns out on a trip, you default to the lo and continue the ride and not have a problem when night falls. I also have my spotlights wired separately so they can be on Hi or Lo.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida, USA
Never gave much thought to it really. I ride with the driving lights and low-beam on all the time. On my '07 UC I didn't have to rewire anything so the driving lights are on when the low-beam is. They do go off when I'm on high-beam though. Seems to me three lights are probably more visible than one, even if they are slightly dimmer. As far as burning out a bulb, they're pretty long-lived these days. I'm not really that concerned about that. Now ask me about the BrightAss taillight I installed.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 369
Likes: 1
From: Land of the sunstroke
Hmm.. Im glad you brought that up, I have never thought about that. Looks like I will be doing some rewiring when I get back from Laughlin
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Green Country,Oklahoma
Don't like to run high beam during the day because of the extra heat generated.Just helped a friend fix his melted plug for his headlight.Only reason we could tell was from always running the high beam.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: In your head rent free
The reason auxiliary lights are wired for low beam use only is that some states have laws that restrict driving/fog light use with high beams.
The laws are intended more for cars and trucks, but compliance is required by motorcycle manufacturers as well.
Virginia has some restrictions and Massachusetts does as well if I remember correctly.
The laws are intended more for cars and trucks, but compliance is required by motorcycle manufacturers as well.
Virginia has some restrictions and Massachusetts does as well if I remember correctly.