Side lighting for safety
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Tourer
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Side lighting for safety
I've been searching and researching the whole notion of side lighting for my 2009 FLHP. The other evening I was turning right on to a busy 4 lane and realized.....from the side, I'm dark to the cagers.
I've looked at the saddlebag inserts from California Custom Parts, obviously Harley has the floorboard and passenger insert LED's. I'm considering replacing the front fender side reflectors maybe with something, a strip, I don't know. Obviously, there's a ton of kits that go in and underneath the engines to illuminate the chrome, but that makes a bike look like a portable disco dance floor to me with non-pinpoint light. Anyone tried anything worthwhile?
I've looked at the saddlebag inserts from California Custom Parts, obviously Harley has the floorboard and passenger insert LED's. I'm considering replacing the front fender side reflectors maybe with something, a strip, I don't know. Obviously, there's a ton of kits that go in and underneath the engines to illuminate the chrome, but that makes a bike look like a portable disco dance floor to me with non-pinpoint light. Anyone tried anything worthwhile?
Last edited by traylestrat; Nov 9, 2010 at 05:18 PM.
Road Warrior
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If you're depending on a cager seeing you and acting right as a safety measure you're in big trouble. "I didn't see him" is the excuse they use even when they hit Railroad trains! All the extra lighting in the world ain't gonna make any difference. They'll still say "But officer I didn't see him." when they screw up. Now if you actually believe that phoney excuse and take responsibility for their not paying attention while they're texting, reading, or B.S.ing on the cell, put on more lights. You have to ride defensively, like every cager is out to kill you. Put all the extra lights on your bike you want, but don't expect to be any safer.
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Tourer
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Was looking for advice and or input on side lighting, not worn, obvious archaic diatribes.
You know, a flashing blue light might work. Maybe I'll go back to the dealership and have them put those babies back on. Gee thanks!
You know, a flashing blue light might work. Maybe I'll go back to the dealership and have them put those babies back on. Gee thanks!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Acton, CA
I'd be interested in actual answers on this also... I've been thinking about installing LED strip stop lights on the bags, and perhaps a running red strip under the stock light, where the "bumper" is... but don't know what kind would work... I've seen very expensive strips and very inexpensive strips, don't know what the real difference is.
I don't know why people think that because you want to be more visible, or be safer in some way, that they think that you will throw all caution to the wind and rely on those additional safety measures and forget all about defensive riding... weird. It's just additional steps to be make ourselves a little more visible... it certainly can't hurt if you still ride defensively, and there's no reason not to. I always ride like people can't see me... adding a little more light won't make me change the way I ride. Why would it?
I don't know why people think that because you want to be more visible, or be safer in some way, that they think that you will throw all caution to the wind and rely on those additional safety measures and forget all about defensive riding... weird. It's just additional steps to be make ourselves a little more visible... it certainly can't hurt if you still ride defensively, and there's no reason not to. I always ride like people can't see me... adding a little more light won't make me change the way I ride. Why would it?
Last edited by caberto; Nov 9, 2010 at 05:39 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
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From: SW Minnesota
I'm curious as to why you think you are dark to the cagers from the side.
The stock reflectors (DOT required) show up dramatically as soon as light hits them. Have you ever followed a bicycle that has the reflectors in the foot pedals? You can see them from blocks away, just as you can see road reflectors hundreds of yards in front of any headlight.
Park your bike sideways to the street on a dark night, shut it off, get in your car and drive towards it. You might be surprised at how visible it is.
If you want illumination, add the light bars to your saddlebag guards.
The stock reflectors (DOT required) show up dramatically as soon as light hits them. Have you ever followed a bicycle that has the reflectors in the foot pedals? You can see them from blocks away, just as you can see road reflectors hundreds of yards in front of any headlight.
Park your bike sideways to the street on a dark night, shut it off, get in your car and drive towards it. You might be surprised at how visible it is.
If you want illumination, add the light bars to your saddlebag guards.
Last edited by MNPGRider; Nov 9, 2010 at 05:52 PM.
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Tourer
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Well, good point on the reflectors, they do work. I see a lot of folks who have removed them. However, my concern is not with direct lighting via other vehicles. It's actually the opposite. If additional lighting is such a non-issue, then I guess it would also serve that loud pipes DO NOT in fact save lives. You could debate it either way. I think loud pipes are a nuisance and a detriment to one's health, but that's just my opinion. I believe a well lit vehicle of any kind gives greater presence than sound; you know where a light source is coming from, not so with sound. Thus, I'll let my initial post serve as a continuing question to those of you out there who have attempted to add to your bike's physical presence with LED or other light emitting technology.
