Modulating Headlamp
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 0
From: Burbank, CA
RE: Modulating Headlamp
I used one on my Ninja for years, it really made me visible and got peoples attention. But it did mess with the electronics a bit. The neutral light (and fairing lights) would also dim and brighten I wondered if it would do the same thing on the Ultra with all it's electronics.
I guess not.
I guess not.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
RE: Modulating Headlamp
I bought a Kisan PathBlazer for my '96 RK about four years ago, then xferred it to the new SG. In those years of use, I've never had anyone even hint they were irritated by the blinking headlamp, and nobody has pulled out in front of me (knock on wood). On two occasions, however, I've had people in front of me pull over thinking I was a cop, in one case rather haphazardly.
In that time I haven't had any H4 bulbs burn out, and the durability of bulbs worried me at first since quartz elements don't like their voltage going below spec (12v). Since it modulates 20% & 100% four times per second, I assume this is done by reducing the voltage. I have a sensor wire-tied near my front brake reservoir and pointed up, and when set to the lowest sensitivity it stops modulating at the right time. There is another adjustment on this older model that senses at a higher light level, but it will quit modulating under trees. I understand the newer units have more sensitivity settings. The sensitivity is changed by turning high-beams off three times in one second, which is easy using the dimmer switch. Cost was about $90 at the time, but I like the idea of being seen. I should add that I also am running an 85/100w bulb, which is even more visible. This bike looks like a freight train coming down the road.
In that time I haven't had any H4 bulbs burn out, and the durability of bulbs worried me at first since quartz elements don't like their voltage going below spec (12v). Since it modulates 20% & 100% four times per second, I assume this is done by reducing the voltage. I have a sensor wire-tied near my front brake reservoir and pointed up, and when set to the lowest sensitivity it stops modulating at the right time. There is another adjustment on this older model that senses at a higher light level, but it will quit modulating under trees. I understand the newer units have more sensitivity settings. The sensitivity is changed by turning high-beams off three times in one second, which is easy using the dimmer switch. Cost was about $90 at the time, but I like the idea of being seen. I should add that I also am running an 85/100w bulb, which is even more visible. This bike looks like a freight train coming down the road.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,945
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Modulating Headlamp
Lot of difference in money between the two listed. Any preference?
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Modulating Headlamp
They ought to be mandatory. $60 on ebay. I had one on my former bike and now on the EG. Mounted in the headlight housing. Plug and play. Had it hooked to the high beam only. Photo cell shuts it off in the dark. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/new-M...QQcmdZViewItem
[IMG]local://upfiles/18636/A176D16D21DE4F0BAAE50E2FE952B19A.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/18636/A176D16D21DE4F0BAAE50E2FE952B19A.jpg[/IMG]
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 721
Likes: 1
From: Buckeye, AZ
RE: Modulating Headlamp
On a related subject has anyone instaelled a brake light modulator? Seems that this would be just as benificial as the headlight modulator.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,945
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Modulating Headlamp
ORIGINAL: reefteach
200,000 documented miles
200,000 documented miles
[/quote]
No problem. 1996 GL1500 Goldwing - 63,750 miles
1982 GL1100 - 14,000 miles
1998 GL1500 - 53,300 miles
2003 GL1800 - 42,100 miles
2007 UC - 4,760 miles
Dang - my bad!! I screwed up the math the other day when ah tallied 'em - it's only 177,910. Blasted phat fingers...
The '96 is (obviously) where I really jumped the miles - that was done in the midst of a real low point - company I'd worked for 21 years sold out 'bout 3 months after I bought it, 3 mos. later I was downsized out AND went through a divorce - spent 'bout 3 months goofin' off around the country, then had ta sell it inlate '97. Got the '82 in the midst of finalizin' the divorce, rode it fer a coupla years, then moved back up from thar.
