blinking headlight

[ODDOMAN]

is there any modifications for the head lights? people all the time telling me that i t have a head light blown out...is there blinking head light for the bright light yet ?

 

[Dean H]

I haven't heard about any blinking head lights, but I put a modulator on my fog lights. By the way, I really like your paint job.

 

[Mattel]

It is called a headlight modulator. It is legal in all states, but it must be on your headlight. If it is on any other light you may run afoul of your LEO. I believe we spoke about this extensively in the early days of this forum. THey work! It has a light sensor that prevents it from modulating when the daylight fades to below the legal level. It is illegal to use these in twilight or in the dark. It does not turn your head light completly off, it modulates it between 20%-60%. These are also called wig/wag lights. <br />
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It is always good mannors to ask the members in your riding group if they mind you running these during group rides.

Some people are distracted, but most I have found do not mind at all.<br />
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These will save your baccon on the most leathal motorcycle accident.. the left hand turn in front of you by a driver who "just did not see you"! Some older drivers may pannic and pull over, or some others will pull over and let you pass because they are not use to it in their rear view mirrors.<br />
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Here is where I purchased mine:<br />
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<a href="https://www.kisantech.com/" target="_blank">https://www.kisantech.com/</a><br />
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You turrn it on and off in the day time only by just using your high beams. It will not activate at night due to the daylight sensor.<br />
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Good luck

 

[tfdeputydawg]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Stall1803</strong>
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<div class="message">I haven't heard about any blinking head lights, but I put a modulator on my fog lights. By the way, I really like your paint job.</div>

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</div>The key word is <b>headlight</b> modulator, which is legal in all states by federal law.<br />
Modulating fog lamps is <b>not</b> legal.<br />
Just so all are clear and it will be no surprise if you get stopped.

 

[Dean H]

Modulating fog lights are legal as long as they are white and not wig-wag. I checked before I insalled. Also had them on my Goldwing trike.

 

[John Luciano]

Wig Wag refers to the rear brake lights. Some have mounted additional red rear light on either side of the rear trunk. When you apply the brake the lights alternate from left to right (WIG WAG) and they will cost you $85.00 in Conn. if you get caught using them here . Front head light BLINKING will also cost you . The modulator as explained is legal.<br />
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PS it also helps in passing little old ladies that pull over when they think u are a COP. <LOL> happened 4 times to me already

 

[trikeleader]

The blinking headlight is called a modulating headlight. Wig-Wag head light blink alternatly left to right, or right to left, depending on weather you are left handed or not...LOL. Wig-Wags are used by police and emergency vehicles and are illegal for use by anyone else for highway use. Modulators can be purchaced and installed on most motorcyle headlights. Modulating headlights are legal in all fifty states and Canida. The US federal statute is 49CFR Section 571.108, paragraph S7.9.4. Anyone can look it up. The modulators are NOT legal for any other vehicles than motorcycles (trikes). I have a modulator on my trike, and I carry a copy of the statute in the truck to show the LEO that thinks it is illegal.

 

[Mattel]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Stall1803</strong>
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<div class="message">Modulating fog lights are legal as long as they are white and not wig-wag. I checked before I insalled. Also had them on my Goldwing trike.</div>

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</div>I cannot speak for your state, but you may want to double check the state statute that allows this. I am pretty sure if you are in any other state you will run afoul of the law.

 

[Yogisan]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>trikeleader</strong>
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<div class="message">The blinking headlight is called a modulating headlight. Wig-Wag head light blink alternatly left to right, or right to left, depending on weather you are left handed or not...LOL. Wig-Wags are used by police and emergency vehicles and are illegal for use by anyone else for highway use. Modulators can be purchaced and installed on most motorcyle headlights. Modulating headlights are legal in all fifty states and Canida. The US federal statute is 49CFR Section 571.108, paragraph S7.9.4. Anyone can look it up. The modulators are NOT legal for any other vehicles than motorcycles (trikes). I have a modulator on my trike, and I carry a copy of the statute in the truck to show the LEO that thinks it is illegal.</div>

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</div>Uhh, don't hang your hat on the LEO not writing a ticket if you show him the Federal statute. Most LEO's go by state laws and if the state hasn't changed their law to comply with the Federal statute then you'll get the ticket.

Now, you can go to court and fight the ticket and probably win with the Federal statute on your side, but you will need to go to court. Been there, done that last August in MD District Court 9. Got the ticket on July 3 from a county LEO who changed lanes in front of me to the lane I was in and thought I was flashing him down for an emergency. I explained the whole headlight modulator thing and showed him a copy of the Federal statute. As far as he was concerned, the state law prohibiting front flashing lights on vehicles other than emergency or other authorized vehicles is the law and he wrote me the ticket. Even though various Maryland agencies recognize the headlight modulator as a safety device (Motor Vehicle Administration, State Troopers, etc.), state law doesn't (yet) so they are technically illegal in Maryland. However, I still ride with my modulator, but I also carry the letter from the MD State Troopers and a copy of the court decision along with the Federal statute.

 

[Mattel]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Yogisan</strong>
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<div class="message">Uhh, don't hang your hat on the LEO not writing a ticket if you show him the Federal statute. Most LEO's go by state laws and if the state hasn't changed their law to comply with the Federal statute then you'll get the ticket. Now, you can go to court and fight the ticket and probably win with the Federal statute on your side, but you will need to go to court. Been there, done that last August in MD District Court 9. Got the ticket on July 3 from a county LEO who changed lanes in front of me to the lane I was in and thought I was flashing him down for an emergency. I explained the whole headlight modulator thing and showed him a copy of the Federal statute. As far as he was concerned, the state law prohibiting front flashing lights on vehicles other than emergency or other authorized vehicles is the law and he wrote me the ticket. Even though various Maryland agencies recognize the headlight modulator as a safety device (Motor Vehicle Administration, State Troopers, etc.), state law doesn't (yet) so they are technically illegal in Maryland. However, I still ride with my modulator, but I also carry the letter from the MD State Troopers and a copy of the court decision along with the Federal statute.</div>

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</div>Sounds like that cop had seen your flasing lights and put himself in your lane so he had an excuse to write you a ticket. Sounds like a jerk to me.

Are you sure he was not a NJ state trooper? I had one of those jackasses pull me over and tell me I was riding my motorcycle in the left tire track of the highway and by law I was suspose to be in the right tire track. When I asked him where in the drivers manual it says that he said will I will just write you for wreckless driving because you were at an angle when you entered the highway. Yup, he was a jackass, just no other way to say it. They are out there, they are in the minority, but when you find one you know it!:yes:

 

[ODDOMAN]

I sure wish to have both headlights working at the same time, because people that don't know always telling me that i have a headlight blown out....

 

[Mattel]

I sure wish to have both headlights working at the same time, because people that don't know always telling me that i have a headlight blown out....

You may have a heat issue. I am guessing... but, if you have both running at the same time you may increase operation temp, and reduce the life of the bulbs. Plus, you will have your high beam on all the time.

If you decide to do it:
I know MC's have a mod that is just attaching a jumper by sodering it on the headlight control. I wonder if something simular is possible here?

Is their a Spark-Monkey in the house?????:Monster:

 

[mmkrnh8012]

The kisan runs the high beam at 70-100 % at a rate of 220-260 times per minute. I have ran one in the past. Some say it gives the a headache.:

 

[Yogisan]

The most common way to get a headache from the headlight modulator is riding on the front fender facing to the rear and staring into the headlight for 6-8 miles. One guy I know used to hang over the handlebars and stare into the modulating headlight for a couple of miles before he got his headache. Claimed it was a faster way to get the headache because your blood flow slowed down from having your head upside down and made you more susceptible to headache-inducing modulations. Plus you didn't have to install foot pegs on the front axle to keep your feet off the ground when you sat on the fender.

I know this doesn't help but I just couldn't resist. :innocent:

 

[Blondie Gal]

:HaHa:

 

[screwball]

One of the guys that rode (past tense) with us had one of those God awful things on his Lehman/Wing conversion. INSISTED on riding in the rear, INSISTED on having it on all the time for safety reasons. Drove everyone in front of him nuts with that flashing light in our mirrors. I suggested if he were that afraid of not being seen, buy a day-glo vest, put flashing lights all over his body, and ride on the sidewalk. I think he joined "Dorks on Trikes Club

 

[Mattel]

One of the guys that rode (past tense) with us had one of those God awful things on his Lehman/Wing conversion. INSISTED on riding in the rear, INSISTED on having it on all the time for safety reasons. Drove everyone in front of him nuts with that flashing light in our mirrors. I suggested if he were that afraid of not being seen, buy a day-glo vest, put flashing lights all over his body, and ride on the sidewalk. I think he joined "Dorks on Trikes Club

This is a good illistration of how some people just cannot stand modulators. I have one and ride with it, and when I ride with a group I always ask if anyone has a problem with it before the ride, and during the ride at a stop. Funny thing is after riding with a bunch of groups, no one I have ever rode with has ever had a problem with my modulating headlights. That is not to say they do not bother anyone, as the above post illustrates.

Modulating headlights are not for other motorcycles, they are for drivers on cell phones and century old drivers. If you ride with "Screwball" it would be a good idea to not run your modulators if you are in the middle or rear of the group. But, if you are riding with Screwball, let him take the lead, and the risk of not being seen.

Modulators are great safety features, but not worth pissing off members of your own group.

 

[screwball]

INSISTED on riding in the rear, INSISTED on having it on all the time for safety reasons.

You would think with 12 motorcycles in front of him visibility wouldn't be a problem, even for old people, like me! When 3 or 4 people MENTION that the flashing light in their mirrors is very distracting, you think out of common courtesy he would shut the damn thing off. But, no it was his way or no way. I hope the crowd he is riding with today likes to have people INSIST on how the group rides.

 

[trikeleader]

I am not able to shut the modulator off on my bike. It only quits flashing when it is dark out. It flashes on both high and low lights. The dealer installed it, so I suppose I could get him to install a switch to shut it off, but I don't see the big deal. I may be considered a "DORK", but those drivers that cannot see a motorcycle and usually won't give right of way to a bike when they are suppose to, almost always see me. I don't see it any more offensive than following some one with loud exhaust on their bike.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Modulating fog lights are legal as long as they are white and not wig-wag. I checked before I insalled. Also had them on my Goldwing trike.

I would like to see the statute that allows this in your state. Could you post it here, please and thank you.
If you can't post the statute, whom did you check with on the legality?
I'm just interested because I worked in vehicle exterior lighting for years and am always interested in learning more.

 

[Boscoporp]

I also have a modulating headlight on my Goldwing. I wouldn't be without it! It makes riding almost as safe as a car. However I ride just like they are still going to pull out in front of me.

Another plus to the modulating headlight is that when people pass me and then pull right back in front of me they don't stay long! Its irritating to have this light flashing at you constantly in your rear view mirror. Especially if you turn your lights on high beams. I always do and they quickly accelerate and pull away!

I have had other motorcycles stop beside me at a red light and say "Heh man, I hate that headlight you have there, Where can I get one?"

This is a better safty device than leather because it prevents the accident!
Of course this is just my opinion.

 

[CRBandit]

I would like to see the statute that allows this in your state. Could you post it here, please and thank you.
If you can't post the statute, whom did you check with on the legality?
I'm just interested because I worked in vehicle exterior lighting for years and am always interested in learning more.

This stuff is a little long so I apologize for the length. It is actually a federal law that is legal in all 50 states.



The Modulator Law:
The law that permits use of headlight modulators for motorcycles may be found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which is typically abbreviated 49CFR.* The CFR is a set of books containing various federal laws and standards, broken down in volumes by "title".* Each title deals with subject matter about a specific topic.
The CFR can usually be found in the reference area of any public library.* It can also be found on-line using your browser and searching for "Code of Federal Regulations", although it takes significant "drilling" to find exactly what you're looking for.* For that reason, I have posted the entire relevant text here, at the bottom of this page.
The specific regulation on modulators is 49CFR Section 571.108, paragraph S7.9.4, entitled "Motorcycle Headlamp Modulation System."* I cprinted on the literature that came from Kisan Technologies, Inc., the manufacturer of my modulator.* I also keep copies of Kisan's literature with me.* I make sure I have sufficient copies with me such that when I am stopped (and it DOES happen occasionally) that I can provide a tear-away copy to give the law-enforcement officer for his benefit and the benefit of those back at the police station.* I turn the traffic stop into an informative experience for the police officer, and give him something he can use to educate his fellow officers.
WHAT IS NOTEWORTHY AND DESERVES MENTION HERE IS THAT NO U.S. STATE OR MUNICIPALITY* MAY USURP (OVERRULE) THE AUTHORITY OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND FEDERAL LAW IN THE MATTER OF VEHICLE STANDARDS.*
THAT SAID, PLEASE BELIEVE THAT NO STATE OR MUNICIPALITY IS ABLE TO "OUTLAW" THE USE OF HEADLIGHT MODULATORS ON MOTORCYCLES.* THEY ARE LEGAL IN ALL 50 STATES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.* THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT ALSO PASSED A LAW PERMITTING HEADLIGHT MODULATOR USE ON MOTORCYCLES IN THE SPRING OF 2000, SO THEIR USE IS ALSO PERMITTED NORTH OF THE U.S. BORDER.



Code of Federal Regulations
Title 49, Volume 5, Parts 400 to 999
Revised as of October 1, 2000
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 49CFR571.108] [Page 236-307]
TITLE 49 TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER V NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PART 571 FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS

Subpart B--Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
Sec. 571.108 Standard No. 108;

Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

S7.9.4 Motorcycle headlamp modulation system.

S7.9.4.1 A headlamp on a motorcycle may be wired to modulate either the upper beam or the lower beam from its maximum intensity to a lesser intensity, provided that:

(a) The rate of modulation shall be 240 <plus-minus> 40 cycles per minute.

(b) The headlamp shall be operated at maximum power for 50 to 70 percent of each cycle.

(c) The lowest intensity at any test point shall be not less than 17 percent of the maximum intensity measured at the same point.

(d) The modulator switch shall be wired in the power lead of the beam filament being modulated and not in the ground side of the circuit.

(e) Means shall be provided so that both the lower beam and upper beam remain operable in the event of a modulator failure.

(f) The system shall include a sensor mounted with the axis of its sensing element perpendicular to a horizontal plane. Headlamp modulation shall cease whenever the level of light emitted by a tungsten filament light operating at 3000 deg. Kelvin is either less than 270 lux (25 foot-candles) of direct light for upward pointing sensors or less than 60 lux (5.6 foot-candles) of reflected light for downward pointing sensors. The light is measured by a silicon cell type light meter that is located at the sensor and pointing in the same direction as the sensor. A Kodak Gray Card (Kodak R-27) is placed at ground level to simulate the road surface in testing downward pointing sensors.

(g) When tested in accordance with the test profile shown in Figure 9, the voltage drop across the modulator when the lamp is on at all test conditions for 12 volt systems and 6 volt systems shall not be greater than .45 volt. The modulator shall meet all the provisions of the standard after completion of the test profile shown in Figure 9.

(h) Means shall be provided so that both the lower and upper beam function at design voltage when the headlamp control switch is in either the lower or upper beam position when the modulator is off.

S7.9.4.2(a) Each motorcycle headlamp modulator not intended as original equipment, or its container, shall be labeled with the maximum wattage, and the minimum wattage appropriate for its use. Additionally, each such modulator shall comply with S7.9.4.1 (a) through (g) when connected to a headlamp of the maximum rated power and a headlamp of the minimum rated power, and shall provide means so that the modulated beam functions at design voltage when the modulator is off.

(b) Instructions, with a diagram, shall be provided for mounting the light sensor including location on the motorcycle, distance above the road surface, and orientation with respect to the light.

 

[Mattel]

I am not able to shut the modulator off on my bike. It only quits flashing when it is dark out. It flashes on both high and low lights. The dealer installed it, so I suppose I could get him to install a switch to shut it off, but I don't see the big deal. I may be considered a "DORK", but those drivers that cannot see a motorcycle and usually won't give right of way to a bike when they are suppose to, almost always see me. I don't see it any more offensive than following some one with loud exhaust on their bike.

A small piece of duct tape over the daylight sensor will shut it off anytime you want. Put it on and take it off when ever your heart (or someone elses) desire it!

That will be 5-cents please.......

 

[BlueTrinity]

Another plus to the modulating headlight is that when people pass me and then pull right back in front of me they don't stay long! Its irritating to have this light flashing at you constantly in your rear view mirror.

I think you just made Screwball's case for him. If you think its not uncomfortable and irritating to ride in front of one, you probably never have done it.

We ask that modulators be OFF except for the lead. Never had anyone not comply or even bitch about it.

I suspect that if some one in the pack argued about feeling safer by leaving it on, we'd probably politely invite them to ride safely by themselves or with another group.


Just sayin' !

 

[ODDOMAN]

i WAS THINKING ABOUT REPLACING THE HIGH BEAM LIGHT WITH A LOW BEAM SET UP AND THEN I WILL HAVE BOTH LIGHTS ON AT THE SAME TIME.....LOWER TEMPS....NO HEADACHES...WHAT YOU THINK ?