Headlight modulator. Yes or no.

[MPERL]

Who uses one and who does not. I am deciding whether or not to install one.

 

[Sidecarbill]

Hate them don't understand the reasoning behind them. Wouldn't own one, they just annoy people. I guess the best thing I can say about them is you'll be leading the pack, because no one I know will ride in front of you.

 

[MPERL]

Not in a group ride.

Of course I would not use it in a group ride.

 

[Sully]

A friend had one and removed it after cars in front of him would stop or slow down because they thought he was trying to stop them or they thought it was an emergency. If you want to be seen better, add LED running lights or parking lights. :Shrug:

 

[rhino 2]

If you want to annoy people they work great...:Shrug:

 

[bikerbillone]

I'm on the same page with those prefer not to use modulators, rather annoying, but that's just me.

 

[FRR]

Don't like them, wouldn't own one, and certainly don't want to ride in front of one.

 

[Ozarkryder]

In my part of the country every year or two there is at least one incident of a car pulling out in front of a bike with a modulator. The cage driver usually says something like, "He was flashing his lights!" In this area flashing your lights is a sign to a car driver that is waiting to pull out of a driveway or side street, even with a stop sign, that you will slow down so they can go on ahead of you. Not too many headlight modulators in SW MO or NWA.

 

[Smilam]

I guess I am the odd ball in the group. I have had them on my last two bikes and will always have one. I don't care if it annoys other drivers. I have had people slow down, pull over, tell me there was something wrong with my light, and cuss me out. If they can't tell that it's not an emergency vehicle since there are no red or blue flashing lights, there are two people on it most of the time, they are wearing high visibility coats then that's to bad.

When I tell the ones that think there's something wrong with my bike that it is a safety feature to help make sure people see me they generally reply that it is a good idea and I thank them. For the two people who have cussed me out, I just told them that it is for my and my passengers safety and I didn't care if they liked it or not. I had a friend killed last year when a car turned left in front of him. Of course nobody will ever know if the car driver would have seen him if he had a modulator or not but I know for a fact that drivers have started to pull out in front of me and came to a sudden stop when my light caught their eye.

In over 40 thousand miles I have only had two cars pull out in front of me since I installed the modulator and neither one of them even looked in my direction. I don't use it in group rides since there are more headlights to catch their attention. You can turn it off by switching to low beams and there is a photo cell that disables it at dusk. As cheap as they are I would suggest you get one and try it and see if you don't notice that you are seen much better.

 

[JaysGone]

Smilam
Your no oddball.
Ive been using them for the last 10 years on all my bikes.
They make people much more aware of your presence.
Yes occasionally someone will pull over thinking your a cop or an emergency vehicle.
But that a good thing.
The more visable during the day you are and you can be seen over a half mile away.
The safer you are.
The only thing any other motorist has said to me and I commute daily using the trike.
"Is do you know your headlights are blinking??

 

[MPERL]

Headlight Modulator

I posted this on the Honda Trike board, knowing that non Goldwing riders would likely be dead against using it. I had it on my last 3 Goldwings, but the GL1500 and GL1200 headlights are not nearly as bright as the 1800. I am undecided on adding it to my 1800. Similar post on an all Goldwing message board has nearly universal positive replies, all based on the impression of providing extra safety, not less. I did not look to see if those replies were 1800 owners or not.

 

[Konrad]

Smilam
Your no oddball.
Ive been using them for the last 10 years on all my bikes.
They make people much more aware of your presence.
Yes occasionally someone will pull over thinking your a cop or an emergency vehicle.
But that a good thing.
The more visable during the day you are and you can be seen over a half mile away.
The safer you are.
The only thing any other motorist has said to me and I commute daily using the trike.
"Is do you know your headlights are blinking??

Same situation as Jay's! Occasionally people will get out of my way and others will caution me that I have an electrical problem. When I explain the purpose the inevitable response is "Good Idea!"

 

[Oldmsocko]

I have never felt the need for one.

 

[schiel1]

Had one set for about a year and a half but just recently on a trip I had to remove it. The unit went bad it caused the high beams to also not work. That said, Yes it does cause some confusion to cars but I did not use it all the time. I found it most useful on roads with many intersections and I liked it on country roads that have driveways and small intersections on them. Many people can be turning out onto a main road and be diligent in looking and look right beyond you, not see you at all. As for riding in a group. At times I did have them on and never got a complaint.

 

[Trail Blazer]

modulator lights

I guess I am the odd ball in the group. I have had them on my last two bikes and will always have one. I don't care if it annoys other drivers. I have had people slow down, pull over, tell me there was something wrong with my light, and cuss me out. If they can't tell that it's not an emergency vehicle since there are no red or blue flashing lights, there are two people on it most of the time, they are wearing high visibility coats then that's to bad.

When I tell the ones that think there's something wrong with my bike that it is a safety feature to help make sure people see me they generally reply that it is a good idea and I thank them. For the two people who have cussed me out, I just told them that it is for my and my passengers safety and I didn't care if they liked it or not. I had a friend killed last year when a car turned left in front of him. Of course nobody will ever know if the car driver would have seen him if he had a modulator or not but I know for a fact that drivers have started to pull out in front of me and came to a sudden stop when my light caught their eye.

In over 40 thousand miles I have only had two cars pull out in front of me since I installed the modulator and neither one of them even looked in my direction. I don't use it in group rides since there are more headlights to catch their attention. You can turn it off by switching to low beams and there is a photo cell that disables it at dusk. As cheap as they are I would suggest you get one and try it and see if you don't notice that you are seen much better.

+1 on the modulator light I had many cars pull out in front of me after I installed the modulator over a year ago, cars pulling out in front of me has dropped. I see a lot of cars start to pull out and then hit there brakes. so I am convinced it is a safety addition.

 

[Duck]

I'm another rider that has one and glad to use it. I also turn it off when I am riding in a group unless I am the lead bike.

 

[geol]

Of course I would not use it in a group ride.

I traded a guy for a Harley FLHTCUI who had one installed on the Harley and there was no "off/on" switch. It flashed all the time except when it was dark as there was a sensor stuck up front on the bike. He also had added a module for the rear light which made it blink. Can't recall how that worked but both were removed immediately as I found them annoying.

 

[consitter]

I had one, and would recommend it to anyone. The 'on/off' switch was the dimmer switch, which according to federal law, it has to have. If not, it's not installed correctly. When on dim it didn't modulate. When on bright it did. Even when on bright, if the light was too dim for the light sensor, it stopped modulating.

When it matters most is when going through intersections. It got me noticed when going through. I can't tell you how many times somebody would be ready to turn right on red, start to go, see my light modulating, and their car would nose-dive to a stop. I had a guy actually drive up beside me at the next red light, and tell me how he would have never have seen me otherwise. He also apologized for whatever reason.

Anyhow, it comes down to this--it doesn't matter what I say, or what anybody else does...if it makes you feel safe, put them on. But I personally say this--no matter what anybody says, they sure aren't going to hurt anything. If somebody gets mad or aggravated with them, SO WHAT. It's your safety and your bike. There. I've ranted enough.

 

[87Trike1200]

I had one, and would recommend it to anyone. The 'on/off' switch was the dimmer switch, which according to federal law, it has to have. If not, it's not installed correctly. When on dim it didn't modulate. When on bright it did. Even when on bright, if the light was too dim for the light sensor, it stopped modulating.

When it matters most is when going through intersections. It got me noticed when going through. I can't tell you how many times somebody would be ready to turn right on red, start to go, see my light modulating, and their car would nose-dive to a stop. I had a guy actually drive up beside me at the next red light, and tell me how he would have never have seen me otherwise. He also apologized for whatever reason.

Anyhow, it comes down to this--it doesn't matter what I say, or what anybody else does...if it makes you feel safe, put them on. But Ipersonally say this--no matter what anybody says, they sure aren't going to hurt anything. If somebody gets mad or aggravated with them, SO WHAT. It's your safety and your bike. There. I've ranted enough.

Without re-writing many of the same thoughts, I agree with consitter, have one on my 1500, and wouldn't be without it...

 

[consitter]

Without re-writing many of the same thoughts, I agree with consitter, have one on my 1500, and wouldn't be without it...

I think it's unfortunate that the daymaker headlights can't be used with a modulator. But, the trade off is they are just so much brighter than even the halogen lights.

 

[schiel1]

What also helps but I see very few people doing it is to use your high beams during the day light hours. Especially non-goldwings. You can hardly see the bike riding behind you no less the other drivers.

I also have the BikeMP3 960 lower cowl lights, VERY BRIGHT... and pricey but considering what we pay for bling there worth every penny.

 

[consitter]

What also helps but I see very few people doing it is to use your high beams during the day light hours. Especially non-goldwings. You can hardly see the bike riding behind you no less the other drivers.

I also have the BikeMP3 960 lower cowl lights, VERY BRIGHT... and pricey but considering what we pay for bling there worth every penny.

Yup. I use my brights during the day. I've looked at them from a distance, and they shine right up into drivers eyes. Doesn't blind of course, but they can be seen.

Of course to cagers, you can wear a clown suit, and have the bike painted like a circus wagon, and they will still not see you.

It's freaking amazing, isn't it?

 

[bassfisher]

I have used them on other bikes that I have, i just have not gotten them installed yet them on my trike or my VTX. Yes, they can annoy drivers - but if it stops one person from pulling out in front of you, then they are worth every penny. I've had local cops pull me over for using them, til I whip out the papers showing the police officer it is totally legal. Hooked up correctly on high beams, they can work like a charm. Riding in a group, (Im usually the tailgunner) Im riding with low beams, so they didnt modualte

Bottom line - if you want to ride with them more power to you, if you dont like them, more power to you

To me, it is a safety issue If it stops someone from plowing into me, then they are worth bit of annoyance

 

[mr&mbr]

Can you see me now

Who uses one and who does not. I am deciding whether or not to install one.

Is your life worth $100? These lights work! You can see them from over half a mile in a straight line. I have been stopped by several people to inquire what it is because they were able to easily see me. I use this with the loudest air horn I can buy, to make sure I am seen!!

All the best and safe riding!
Michael & MaryBeth

 

[5x40]

Harley Tri-Glide here...I have the HD modulator installed. has manual on/off switch and light sensor. turns off automatically at the slightest hint of darkness. no I don't use when riding w/others and yes it get the attention at intersections and of on coming vehicles. it does what it's intended for and does it well.

high beam riding...actually it is a good idea to always ride w/your high beams on if for no other reason you have no choice but to have a head light on...consider this, if you are on a trip or a long day ride and constantly using low beam and it should burn out, then you have no alternative but to ride w/your high beam on after dark...now that is gonna pizz off a lot of on coming traffic, the rider/s, or cars in front of you.

be safe, ride, and enjoy the fall colors.

 

[JaysGone]

Just today 2 more cagers at a stop light said to me do you know your headlights blinking??
Whether one likes them or not. ( Other drivers.)
I personally dont care. Im being seen and thats what counts.
Modulatators help you be seen.
Thats all that matters to me.

 

[FlashGordon]

I have had them on my last 5 bikes and trikes, LOVE them, yes they annoy other drivers BUT They see you. Unfortunately you can't put them on HID's which is on my current Trike.

 

[SMOKEYSQUIRREL]

Headlight modulator

On my first trike--'95-2000--I used it for the Fulton County SO Reserve--had red/ blue lights & siren. IF I operated the modulator--cars would automatically PULL OVER--even if the red/ blues WEREN'T ON.

Just got back into riding a motor after 15 year absence and was 'debating' modulator--NO !!

(But--I DO have amber/ amber flashers ft & rear for when stop at accident scenes)