Another Dilemna

[heychap]

Well, after much drama and fanfare I got my spotlights hooked up. Used the Gadget method-Relay in the headlight bucket and to the battery......Now I was thinking of getting a plug and play headlight modulator from Kisan, but I think my "plug and play" space has been used up. Now what can I do?

[jestephens]

I don't wish to hurt feelings, rather give another perspective
I just have to put this out there regardless of how controversial the topic . . . I would leave the modulator out completely.
Even as a biker myself, when I see one in the rear view or coming at me, I'm more distracted by the aggravating "modulation" or simply upset at the striking simularity and suprisingly-legal emulation to an emergency vehicle. Especially when I've already made a deliberate effort (pulled over) to let the EmergencyVehiclepass

When I see one in a group, it's always at the front. I'm convinced it's not because the group concensus is that's the Safest place, but rather no one wants it behind Them

??? ??? ???

[ells]

I tend to agree with Jay, those modulators can cause a fixation, and some bad things could come from that. I've caught myself doing it - the fixation part not the bad things part. Multiple bright lights make you visible enough, IMHO.

[heychap]

I hear ya, and appreciate the opinions. One concern I originally had was a driver who was getting ready to make a left hand turn would glance up, see the modulator and think you were flashing your beams giving them the go ahead to turn, when in actuality, that could spell disaster.

[chainsaw]

I think I read somewhere that they are illegal in some states, but not sure.

[taz366]

First time I ever saw one in action, I was convinced the guy's charging system was shot..

I think I am more a fan of brake light modulators.. And 150+ watts of light up front..

B.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

In all my years of riding I have never had a close call from the rear. Plus I always keep a close eye on my rear so don't worry a lot about that. All of my close calls have been from the front, idiots turning left in front of you, pulling out in front of you. Had a female drive on a four lane do that today. Pretty heavy traffic and I was in the fast lane passing slower vehicles in the right. A girl was in the crossover in the median. I figured she was going to do it since there was a hundred yards or so. Sure enough she did it. I had already prepared for it and it wasn't a big problem. Just that people that see a bike coming always seem to do it. If you were right beside a car and someone was waiting to pull onto the highway if the car was in the lane they wanted to pull into they wouldn't but let a bike be in the lane they want to move into and here they come.

[dougster]

I would rather have the drivers ahead fixate their attention on you (because it means, they have SEEN you), than not see you at all, and turn in front of you. Being seen is the point.

[Scoot]

Originally Posted by "CHAINSAW"

I think I read somewhere that they are illegal in some states, but not sure.

nope you didn't read that anywhere

[jestephens]

haha. Scoot, you're right. ;)

Technically, these things are legal because they "Modulate" from low-beam to high-beam instead of "Flash" on and off. Any "flashing" light is illegal without appropriate permits depending on the color/use. Turn signals are of course an exception, but even they have limitations of color.

[dogdoc]

Head Modulators are 50-states legal at this writing. I own one and wouldn't be without it. best mod i have added. I understand some of your opinions and thats cool. This is my opinion and I do think they save lives. I've never had anybody do anything stupid due to my head light. A few pull over and thats cool. But I think they can only be a good addition to one's bike.

[Yellow Jacket]

+1 Doc.

[dabull]

i like the modulated light - dont have one, just SEEN them....course three lights up front pretty bright too

[ells]

Originally Posted by dougster

I would rather have the drivers ahead fixate their attention on you (because it means, they have SEEN you), than not see you at all, and turn in front of you. Being seen is the point.

Unfortunately, when you fixate on something you tend to head towards it, as many of us were taught relative to obstructions in your path.

[jestephens]

Sad, but true, Modulating headlights and always-on high-beam only encourage me to flip the famous finger.
Which in turn makes Jesus cry a little . . . You don't want to be responsible for making Jesus cry do you? :'(

Just Kidding ;) ;) ;)