Headlight Modulators

Philz · 07-24-2000, 10:50 AM

I'm curious to know if anyone has purchased and installed a headlight modulator. Do you think it helps? Is the install difficult? Any subsequent electrical issues?

I did a search on the net and found several vendors, one of which is Kriss Industries, www.kriss.com.

Any info would be helpful.

Phil

------------------

Scott LaCosse · 07-26-2000, 09:58 AM

I installed a modulator from Kisan(www.kisantech.com). They initially sent the wrong model, but exchanged without any trouble or expense. The model is p115W H7 should you order one. Install was very easy.

It will definitely get people's attention. I read a thread somewhere about a modulator causing some "Road Rage" incidents from oncoming cagers, one included the cager crossing the center line and coming head-on at the motorcyclist. I try to moderate my use of it when I'm behind someone for a long time, until they keep driving by turnouts.

Pete Osta · 07-26-2000, 10:17 AM

I have a friend that uses a headlight modulator. I have no objections to them unless said bike is behind me during a group ride. They can be very annoying which if riding alone could be a good thing.

Pete

oldfart · 07-28-2000, 12:04 PM

does anyone have any ideas on the legality (or otherwise) on the use of headlight modulators in the UK ?

markkatz · 03-04-2001, 10:47 AM

It's time to reactivate this topic...I just purchased an 'S...looking to increase conspicuity...has anyone successfully installed a headlight modulator on their 'S?...brand and model?...which bulb is the high beam?..all installation suggestions appreciated. (yes, I know I should just take the thing apart, but, I really would like to get the installation right the first time.)

jgrm1 · 03-04-2001, 06:12 PM

My headlight bounces around enough that I've determined a headlight modulator wasn't necessary. Check it out for yourself. At night, watch your beam pattern on road signs, back of vans, etc. I was following my sister once and she asked me if the light was designed that way to attract attention. And, no my headlight assembly is not loose.

-Jeff

markjenn · 03-04-2001, 07:00 PM

In the states, the legality of headlight modulation is generally dependent on state regulations and how they are enforced. Some states specific certain frequencies as acceptable.

I've passed on these things because I've never seen any good data indicating they help and because I prefer not to do anything that might annoy other drivers or johnny law.

- Mark

Greg G · 03-05-2001, 05:26 PM

Headlight modulators on the high beam are a very significant safety measure in my opinion. They are reserved for motorcycle use and are legal in all 50 states and Canada as long as they have a light sensor to shut them off at night. The Kisan 115W H7 fits the R1100S high beam as a plug and play. The sensor lead can be run through a pin hole in the rubber boot behind the left (high beam) light. This one $90 purchase that will do more to make you visisible (and maybe save your life) than anything else you can do. Say goodbye to left-turners in front of you. As for road-rage from these things...never heard of it outside the story above, which was likely a drunk crossing the lines or somebody picking up cell phone. The idea of somebody driving head-on into a bike because of a pulsing headlight strikes me as not very likely, particularly inconsideration of the fact that a head-on into a 600 pound block of metal moving towards you and hitting you head on in a car is likely to kill the car driver as well.

as far as "no good data indicating they help" ..please...

the only reason is because they are only recently invented and even less recently made legal in all 50 states and Canada. There was "no good data" that antilock brakes saves lives either until they did real research in Germany proving the are a huge help in reducing wipeouts and a very significant factor in reducing fatality. The lack of "good data" is for lack of controlled studies. When a motorcycle comes the other way with a pulsing headlight, it is THE MOST CONSPICUOUS VEHICHLE you will see unless there is a police cruiser with its lights on behind it. You would have to be blind and asleep to miss this. The common sense test applies here: if you stick out more than any other vehicle and is proven that visibility on a bike improves safety, it does follow that there is a real benefit that a study is likely to confirm at some point.

For $90...why not ?

Greg Girard

[This message has been edited by Greg G (edited 03-05-2001).]

markjenn · 03-05-2001, 07:07 PM

Greg, you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but I'd appreciate if you'd not use terms like "blind and stupid" to describe people who don't share yours.

While the Kriss literature would have you believe otherwise, the legality of these things at the state level is not clear cut, furthermore, the way laws are interpreted by the cop on the beat is definitely not consistent. If you are more obvious to other motorists, you are also more obvious to johnny law.

I wear a hi-viz aerostich and yellow helmet to you're preaching to the choir about increasing one's visiblity. I'm just not sure whether the trade-off on this particular device is a good one. That's my opinion and that is all it is.

Thanks,

- Mark