motorcycle modulator

[koganti]

I have seen people talk about getting a modulator for there head light but no feed back on any user experiences.

I would like to what modulator you got on your GS.

How to other drivers Reaction differ before and after using it.

Did you ever get a ticket from a LEO for using it (for lack of knowledge that they are legal).


K

[RedShift]

I've got a Kisan pathBlazer headlight modulator and believe it does make you noticed among the larger traffic on the road.  I have no way of knowing if it has saved me from an accident, but it hasn't hurt me in any way. 

The only reaction I've experienced was that someone ahead of me moved over to the right lane, either because it was bugging them, or perhaps they thought I was an emergency vehicle of some kind (police or fire)??  I only use it when the traffic around me gets congested, I notice a high density of weaving drivers or others that "don't give a s#@t about anyone else".

I'm in favour of them and no LEO has ever challenged me for using one.  Have a look at Kisan's Regulations web page.  References the Federal statue that shows them as legal.  Suggest you visit your state's Highway Traffic Act to see if they make reference other legislation.  I checked it out in Michigan Motor Vehicle Code and didn't find anything.  So I carry a printout of the Federal law, just in case I'm challenged.

With all this said, I use mine sparingly.  I upgraded my headlight to a 4000K PIAA SuperWhite.  I'm not looking to annoy people, just to say right-side up.   

[TadMC]

x

[RedShift]

Is that legal?

Is what Legal?

If it's the question of a Headlight Modulator, it's covered in the 2002 CFR Title 49, Chapter 5, Section 571 of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.  Click on this link to Standard No. 108; Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.  Search for S7.9.4 and you'll be at the text that explains what Kisan's device is intended to perform to.

[joedude]

  I upgraded my headlight to a 4000K PIAA SuperWhite. 

How did that new Headlight work for you? is it noticeably brighter than stock? I don't really like the yellow/dull tint of the stock bulb, but I don't want to sacrifice candlepower for looks.

thanks

[RedShift]

How did that new Headlight work for you? is it noticeably brighter than stock? I don't really like the yellow/dull tint of the stock bulb, but I don't want to sacrifice candlepower for looks.

thanks

The advertisements don't lie.  I dare say that I see 25% more with the PIAA Super White bulb in than stock.  Sylvania SilverStars are just as good (perhaps better).  The bulb still consumes 55w/60w but at a higher illumination temperature.

[joedude]

How did that new Headlight work for you? is it noticeably brighter than stock? I don't really like the yellow/dull tint of the stock bulb, but I don't want to sacrifice candlepower for looks.

thanks

The advertisements don't lie.  I dare say that I see 25% more with the PIAA Super White bulb in than stock.  Sylvania SilverStars are just as good (perhaps better).  The bulb still consumes 55w/60w but at a higher illumination temperature.

Is it a swap part? or does it require some modding? and,
Where did you buy yours? and how much should I expect to pay for em?

[Rema1000]

You can also try leaving your headlight on high-beam on sunny days.  My MSF manual actually recommended that, although the DMV manual did not.

[joedude]

You can also try leaving your headlight on high-beam on sunny days.  My MSF manual actually recommended that, although the DMV manual did not.

I prefer to not do that. and besides, Low/High beam mostly changes the direction of the light beam, I'm looking for a better/more efficient light in both settings.

I can't have my high beams on day or night cause there's too much traffic here in the city, so I want the low-beam of light to be as bright as possible to light up the road in front of me as clearly as possible, not just put on my high-beams and have my headlight pointed straight out and blind the drivers around me.

[John Bates]

Is that legal?

AMA has tabulated each state's motorcycle laws.  From this it looks like all states allow a modulated headlight.