Dumb question...

itsbob

itsbob

I bowl overhand
Larry Gude said:
Then, when everyone has your lights, what then? The light arms race starts all over! :jameo:
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I've already got the HID's so they have a lot of catching up to do before I sit down at the SALT II table.

:buddies:

Have to admit though, the $18 WalMarts are still better than a single light.
 
Larry Gude

Larry Gude

Strung Out
itsbob said:
I've already got the HID's so they have a lot of catching up to do before I sit down at the SALT II table.

:buddies:

Have to admit though, the $18 WalMarts are still better than a single light.
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What is the key here, the lights down low by the forks or just having three lights a la HD?

My bike is factory wired to add two lights, passing lights they call them.
 
itsbob

itsbob

I bowl overhand
Larry Gude said:
What is the key here, the lights down low by the forks or just having three lights a la HD?

My bike is factory wired to add two lights, passing lights they call them.
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My personal belief is the triangle of lights, but even moreso the type of lights.. the brightness, the color and how much they stand out. Three identical weak lights in a row, I really don't think will make much of a difference.

I think if you had two HID lights up high as well as your low/high beam.. :yay: HIDs REALLY stick out in a crowd, if you have ever driven at night you know how well you can pick them out Waaaaaay down (or up) the road.
 
Larry Gude

Larry Gude

Strung Out
itsbob said:
My personal belief is the triangle of lights, but even moreso the type of lights.. the brightness, the color and how much they stand out. Three identical weak lights in a row, I really don't think will make much of a difference.

I think if you had two HID lights up high as well as your low/high beam.. :yay: HIDs REALLY stick out in a crowd, if you have ever driven at night you know how well you can pick them out Waaaaaay down (or up) the road.
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OK, so we aren't talking about illuminating in width for the riders vision but, to BE seen? I ask because down low would seem to me to really help with light width across my path.
 
S

Star_Rider

New Member
Larry Gude said:
OK, so we aren't talking about illuminating in width for the riders vision but, to BE seen? I ask because down low would seem to me to really help with light width across my path.
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From the Motorcycle Safety Site
Many years ago the railroad industry determined that the most conspicuous lighting arrangement, and safest, was to have a triangle of forward facing lights, the largest, brightest light at the top and two slightly smaller/dimmer lights mounted horizontally below it. This configuration had benefits that might not be immediately obvious. Most notably, when a train is moving toward you the two bottom lights appear to get farther apart. Thus, you not only recognize the lights as coming from a train, but you can tell if it is moving toward you, and you can even estimate at what speed.

A motorcycle can have exactly the same lighting advantage. If you mount running lights below your headlight you have created that magic triangle. When seen from the front you no longer look like a far distant car. Since nobody expects to see a train coming toward them on a public road, you are recognized for being 'something else' - indeed, almost certainly a motorcycle.
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itsbob

itsbob

I bowl overhand
Larry Gude said:
OK, so we aren't talking about illuminating in width for the riders vision but, to BE seen? I ask because down low would seem to me to really help with light width across my path.
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MotoLights provide some side and a little upclose forward illum.. but with the HIDs I have more than enough light forward. I used the Moto's mostly for conspicuity. I just ordered a new wiring kit so I can get them working again. I took the wiring out a few months back to do a more professional neater job of an install, and never went back and did it, mostly because of time. Now I'm riding too much to put it off any longer.


Even got new Ushio 55w 6500K bulbs in them now.. closer color match to the headlights.
 
glhs837

glhs837

Power with Control
To be seen, break the normal pattern. For cars, this is what led to the CHMSL fiasco. For your personal bike, not a chance of that happening. I will say, however, all lighting schemes, like clothing, depend on the car driver seeing you. Me, I vow to NEVER trust a car rider to see me. I assume, as a matter of course, that I'm invisible. Given that, it really doesn't matter what you do or wear. I am choosing silver/grey for my next jacket based on that.
 
itsbob

itsbob

I bowl overhand
HID headlights with stock 25W MotoLights.

I now have 50w 6500k bulbs in the same housing.

Looking at the pictures and the color of the lights, I'm thinking the one on the left is the new bulbs in the fork/ caliper lights.
 

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aps45819

aps45819

24/7 Single Dad
glhs837 said:
To be seen, break the normal pattern. For cars, this is what led to the CHMSL fiasco.

I am choosing silver/grey for my next jacket based on that.
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:confused:

My last jacket was silver, didn't notice much difference in the reactions of other drivers.. Went a little brighter and have noticed a major difference.
 

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Larry Gude

Larry Gude

Strung Out
AWESOME ride to the gym at 5:30, but chilly but CRISP! :yahoo:

Superb work out and then I just couldn't seem to find my way back home, mile after mile. Hit 70 W, back roads galore. Stopped at the folks house for coffee and got 'lost' the 1/4 mile to my place and got gas, road around some more, working on my new mad Total Control skills, came up on a laft hander that crowned and then fell away, over, down, L to R and unloaded the suspension, especially the front end, to where it gave me a bit of an anti gravity thrill. :yikes:

Hopefully going to see Randy Mann next week for suspension work now that I feel confident enough to start pushing the bike more. The class made me a WAY better curve rider. Night and day.

Good day to be alive and riding. Kinda like yesterday. And the day before...and the day before that and... :yahoo:
 
aps45819

aps45819

24/7 Single Dad
Larry Gude said:
Hopefully going to see Randy Mann next week for suspension work now that I feel confident enough to start pushing the bike more. The class made me a WAY better curve rider. Night and day.
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Should have gotten the GS :lol:
Cruisers have a suspension designed for cruising. You might stiffen it up but the basic design of the bike will limit your ability to corner.
 
Larry Gude

Larry Gude

Strung Out
aps45819 said:
Should have gotten the GS :lol:
Cruisers have a suspension designed for cruising. You might stiffen it up but the basic design of the bike will limit your ability to corner.
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That's the kewl thing about the Strat; it WILL corner well. Way better than the HD's I rode. Just need to tighten up a bit.

I'll have a r1200gs adventure or RT one day. :buddies:
 
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