Motorcycle question....

[dave1959]

I am a non-rider so bear with me....

What is the deal with motorcycles and the flashing headlights... I think I get that its for safety..
But I was always under the impression that flashing lights on a motor vehicle were not legal.

 

[aps45819]

It's a modulator that helps people see you past the cell phone they're illegally holding up on the side of their head.

Doesn't meet the legal defination of a flashing light

 

[itsbob]

It's a modulator that helps people see you past the cell phone they're illegally holding up on the side of their head.

Doesn't meet the legal defination of a flashing light

Saw a pair of them on a trike yesterday that seemed to be too slow (more flashing than modulating). That and two lights were flashing thought we were only allowed a single modulating light.

 

[Star_Rider]

As aps states it is for safety and covered under Federal law so its legal in all 50 states. With distracted drivers running into ambulances, firetrucks and school buses, bikers are given this little bit of help. Though it seems that nothing can get through to a soccer mom in a Suburban with the windows up talking on a cell phone

Here is the Code of Federal Regulations title 49 part 571.108

S7.9.4 Motorcycle headlamp modulation system.

S7.9.4.1 A headlamp on a motorcycle may be wired to modulate either the upper beam or the lower beam from its maximum intensity to a lesser intensity, provided that:

(a) The rate of modulation shall be 240 ±40 cycles per minute.

(b) The headlamp shall be operated at maximum power for 50 to 70 percent of each cycle.

(c) The lowest intensity at any test point shall be not less than 17 percent of the maximum intensity measured at the same point.

(d) The modulator switch shall be wired in the power lead of the beam filament being modulated and not in the ground side of the circuit.

(e) Means shall be provided so that both the lower beam and upper beam remain operable in the event of a modulator failure.

There is some more technical stuff following but that is the main part.