Daytime Riding -- High-Beam OK?

[hschisler]

As a result of another Lighting thread I've been hammering with questions, I thought I'd open this up for others' input and discussion:

What about driving during the daytime -- do you ride with the high-beam on?
I don't have (and probably won't get) a modulator, so we can leave that can of worms unopened. :D

I've always thought riding with the high-beam on, during the day, increased my safety (i.e., visibility). Is that notion mistaken?

Is it considered rude to do that? I'll turn it off if I'm in heavy city (surface street) traffic, where I'm right behind cars fulltime. Once in lighter traffic, or on the higway, it goes back on. Night riding, of course, it's low-beam only when oncoming traffic is present -- same as how I drive a car.

TIA for your experience and comments.

[dandiver]

I keep them both on during the day, just out of self preservation unless I happen to be in very slow traffic and just creeping along, because I know the modulator is annoying the vehicles I am following. Unfortunately, both will annoy people that you are following, but from most of what I have read, it is one of the best methods of making your bike visible. I also pretend that everyone on the highway is out to get me and there is a big target on my back.

[car61]

I ride with the high beam in daylight all the time, don't think the high beam on the LT could blind anyone!!;)

[bruce2000ltc]

I've always thought riding with the high-beam on, during the day, increased my safety (i.e., visibility). Is that notion mistaken?

While daytime use of the high-beam does increase your visibility it does create another problem: It is very hard to judge the speed of a very bright light moving toward you. We calculate the distance an object is from us by it's size and it's closing speed by how fast the object is increasing in size as it approaches. High-beam use reduces the observers ability to judge your speed and distance because they focus on this bright light and it doesn't appear to change in size. This can cause them to guess your speed as much slower than it is and turn or pull out in front of you.

I prefer to use the high-beam flash button to alert drivers wanting to turn or pull out in front of me.

Bruce Hodges

[hschisler]

...I prefer to use the high-beam flash button to alert drivers wanting to turn or pull out in front of me.Bruce, I see that done a lot of times by car drivers, but haven't noticed it being done by riders (but then, not seeing too many bikes out these days because of the weather!).

My concern with flashing the high-beam is that drivers will interpret that as "Go ahead, it's safe to pull out", or "Go ahead, it's safe to turn left in front of me".

I prefer to use hand signals when possible. No misinterpretation that way (hopefully).

JMO.

[SeaMarshal]

Install a set of MotoLights and the triangle pattern will certainly catch the attention of oncoming traffic, and those in front.

Tim

[hschisler]

Install a set of MotoLights and the triangle pattern will certainly catch the attention of oncoming traffic, and those in front.
TimDid that -- had them installed 2 weeks ago. I think their effectiveness is somewhat limited in heavy traffic, where it may not be possible to see the bottom half of vehicles.

[SPM]

I have read several articles on the use of full beam in daylight and whilst it does make you more visible there are considerable downsides.

As previously posted the inability to judge speeds effectively, especially that of a fast moving motorcycle. It's no good them seeing me if they still pull out in front of me!

Another problem is the reaction of cars in front of you who become intimidated/annoyed by your headlamp flashing in their mirror as you hit bumps in the road, this is a particular problem in this crowded Island i live on as 'road rage' incidents become more nasty.

By far the best lighting set up (IMHO) to be noticed is to add a set of auxiliary lights to get the triangle effect.

If you are really concerned about being seen, here in the UK it's amazing how people see you if you ride a white bike, wearing a white helmet and yellow fluorescent jacket (just like a traffic cop!!)

[messenger13]

I'm of the opinion that it is rude to ride around with your high beams on in traffic, no matter what time it is...day or night. I am also a flasher from way back...so I wouldn't want that technique taken away from me by leaving my high beams on.

[meese]

Howard,

Just get the low beam HID. That alone has made a huge difference in how often people see me coming. Triangulation with auxiliary lights is also good, but nothing beats HID.

[JATownsend]

After nearly a year of riding with stock lighting, I converted the headlamp to HID via the wonderful HID-Online.com package and added a set of PIAA x1100s in the cowl.

The effect?? WOW...

For the first time, I actually felt I was being seen by drivers. No question. I have never been flashed for the HID brightness (I am VERY careful to keep it trimmed for load) or scatter from the PIAAs.

But, cars definitely SEE ME NOW! Whether it is the triangle thing or the HID, I can't be sure. But, the combination WORKS!

[Steve_R]

I have a HID low and high beam both on my LT. I WILL NOT ride with the HID high beam on in the daytime. I consider it rude from my ride point and I would consider it rude from an oncoming or leading vehicle stand point. The HID low is way bright enough in the daytime and with MotoLights, I am very conspicous.

JM2CW.

[DaveDragon]

I use a High Beam Modulator for Conspicuity during the day light hours along with Amber Motolights.
I only turn it off in stop & go traffic and if following a Leo as they have a higher degree of situational awareness already.

[messenger13]

I use a High Beam Modulator for Conspicuity during the day light hours along with Amber Motolights.
I only turn it off in stop & go traffic and if following a Leo as they have a higher degree of situational awareness already.And the concern of getting pulled over by Mr. LEO has nothing to do with it...right? ;)

[DaveDragon]

And the concern of getting pulled over by Mr. LEO has nothing to do with it...right? ;)

Actually, you are correct!
I'm not concerned with getting pulled over, just run over! http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon6.gif

[hschisler]

I use a High Beam Modulator for Conspicuity during the day light hours along with Amber Motolights...Interesting. How does one get amber Motolights -- is there a conversion (lens replacement? bulb replacement? both?) if, as in my case, Motolights are already installed?

Can I assume your intended use of Motolights, then, is mostly for visibility to oncoming traffic as opposed to better lighting for you, or are both goals obtained with the amber lights?

Do you have a photo of this setup?

[walilisseu]

... I prefer to use the high-beam flash button to alert drivers wanting to turn or pull out in front of me.

Bruce Hodges

I like using my BIG "Buick" horn ... its amazing to see the look on peoples faces :eek: ... kind of like "... was it that motorcycle that had that huge horn?" LOL, I love it.

Drive defensively, read "Proficient Motorcycling" and "More Proficient Motorcycling" and be aware of those crazy cagers!!

[DaveDragon]

Amber Bulbs are available from Moto-Lights.
I have two sets of Ambers on the front.
They make me a lot more visible and to a certain extent aid in road illumination.
HID Low beam is by far the best at lighting up the road for you.
I want a set of the HID Spots Raffy sells to help throw more light down range.
I do have some photos somewhere.
Here is a link to a photo taken Saturday at our SE RTE inGroveland Florida:
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1954

[messenger13]

You want to make your MotoLights 'look" amber? Just install a low-beam HID. Now both sets of my MotoLights look amber compared to my low-beam! :D :D :D

They used to look almost the same...(here's an older pic)


http://home.alltel.net/paulsey_dsl/messenger13/motolights.jpg

[hschisler]

Here is a link to a photo taken Saturday at our SE RTE inGroveland Florida:
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1954
Thanks.

Now... looking at that photo (mini-hijack -- "switching to Jpegs!"):
Am I correct in noticing that the bike in that photo has Jpegs, Mickopegs, and Highway Ottmans? If that's correct, tell me about that -- why all 3? Do they all do something different in terms of stretching your legs out? (yes, it's another topic for which I have 1,000 questions :o )

[DaveDragon]

Hello, My Name is Dave. I'm a Farkleholic http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon6.gif
Hi Dave! (in unison)
Yes you see all three on the DragonFly.
My mission to long-distance comfort has led me down several paths.

The Highway Ottomans are Great and I use them all the time.
The Mick-O-Pegs are by far the best Highway Peg system I've found for the LT.
The J-Pegs are not a good choice unless you enjoy the Gyno Exam position.

jm2cw.

[hschisler]

Hello, My Name is Dave. I'm a Farkleholic http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon6.gif
Hi Dave! (in unison)
Yes you see all three on the DragonFly.
My mission to long-distance comfort has led me down several paths.

The Highway Ottomans are Great and I use them all the time.
The Mick-O-Pegs are by far the best Highway Peg system I've found for the LT.
The J-Pegs are not a good choice unless you enjoy the Gyno Exam position.

jm2cw.LOL!! :D I now know what the "gyno exam" position means; saw it referenced in another thread recently but didn't have this verbiage to put it in context. Yikes. :eek:

I have none of these options on my LT... yet. How about a photo (from the side) of each of the 3 products in use? (yes, seems like I've been asking for lots of photos recently; they just help so much to understand how something works!) I have seen photos of the MOPs but they are focused in on the knee-ankle area; I'd like to see the whole riding position.

Are these the kinds of things one could expect (hope?) to have installed at a rally? (BMWMOA, BMWRA, STC, CCR...)

Also, looking at a mini-video clip of the MOPs on their site, it seems like they would be easy to snap off at the point where they connect to the bike. I think I saw some flexing happening in their video. Is that something to be concerned about?

[DaveDragon]

Are these the kinds of things one could expect (hope?) to have installed at a rally? (BMWMOA, BMWRA, STC, CCR...)
Why yes they are!
The Highway Ottomans are from Bobbie Patch (bpatch3 (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/member.php?userid=5023)) Vendor Page (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=70)
The Mick-o-Pegs are from Jim Mick (MOPMan (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/member.php?find=lastposter&t=2165)) Vendor Page (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=92)

We are blessed with Several Great Vendors (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=21) that support this site and provide the Farkles we love to customize out LT's with.

The flex is not an issue at all.

BTW, I have no affiliation with any of these vendors other than sharing a love for riding the LT!

[dshealey]

-----------I am also a flasher from way back...so I wouldn't want that technique taken away from me----------

Yes, but do the let you do that near school zones now? :D :D :D

You put that one out there on a silver platter Joe!

[messenger13]

Yes, but do they let you do that near school zones now? :D :D :D

You put that one out there on a silver platter Joe!Oops! Guess you caught me with me pants down again. ;)

[meese]

Oops! Guess you caught me with me pants down again. ;)http://socalsportbikes.info/xmb/images/smilies/eek2.gif

[meese]

I am very conspicous.
You're pretty conspicuous even off the bike. :)

[Steve_R]

Shucks. :o And I didn't think you noticed. ;) :)

[meese]

Conspicuous can mean many things. If you tend to take it a certain way, then maybe you'd better look inside. :) :) :)

[hschisler]

Conspicuous can mean many things. If you tend to take it a certain way, then maybe you'd better look inside. :) :) :)Gotcha. I'll delete the previous reply. I was commenting on the recent direction of the thread, not one reply.

[Steve_R]

I think this is what Ken means by conspicious. Without the helmet I've got a unique 4 light visibility point. :eek:

[messenger13]

You're a good-lookin' guy Steve.

(Until you take that helmet off!) :D

[meese]

Howard, please notice lots of smiley faces in my previous post. It's all in fun here, no offense taken from either side. :) :) :) :)

[mwnahas]

I was using the high beam during the day until someone pointed out to me that the low beam looks like 2 lights but the high beam you just see one bright light. Then I saw other LTs with them moto lights during the day and just had to get those. Now it looks like two additional points of light really add to your spotability. I don't think its brightness your eye notices but more points to look at. My $.02

[hschisler]

Howard, please notice lots of smiley faces in my previous post. It's all in fun here, no offense taken from either side. :) :) :) :)None taken here -- just playing it safe.

We all have experienced how electronic communications -- even with a variety of emoticons -- sometimes just don't convey the same nuance as personal communications.

No harm, no foul. Thanks.

[MOPMan]

Conside the state in which you are riding also. Example: Here in MI, the Sec of State RECOMMENDS that motorcyclists ride with high beam on during daylight hours to increase the chance of being seen. BUT, when you cross into OH, the LAW in OH says a rider must switch to low beam during daylight hours when following or meeting traffic JUST THE SAME AS REQUIRED AT NIGHT.

[zippy_gg]

Did that -- had them installed 2 weeks ago. I think their effectiveness is somewhat limited in heavy traffic, where it may not be possible to see the bottom half of vehicles.
That is where my PIAAs under the cowl shine!!! (pun intended):D

[ErnieA]

I have a HID low and high beam both on my LT. I WILL NOT ride with the HID high beam on in the daytime. I consider it rude from my ride point and I would consider it rude from an oncoming or leading vehicle stand point. The HID low is way bright enough in the daytime and with MotoLights, I am very conspicous.

JM2CW.

ya, What Steve said....:) I love my HID low and high beams, but would never subject someone to the high beam during the day. I use the motolights all the time and I use the "pass flash" when I come up on cross traffic and driveways.

[FridayBob]

If you are riding with your high beams ahead or behind me, I just can't continue to allow them to shine in my eyes. If you are behind me I will move my head or my mirrors so the lights aren't in my field of vision. If you are ahead, I just look somewhere else. NOW I'M NOT WATCHING YOU! After a few minutes I forget you are there.

Sorry, but I can't see any justification for riding with high beams. You are actually less visible because I can't look at you.

I think the same logic applies to your friends riding with you: do any of you want your riding buddies shining their high beams into your eyes? Would an oncoming bike with high beams help you make it around that curve?

FridayBob

[hschisler]

If you are riding with your high beams ahead or behind me, I just can't continue to allow them to shine in my eyes. If you are behind me I will move my head or my mirrors so the lights aren't in my field of vision. If you are ahead, I just look somewhere else. NOW I'M NOT WATCHING YOU! After a few minutes I forget you are there.

Sorry, but I can't see any justification for riding with high beams. You are actually less visible because I can't look at you.

I think the same logic applies to your friends riding with you: do any of you want your riding buddies shining their high beams into your eyes? Would an oncoming bike with high beams help you make it around that curve?
FridayBobThanks Bob -- and everyone else.

My original question is somewhat dated -- about 6 weeks old now. I stopped riding with the high beam on, oh... about 5 1/2 weeks ago! I understand now the implications of using the high beam during the day. :)

[Mopos]

Install a set of MotoLights and the triangle pattern will certainly catch the attention of oncoming traffic, and those in front.

Tim


Or think that you are a freight train! hehehehe :D

I agree, the triangle approach gets attention...