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Iron Butt
Posts: 741
Central New York | How about some opinions, facts, and data on headlamp modulators. I don't recall ever seeing one around these parts (upstate NY) so I can't make an informed decision on whether I want one. It doesn't make the bike go faster, farther, smoother. Can't be classified as "bling", I don't get to see it or feel it. So why? Will it make me live longer? Anyway: 1. Is there any proof or reliable testimony that they help ride safe? 2. Are they a pain in the butt? (something else to remember to turn on and off, etc.) 3. Do they destroy headlight bulbs? 4. Are they bad for the Vision? (do they send the stator or regulator into a tissy, do they wipe or the radio, cancel the signals or cruise control) 5. Do they make the bike look like crap? 6. Are some better than others? 7. What is a good one for the Vision? 8. Does anyone have a long term (miles or years) track record with one? And can we please keep this thread about headlamp modulators and not insert the "o--" word "f-----" word, or "t---" word. Thanks! 
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Please, let's don't talk about these either. Saw one on the way across the plains of Kansas and I was glad I finally passed it. I don't think he had to avoid less hazards because of it. Oh yeah, that's right he had the over tractor trailer from the wind on his side, but I don't think it helped him get around it. I'm sure those who had him in his rearview mirror was glad to see him pass. By the way, he was a BMW rider, Mr. Safety with his bright orange vest. I guess every little bit helps though. Now you know how I feel about it, and gives folks points to argue against. I just hope every rider realizes and rides like nobody sees you, that is the safest way to ride. It saved me when the idiot slowed in the hammer lane to make an illegial U-turn on the emergency cross over on the interstate. |
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Tourer
Posts: 492
Indianapolis, IN | Have one on my other bike, rarely use it unless I just feel like people are trying to kill me. I do believe they can be very annoying for other drivers and maybe even a distraction. That doesn't sound very safe. Some people coming toward you will display there frustrations with you by flashing their brights on and off until they are past you. Others get scared or annoyed and get out of your way and let you pass when you are approaching from behind. I've even had them pull off the road to let me go by. BTW I don't think this is a good idea even if it works out for the motorcyclist.
I've had no issues with the bike handling it. I have heard some cops will give you a hard way to go. Some have even had to resort to carrying copies of state laws stating that modulators are legal in order to avoid a ticket when stopped.
I think I would add more standard lighting, say fog lights, before I would put a modulator on my Vis.
Next.................. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 935
Rockford, IL | I did some research on these a while back and about the only thing I found was folks bragging about how cagers pull over for them. Personally I don't want cagers doing this in front of me, my luck will have them slamming on brakes prior to pulling over.
I couldn't find any independent studies showing any actual benefits. I think these are on of those "I spent the money so therefore it has to work" type things. And I think I will continue to think this until someone shows me some actual proof otherwise. |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Cleveland, GA | I have them on my Honda Shadow. In two years and 40,000 miles, I had a modulator on it for the last 35,000. I had NO ONE pull out in front of me the entire time with a modulator. Several did before the modulator was installed. Can't say the modulator made them aware enough to not pull out in front of me, but I have never had a problem with people pulling out with them on. All I can say is that I am a firm believer in headlight modulators. No one has ever pulled over for me because of it either.
I have considered adding one to my Vision, but the headlight is enough of a PITA to change without adding the modulator behind the bulb, so I don't know yet. Between the headlight on bright, the HID light, the driving lights, and the huge orange running lights on front, I think they see me pretty well. |
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Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | I don't have any facts or data, but my opinion is, they should't be allowed. I believe only emergency vehicles should have flashing lights. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Lone Ranger, one thing I did notice today and there was a lot of bikes out and I saw one Vision behind me, it was the brightest, yet not too bright of a light. I saw a Ice Blue yesterday and I noticed it a far off and keep watching to see what had such a good headlight, of course it was a Vision.
No one can argue your personal experience, however, I think the Vision has the niche on getting noticed long before you see what it is. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 184
Allen Park, MI | varyder - 2010-06-27 12:55 AM
Lone Ranger, one thing I did notice today and there was a lot of bikes out and I saw one Vision behind me, it was the brightest, yet not too bright of a light. I saw a Ice Blue yesterday and I noticed it a far off and keep watching to see what had such a good headlight, of course it was a Vision.
No one can argue your personal experience, however, I think the Vision has the niche on getting noticed long before you see what it is.
+1 |
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Cruiser
Posts: 204
guelph ontario | Had one on my old GW and I thought it was effective -never had issues with any complaints and felt it increased frontal visability. Once had a copper stop me-he said he wanted to see what the devise was and he said it was very visable and thought it was a good idea. Dont have one on Vision but have small driving lamps which give lots of frontal visability. Used to have what was called a Cyberlight on the back of the GW which activated on breaking-the faster and harder you braked the faster and brighter it would flash. Havent seen one of these in years and if they still made them would get one. Better than the flashers for brake lights that are available now. Back in 1980 it cost 150 bucks so it was fairly expensive for the time. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 25
Illinois | I just had the modulator installed on my vision and it was definitely worth the $60!!! It's is very visible and it's all about SAFETY! |
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Tourer
Posts: 499
Chattanooga, TN | A few days ago, a friend of mine was put on the prayer list. Glen is an older guy who I've ridden with quite a few times. He has a 2008 HD Electraglide UltraClassic. Damn cager pulled out in front of him as he was going down the road. He said the guy looked straight at him and Glen could see his eyes, but he pulled out anyway. No way to miss a copper and black ultra, and the guy who pulled out went to check on him, and told him he rode a bike as well. He was "really sorry, mister". Glen has a fractured pelvis, right thumb, and swollen knee(they don't know any more about the knee yet).
I don't give a flyin' f if someone pulls over to the side for me, thinking I'm an emergency vehicle. Bakfixr, what brand modulator do you have, and what kind of PITA was it to install? |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 18
Northeast Ohio | I would like to cover your questions from a point of fact and almost 10 years of use of Kisan headlight modulators on numerous motorcycles. I have exclusively used Kisan brand ( I don't work for Kisan or sell their products), so my response will be tailored to that product exclusively. I currently have the Kisan headlight modulator installed on my 2010 Vision Tour.
1- There is no documented proof that I found that headlight modulators will help you ride safe. From my experience in thousands and thousands of miles, I am VERY confident that headlight (and taillight) modulators have made me MUCH more visible to cars and drivers. Flicking them on and off while you are waiting at an intersection with a left turning car in front of you will make the soccer mom on the cell phone notice you for sure, I've proved that to my self MANY times doing it. Have I had cars pull over for me? Sure, a coupe of times a summer it happens, no big deal.
2- They are not a pain in the butt. I put them on my high beams and don't worry about it. I will turn them off when I'm not leading a pack of other riders. As a matter of fact, another use for them is that if I'm not leading a ride and in the back of a line of bikes, I will turn them on when a fuel or bathroom stop is needed and the ride leader knows this. I will also use them if I get caught at a traffic light when the rest of the pack gets through. Very effective
3- I've not had a bulb failure in all the motorcycles I've used the Kisan modulators on. You need to be VERY careful on installation about touching the bulbs. If you do touch the bulbs without proper cleaning, they will burn out fast.
4- Not bad for the Vision at all. I do not have them hooked into the HID light, just the two regular lights. No radio interference, no flickering dash lights, no problems at all.
5- If you hide the wiring properly, along with the light sensor, nobody will know you have them installed at all.
6,7- I've only used Kisan, and never had a failure. I have no experience with the other brands.
8- Almost 10 years with the same Kisan product, many thousands of miles - never a failure. I am very picky on how I route wires, protecting them from chafing and pulling.
Some people say that modulators are against the law, I pass 3-4 police cars each day I ride to work and never have been pulled over. I employ a police officer and have asked him about the laws, he said no problem. I occasionally ride with a deputy sheriff, he says no problem, another friend is a state trooper, he says no problem, I could go on and on. I've ridden in almost every state from Ohio east, and never have had a policeman look at me twice with the modulators on.
If I find something that will give me even a small chance of staying alive on my motorcycle, I'm going to use it.
Now are you ready for the bad news? Putting the headlight modulators on the vision is the hardest install I've done. You will swear. You will cut your hands. You will be frustrated. Unless you have very small hands, it will be the most difficult 3-4 hours of your life, but it will be very worth it. Better yet, find a friend with the smallest, strongest hands and buy him dinner for helping you!
I hope this helps. If you want to send me a PM on some Vision install tips, please feel free to do so.
Good luck with your decision,
Steve DiFranco |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 741
Central New York | I would like to thank everyone for such great responses. A couple of pros and many cons. However, I noticed that almost exclusively the cons were in reference to how they may annoy someone else, while the the pros focused on the benefits to ones self. My first responsibility when I get on my bike is to return safely to my family. In reading these replies I have to assume that a headlight modulator just might add to my chances of meeting that responsibility. After all, in 62 years I have used many of my "luck chips", I don't know how many I have left! 
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 25
Illinois | I agree glighto11, it's all about making your bike more visual.... I don't recall the make of the modulator, I saw it at the dealer and the install took them an hour. It's wired to the high beams not the hid. There is a photo sensor which turns of the mod at night and also a toggle switch to deactivate if needed. |
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Tourer
Posts: 395
Moravia, IA | I would also like to toss my 2 cents in.
Ive logged almost 5 years with a headlight modulator on several bikes, including my Vision.
1. Is there any proof or reliable testimony that they help ride safe?
Nothing conclusive. It would be rather hard to prove but I honestly believe in them as a safety device. Sure I may annoy a driver on occasion....but if I annoyed them, they saw me. Ive honestly only had 1 person complain....and it was a biker, not a cager. He got all bent out of shape about it and spouted off at a PGR ride......believe it or not. I do get alot of "hey your headlight is broken....its blinking"....again, if they noticed THAT.....they noticed ME. Ive also had a few cars here and there pull over....but less recently as modulator use is getting more common where I live.
2. Are they a pain in the butt? (something else to remember to turn on and off, etc.)
Nothing to remember to turn on and off. The unit I buy is pre-wired for high beam operation but can be changed to low beam if desired. There is an electric eye that will automatically shut the unit off for you in conditions where you shouldn't run it (dark, very overcast etc). Otherwise, if for some reason you dont want your headlight to blink just use your low beams. Low beams no blinkie.......high beams blinkie (unless the electric eye deems it to "dark").
3. Do they destroy headlight bulbs?
Nope....not at all. They dont actually blink fully off and on....more like alternate between 20% to 100% power (Im paraphrasing here, if you look it up you will get actual percentages....but you get the just). There is no on-off cycling of the bulb this way. In all the bikes Ive ever run a modulator Ive never replaced a headlight.....never.
4. Are they bad for the Vision? (do they send the stator or regulator into a tissy, do they wipe or the radio, cancel the signals or cruise control)
Nope, ZERO problems.
5. Do they make the bike look like crap?
You cant tell its even there (except the headlights modulating). You could not find any evidence of the modulator on my bike....look all you want. It took a whole 15 mins to install. Unplug headlights. Plug modulator into headlights. Plug bike into modulator. Route electric eye somewhere it can "see" the sky. Simple as that.
6. Are some better than others?
They cant be really. There are strict regulations for headlight modulators. They MUST modulate between a certain percentage of light......they MUST have an electric eye that meets standards......they MUST fail in a way that allows the headlight to always function even if the modulator malfunctions. This is per the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Because of this I believe they are all fairly equal. Kisan units were mentioned above....I use Comagination units on my bikes.
http://www.comagination.com/
7. What is a good one for the Vision?
Any should work and be just fine.
8. Does anyone have a long term (miles or years) track record with one?
Ive got almost 5 years with near 50K miles on headlight modulators on Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and Victory motorcycles. I used them on everything from my Ninja.....to my Goldwing.....to my old KZ1000. Never had a failure, issue or problem of any kind.
Steve DiFranco - 2010-06-27 1:55 PM
Some people say that modulators are against the law, I pass 3-4 police cars each day I ride to work and never have been pulled over. I employ a police officer and have asked him about the laws, he said no problem. I occasionally ride with a deputy sheriff, he says no problem, another friend is a state trooper, he says no problem, I could go on and on. I've ridden in almost every state from Ohio east, and never have had a policeman look at me twice with the modulators on.
If I find something that will give me even a small chance of staying alive on my motorcycle, I'm going to use it.
Now are you ready for the bad news? Putting the headlight modulators on the vision is the hardest install I've done. You will swear. You will cut your hands. You will be frustrated. Unless you have very small hands, it will be the most difficult 3-4 hours of your life, but it will be very worth it. Better yet, find a friend with the smallest, strongest hands and buy him dinner for helping you!
I hope this helps. If you want to send me a PM on some Vision install tips, please feel free to do so.
Good luck with your decision,
Steve DiFranco
Steve, what was problematic with your modulator install? I literally reached up there, unplugged the bikes headlight plug.....plugged modulator in.....zip tied the extra wires nearby......routed the eye - honestly took 15 mins. There are no wires visible....everything nice and hidden. Im also 6ft4in with size 14 shoes and equally big hands.....it was tight in there but not that big of a deal.
Also ref legal issues. Headlight modulators are 50 state legal per federal code. It says right in this federal code that it can NOT be superseded by state or local laws. I carry a copy with me. I work in law enforcement......so far 1 state trooper and 1 DOT officer called me on it. I showed them the paperwork.....they confirmed it with the very large book they carry in the trunk and I was on my way with a thank you from them for the information. I highly suggest carrying a copy with you, just in case.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-technical-articles/Modulator...
Edited by aaronrkelly 2010-06-30 2:06 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 18
Northeast Ohio | Aaron,
I agree with everything you stated.
I have pretty big hands, so getting them up inside behind the light pod was a challenge. I think a person with normal sized hands would have less of an issue than I did. I also wanted to get the modulator adaptors inside the rubber water protective covers on the back of each light fixture. I had to remove the air cleaner pre filter and the aluminum covers on the side fairing to get my big paws up and inside to do the job.
Once the adaptors were on, the balance of the wiring took just a few minutes. The Kisan unit came pre-programmed to activate on the high beams out of the box, so no other fussing around was needed.
Good luck and ride safe,
Steve DiFranco |
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Tourer
Posts: 550
Tacoma, WA | I for one will never have a headlight modulator on any bike I own. Anything that mimics a LEO is not too good an idea. Try riding in front of someone with one on for a few miles. It is annoying as hell, akin to riding behind a bike with loud pipes. Just another un-neccesary item that angers the drivers around you. Not exactly a safe thing. If your bike has inadequate lights, as most bikes do, install some quality auxillary lights to make a recognizable "signature" that cagers (and riders) can see easier. The Vision has a great set of lights, with the combination of HID and incandescent lights, so it is easier to see with the broader spectrum of light than most bikes. A good set of low-mounted driving lights would be a better investment than a modulator, any day. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 184
Allen Park, MI | I guess its all about personal preference....the last thing I am worried about is annoying any cagers..if it helps but just one person see me easier....mission accomplished. With having the ability to shut them off when riding behind other riders...I don't see it as an issue. Plus judging by all the positive responses...sounds like it is a worthwhile investment...just my opinion...everyone has one. |
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Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | metalguy - 2010-07-02 9:29 AM
I for one will never have a headlight modulator on any bike I own. Anything that mimics a LEO is not too good an idea. Try riding in front of someone with one on for a few miles. It is annoying as hell, akin to riding behind a bike with loud pipes. Just another un-neccesary item that angers the drivers around you. Not exactly a safe thing. If your bike has inadequate lights, as most bikes do, install some quality auxillary lights to make a recognizable "signature" that cagers (and riders) can see easier. The Vision has a great set of lights, with the combination of HID and incandescent lights, so it is easier to see with the broader spectrum of light than most bikes. A good set of low-mounted driving lights would be a better investment than a modulator, any day.
+1 |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | When going down the street, my eye is drawn to a modulating light, but I've notice, that I do keep looking at it, maybe that's why people don't like them. Because, while I'm looking at the modulating light, I'm not watching the road and the guy ahead of me. He slams on the brake, I catch it out of the corner of my eye and swerve left, right into the path of the modulating light! Damn, I didn't want that to happen...I really saw him too much. |
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Tourer
Posts: 550
Tacoma, WA | Of course folks don't care about pi$$ing off cagers. After all, they don't pose any threat, do they? I have seen cagers light up the brakes for those who piss them off. Including for things like high beams, and yes, modulators. Totally not a safe idea. Better lighting is a better investment. Just my opinion.------Metalguy |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 5
Albuquerque | OK, this is from memory, but, I think that it's pretty accurate. Headlight modulators came about because of a high accident rate by a Washington, DC based Motorcycle Courier Service. They went to the University of North Carolina or South Carolina for help. Thus came the modulator into existence. The accident rate for this Courier service was reduced dramatically - maybe as much as 90%, if my memory is correct. If it help cars to see me and to not pull out or turn in front of me, I think they are well worth the investment. Had one on my last bike, just put one on my son's bike and will put one on my Kingpin if I can - I'm researching it now. If I recall correctly the claim was that you could not - not see - the blinking light. I use mine in heavy traffic or when someone in my vicinity is about to make a left turn into my path or pull out into my path. YMMV. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Ok my 2 cents. I've heard just about every EXCUSE in the book as to why one wouldn't run a headlite modulator. I've run the Kisan and others for some 15 years and wouldn't be without it by choice, BUT you do need to know when to shut it off.
Headlite modulators are legal in ALL 50 states, the Fed law supercedes any local or state as they relate to modulators. Brake lite modulators are NOT legal anywhere.
Modulators do not mimmic emergency vehicles whose lites FLASH.
I've only ever had ONE vehicle move over in all the years because she thought I was an emergency vehicle.
Proof of increased safety? Can't count the times a cage was about to pull out without looking and all of the sudden they stab the brakes hard. Had folks turn around and chase me down to let me know my lite is blinking. I have NOT had a single cage pull out in front of me, not one, while running the modulator in some 15 years, thats proof enough for me.
There are some don'ts like not using it on interstate (trucks think you are flashing them over), or in a bike pack.
So use whatever EXCUSE you want for not making yourself visible, but don't complin when that cage crosses your path because they REALLY didn't see you.
Just my thoughts....... |
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Tourer
Posts: 576
, IA | Need. Some brandD links for a vision i ran one on tc and wifes old Honda great product
Edited by sonicbluerider 2010-07-09 8:29 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 184
Allen Park, MI | Teach - 2010-07-09 9:06 AM
Ok my 2 cents. I've heard just about every EXCUSE in the book as to why one wouldn't run a headlite modulator. I've run the Kisan and others for some 15 years and wouldn't be without it by choice, BUT you do need to know when to shut it off.
Headlite modulators are legal in ALL 50 states, the Fed law supercedes any local or state as they relate to modulators. Brake lite modulators are NOT legal anywhere.
Modulators do not mimmic emergency vehicles whose lites FLASH.
I've only ever had ONE vehicle move over in all the years because she thought I was an emergency vehicle.
Proof of increased safety? Can't count the times a cage was about to pull out without looking and all of the sudden they stab the brakes hard. Had folks turn around and chase me down to let me know my lite is blinking. I have NOT had a single cage pull out in front of me, not one, while running the modulator in some 15 years, thats proof enough for me.
There are some don'ts like not using it on interstate (trucks think you are flashing them over), or in a bike pack.
So use whatever EXCUSE you want for not making yourself visible, but don't complin when that cage crosses your path because they REALLY didn't see you.
Just my thoughts.......
Well said Teach....couldn't agree more...I will never understand those that choose to bash others and their ideas just because they don't agree with them. I always thought that was the idea behind having these types of forums so that we ALL could share ideas with each other without having to constantly defend them?? Oh well to each his own I guess. Ride safe....live long. |
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Let's Talk Headlamp Modulators
