PNW Riders

Nefarious · 07-11-2009, 05:36 PM

First off I really don't need to be told "Why" some people use headlight modulators, I GET that people don't see us most of the time.

Driving back from Port Townsend today though, Almost every bike we passed (it's nice out so all the fair weather riders came out to play which means billions of bikes) had a headlight modulator. And holy fuck did it get annoying as hell even in the day light to have that shit flashing on every damn bike out there.

Not only that I've noticed quite a few riders in WA think it's cool to leave their modulators on at dusk/night. I might have seen one or two guys with them on at night in AZ per year but as many as I've seen out here. When a huge percentage of the roads up to the Peninsula are 2 lane highways with lots of up and down it gets even worse!

So what are YOUR thoughts on them?

Plummy · 07-11-2009, 05:38 PM

annoying and distracting for those easily drawn to flashy, shiny, and sparkly things.

littleq624 · 07-11-2009, 05:39 PM

most modulators are light activated...thus at dawn/dusk it is probably just light enough to activate the sensor...but i am sure they are irritating to drivers...THATS THE IDEA!

Nefarious · 07-11-2009, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by littleq624

most modulators are light activated...thus at dawn/dusk it is probably just light enough to activate the sensor...but i am sure they are irritating to drivers...THATS THE IDEA!

You should pass that info on to all the guys that I've seen between Bremerton and Port Townsend in the past two months, apparently whomever designed their modulators did not get the memo.

Being irritating to drivers isn't exactly a good way to get the attention we want as a "culture". Just gives them more reason to come after us.

KevinD · 07-11-2009, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by Plummy

annoying and distracting for those easily drawn to flashy, shiny, and sparkly things.

"I can't help it, it's so beautiful..."

KevinD

Dragon Rider · 07-11-2009, 05:46 PM

I used to have modulators on the interstate. I kept a printed copy of the federal regulations allowing them, just in case I got stopped and had to explain 'preemption' to a local LEO.

I stopped using them, once in the rain I had them on, you know, to be SEEN, and some poor old guy in a 40' motor-home thought I was a cop, and tried to pull over, in the rain, on the freeway and dam near killed a car.

So I stopped. Not worth the confusion.

But once, when I was using them, I was booking back home from WA and I had them on, running 90 in the left lane, and 'magic' the lane was always clear.

A sport bike came up behind me, and then zipped to pass me but he kept getting snarled in traffic and eventually was happy to tuck in behind me and let me clear the path.

FastCat · 07-11-2009, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by Nefarious

...
Being irritating to drivers isn't exactly a good way to get the attention we want as a "culture". Just gives them more reason to come after us.

There is a very specific set of requirements for what constitutes a legal headlight-modulator.

The modulator on my bike has a light-level sensor and it automatically shuts itself off when the ambient light is near the legal limit for modulating headlights.

I'd rather be "irritating" than invisible.

If you're so worried about others' perception of "culture" then go volunteer for one of those toy-runs or something else that is supposed to help improve the "culture's" image. Keep your neuroses out of my decision-making/risk-management process.

Nefarious · 07-11-2009, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by FastCat

There is a very specific set of requirements for what constitutes a legal headlight-modulator.

The modulator on my bike has a light-level sensor and it automatically shuts itself off when the ambient light is near the legal limit for modulating headlights.

I'd rather be "irritating" than invisible.

I can totally understand that perspective I guess; maybe I can't really objectively judge them being a rider myself. I guess it just bothers me that in almost every single state I can get a ticket for flashing my headlights in a car (which is both confusing when someone is coming up behind you doing it ((In the US)) and obnoxious as fuck) but it's legal to have a modulator. I don't know if police around here actually bother to bug riders to make sure they have things like "legal" modulators, but I know that quite a few of them that I have seen in 2 months here are going WAY faster than the reg permits.

Originally Posted by FastCat

If you're so worried about others' perception of "culture" then go volunteer for one of those toy-runs or something else that is supposed to help improve the "culture's" image. Keep your neuroses out of my decision-making/risk-management process.

Neuroses? How about concern for our liberty as riders? Maybe this little tidbit has slipped under your radar but there are A LOT more drivers then there are riders, and in almost every state there is some group of drivers dedicated to getting US (Riders) off the road. I was simply pointing out that comments like that only give idiots who seek to infringe on our freedom ammunition.

littleq624 · 07-11-2009, 07:43 PM

the law says 200-280 modulations per minute...translates to about 4 per second...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcyc...lator-regs.htm

Nefarious · 07-11-2009, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by littleq624

the law says 200-280 modulations per minute...translates to about 4 per second...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcyc...lator-regs.htm

I saw at least 4 that were what I'd call flat out strobes. One of my neighbors has one that is Fed Legal and while it is quick it's not as quick as the ones I was referring to. I should have been more specific.

Keep in mind folks, like I said from a rider's perspective I 100% understand wanting to be seen. (having people get out of our way thinking we are cops is a nice upside too)

VFRMike · 07-11-2009, 08:06 PM

I have them on 2 of my 3 bikes. It sure stopped the idiots from turning left in front of me and also the side street pull outs into traffic. I've had drivers tell me they were annoying, to which I reply "Good, then you noticed me".

Nefarious · 07-11-2009, 08:09 PM

I'd love to know how you can prove that modulators have stopped people from turning left in front of you.

For all the complaints I've heard of people turning left/pulling out... In 50,000+ miles I've never had anyone EVER pull out on me. *Knocks on some wood*

I've never had a modulator, maybe my bike is just intimidating..

Old Dog Zero 1 · 07-11-2009, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by Nefarious

I saw at least 4 that were what I'd call flat out strobes. One of my neighbors has one that is Fed Legal and while it is quick it's not as quick as the ones I was referring to. I should have been more specific.

Keep in mind folks, like I said from a rider's perspective I 100% understand wanting to be seen. (having people get out of our way thinking we are cops is a nice upside too)

Having been on the receiving end of a Ford Focus in 2002 I had my leg damn near ripped of, but I still ride. On my KZ650 I have a set of "L.E.D. Strobes" placed within the front & rear turn signal stalks adjacent to the standard bulbs.
if I need to activate the 4-way flashers(hazard lights) I hit a second switch that activates the strobes if I need an extra boost to the visibility, the legality of these has yet to be determined and as I am aware emergency vehicles are red/blue & amber is more or less left alone for security patrol rigs & such. However they only work if the hazard button is pushed. I also am in the process of putting a 11mm wide strip of transparent 3M reflective vinyl on the leading edges of the tank, the side pieces and the tail of the Kawasaki again to increase visibility.
I already lost mobility in one leg I sure as hell am not wanting to lose the other. </rant>

Suzuki Stevo · 07-11-2009, 08:15 PM

I have them on my V-Strom, but I don't use them much anymore because people pull over or slow down In front of you thinking your a LEO and when I am late for work the last thing I need is people doing the speed limit in front of me.

Jersey John · 07-11-2009, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by Nefarious

I'd love to know how you can prove that modulators have stopped people from turning left in front of you.

For all the complaints I've heard of people turning left/pulling out... In 50,000+ miles I've never had anyone EVER pull out on me. *Knocks on some wood*

I've never had a modulator, maybe my bike is just intimidating..

Wow. Lucky you. I would say it happens, at a minimum, weekly with me (people pulling out turning left).

I would definitely see the benefit in the modulators around town considering those that pull out in front of us.

However, I don't have modulators and no plans on getting one. Don't care either way if someone has them or not but if it makes riders safer than I"m all for it.

As far as what the caging public thinks about them, who gives a fuck. They mostly have made up their minds whether they don't like bikers or whether they do and I doubt a modulator is going to sway their opinion that much. I see cagers getting pissed just from us riding in the HOV lane alone so fuck 'em.

Nefarious · 07-11-2009, 08:25 PM

Originally Posted by Old Dog Zero 1

Having been on the receiving end of a Ford Focus in 2002 I had my leg damn near ripped of, but I still ride. On my KZ650 I have a set of "L.E.D. Strobes" placed within the front & rear turn signal stalks adjacent to the standard bulbs.
if I need to activate the 4-way flashers(hazard lights) I hit a second switch that activates the strobes if I need an extra boost to the visibility, the legality of these has yet to be determined and as I am aware emergency vehicles are red/blue & amber is more or less left alone for security patrol rigs & such. However they only work if the hazard button is pushed. I also am in the process of putting a 11mm wide strip of transparent 3M reflective vinyl on the leading edges of the tank, the side pieces and the tail of the Kawasaki again to increase visibility.
I already lost mobility in one leg I sure as hell am not wanting to lose the other. </rant>

My absolute best friend in the world lost his left arm to an 80 year old in a Dodge Neon, It's been a few years but What he's gone through as a result of it is horrifying, so while I have not experienced your pain I've definitely observed it.

My wife pointed out a bit ago that probably the reason I've seen SO many more modulators here in WA, especially up near the Peninsula is the amount of blind corners and driveways out here. Arizona is quite lacking in trees so I'm used to a MUCH higher amount of visibility.

Specifically what sparked this entire post were three bikes the other night (All three cruisers) that happened to crest a hill as I was and gave me an eye full of modulation on a 2 lane highway in the dark. And when you catch an eye full of that crap on a dark highway even the best of us tends to go blind for a few seconds.

I was just curious what other riders thought about them.

littleq624 · 07-11-2009, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by Nefarious

Specifically what sparked this entire post were three bikes the other night (All three cruisers) that happened to crest a hill as I was and gave me an eye full of modulation on a 2 lane highway in the dark. And when you catch an eye full of that crap on a dark highway even the best of us tends to go blind for a few seconds.

I was just curious what other riders thought about them.

well in that case...that is terrible...legally per the link i posted...you cannot have them on at night, and they MUST have a light sensor to ensure that is the case...

Nefarious · 07-11-2009, 11:40 PM

Originally Posted by littleq624

well in that case...that is terrible...legally per the link i posted...you cannot have them on at night, and they MUST have a light sensor to ensure that is the case...

See that is what I thought, and I've seen more then just those 3 running around with modulators at night. I can only suppose that it's some sort of radioshack/homebrew job or something someone on a forum or in a club is just making and selling or giving away.

Grantizzle · 07-12-2009, 12:06 AM

i don't care for them.

but i also think nefarious is a retard.... my opinion is worth nothing.

FastCat · 07-12-2009, 12:12 AM

I can't imagine how I could stand it to try and operate a bike at night with the headlight "modulating" - it'd be like riding the bike on a dance-floor with the black-lights and strobes or something... I'm sure I'd end up in a ditch somewhere.

...and the "neuroses" comment was overboard on my part...

I let you step on my:

"You're-having-too-much-fun-and-I-don't-like-it-so-I'm-going-to-guilt-you-into-behaving-the-way-I-think-you-should" nerve.

...it tends to happen whenever I hear someone whine about how I should be more concerned about what other people think about what I do/say/think.

You didn't start out to lecture me personally, and I should not have taken it that way. Apologies.

In any case, WA state police seem to be pretty lax about headlights being aimed too high, or improper HID "upgrade" hack-jobs - not just on bikes, I've been blinded by Fart-Can-Hondas with purple-headlights way more times than I've been bothered by a 2-wheeler's headlight (modulating or not).

Anecdotal-evidence, but it's all I've got: in my 25-year streetbike-career, the only collision I ever had with another vehicle was a truck that turned left in front of (almost on top of) me. ...I was riding a bike that was not equipped with a headlight-modulator at that time.

I've had a rough week. Dentists are not my favorite people at the moment.

...and don't nobody say *nuffin* defamatory 'bout my faux-hawk.

Nefarious · 07-12-2009, 01:35 AM

Originally Posted by FastCat

I can't imagine how I could stand it to try and operate a bike at night with the headlight "modulating" - it'd be like riding the bike on a dance-floor with the black-lights and strobes or something... I'm sure I'd end up in a ditch somewhere.

I think I would too, I have no idea how these guys made it wherever they were going alive

Originally Posted by FastCat

...and the "neuroses" comment was overboard on my part...

I let you step on my:

"You're-having-too-much-fun-and-I-don't-like-it-so-I'm-going-to-guilt-you-into-behaving-the-way-I-think-you-should" nerve.

Are you sure you're on the right forum? Because I'm pretty sure the correct response to my response was an old fashioned Hot Topics "DIE IN A FIRE YOU FUCKING COMMIE SON OF A BITCH" or something to that extent. Logical analysis of the situation is absolutely NOT an option.

Originally Posted by FastCat

...it tends to happen whenever I hear someone whine about how I should be more concerned about what other people think about what I do/say/think.

You didn't start out to lecture me personally, and I should not have taken it that way. Apologies.

I do it constantly, it's a forum we're all going to step on each others toes at some point, besides I didn't exactly make this thread thinking it wouldn't have some sort of pot stirring.

Originally Posted by FastCat

In any case, WA state police seem to be pretty lax about headlights being aimed too high, or improper HID "upgrade" hack-jobs - not just on bikes, I've been blinded by Fart-Can-Hondas with purple-headlights way more times than I've been bothered by a 2-wheeler's headlight (modulating or not).

I have 8000K HID's on my truck, correctly leveled, I've tested it a few times with the wife , having her drive head on when I'm in my lowered Jetta, I cannot get them to glare up in my eyes. My biggest pet peeve on the road has got to be however dipshits who can't adjust their headlights. I don't give a flying fuckerdoodle if you have HID's or 500 year old yellow bulbs. If they are shining up in my fucking face I really hope suffer a stroke.

Originally Posted by FastCat

Anecdotal-evidence, but it's all I've got: in my 25-year streetbike-career, the only collision I ever had with another vehicle was a truck that turned left in front of (almost on top of) me. ...I was riding a bike that was not equipped with a headlight-modulator at that time.

Fair Enough, thanks for your input

Originally Posted by FastCat

...and don't nobody say *nuffin* defamatory 'bout my faux-hawk.

Yeah.. about people who have faux-hawks..

Originally Posted by Grantizzle

i don't care for them.

but i also think nefarious is a retard.... my opinion is worth nothing.

james1300 · 07-12-2009, 01:18 PM

I have one on the BMW. That being said, if its dark enough to rain, it stops working.
Mine uses a photo sensitive sensor thingy. So below a certain light level, it quits working. Low light, tunnels, ect. As far as it begining annoying. FUCKem! I'll quit using it when the bastards quit yakkin on their cell phones.

View Poll Results: Do you think modulators are worth it?
Hell Yes!	15	31.91%
Hell No!	19	40.43%
I could care less	13	27.66%
Voters: 47. You may not vote on this poll


07-11-2009, 05:36 PM	#1
Nefarious Superbiker Joined: Jan 2009 From: Bremerton Blog Entries: 2 I Ride: 03 SV650 (Track) 03 SV1000S (Street)	Headlight Modulators from a driver's perspective First off I really don't need to be told "Why" some people use headlight modulators, I GET that people don't see us most of the time. Driving back from Port Townsend today though, Almost every bike we passed (it's nice out so all the fair weather riders came out to play which means billions of bikes) had a headlight modulator. And holy fuck did it get annoying as hell even in the day light to have that shit flashing on every damn bike out there. Not only that I've noticed quite a few riders in WA think it's cool to leave their modulators on at dusk/night. I might have seen one or two guys with them on at night in AZ per year but as many as I've seen out here. When a huge percentage of the roads up to the Peninsula are 2 lane highways with lots of up and down it gets even worse! So what are YOUR thoughts on them? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-11-2009, 05:38 PM	#2
Plummy Moderator Joined: Feb 2005 From: sounds like scrotum shake Blog Entries: 3 I Ride: imaginary unicorns	annoying and distracting for those easily drawn to flashy, shiny, and sparkly things. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-11-2009, 05:39 PM	#3
littleq624 Chat Whore Joined: May 2008 From: Issaquah, WA Blog Entries: 3 I Ride: whenever i want cause i got bikey fixed!	most modulators are light activated...thus at dawn/dusk it is probably just light enough to activate the sensor...but i am sure they are irritating to drivers...THATS THE IDEA! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-11-2009, 05:46 PM	#6
Dragon Rider Post Whore (In Training) Joined: Jul 2006 From: Portland OR I Ride: 89 Transalp, 06 DRZ400SM	I used to have modulators on the interstate. I kept a printed copy of the federal regulations allowing them, just in case I got stopped and had to explain 'preemption' to a local LEO. I stopped using them, once in the rain I had them on, you know, to be SEEN, and some poor old guy in a 40' motor-home thought I was a cop, and tried to pull over, in the rain, on the freeway and dam near killed a car. So I stopped. Not worth the confusion. But once, when I was using them, I was booking back home from WA and I had them on, running 90 in the left lane, and 'magic' the lane was always clear. A sport bike came up behind me, and then zipped to pass me but he kept getting snarled in traffic and eventually was happy to tuck in behind me and let me clear the path. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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07-11-2009, 07:43 PM	#9
littleq624 Chat Whore Joined: May 2008 From: Issaquah, WA Blog Entries: 3 I Ride: whenever i want cause i got bikey fixed!	the law says 200-280 modulations per minute...translates to about 4 per second... http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcyc...lator-regs.htm __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-11-2009, 08:06 PM	#11
VFRMike WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Nov 2007 From: Edmonds I Ride: 06 Honda VFR800A 86 Honda VFR750F & 83 Honda VT500 Ascot	I have them on 2 of my 3 bikes. It sure stopped the idiots from turning left in front of me and also the side street pull outs into traffic. I've had drivers tell me they were annoying, to which I reply "Good, then you noticed me". __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-11-2009, 08:09 PM	#12
Nefarious Superbiker Joined: Jan 2009 From: Bremerton Blog Entries: 2 I Ride: 03 SV650 (Track) 03 SV1000S (Street)	I'd love to know how you can prove that modulators have stopped people from turning left in front of you. For all the complaints I've heard of people turning left/pulling out... In 50,000+ miles I've never had anyone EVER pull out on me. Knocks on some wood I've never had a modulator, maybe my bike is just intimidating.. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-11-2009, 08:15 PM	#14
Suzuki Stevo Zone Head Joined: May 2008 From: Seatac, Wa I Ride: at a speed that allows me to ride again tomorrow..GSX650FK8, DL650K5, GS500FK7, CH80K2, AN400K7	I have them on my V-Strom, but I don't use them much anymore because people pull over or slow down In front of you thinking your a LEO and when I am late for work the last thing I need is people doing the speed limit in front of me. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-12-2009, 12:06 AM	#19
Grantizzle Superbiker Joined: Feb 2008 From: Mill Creek, Wa I Ride: '07 91niner & '07 KLR650	i don't care for them. but i also think nefarious is a retard.... my opinion is worth nothing. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-12-2009, 12:12 AM	#20
FastCat Superbiker Joined: Dec 2005 From: Tacoma, WA I Ride: GSXR-1100 & a B12	I can't imagine how I could stand it to try and operate a bike at night with the headlight "modulating" - it'd be like riding the bike on a dance-floor with the black-lights and strobes or something... I'm sure I'd end up in a ditch somewhere. ...and the "neuroses" comment was overboard on my part... I let you step on my: "You're-having-too-much-fun-and-I-don't-like-it-so-I'm-going-to-guilt-you-into-behaving-the-way-I-think-you-should" nerve. ...it tends to happen whenever I hear someone whine about how I should be more concerned about what other people think about what I do/say/think. You didn't start out to lecture me personally, and I should not have taken it that way. Apologies. In any case, WA state police seem to be pretty lax about headlights being aimed too high, or improper HID "upgrade" hack-jobs - not just on bikes, I've been blinded by Fart-Can-Hondas with purple-headlights way more times than I've been bothered by a 2-wheeler's headlight (modulating or not). Anecdotal-evidence, but it's all I've got: in my 25-year streetbike-career, the only collision I ever had with another vehicle was a truck that turned left in front of (almost on top of) me. ...I was riding a bike that was not equipped with a headlight-modulator at that time. I've had a rough week. Dentists are not my favorite people at the moment. ...and don't nobody say nuffin defamatory 'bout my faux-hawk. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-12-2009, 01:18 PM	#22
james1300 Track School Dazed Joined: Oct 2005 From: CENTRAL I Ride: When I can	I have one on the BMW. That being said, if its dark enough to rain, it stops working. Mine uses a photo sensitive sensor thingy. So below a certain light level, it quits working. Low light, tunnels, ect. As far as it begining annoying. FUCKem! I'll quit using it when the bastards quit yakkin on their cell phones. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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