flashing headlight

[flyingzonker]

I pull up to an intersection today and across the street sits a cruiser with the headlight blinking. I couldn't help thinking: "Now that's a good idea!"

Why do all turn signals blink? So they will catch the eye.

So why not do the same with your headlight--at least for daylight riding?

So now I have a new project.

(Even though I liked this guy's blinking headlight, I can't give him an A for astuteness--after all, he was riding bareheaded! In my class he still gets an F!)

[GeorgeSK]

Is it legal? I thought only police/emergency could have flashing headlights.

[flyingzonker]

Is it legal? I thought only police/emergency could have flashing headlights.

I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised if there is some regulation floating around out there in some states that might throw a wrench in your spokes if you tried this. I live in Illinois--we are already over regulated so...I will check and get back when I find something out.

[honkerman]

Headlamp modulators are legal most places in the US. Check your state regulations. Here in PA they are legal for low beam only.

[flyingzonker]

So, in Illinois, I find, it is illegal. Which doesn't mean that you can't install the controller and turn it on when you come to an intersection--after having checked for the presence of cops. You might turn your flasher on when visibility is limited and you'd rather run the risk of a ticket than run the risk of getting smashed down by a car or truck.

[WhiteNoise]

Modulating headlights always catch my eye on the road.
As far as being legal in your State, you can check here for all Your State's Laws: (one stop shopping
http://americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/ ... s-Database

[flyingzonker]

Here is just the thing for what I am thinking about--as long as I can add a switch to turn it on and off at will (think motorcycle or scooter when he says F150

[youtube][/youtube]

[flyingzonker]

The following is an Amazon customer review of a product, SDC Signal Dynamics Headlight Module with Dual H4 Harness, that makes some good points:
Andrew Wascoe on July 22, 2013
Verified Purchase
I installed a Signal Dynamics Headlight Modulator recently before embarking on a 2 week tour from NC to Acadia National Park. I installed the Signal Dynamics Back Off Tail light modulator at the same time.

The only beef I have with the product is the installation directions. Despite what the directions claim, polarity does matter when plugging the unit in. I had the main fuse blow & took a few minutes to figure out them problem.

But once I was on the road, I highly recommend both modulators, especially the headlight.

On secondary, intersection-laden roads, people stop & wait in instances where they previously would have turned in front of me. People really notice the flashing headlight, and, after all, conspicuity is the key to keeping vital life functions operating smoothly for the long term.

On the interstate, I believe a lot of drivers see the flashing headlight and think, "wait...is that a motorcycle cop?" & move over to the right lane when they see me behind them. Again, its nice to be noticed.

I truely regret not installing on of these on my bike years ago.

[iceman]

A flashing headlight like shown in the YT vid would annoy me rather than make me pay attention for the right reasons. Flashing at that rate may trigger someone to have an epileptic fit.

[kramnala58]

Here is just the thing for what I am thinking about--as long as I can add a switch to turn it on and off at will (think motorcycle or scooter when he says F150

I think this is different than a modulating light, and may break local/regional laws if it is not an emergency vehicle.

[alx123]

A lot of things will come to my mind if I see a flashing headlight from another vehicle. (emergency, SOS, morse code, etc)

[iceman]

I would think it would annoy other motorists and draw attention from cops - even if legal it's not the norm and may draw un-welcome attention.

[DailyRider]

If you spot an inattentive driver,
you can (legally) flash your high beams to get their attention.

[flyingzonker]

I would not install a modulator UNLESS I had a switch that I could turn it on and off with. I would especially want to use it at intersecteions when I am about to make a left turn or am about to ride across the path of a car preparing to turn left.

I would not have it flashing all the time. But I would have it on when traffic conditions started to get next to me.

[DailyRider]

I just checked my reflection (on the car in front of me) today...

On the 2017s,
flashing your high beam IS the closest you can get to modulating your headlight,
because the high beam is a central, separate light.

[homie]

I would propose an industry standard temperature color rather than any oscillating headlamp. Separate our limited forward illumination in a crowd of headlights at night. The best way for the mind to alert and notice a biker is color and watts IMO. I wish there were restrictions on auto's to 3500k and all motorbikes would come standard with 6500k

This would clearly do the job, unfortunately we don't have the lobby or power to make such laws. I don't want cars using the blue lights even when I'm in one... but i always notice them.