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@fuzzy avatar
UTC

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. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
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@fuzzy avatar
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
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UTC quote
After a close call in July I had a Signal Dynamics headlight modulator installed on my 400. with the trip to Pennsylvania I have used it for over 3000 miles. I have been surprised as a couple reactions to it.

Twice while following a Harley, one in West Virginia and one near home, the Harley rider has motioned me along side at a stop sign to tell me I had a losse wire or somethinng on my headlight. It surprises me that riders do not know what a modulator is.

Twice I have had a cage driver stop and tell me my turn signal is on. With one off center headlight modulated these drivers interpreted it as a turn signal. This one concerns me a bit. If someone on a side street thinks I am about to turn right they could pull in front of me even though they see me.

Overall I do feel I am seen better but this is a subjective observation.

Has anyone else had similar or other comments on a modulator?
@en82pg avatar
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2010 PIAGGIO BV 500ie Tourer
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@en82pg avatar
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UTC quote
Re: Modulator Reactions
Fuzzy wrote:
After a close call in July I had a Signal Dynamics headlight modulator installed on my 400. with the trip to Pennsylvania I have used it for over 3000 miles. I have been surprised as a couple reactions to it.

Twice while following a Harley, one in West Virginia and one near home, the Harley rider has motioned me along side at a stop sign to tell me I had a losse wire or somethinng on my headlight. It surprises me that riders do not know what a modulator is.

Twice I have had a cage driver stop and tell me my turn signal is on. With one off center headlight modulated these drivers interpreted it as a turn signal. This one concerns me a bit. If someone on a side street thinks I am about to turn right they could pull in front of me even though they see me.

Overall I do feel I am seen better but this is a subjective observation.

Has anyone else had similar or other comments on a modulator?
Nothing of that note. All I can say is I have had mine for 3 years and it has saved my bacon on many, many occasions.

Was stopped once by a cop in a speed trap, and accused of signalling oncoming drivers of the trap.
@g03 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 500 08
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Molto Verboso
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UTC quote
Some accidents have been caused by people thinking you are flashing them to turn in front of YOU. Be very wary of "left turn directionals". Believe 90% of people driving have no clue about the modulators.
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UTC

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R.I.P. ----K.I.T.T.500, Agent Orange (400)
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UTC quote
I had considered modulators when I first got my 250 because according to TN's driver manual for motorcycles, you should always ride during the day with your HIGH beam(s) on. And then of course at night, go to low/high according to situation. Well, on the 250, I did this the first week SOLID. What I noticed was "Target fixation" where every driver was like a cat near a shiny ball because of the high beam. Sure, it wasn't enough to actually blind them, but it was just different enough from the norm that their eyes focused on it. Many cagers came close to crashing while trying to stare at my already conspicuous ride. It's just my opinion, but I came to the conclusion that the modulator would cause the same effect. It does accomplish its main goal: to get car drivers' attentions, but this is not always the best thing as backward as that sounds. I think the best you can hope for is to be seen, recognized as "just another motorcycle" and be given the same awareness that you're giving the car.
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UTC

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mp3 400
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mp3 400
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UTC quote
I have twice been told by somewhat angry drivers that they thought I was an emergency vehicle, and caused them to move out of my lane. One thought I had a loose wire. Cop told me it was illegal. One said I was prematurally burning out the light bulb. Felt with the modulator the bulb would be dead with a 100 miles.
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
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@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
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UTC quote
I I believe they make the rider using them to feel more like they should be seen better and they may get to complacent about that. If you actively and agressively scan your areas in front and to the sides you are in control of your visability. head nods and slight hand waves to other motorist helps keep you in their awarness zone.
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The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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UTC quote
+1

There are some well-thought out reasons why headlight modulators are not legal in the UK/EU, some of which has been expressed above. However, I do recognise that in the US there is a huge gamut of different riding conditions depending on the geographical area - and they very be well be absolutely appropriate in some places.

Not around here though - no way!
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UTC quote
jimc wrote:
+1

There are some well-thought out reasons why headlight modulators are not legal in the UK/EU, some of which has been expressed above. However, I do recognise that in the US there is a huge gamut of different riding conditions depending on the geographical area - and they very be well be absolutely appropriate in some places.

Not around here though - no way!
Jim, people over here in the States have been using modulators for over 200 years.....One light if by land...Two lights if by sea...Razz emoticon
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Red MP3 500 RUBY DRAGON
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UTC quote
I'm not a fan of the modulators. You can't use them with H.I.D.s either and I think it is way more important to have the H.I.D. capability.
But there are other things you can do to be noticed.
How about (on the 500)having different kelvin number bulbs on the low beam. Aux lighting is another option. LED lighting too.
Just my two cents.
⚠️ Last edited by mjm50cal on UTC; edited 1 time
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UTC quote
mjm50cal wrote:
How about (on the 500)having different kelvin number bulbs on the low beam.
Good thinking - that would work quite well. You'd look just like every other 4-wheeled vehicle that had defective lights. Things to be avoided.
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UTC quote
As I have said in previous posts, been using a modulator for 3 + years and would not ride without one.

I've noticed this riding season, that many MC riders in this part of the world are using them.
Definitely on the increase.

This seems to be as a result of awareness campaigns for bikers to become more noticeable on the roads.
I have also seen an increase in the use of fluorescent vests and jackets.

ANYTHING to make the cagers aware of you.
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MP3 250 -> MP3 400 -> Gilera Fuoco -> SRV 850 -> Beverly 350
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UTC quote
I would recommend HID lights. Personally I find HID lights on other vehicles do catch my eye, but are familiar enough these days to not cause undue fascination (as long as they are the white ones, not blue/violet - those are a bit alarming, since your brain thinks AMBULANCE! POLICE! FIRE! before you realise...)

Since I've had my HID lights people do move over for me more, but don't seem surprised/annoyed/whatever - I think it's because they simply realise earlier that I'm there and have time to move.
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2007 GTS
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UTC quote
EN82pg wrote:
I have also seen an increase in the use of fluorescent vests and jackets.
these are very good awareness items for those who use them. I notice m/c's more when driving my truck and see people with these on more than modulators.
OP
@fuzzy avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
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@fuzzy avatar
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UTC quote
old as dirt wrote:
I I believe they make the rider using them to feel more like they should be seen better and they may get to complacent about that. If you actively and agressively scan your areas in front and to the sides you are in control of your visability. head nods and slight hand waves to other motorist helps keep you in their awarness zone.
If anyone gets complacent just because they have a modulating headlight an argument can be made to forgo hi-vis jackets and other be seen techniques.

I absolutely agree with being vigilent. Last week riding into town on a road with bad reputation a cage 150 yards in front of me turned into the turn lane then started to make a left turn in front of a semi traveling the other way at 55+ mph. Lucky for the cage part way into the oncoming lane he saw the truck and was able to steer back to the turn lane in time to miss him but probably needed a change of pants. For a driver that can't see a semi-truck there is no hope for a motorcyclist. This road has seen 3 mototcycle deaths in the last year from a car "not seeing" the bike. There have been two similar fatality accidents with just cages involved. Statistically the motorcycle is more likely to go unseen, but some people are like Sgt Schultz on Hogan's Heroes "I see nothing".

Proficient Motorcycling and MSF teach perceived eye contact is totally unreliable. At 60+ mph on a two lane road, the guy on a side road is too far away to make eye contact with and that was the situation of my closest call.

In addition to the modulator I have a winter high vis yellow jacket (plan to buy a mesh one in the spring), extra reflective tape on helmet and bike, auxiliary flashing LED brake lights and cages makeing bonehead moves around me. The bonehead moves are less and I am better at watching out for them driving defensively on bike or in cage.

One final thing, the questions on the modulator surprised me and especially from other riders, but are still less than the ones that I have a headlight burned out.
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UTC

Molto Verboso
Piaggio MP3 500
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UTC quote
This weekend I was driving my red Jeep Cherokee. An old lady in fuzzy blue slippers checked her mail and then backed in the road right in front of me, then a car cut me off making a left turn and then backed right back out - all of htis within 10 feet of me. That was in a giant (though apparently invisible) SUV. I don't have a modulator, but making yourself more visible cannot be a bad thing.
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UTC quote
I've been wanting to Go the modulador route for a while now, but I'm weary of a few of the above concerns. However if someone thinks I'm an emergency vehicle and pulls the the right then they are exactly what I want... Razz emoticon

I wear a hi-vis vest with reflectors at night and in rush-hour commuting. When the sun is out and bright I stick with the black jacket because I feel I stick out more against bright reflections in black rather then blending in with bright surroundings while wearing the vest. It makes sense to me but I haven't researched at all to see if there is proof to back my theory up. Of course on overcast and rainy days the vest is always on.

I have a saying, you could be riding down the street, literally on fire and there will always be some idiot that will fail to see you. For some people the best way to get their attention is to hit them with a lead pipe. I carry a paper route bag full of em.
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mp3 500
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UTC quote
miggidy wrote:
I've been wanting to Go the modulador route for a while now, but I'm weary of a few of the above concerns. However if someone thinks I'm an emergency vehicle and pulls the the right then they are exactly what I want... Razz emoticon

I wear a hi-vis vest with reflectors at night and in rush-hour commuting. When the sun is out and bright I stick with the black jacket because I feel I stick out more against bright reflections in black rather then blending in with bright surroundings while wearing the vest. It makes sense to me but I haven't researched at all to see if there is proof to back my theory up. Of course on overcast and rainy days the vest is always on.

I have a saying, you could be riding down the street, literally on fire and there will always be some idiot that will fail to see you. For some people the best way to get their attention is to hit them with a lead pipe. I carry a paper route bag full of em.
In Atlanta I saw a Semi trailer on FIRE, the driver kept trying to get to a shoulder but the cagers would not let him over, finally with half the rig on fire he had to stop in the middle of the express way and drop the trailer in there and let it burn. It is not that they fail to see you, it is that they dont give a shit about you, me or anyone but them. There are psyco drivers out there that will swing in on you on purpose, open a car door to hit you ect ect. Some people are just F$CKED in the head and think we are evil for some reason.

Same with Semi trucks, the public HATES them for slowing traffic ect. For some reason they fail to understand that the jack ass slowing them down is the same guy that is delivering the food they eat, cloths they wear and the car they are wrecklessly driving.

Sad truth is most people are stupid sheep, I call them sheeple, they follow in a heard mentality and think anything that is not in the heard is bad some how. Well thats my view, My advice? Trust nothing but your own actions and you should be ok. Trust a cager and your dead.
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UTC quote
I just put a headlight modulator on my BV and noticed that more cagers in left turn lanes looking at my headlight. At least they are seeing me so it must be a good thing. What I like is the BV headlight is up high on the handlebars - maybe that has something to do with it.
Installed the brake light flasher too, but don't know if it has any advantage.
@rob_in_denver avatar
UTC

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Mp3 500
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UTC quote
We run modulators but only turn them on when there is a perceived possibility of someone turning in front of us. I think the lights suddenly beginning to flash has a more noticeable effect than just leaving them on all the time.
On the 500, the high beam lights are not too big a deal, but on my wife's Vespa 250ie super they are pretty bright.
We often ride as a threesome with my friend Bob on my wife's former 500.
We also have intercoms, and at times I will request everyone to turn on their modulators if a situation looks particularly iffy. I can tell you, it looks like the President is coming through!
Once through, we turn them off. Obnoxious to ride behind someone with them on really for any length of time.
Be that as it may, you cannot assume someone will not go ahead and turn anyway, you have to be thinking of evasive measures as well, and think it through every time.
Its a help but not a cure-all.
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UTC

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2010 PIAGGIO BV 500ie Tourer
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@en82pg avatar
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Location: Lakeshore, ON, CANADA-Capestang,FR
UTC quote
larry8 wrote:
I just put a headlight modulator on my BV and noticed that more cagers in left turn lanes looking at my headlight. At least they are seeing me so it must be a good thing. What I like is the BV headlight is up high on the handlebars - maybe that has something to do with it.
Installed the brake light flasher too, but don't know if it has any advantage.
I have the brake light modulator as well. It does work.
I have had many comments from tailgaters who pull up along side at lights.
They always comment that my brake light is flashing. Some ask why and I tell them "so you notice me."
OP
@fuzzy avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
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Location: South Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee
 
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@fuzzy avatar
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
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Posts: 6252
Location: South Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee
UTC quote
Rob In Denver wrote:
We run modulators but only turn them on when there is a perceived possibility of someone turning in front of us. I think the lights suddenly beginning to flash has a more noticeable effect than just leaving them on all the time.
On the 500, the high beam lights are not too big a deal, but on my wife's Vespa 250ie super they are pretty bright.
We often ride as a threesome with my friend Bob on my wife's former 500.
We also have intercoms, and at times I will request everyone to turn on their modulators if a situation looks particularly iffy. I can tell you, it looks like the President is coming through!
Once through, we turn them off. Obnoxious to ride behind someone with them on really for any length of time.
Be that as it may, you cannot assume someone will not go ahead and turn anyway, you have to be thinking of evasive measures as well, and think it through every time.
Its a help but not a cure-all.
My modulator comes on when the engine starts and is turned off or back on by twice hitting the high beam flash button. There is then a couple second delay before coming on. That is too slow for what you describe. If I recognize someone starting to pull in front of me I use my horn and they hear the Stebel. The other problem is knowing if they are on or not. In daylight I cannot tell without pointing towards something that gives a good reflection. Turning them on and off with the flash button it is easy to lose track of which position the control is in.

I do turn them off in some situations that I think will bother others such as low light levels where the sensor has not turned them off, following someone on a lowly traveled road or riding somewhere like the Dragon loaded with bikes.
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UTC quote
I have the Comagination unit which turns on right when I hit the high beam switch. If I have the low beam on and hit the high beam flasher there is no delay.
@rob_in_denver avatar
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Mp3 500
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UTC quote
I know there is about a 2 second delay, so I factor that in. You just turn the highbeams on and off with mine, and it becomes second nature. I see a car poised to turn ( I am looking way ahead), then on they come.
Then the thumb goes back to where it usually is, resting at ready on the stebel.
Ready to toot, and I am checking where I can swerve as well if need be.
All a habit I don't even think about. I do it every time. No exceptions.
True enough, some maniac could just turn it front with no slowing and no warning and I wouldn't have my lights on, but I doubt they would be slowed by my little blinkers in that case anyway.
I will sometimes leave them going on two lane roads where the oncoming lane has cars behind each other that I think are going to be prone to trying to pass each other.
Running them in the fog ( only caught in that scenario by surprise, I would not ride if I knew there would be much fog) is a nice thing to do.
This is always the 2nd mod I make on a bike, right after the Stebel horn.
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