Serowbot wrote on 05/29/14 at 07:13:24:If you want better visibility in daylight,... look into a headlight modulator...
They do catch yer' eye... pricey though, a $100+...
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This will start a debate so let me be the first to jump in. Yes they do catch the eye. They could also be interpreted as a friendly flash for the cage to go ahead and pull out or make that left turn.
I did all the research on modulating headlights and could not find any definitive study. The verdict is still out, just a bunch of one person, first hand opinions.
Since I installed a Kisan modulator on the C50 three months ago and, despite my increasing girth, I still consider myself one person, let me share what I have experienced.
1. Oh heck yes, they get folks attention. I have had drivers pull over as I approach, or pass me at 80mph and seeing the headlight in the rear view mirror, immediate resume the posted speed limit thinking I was a LEO.
2. I have noticed many drivers begin to pull out in front of me then stop abruptly as they see the modulator. I have had two drivers pull out in front of me causing me to swerve to miss them. Both were young, female, and on the old cell phone. No broad generalization here, just a statement of fact. Both were from a side street with a stop sign that led onto a four land road. I was in the right lane. I don't believe the modulator was a contributing factor. They were pulling out anyway. However, it also did not prevent them from pulling out.
3. Other than that, I have not had any issues. I have, however, begun using the modulator in selected situations. I turn it off on city or neighborhood roads with controlled intersections. I have it on while riding a four lane boulevard if I can stay in the left lane. If I am using the right lane, I turn it off. I keep it on when riding the highways and interstates. I plan to keep using it.
So everyone knows, the one I have works on the high beam only and has a light sensor that shuts off the modulation feature at night. The modulation is not full on/off. It goes from full bright to about 20% at 240 cycles a minute. Flipping the headlight switch to low beam turns it off. The Federal DOT regulations specifically allow it on motorcycles so it is legal in all 50 states.
I do not consider the modulator as a complete solution for the visibility issue but I do consider it as one more tool in the tool bag. As I note, I also wear a white helmet( all the good guys do) and hi-viz yellow/green jacket.
For what it is worth