 Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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OP
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 670 |
When I put the spots on the BA, I noticed a marked difference in how the bike was perceived in traffic. A week ago, the spots went out on the Harley and I haven't taken the time to repair yet. I have seen a big difference in the increase this week of people pulling out in fromt of me, and not yielding the left lane. I have to say, I think the best investment for saftey is having spots on.
Ya'll ride safe out there!
later, Tom.
But, what do I know?
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 Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Are you referring to driving lights?
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017 |
nah...I think Tom's the kind of guy who'd hook up full fledged flood lights on his bikes 
Mark
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
I've also noticed that drivers seem to see me much better in the daytime with the lightbar on. Perhaps it's that they are used to looking for two or more lights as on a car or that they make us look bigger and more threatening. I’ve found that I myself tend to see motorcycles with widely spaced running lights better and that the yellowish tint seems to be more noticeable than the pure white or blue tints. 
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Recently I pulled off my light bar kit and I just started riding today, so I'll see if it makes a difference. But soon I'll probably mount up a set of small Optilux fog lights like Soren has, but they'll go under my lower yoke, between the forks like others have done.
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 Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Maybe when they see 3 lights they think 'cop' and it gets their attention. I know I can spot a Crown Vic from waaay off. 
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 220
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 220 |
Quote:
Maybe when they see 3 lights they think 'cop'
I think you may be on to something there!
Gerry
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
 Maybe it's all the additional light, maybe it's the improved perspective of more points they see, maybe it's the "Cop" effect. Whatever it is, it seems to work.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
I think the wide stance helps, makes it more 3-D and gives a better idea of how far away you are. Too bad I don't like the look... 
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
I think the wide stance helps, makes it more 3-D and gives a better idea of how far away you are. Too bad I don't like the look...
I don't notice it from where I'm sitting
It makes it a little more "Cop" looking too.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691 |
Quote:
Recently I pulled off my light bar kit and I just started riding today, so I'll see if it makes a difference. But soon I'll probably mount up a set of small Optilux fog lights like Soren has, but they'll go under my lower yoke, between the forks like others have done.
I mounted these under my lower yoke, and the difference is great. They provide much more light that my headlight which is using a 80/100w special blue bulb. These driving lights are especially good in the afternoon when I am driving East (home from work) and people looking towards me are looking into the Sun.
http://jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/t...0010204/c-10101
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
I got those too. 
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 201
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 201 |
Sorry, A bit of a hijack, But,I switch my Headlight Modulator 'on' when I feel like someone doesn't see me. Sometimes I leave it on all the time in busy & crazy traffic. Everyone really hates it but me... I have had on-coming cars flash their bright lights at me in the daytime. But I don't care if it irritates them if I'm being seen.  Bob
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
I got those too.
Benny...I assume the round red things are aftermarket horns...whats with the blue resevoir cover?
This post got me to finally order the parts from JCWhitney for a light bar. That and the jack lick that almost hit me today 
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362 |
There was a study done a while ago on perceptions of threat. A lot of our driving/riding techniques are actually avoidance responses to perceived threats - oncoming traffic, objects on the road etc. Apparently when we're on our feet we perceive objects that're taller than they are wide as a threat (eg: a well built tall person is more of a "threat" than a well built short person) but when we're driving threat perceptions change to objects that're wider than they are tall (eg: other cars are more of a "threat" than bikes).
Because the headlight is the most obvious part of a bike, putting driving lights on makes it appear wider and more "threatening".
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
Hey Z, yeah those are horns. But I just got an air horn Might put it on today.. The blue resevoir cover is just mine was pitted and yucky, so I sanded it down and repainted it, along with my pipe hangers, when I got my new pipes. $2 giant can of safety blue was what I had laying around...
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 670
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 670 |
Quote:
nah...I think Tom's the kind of guy who'd hook up full fledged flood lights on his bikes
Yeah, that's the ticket! I'll get a 20 amp inverter and go down to Harbor Frieght for a couple of Halogen Spots!
Quote:
Are you referring to driving lights?
You may be, but the switch on the 'Geezer Bike' reads SPOT. Same difference! (When it works)
later, Tom.
But, what do I know?
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Quote:
Recently I pulled off my light bar kit and I just started riding today, so I'll see if it makes a difference. But soon I'll probably mount up a set of small Optilux fog lights like Soren has, but they'll go under my lower yoke, between the forks like others have done.
I mounted these under my lower yoke, and the difference is great. They provide much more light that my headlight which is using a 80/100w special blue bulb. These driving lights are especially good in the afternoon when I am driving East (home from work) and people looking towards me are looking into the Sun.
http://jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/t...0010204/c-10101
Yeah, those are the ones I'm looking at. How did you wire it? Did you use a switch? If so did you use a relay?
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
I wired mine with a relay and a switch. Simple enough, figured I should.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 664
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 664 |
I mounted some driving lights between the forks below the lower yoke. I really like the look and have been told that it really gets peoples attention. Bottom Line - I'm noticed by cagers a lot more than before the light install. The more people that see me means less people don't see me. 
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
What brand and model are those?
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 664
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 664 |
Can't remember the details on them. They were on sale at O'Reillys auto parts for $19.00 a few years back. They are just some small, 55-watt car driving lights. Hard-wired them in so they are on all the time like the headlight.
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I haven't been able to find any little rectangular ones like that, but I picked up a pair of round Optronics like Soren has off ebay for $15. I'm going to use my factory triumph driving light harness and probably sell the rest of the lightbar stuff.
Last edited by FriarJohn; 07/23/2007 5:17 PM.
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Light presence is a good thing! I run the spots all the time and have the Electrical Connections kit for the rear running lights as well.
Al
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
The main thing is that the extra lights give other drivers a better means of estimating your speed and distance. This was one of the things that came of the research that the MMA did when Calif was considering the forever on headlight law in the 70's.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Spotlights...#1 in prevention?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Light presence is a good thing! I run the spots all the time and have the Electrical Connections kit for the rear running lights as well.
And how is that Electrical Connections kit? It reads pretty  I've been eyeing one for my baby.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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