 High Beam
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Joined: Mar 2006
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OP
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How many of you actually use your low beam? I run the high beam all the time. I have mine adjusted to provide the best down the road visibility as possible. It seems to bother the cagers quite a bit (must be right up high in their eyes) I get a constant barrage of high beams from them flashed back at me when I refuse to switch to low in the face of their oncoming.
I simply ignore them. I find many cage modern halogen lamps to be annoying even on low beam and these days you see lots of cages with those as well as additonal running lights that often blind the crap out of us.
I know some of you run the Sylvania sealed beam which is purported to provide better across the board illumination in both low and high beam.
Does the sealed beam provide a farther down the road reach without needing to be adjsuted up hight into the eyes of oncomning traffic?
I ride in the dark in the morning and Its dark when I return home now so most of my riding from Monday thru Friday is in the dark. Id like any advantage possible without extra running lights.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 52
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Posts: 52 |
So you are annoyed by bright lights in your face but refuse to dip your lights when other people are annoyed with you? Convenient world you live in. Anyone other than yourself there? 
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274 |
I like the euro headlamps because of the light cutoff on low beam. I use to use the high beam all the time but stopped because I don't like when others do it to me, cagers or riders. I do agree that some of the new headlights on cages are getting very annoying, especially the HIDs.
I've tried the sylvanias on my cages but still like the euros better. And they are less intrusive to other people on the road.
I ride in the dark mostly too, especially this time of year. I just ride within my range of sight (slower).
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
Quote:
So you are annoyed by bright lights in your face but refuse to dip your lights when other people are annoyed with you?
Convenient world you live in. Anyone other than yourself there?
Exactly dude. They have two lights and I have one. F*** em is my basic line. I need to seee where I am going and they need to know I am there. So if they are a little pissed so be it. At least they know I am there.
On some of the roads I traverse at night I simply am not comfortable switching to low beam even for a moment.
Some four wheeled vehicles are annoying even when they are on low beam.
I like being an annoying bastage. It suits my royal Irish arse.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,025
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,025 |
Did you say Irish or Welsh? I leave mine off and turn it on when nobody else is affected. I will only blind them if they are blinding me. The main beam is just fine for navigating dark country roads. Highbeams; just add some "cushion".
06BA,-AI,NoBfls,K&NPods,TBS,155/45,2 3/4Out,SidGapPlgs,Wirsnbrs
NawImPrityFknFarFrmOkMan
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
Irish of course. If I was Welsh I'd have an even bigger attitude and I'd be good with a bow and arrow. 
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
Quote:
Exactly dude. They have two lights and I have one. F*** em is my basic line. I need to seee where I am going and they need to know I am there. So if they are a little pissed so be it. At least they know I am there.
My feelings, as well. I don't do much night riding, but my high is on about 90% of the time-day or night. The way some feel about loud pipes is how I am about bright lights. I wouldn't think of doing that with the cage, but the bike's another thing. I want to see and be seen. So, I appologize in advance for any inconvienience I may cause anyone...
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: High Beam
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote:
... I refuse to switch to low in the face of their oncoming.
I simply ignore them ..
Gotta watch you don't be-dazzle 'em with your brilliance though!
It wouldn't do for them to rear end (say) a cyclist becasue they couldn't see past the end of their hood ...
Food for though perhaps?
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Re: High Beam
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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 have the lightbar set up to come on whenever I have my highbeams on. The lights are set to be just to either side of the main highbeam. I leave the highbeams on during daylight hours for visability but switch to low beam and amber running lights at dusk. If anyone, bike or cage, refuses to lower their lights at night I gleefully burn their retinas with three halogen highbeams until they do. So far most everyone has gotten the point.
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: High Beam
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
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Posts: 2,527 |
Well I guess I just am an unsympathetic bastage. I jus keep mine on and I see well down the road. Some try to get the message across to me in that manner but I just do what my ole High school drivers ed teacher taught and focus my field of vision generally away from the headlight and towards the right shoulder so as not to be mesmerized by same while still maintaining an awareness of whats directly ahead.
Driving a cage with the hight beams on is a different matter of course.
the low beam sucketh just too much on our bikes.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 80
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 80 |
I have my low beam adjusted to a comfortable level so I can see far enough ahead at highway speeds and the high beam lights up the whole road. Can't see too well at night anyway but I can get by with the low beam, just have to keep my focus on the road.
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555 |
I keep the high beam on at all times durring the day......
At night I use high/low in the prescribed by law mannor.
I was once pulled over by an Irrate state trooper for not dimming my light. And was required to perform "stupid human tricks" (road side sobriaty test). Had worked late and stopped for one beer. Passed the test no prob but was no fun at all. Well I'm sure passing motorists were ammused and the cop seemed to be enjoying it. So yes I dim my headlight for oncomming traffic.....thank you.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 124
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 124 |
I suggest the Triumph branded highway light bar with replacement Sylvania SilverStar Ultra lamps.
For daytime running, you may consider a headlight modulator. That'll get you noticed more than running with just your high beams on - including noticed by the cops, too. Just make sure you get a DOT approved modulator.
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Posts: 274 |
Maybe you guys just need to slooooooow down in the dark.
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Re: High Beam
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote:
Maybe you guys just need to slooooooow down in the dark.
Sounds like a plan!
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Quote:
So yes I dim my headlight for oncomming traffic.....thank you.
High beam bulb went out on my 76 Bonneville once, so I loosened the keeper nuts slightly on either side of the headlamp housing. If I wanted "high beam" I reached forward and tilted the housing upward, "low beam" push it back down. Being poor and not knowing any better I ran it that way for a year or two. It was an early day manual override system
Not as poor these days, but I still don't know any better .
JH
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: High Beam
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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 |
Quote:
the low beam sucketh just too much on our bikes.
Get a better low beam?
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
I used to run high beam all the time, I would dip it when flashed because I knew that they saw me, and I don't want someone driving two or three tons of iron at a high rate of speed in my general direction to be blinded. Now I just use it at night when I need the extra illumination. The rest of the time it's low beam.
The reason for my change? It's all about being seen, if they see me, maybe they won't do something stupid in front of me.
High beams can make it difficult for other road users to see your turn signals. That simple. I want them to know I'm changing lanes or turning. If I want to be sure that cage coming the other way in the left turn lane sees me, I flash the highs a couple of times. Far more likely to get their attention than a constant beam.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691 |
Quote:
If I want to be sure that cage coming the other way in the left turn lane sees me, I flash the highs a couple of times. Far more likely to get their attention than a constant beam.
Good idea. Also, I run low beams most of the time, unless I can use the high beam without hitting oncoming traffic. I keep my headlight well adjusted, and it seems to be fine. People seem to see me okay. Then again, I start with a 100/80 watt blue halogen bulb.
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
You can't beat the driving lights for riding at night. The 3 light grouping is unmistakable as a bike and you can adjust all 3 for the best possible illumination. The only bad thing is passing an oncoming car on a bend. Since you're leaned over the left driving light can hit them right in the eyeballs and they can react with high beams. The flash bothers me more than the constant light. Sort of like getting your picture taken at close range.....
More flags
More fun!
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,179
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,179 |
Low beam only, never had my high beam on. I have a light bar which I keep on most of the time. I guess I should check my high beam to ensure it works.
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
We'd get pulled over here if we rode around with main (high) beam on all the time. It would be seen as a danger to other road users. And I can see the point. If the cager was dazzled, they wouldn't be looking were they were going.... and so more of a danger than normal.
I know how annoying brights lights are in the mirrors (and the low sun we have at this time of year) I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 706
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 706 |
I always dim. Like bigbill says, I don't want that oncoming driver being blinded and wandering into my lane.
More that that, though, it's a matter of respect. Riders who don't show respect don't get respect. That f*** em attitude is what gets laws passed against motorcycles. It hurts us all.
I was born a long ways from where I was supposed to be. - Bob Dylan
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Re: High Beam
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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 |
Hey Grump, do you have the lightbar wired so it only comes on when the high beams are on? I ran a wire off my highbeam indicator light through a switch on the dash to a relay under the tank that powers the lightbar driving lights (whew). Not only does that put the switch in a much better location, it lets me turn all three highbeams off with just the thumb switch.
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: High Beam
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
No.
More flags
More fun!
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 551
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Posts: 551 |
Is that legal up there I know here in SC you can only run driving lights with the low beam. If you have factory driving lights on your car you will notice they go off with the high beams and come on with the low beams.
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,931 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,931 Likes: 1 |
I like the Euro's. They really light it up!
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: High Beam
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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:
Is that legal up there I know here in SC you can only run driving lights with the low beam. If you have factory driving lights on your car you will notice they go off with the high beams and come on with the low beams.
On a car or truck it should be fog lights with the low beams and driving lights with the high beams. As long as they're not TOO bright auxiliary driving lights are legal. Before the days of the halogen bulb lots of vehicles had auxiliary driving lights as well as fog lights. As car headlights have gotten so much brighter not many cars come with them anymore. On the other hand, lots of them come with very bright fog lights that many drivers seem to leave on all the time. Besides, having extra bright driving lights that come on only with the low beams would sorta defeat the purpose of both the driving lights AND the low beams.
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: High Beam
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
The day I picked up my TBA I set the light switch to high... I've never touched it since. However, I also have to say I've never ridden at night. If I did, I would switch it to low.
'06 TBA - Black, AI and Snorkel removed, K&N Drop In, Gutted Stock Pipes, 145/42, 2 turns out.
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Re: High Beam
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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 to thinking on my way home tonight. I would think the simple ACT of dimming your beams would potentially get their attention more than a steady beam. Almost like flashing, ya know?
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
I setup my driving lights to low beam, and headlight the same per the tech vault settings of 17 feet etc., and it seems to be pretty close to what looks like legal. We have many deer and assorted other critters 'round here, so speed limit night riding seems prudent in these parts. If someone is coming at me with high a beam at night, and reducing my ability to see the road ahead of me, it's only fair to offer them the same lack of respect and courtesy.
It would seem logical that if it's dark out, a constant high beam is blinding the oncoming driver, which actually may increase ones chances of accident.
Sylvania recently added a new top model to their Silverstar headlight offerings called "Ultra."
http://www.sylvania.com/AboutUs/Pressxpress/Pressnews/SilverStarUltra.htm
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274 |
I have had a run of bad bulbs form Sylvania. Not the sealded units but the silverstar bulbs. None has lasted more than 3 months in both my cages. Must be some quality control issues. I have used them since they came out and never had problems until recently.
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Re: High Beam
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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 Kars, do you notice a lot of people on the island run their hi beams ALLLLLL the dam time? Like the second the sun goes down out they come. It's not like there aren't street lights every 10 feet so bright you can read by them...
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
A few years ago I was at Pep Boys(BTW...Manny, Moe and Jack, give their regards)...well ANYWAY....I saw this pair of small rectangular halogen driving lights for cars(slightly amber when lit) sitting on one of the shelves there, and I thought to myself that because our bikes have a reasonably long distance between the bottom triple-clamp and the top of the front fender, there would plenty of room to bolt one of those suckers directly underneath the triple-clamp and slightly recessed back between the fork legs, and that it would add to my visibility out there.
So, that's what I did! And I also bought a push-button ON/OFF switch to control it, which I positioned on that extra little hole on the left-side of the khrome(spelled it with that "K", 'cuz it's really plastic, ya know) tank console.
Looks kind'a cool, if I do say so myself. AND, it also kind of takes up some of that "open-space" I alluded to earlier between the fender and the lower triple-clamp.
Cheers,
Dwight
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274 |
Quote:
hey Kars, do you notice a lot of people on the island run their hi beams ALLLLLL the dam time? Like the second the sun goes down out they come. It's not like there aren't street lights every 10 feet so bright you can read by them...
Seams to be a trend. Starting to reallllllly bother me. People seem to think it's ok these days. Not sure if they just can't see or what. If thats the case maybe they should not be driving.
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Re: High Beam
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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'm beginning to think people just don't know the rules.... Maybe cause NY doesn't require driver's ed?
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274 |
Last night while driving east I decided to count, 11 cages driving with h-beams on. That was going 5 exits. Even if you flash them they just ignore.
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
I simply dont give a good GD anymore. I ride in the dark in the morning and its dark when I come home. Lots of drivers with the high beams on.
Granted out in the sticks with no street lights and no moon its black as sin. I think lots of the cagers just forget.
Me I just need to see those obstacles in the road before they see me. I get really uncomfortable even at speed limits on low beam. Just simply does not illuminate out far enough.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: High Beam
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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 |
You should check out a new bulb, regardless of your beam preference. Makes a big difference! I was fine with my low beam till the first time I rode in VT at night! Pitch black for sure. Around here, like kars was saying, the LIE is lit up like Vagas, there's really no need for headlights at all other than to let people in front of you know you are there, so why people have hi beams on is beyond me!! Especially an SUF tailgating so they are right in your mirror.... yikes.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: High Beam
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274 |
Quote:
You should check out a new bulb, regardless of your beam preference. Makes a big difference! I was fine with my low beam till the first time I rode in VT at night! Pitch black for sure. Around here, like kars was saying, the LIE is lit up like Vagas, there's really no need for headlights at all other than to let people in front of you know you are there, so why people have hi beams on is beyond me!! Especially an SUF tailgating so they are right in your mirror.... yikes.
Seems to be the other trend, tailgating. Last week going to my mothers in Nassau I saw a 9 car accident. Nothing major just 8 idiots crashing into the back of each other and the poor guy in the lead cage. Most of the accidents I see these days, everyday, are rearend fender benders. You would think people would figure it out  
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