K11 Owners Group

malcolmt · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 5:35 pm Post subject: Headlamp Modulators

Do many of you folks use headlamp modulators ?
Do they really help with visibility in HEAVY traffic ?

Let me explain.. I use my K75 for commuting to work on a 20mile (each way) “freeway” trip. A good 5miles is filtering. Last week I was unfortunate to get knocked off the bike by an idiot in one of our infamous minibus taxi’s. The up side is I was VERY lucky to escape without any serious injury and the bike wasn’t seriously damaged. Next time I may not be as lucky.

I ride with the main beam on and a fluorescent vest..and I’m still not seen as often as I’d like.

So I’m considering fitting a headlamp modulator to both my K’s. They aren’t available in SA (or legal) so there is close to zero opinions available here on their effectiveness.

I picked a schematic up off the net, built it up, and must say the flicking is VERY irritating and could well get attention.

The unit isn’t US legal but that is immaterial here. And the law here may feel I’m imitating a police vehicle, that is separate issue which could be solved by a few $$ in the wallet.

So what are the opinions.. do they really match the manufactures claims or are they a useless gizmo for riders to waste their cash on ?

Cheers
Malcolm(t)
Joburg, Souf Efrika
_________________
******************************
A Bike on the road is worth two
in the shed
******************************

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 5:37 pm Post subject:

They are finaly legal here in the U.S.
I have them on both of my K's. Quite usefull in my opinion.
I probably get as much or more notice from my extra Catz aux lights of the front of the bike.
_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 5:40 pm Post subject:

Yes, they're very annoying to other road users.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

BobZ(IL) · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 5:45 pm Post subject:

They always get my attention.
_________________
'93 K1100LT
'78 R100S
'05 R1200GS
BMWMOA, CRBMWOA, ABC, K11OG #997

Live well, do good work, enjoy the ride.

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 6:01 pm Post subject:

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 6:13 pm Post subject:

Stoked Steve · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 8:21 pm Post subject:

I have to say that I find modulators to be annoying and distracting (as a cager). They almost attract too much attention and I wonder if they don't cause target fixation, not wanting to be a target.

I find with the high beam on (during the day) and the catz amber lights blazing as DRL's, I get plenty of notice. I even find that a lot times people who could have rightfully and safely pulled out in front of, or across my path, will hesitate and pause to let me go by. Almost to the point of feeling guilty about being so conspicuous.

I also wear the neon yellow vest and a white helmet.
_________________
Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 8:34 pm Post subject:

Generally run by people who would rather bother others than pay attention and maintain situationmal awareness. Razz

_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Mystic Red · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 8:35 pm Post subject:

I find they annoy right wing wackos and rednecks. I use one all the time except when sitting behind someone at a light.
_________________
Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

Moondog · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 9:20 pm Post subject:

As this topic has been around IMHO I wonder if a quick look from a cager could misinterept the flashing as "the go ahead signal" no matter how fast it flashes and pull out if front of a rider. I choose not to install it just for that reason. Bright gear, multiple head lights and driving defensively are my choice.

Jim · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 11:26 pm Post subject: headlight modulator

Thank you, Malcolm. Headlight modulator threads are always interesting.

I've been using a Kisan headlight modulator for ten years. I don't use it when I'm on a group ride or behind another rider. Headlight modulators have been legal in all 50 states since at least 1996. I keep a copy of the FMVSS standard that came with the modulator in a baggie with the registration and other important papers.

"USA - Department of Transportation:

FMVSS 108 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) (49 CFR Part 571.108 S7.9.4) allows motorcycle headlight modulation systems in all 50 states provided they comply with the standards set forth in Section S7.9.4.

CANADA - Canada Transport:

FMVSS 108 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) (49 CFR Part 571.108 S7.9.4) allows motorcycle headlight modulation systems in all Provinces provided they comply with the standards set forth in Section S7.9.4.

Kisan Headlight modulators are manufactured and tested to be in full compliance with US Department of Transportation (DOT) Standard 108 and Transport Canada Technical Standard 108.

Title 49 USC 30103(b1) (US Codes) prohibits any state from forbidding a system that conforms to FMVSS 108. No State or Local ordinance shall usurp the authority and enforcement of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards."

I also wear a hi-viz vest and a white helmet, but I still think the modulator gives me some added visibility. That, and it pisses Drake off... Laughing

I love the fact that in certain parts of the country, people actually pull over on the shoulder of the interstate to let me pass. I don't know how they passed the drivers license test...

The only drawback to using a modulator has been the very few people who thought they needed to slam on their brakes right in front of me - who know what they were thinking. That has only happened here in the DC area.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 9:49 am Post subject:

Back when I was a nOOb rider I used to ride with my high beam on. Until the the day where the Seattle police officer pulled up next to me and told me to knock it off. I figure if it was annoying the cops to the point where they'd go out of their way to tell me so then it was probably annoying others drivers too. Me, I choose to be polite to other road users. Motorcycling already has enough of a negative reputation and I see no reason to contribute to it by annoying other people.

There's plenty of ways to improve your visibility without being an inconsiderate dick. Here's a link to an example of one: (Caution: This one requires the rider to be paying attention and maintaining situational awareness.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqQBubilSXU

That's a great way to avoid being run down without selfishly annoying other road users.

When I see someone riding with their high beam on or a modulator then I see someone who is either a nOOb or someone who's very insecure about their riding skills. I've ridden quite a few miles without a modulator and nobody has hit me yet, but hey, I prefer to rely upon my own observation and riding skills, not being a dick.

And if you're riding around with your high beam on and you manage to fill oncoming drivers' eyes with a boatload of high beam then it makes it that much harder for them to actually see you and judge your speed and distance.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

John Clauss · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 10:50 am Post subject:

I have one on my R75/6 that Dad put on. Dad also used to mount a snowmobile pole, flag and blinking light on the top. I took that off when Dad passed away.
_________________
1997 K1100LT
1975 R75/6

It will bring you so close to nausea, it will make you sick! - Big Al

Jim · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 11:07 am Post subject:

I knew this thread would get interesting...
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

jim'sbeemer2 · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 12:00 pm Post subject:

jim'sbeemer2 · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 12:01 pm Post subject: modulators

Mystic Red · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 12:31 pm Post subject:

Jim · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 12:53 pm Post subject:

As a noob ( a mere 17 years experience) and a dick (ask anyone who's met me) who is very insecure about my riding skills, I'll keep using a modulator - and anything else I can to make sure I'm seen.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

malcolmt · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 2:35 pm Post subject:

I wish I had a helmet cam to record some of the antics of our taxi drivers on my daily commute, most of the drivers dont have a pair of bain cells, they are a law onto themselves. You may see some of the antics in Mexico. You have to see it to believe it.

Edit: found a couple of clips C/O You Tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddwTM1Hkc-s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTgNkWDqtJ4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PQNYahChIo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3cScjdWSeY&feature=related
_________________
******************************
A Bike on the road is worth two
in the shed
******************************

jim'sbeemer2 · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 4:04 pm Post subject:

Git on u-tube and watch a bunch of those vids of bike accidents etc. Most of which ARE user/rider error. As for using all tech out there to be seen is absolutely a great choice! I choose to use a more logical one. I know I am on the road with two wheels. I know I am the one who cannot be seen easily by other road opperators. I know it is my responsibility to keep my self and my passanger safe. I know that I am doing so by:
1. Not consuming any alcohol while ridding. The helmet gets in the way. Twisted Evil

2. I have done all the proper checks on the machine I am ridding. Lights, tire pressure, gas, break fluid etc. great Idea

3. If any found problems however small, I DO NOT RIDE! Until corrected. Ie. tire pressure and gas.
4. I do not do "stupid shit" on my machine while on the road. Burn outs, wheelies, stoppies, etc. Cool

5. If in any city limits, obey all the traffic laws. Seriously. Rolling Eyes

6. Out side city limits ie. highway, be resonable with speed and ridding. I do go over the limit ie. I have "fun", but not in excess. 100 MPH + = fool. Wink

7. Plan out the route. Confused

8. Plan out the second route if the first one sucks or gets you lost. Laughing

9. Make sure you have cash! More than a phone calls worth. Embarassed

10. Just take what I am saying as being silly. Being serious though, be smart, have fun, do not trust that they can see you. I acually had a person look through me as if I wasn't there. Seriously scary considering I thought we had made eye contact.
Beemered

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Live free and ride hard. 94 K1100RS Brick rider