FIT ADDITIONAL HEADLIGHTS AND BE SEEN?

[Anonymous]

#2374

Having recently had a too-close T-bone encounter because “I just didn't see you”,  :xI am considering fitting additional headlights to the crashbars on my K11LT.  Is this legal?  Is there evidence additional lights are likely to be taken notice of by drivers looking for a gap in traffic?  What are the electrical technicalities involved in wiring more lights?  Any experience/suggestions anyone? 

[dave.valma]

#9062

I know some bikes have hard wired indicators that stay on until you need them for indicating. Also in the states it appears to be legal to have your head light flashing in an attempt to be seen. If its not legal in NZ it should be, My wifes Honda had a fault in the indicator wiring that allowed the head light to flash when the bike was running, it was a great thing to be able to look in the mirror and instantly know she was there, I was loath to fix it. I often think the importers organization needs to be more proactive with regard to safety issues such as being seen.Lastly I feel that anyone who says that they didn't see you is immediately seen as the guilty party as all motorists must keep a good lookout for other road users. Too many distractions from kids in the back seat to cell phones and hot coffee etc.

[Anonymous]

#9063

If you are over 60 you could wear a high viz jacket it seems the thing to do once you get to that age.  😮 I wonder if some wear them to weddings as well 😀

[Jim Young]

#9064

Seems you have a “thing with people over 60 Dean” judging by your last few posts.

[dave.valma]

#9065

Perhaps Dean wont make it to 60, maybe he could become a victim of the “I didn't see you” brigade.

[Warren]

#9066

There are some idiotic WOF rules for extra lights but the interperation of them varies between testers. On my RT I once had to remove the additional driving lights to pass.Simplest wiring is a fused lead directly from the battery and a relay triggered from existing lights. A hidden switch on the trigger lead in case plod gets pedantic. Or carry some side-cutters.You may get peace of mind from extra lights but I am unsure if you are any safer. In the city, 4x4's are the ones to really watch for.

[2bjr]

#9067

My bike are fitted with extra lights. They work off the same switch as the high beam switch . Was done by BMW.When I brought my bike in with me from South Africa it went through all the tests from all the departments and passed. All they were interested in was the brake test report from BMW.In the meantime moved and took bike for WOF again. Also no problem.

[Anonymous]

#9068

Thanks for the comments, Guys.  If statistics are any guide, I've had two (yes two 'incidents' like this- #1 in 1957 Lambretta – no visi jacket;  # last Wed K1100 – also no visi jacket, 'just out for a test run').  Conclusion/moral: 1. always wear a visi jacket 2. perhaps over 72's shouldn't be riding BMW,s – nah, that can't be right……- can it?  Bike's in Experience 'hospital' now, not too bad I'm told…I've recovered from the minor cuts & bruises..thankful wasn't worse.  The LOL driver accepted total liability.

[Warren]

#9069

Adventure T may have had no problems but my experience differs. Then he was on the mainland. If it looks like original equipment then problems are less likely. Aftermarket gear can be a problem.If you have a spare hour or 2 you could check out this site.To save hassles, I suggest you take note of someone who has experienced difficulties rather than someone who got lucky. The real test can be when an insurance claim is made.http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/rules/vehicle-lighting-2004.html#21 To save you time, mbikes are classed LC and check out sect.303(5)

[Dave Ross]

#9070

Thanks for the comments, Guys.  If statistics are any guide, I've had two (yes two 'incidents' like this- #1 in 1957 Lambretta - no visi jacket;  # last Wed K1100 - also no visi jacket, 'just out for a test run').  Conclusion/moral: 1. always wear a visi jacket 2. perhaps over 72's shouldn't be riding BMW,s - nah, that can't be right......- can it?  Bike's in Experience 'hospital' now, not too bad I'm told...I've recovered from the minor cuts & bruises..thankful wasn't worse.  The LOL driver accepted total liability.

Sorry to hear that Bryan. I didn't realize you actually got hit. Thank God it wasn't more serious. I hope the driver will take care of the financial loss.

[Anonymous]

#9071

Seems you have a "thing with people over 60 Dean" judging by your last few posts.

Jim it was 50 last year but now I am 50 I have changed to 60. It was a joke. I only post to keep the site alive.It hard to have fun; now to serious for me.

[ROBIN MOSS]

#9072

Hi Bryan.High Vis jackets and headlights have always amused me, I often wonder what the brain tells your subconscious memory when it is confronted with a continual barrage of high Vis Jackets. The result of some studies in the UK suggest that when the brain is constantly subjected to seeing high Vis Jackets the effective attributes of these jackets are lost. I guess the same could be said for headlights. The head light on my R1200RT intensifies during the day and on very bright days the brightness is amazing, I have had complaints from motorists that it is to bright. Sounds good to me, at least I'm being seen. When riding I try to always remind myself of the following: • Cover the brakes to reduce reaction time.• Don’t stay hidden by a car you are following through a crossroads change position to be seen as well as to see – drop back ifnecessary.• Can the driver of the car waiting to cross your path see you? Just because you can see a piece of their car, doesn’t meanthat they can see any part of you or your bike.• Always give up the ideal position for safety and stability. Not much point in being in the perfect position for a view if you areunsafe or unstable! Remember that safety and stability take priority over position.Cheers Leigh.

[honeybear.2399]

#9073

Seems you have a "thing with people over 60 Dean" judging by your last few posts.

I agree. What is it with over 60's and you?   With a bit of luck on your part you may get there, or are you over 60 already and you don't like it? 👿 Phil

[Anonymous]

#9074

Seems you have a "thing with people over 60 Dean" judging by your last few posts.

I agree. What is it with over 60's and you?    With a bit of luck on your part you may get there, or are you over 60 already and you don't like it? 👿 Phil

Two posts I have made about being over 60 is a touchy subject when you get to this age. I may get to 60 and I may not who knows but it will be fun trying 😀

[Anonymous]

#9075

Hi allI fitted Aux lights (with no legal problems) to my 650, but not to be seen, but to see at night  😀I used them once during the day (must of knocked the high switch) and then realised that others cannot see the indicators because of the extra lights  😀Food for thought

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