Headlight modulators??

[jaimev34]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to buy some modulators for my head and tail lights made by Kisan, but before I do, I would like to know if there are any drawbacks to having them. When I see them on bikes, they really get my attention, so I'd like to add this extra bit of safety to my riding. The tail light modulator is cool because when you apply brake, it flashes, then flashes less, then turns solid, which is more noticeable than a regular brake light function, IMO.

Thanks.

[Knife]

I have a brake light modulator. Flashes five times, then stays solid. Others I've ridden with say it makes you take notice and it's very effective.

I've thought about a headlight modulator. I know they get your attention because they get mine when one's coming towards me. I just have a feeling that some idiot cager is going to mistake the flashing headlight as a signal to go ahead and turn in front of me. Has this happened to anyone here?

[Scubalong]

What a coincident, This morning on my way to work and I saw this cruiser with the Headlight flashing. It looks ridiculous, It look like the beam is waving...........I seen them on the new goldwing and it does not look bad. But the one I saw this morning is driving me dizzy.

[Nitrousva]

I don't like the headlight flasher, as stated above, someone might think your flashing them to go. As for the rear, I have one and like the idea of getting peoples attention, I also have a set of red LED license plate bolts.

Robert

[34468 Randy]

I have the tail light one. I would like to see the flash faster though. But what is provided is far superior to just the solid light. Mine you have choices as to how it is set. Mine flashes I think 4 or 5 times then stays on for a few seconds. Then goes through the same sequesnce again.

The front modulator is a great idea too. I hear Long and Notro though and this could be a problem. I haven't encountered that impression though. I have been considering mounting a white L.E.D. flashing light under my headlights. One similar to what police put on thier sideview mirrors. But if you dig deep into the legislation and regulations that give motorcycles exemptions for flashing head lights, these don't quite fit the bill. but I don't think most police would even know where to look. I was a cop for 25 years, 1/3 traffic and I had to dig real deep to find the regs and discover these do not fit. Even if they did find it, I suspect they would probably take the view it is being used for the right reason..ie safety

[dechaoz05]

where can you get the brake light modulators? how much do they cost? i remember seeing LED brake lights from twistedthrottle for over 100

[jaimev34]

Thanks for the replies! I'm gonna pull the trigger soon, just wanted to get some feedback. About the headlight modulation possibly signaling drivers to turn in front of me, I don't know if that would happen, but anything's possible. I think that it definitely gets attention, it may even piss some people off, but getting run over is worse.

The ones I'm looking into are made by Kisan. If you do a search you'll find the site. The tail light unit runs about $70, and the head light unit costs about $169, but you get a 10% discount if you purchase the combo.

[dizzy]

I recently installed a set (headlight) on a GL1800 Wing. They had two flash settings, could be turned off...and came with a light sensor that turned them off automatically at night.

IMO...the concept is sound in terms of being seen (not that I would change my habit of not trusting ANY 'cager' period). The downside I see is reliability. OE headlight wiring is VERY reliable...now you've cut and spliced into it, made new essential grounds, and added a component of uncertain reliability.

[jaimev34]

Yeah, didn't think about the reliability aspect. What brand is your modulator? I think the Kisan one is plug and play, not requiring any splicing (if I read correctly).

[dizzy]

It's not mine, I installed it for a customer who brought it in (I'm a tech). I don't remember the brand but it was generic...I mean it wasn't intended for a specific model. I do remember the company address was Florida. I called to ask them some questions and they weren't very helpful.

BTW...it was hard to get it to work for two reasons. First the installation directions were not model specific (even though apparently the company targets Wing riders at rallys) And two...GL 1800 headlight system is complicated and kinda weird.

I installed the unit under the seat because of easy proximity to both high and low beam relays. But here's the weird part...the high beam relay on the GL only controls the right side headlight...the left headlight gets positive power from a handlebar switch (left if I remember correctly). So...the only way to make it work is to cut the power wire from that switch...and run a jumper wire across from the other headlight. Once I got it figured out it worked OK but I wouldn't put it on my GL (if I had one).

I've also seen a variety that installs a 'puck' between the headlight connectors and the bulb...I suppose you could call that 'plug and play'. I wasn't impressed with the quality of THAT set up either.

I don't think modulators are a bad idea in terms of visibility...but I also think you're not gonna find a set up that doesn't effect headlight reliability negatively in some way. The question is how much and is the presumed extra visibility worth it. I'd recommend whatever set up you use...know how to disable it and go back to stock if the need should arise.

[jaimev34]

I'll keep that in mind, thanks.