Using lights to stand out in traffic By turtle8 (Read 1,167 times)

[turtle8]

Without fail, everyday someone tries to run me over when I'm out on my scooter. 99% of my riding is during daylight hours.

In order to stand out from the crowd, I bought some yellow balloons for my H4 headlight bulbs. I got them from a rally light supplier online. I know this is most likely illegal, but I've been seen by city cops, deputies, and troopers - they all don't seem to care. I also run with my high beams on all the time. My 35w light/reflector combo is so lame, it can't be all that annoying to oncoming traffic.

I also just replaced my LED running lights (small lights above the headlights) with some Sylvania Silverstar 921 ST backup bulbs. There was a little too much tension on the wiring harness which pulled the bulbs inward. They leaned over and melted the reflector a bit. Mind you, these are small 18 watt bulbs that are indeed brighter than my 35 watt H4 headlights! So, I fixed the harness and drilled vent hole around the bulbs. I'll see how this works out.

Just had to vent.

-Michael

[Bashan]

We've talked a lot about why people treat you so rudely on a scooter:

• Don't see you
  
• Perceive you as small and slow just because you're on a scooter
  
• Hate you because you're on a scooter
  
• Hate everybody including scooters
  

If your light idea works let us know, I think we'll all be scrambling for them. Rich

[jhbietz]

I was flipping through the South Dakota motorcycle licence guide and was surprised to see that they recommended using high beams during the day.

I definitely agree that anything that makes you more visible is a good thing!

[dabucs]

I have always ridden my bikes with the high beams on during daylight driving to help with visability

[ccprof]

Don't forget clothing with visibility enhancements!

[Bashan]

Sept 3, 2010 4:52:40 GMT -6 ccprof said:

Don't forget clothing with visibility enhancements!

I wear an ugly green reflective vest when I ride my Vulcan to work in the winter. So much for being a cool biker . I'd rather be uncool than squashed by an SUV. Rich

[jct842]

I just like the pretty blue light on my dash from high beam on. been doing it since before they had the blue lights there too. john

[Smorkle]

what are "yellow balloons?"

I'm assuming you're not referring to actual balloons, but that might get you noticed too.

[speedracer]

Without fail, everyday someone tries to run me over when I'm out on my scooter. 99% of my riding is during daylight hours.

I can see your point which is why I decided to dress up my scoot and add lights everyone behind me can see. I went to Custom Dynamics and purchased the Knight Rider LED License plate bracket. It's well made, with bright LED's and I am asked a lot where I got them. The link is www.customdynamics.com/knight_rider_led_light_bar.htm

Just keep scrolling down the page. They even have a video of them in use.

[turtle8]

Sept 3, 2010 15:28:42 GMT -6 Smorkle said:

what are "yellow balloons?"

I'm assuming you're not referring to actual balloons, but that might get you noticed too.

For H4 headlight bulbs:



www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=1419

Check your local DMV laws. U.S. DOT laws may also so "no" to these.

[turtle8]

A great article: "What is Selective-Yellow Light?"

www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/lights/light_color/light_color.html

[scootaway]

When I read turtle8's post I immediately expected to see he is from Johannesburg SA because here you must have eyes all over. The minibus taxis are notoreous for not having eyes. I have actually seen a couple of superbikes here with a red main light it is very affective. I myself do not ride without my green reflective pullover

[wolfhound]

I am with Rich and Scootaway. I always wear a reflective vest summer and winter over my jacket. If you wear the highway workers safety vest they cant help but see you. You hope!!

[fairweasel2323]

always use brights!

[turtle8]

The brights on my scooter are so weak, they are pretty much useless. I rarely right at night because of that. To compensate I added auxiliary driving lights that I now use all the time.

I'm thinking of getting a new jacket in reflective yellow/green.