Headlight and tail light modulators, what's the consensus?

[Muleears]

I have reserved a Uhaul to go get my bike Saturday! Can't wait, it will only be 43* but I'll probably ride a little anyway!

What's the forums consensus on Headlight and tail light modulators? Good idea? Or not necessary? I'm thinking they are a good idea, but I'd like others input.

[debron]

From a purely safety standpoint, modulating headlights make you more noticeable! Modulating tail lights could be confusing to drivers behind you. flashing red could be mistaken for an emergency vehicle. Not sure they are legal. The only "modulating" tail lights I've seen are brake lights that flash several times when the brake is first applied then go steady.

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

Cal, even though I don't have one "Yet", I think the headlight modulator is a great safety feature. Historically the majority of bike accidents (& sadly deaths) that I remember were caused by cagers turning in front of bikes. Why? The reason is always the same "I didn't see them".
I know there are plenty of bikes that get rear ended but much more are cut off, so the headlight modulator helps reduce the "unseen" events.
Studies done many years ago show that the human brain recognizes changes first. That's why European police car sirens are high/low/high/low, why emergency vehicles have flashing lights. Our brains notice the fluctuations and variances much quicker than static images.
When a church van driver pulled out right in front of me I got pissed, chased him down and read him the riot act (no cussing). He could only say..........you guessed it "I didn't see you!"

I have added an extra LED brake light under the trunk on my bike. Got it on eBay, cheap under $15 and contains I think about 23 lights in the bar.

[Muleears]

Thank you gents for the prompt and informative replies!

The tail light modulator I was referring to is the Signal Dynamics "Back Off" tail light module. It has the following modes:

Emit a visual signal of 4 short light flashes, followed by 1 long light flash (3.5 seconds). The signal automatically repeats itself as long as the brakes are applied.

OR

Emit a visual signal of 5 short flashes, followed by a steady on light that remains steady on as long as the brakes are applied.

The ad I got this info from makes no mention as to the legality of either mode. I believe from participating in a conversation about these while on a Patriot Guard mission a few months ago, that the second mode is legal in VA while the first is not. I will need to find out for sure before installation.

Regarding the headlight modulator. The ones I have seen seem to be mostly plug+play with the exception of the light sensor. Any comments on this?

[Bruce in OK]

I have a modulator on my CB250. On a few occasions people have pulled over thinking I was law enforcement. It has only happened when I have come up from behind--never as I've met them. Those that did pull over seemed to be quite angry when I passed. I also put an additional LED tail light on the Nighthawk that will flash three times before going solid.

All in all, I'm not totally convinced they do that much good. It only catches the attention of people that are paying attention in the first place. The texters and day dreamers still won't see you.

[Muleears]

I have a modulator on my CB250. On a few occasions people have pulled over thinking I was law enforcement. It has only happened when I have come up from behind--never as I've met them. Those that did pull over seemed to be quite angry when I passed. I also put an additional LED tail light on the Nighthawk that will flash three times before going solid.

All in all, I'm not totally convinced they do that much good. It only catches the attention of people that are paying attention in the first place. The texters and day dreamers still won't see you.

I suppose it would be difficult to tell the difference between me and a police officer approaching from behind. I'm not really worried about someone seeing me behind them its in front of them I am concerned about. If they pull over, so be it, there was no intent on my part to be deceptive. If they get made about it they can call their congressman to get them outlawed! My two main concerns are someone behind me not seeing me slow or stop and someone in front of me either pulling out in front of me or turning across my lane. I suppose if they are texting no amount of warning signal from me will make a difference. My brother was in an accident when a teen, on her phone, turned in front of him. Fortunately he wasn't badly hurt, but his soft tail was.

[gearheadfla]

My Nomad has a headlight modulator, I am convinced it has saved my butt a couple times, I've seen car look like they was going to turn left in front of me and stop, you know the look I'm talking about when some idiot's not paying attention. I don't have a flashing brake light YET, but I do "pump" the brakes after I am stopped at night when a car is coming up from behind at a light, my greatest fear is getting rear ended at a light, I never stop behind the car in front of me, always off to either side of it and I stay in gear and watch my mirrors until there is at least 2 cars stopped behind me, if they don't look like they are going to stop even a little bit I dump the clutch and I am up beside the cars in front of me, if anything if it get hit at least I won't be the daily special at IHOP between two cars.

[Me Again]

Personal opinion.
Headlight modulators are fine during the day, they most definitely do attract attention,but at night they become a distraction for oncoming traffic to a point were I have seen drivers drift toward the light and that could be a really bad thing.

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

Personal opinion.
Headlight modulators are fine during the day, they most definitely do attract attention,but at night they become a distraction for oncoming traffic to a point were I have seen drivers drift toward the light and that could be a really bad thing.

To the best of my knowledge, headlight modulators are only legal for daytime use! NO night time/evening use. I also believe that they must be hooked up using a light sensor so if it does get dark while driving/riding the modulation stops automatically.

[Furchin]

"To the best of my knowledge, headlight modulators are only legal for daytime use! NO night time/evening use. I also believe that they must be hooked up using a light sensor so if it does get dark while driving/riding the modulation stops automatically."

Scott, you are correct. And I add that headlight modulators are 50 state legal.
On my Voyager I use the pathblazer modulator P115W, plug in. It is what is says, direct plugin. It also has a light sensor cord that you mount somewhere on your bike. The modulator only works when high beam is deployed and when low light conditions are met it automatically returns to normal high beam operation.

[crash33]

You really need to check with the highway dept in your state, there is a lot of confusing info out there as to what is legal and not from state to state.
Ive seen them here in Texas and from what I understand a modulating headlight is legal but if its considered flashing then its not.

[voyager55]

Headlight Modulators are legal in every state & Canada. It's a federal law.

I've used one for years. It has saved me many many times. I won't ride without one.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle- ... r-regs.htm

Any product that lets you be seen better is well worth the money.

[SgtSlag]

Modulators are different than what LEO's use -- their headlights actually *flash*, so they really are quite different, even though cagers may not recognize that. Toured in Canada, with one installed -- never a question about it.

By law, they must have a low-light bypass device (my first two, had a bypass toggle switch which I installed -- not strictly legal, but functionally legal, as long as I remembered to switch them off). They can be wired to either High Beam, or Low Beam, both are legal. Personally, I prefer Low Beam, so as not to blind the oncoming traffic, nor do I want to shine it in anybody's rear view mirror, especially at a long light. I'm a "cager", too, so I try to look at both sides of the coin, and do what I would want 'them' to do for me, as well.

A couple of drivers have pulled over, thinking I was a cop. I just rode on -- not my problem. I have also had drivers roll down their window, poke their head out, and ask, "Did you know your headlight was flashing?..." Thank goodness I wear a full-face/modular helmet! I was laughing so hard... I do, however, appreciate their concern.

Another thing to consider, is creating a triangle of lights on the front of your bike. Trains do this, with two smaller lights below the main headlight. It creates a triangle, which gets larger, as the train approaches. The speed can be guessed by the rate at which the triangle gets bigger. It works for bikes, as well. I run two 3 Watt LED's (100 Lumens -- won't light up the road at night, but highly visible) on my engine guard bars for this very purpose (the headlight modulates, above, as well).

I also ride wearing a hi-vis, reflective vest, same as what the road crews wear. It makes a HUGE difference in cagers' ability to see us on the bike. Cost was around $6 for the cheapie, $25 for a very good quality unit; fits over my armored riding jacket -- yes, they come in very large sizes. Excellent at night, or in the rain/fog.

Had a low-side two years ago, on an older bike, with my son as a passenger. It was a 2-lane county highway. Afterwards, I was walking the roadway, looking for pieces to pick up off the road, as well as waiting for help to arrive (neither of us was severely injured; my son had some road-rash, thigh and buttocks, I had nothing). My vest was on, and drivers slowed way down, went in the opposite lane; a few actually stopped and asked if we were alright.


Brake modulators are a gray area of the law. I've used them on three bikes, since 2006 -- never a question, or a stop. Mine flash five times, then solid. Ordered a new, deceleration flasher via a Kickstarter, which ekap posted a circuit to use with it, to allow me to connect it to the regular brake lights. This unit will auto-magically flash my brake lights, at a variable rate (faster slow-down, faster flashing; slower slow-down, slower flashing), without my ever touching the brakes; if/when I do touch the brakes, the lights will function normally (five-then solid).

Headlight modulators, brake light modulators, hi-vis vests/jackets, triangle of lights, and reflective decals on your helmet, all add tremendous value to your safety. All of this is my opinion -- no hard science to back any of it up. I would rather be a 'clown' rider, than a statistic on a spreadsheet. YMMV. Cheers!

[chevyman1]

I have a Signal Dynamics modulator on the headlight and on the tail light I use a Signal Dynamics wig wag it works great with the duel tail lights.
Signal Dynamics seems to have the best prices for a quality product.

[Muleears]

I have a Signal Dynamics modulator on the headlight and on the tail light I use a Signal Dynamics wig wag it works great with the duel tail lights.
Signal Dynamics seems to have the best prices for a quality product.

Yes, it is the Signal Dynamics products I was looking at too. The headlight modulator and the "Back Off" tail light modulator. Roughly $110 for the pair. After hearing the testimony here, I think a worthwhile investment. Thank you all for your input.

[Me Again]

I prefer Low Beam, so as not to blind the oncoming traffic, nor do I want to shine it in anybody's rear view mirror, especially at a long light. I'm a "cager", too, so I try to look at both sides of the coin, and do what I would want 'them' to do for me, as well.

I think that's backwards.
Your modulator should be on high beam ,so when you are approaching a vehicle you are noticed.
Then when you get close enough you should be dimming your lights and turning off the modulator ,so as not to distract the driver in the car in front of you.
Remember that "you go were you look" ,so a driver you are approaching (from front or rear) is only seeing a flashing light and will just "Go To The Light".

[voyager55]

How many cops or emergency vehicles do you see with a flashing WHITE light??

I have a modulator on my CB250. On a few occasions people have pulled over thinking I was law enforcement. It has only happened when I have come up from behind--never as I've met them. Those that did pull over seemed to be quite angry when I passed. I also put an additional LED tail light on the Nighthawk that will flash three times before going solid.

All in all, I'm not totally convinced they do that much good. It only catches the attention of people that are paying attention in the first place. The texters and day dreamers still won't see you.

I suppose it would be difficult to tell the difference between me and a police officer approaching from behind. I'm not really worried about someone seeing me behind them its in front of them I am concerned about. If they pull over, so be it, there was no intent on my part to be deceptive. If they get made about it they can call their congressman to get them outlawed! My two main concerns are someone behind me not seeing me slow or stop and someone in front of me either pulling out in front of me or turning across my lane. I suppose if they are texting no amount of warning signal from me will make a difference. My brother was in an accident when a teen, on her phone, turned in front of him. Fortunately he wasn't badly hurt, but his soft tail was.

[Bruce in OK]

Personal opinion.
Headlight modulators are fine during the day, they most definitely do attract attention,but at night they become a distraction for oncoming traffic to a point were I have seen drivers drift toward the light and that could be a really bad thing.

To the best of my knowledge, headlight modulators are only legal for daytime use! NO night time/evening use. I also believe that they must be hooked up using a light sensor so if it does get dark while driving/riding the modulation stops automatically.

Scott is correct. Mine (and I assume all others) is hooked into the high beam circuit. If I choose not to use the modulator, I simply leave the headlight on low beam.

[SgtSlag]

Lots of different opinions. Turning your modulator on/off, to me, is a lot of huey which defeats the purpose. I leave mine on at all times, except when the photo-switch turns it off due to low light levels -- it is supposed to be automatic (hence the photo-switch). To me, my modulator is a piece of safety gear -- I wear my helmet, riding jacket, gloves, boots, etc., at all times, my modulator is no different, to me.

The plug-n-play types may be programmable/configurable as to hi/lo beams, but mine was a hardwire type, so I selected my Low Beam. Cheers!

[chevyman1]

The Signal Dynamics modulator runs on both high and low beam but even without a modulator you should run high beam in the daytime.
Other drivers just don't see low beam.
The only time I will turn off the modulator is if I am running with a group other then leading so it doesn't annoy the other riders when they look in there mirror.