-
Increasing daytime visibility
Could anyone suggest what farkles would be best to get first for my new (to me) RT? My main priority is to increase visibility, daytime as well as night. The bike is black and my last one got wrecked by a driver who didn't see me, so I'm feeling particularly paranoid. Would the Spyderpops daytime running lights or a lighted bumpskid be a better choice, or something else? Or maybe a dayglo jacket? I can only afford one or two farkles at a time and want to get the most for my money.
-
-
Active Member
Hi Vis is My Choice!
I also have a black RTS and I really wanted it to stay all black as much as possible. I have added additional led brake and turn lights for the rear from Spyderpops, but that is all. I always run with my fog lights on in the front and high beams during the daytime. I did purchase a high visibility mesh jacket with armor from Fly that is very comfortable in the summer and has a zip-out rain liner. It was the cheapest purchase of my add-ons and probably the most bang for the buck for safety as far as I am concerned. My wife also wears one when we ride two-up so that we can be readily seen. You will quickly find that all of the led light options can get expensive really quick, but if that is your thing, then go for it. Good Luck!
-
JoAnn
Invisibility is a problem that we all have at times and it's not just because we ride, I have had people pull out in front of me while I was driving a Semi Truck.
I agree Light more Lights maybe a strobe light on the helmet (Just kidding about the Strobe) could help .
60+ years of riding I try to ride like no one see's me, Its worked so far but there is always the chance no matter what a rider does someone just may not see you.
So ride your own ride, Keep it in mind, and enjoy
Last edited by Large1; 12-14-2016 at 08:49 AM.
-
-
So, if I was going to buy one or two lights there's no consensus on which ones? I don't want to go hog wild because of the expense. I am already riding with fog lights and high beams on in the daytime. Right now I'm sort of leaning toward the Hi-vis jacket since it'd be visible from all angles and might give the most bang for the buck. On the other hand I already have perfectly usable jackets, and don't have any aftermarket lights yet.
Last edited by Questions; 12-14-2016 at 09:13 AM.
-
-
We were riding in slow moving traffic and this woman wanting to merge in was getting very close. I waved both arms and yelled at her, so she rolls down her window and says (don't worry i won't cut you off). I was like no but you are only about a foot away from my leg.
-
Very Active Member
You don't need a new jacket, you can get a hi-viz vest to go over your jacket.https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/oxfor...iz-bright-vest
2016 F3 Limited
2019 Ryker Rally
2014 Suzuki V Strom 650
2020 CSC TT 250
-
Very Active Member
-
Very Active Member
VISIBILITY
-
-
Very Active Member
Originally Posted by BLUEKNIGHT911
..... This choice would be a lot less expensive, just as effective and leave money for Lamont's LED headlight's - which are very very bright $109.00 delivered and easy to put in ....... As far as making other drivers more aware of you, I'm an x-leo and it is scary when people at accidents tell you they didn't see that ... Dump trk , Cement trk, Tractor Trl trk, Garbage trk, etc..... They didn't see it because they weren't looking where they were supposed to be. Nothing will prevent you from an accident better than DEFENSIVE DRIVING. Expect the un-expected. I didn't mean to lecture but I want you to stay SAFE ....... Mike
I can't thank Mike enough for this post, I have been preaching this for years.
While it is important to be visible, your responsibility as a driver plays a big part. Being in the right place in your driving lane, looking out for other drivers instead of assuming that the others will see you, and being a defensive driver will help keep you alive much better than wearing bright clothes, and lighting your ride up like a circus wagon. I won't repeat the list of vehicles that Mike did, but what has stuck in my mind over the years is, If a vehicle operator is going to run into the side of a train, he isn't going to see you no matter what you do. Take a motorcycle driving course, you will learn more in two days than you will riding for 5 years. Like Mike, I don't mean for this to be a lecture, but ride safe, don't depend on the other guy.
David
How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?
-
Very Active Member
HI VIZ
If I could only choose one item I would go with the hi viz vest. Very inexpensive insurance to make sure you are seen.
2020 F3 Ltd
Spyderpops Bumpskid
Spyderpops Brake/Run/Turn Signal LED's
Lamonster Garage LED Fog Lights and Headlights
2013 ST-S retired 1/9/16 at 25,061 miles
2015 F3S sold at 77,565 miles.
-
Originally Posted by JoAnn R
So, if I was going to buy one or two lights there's no consensus on which ones? I don't want to go hog wild because of the expense. I am already riding with fog lights and high beams on in the daytime. Right now I'm sort of leaning toward the Hi-vis jacket since it'd be visible from all angles and might give the most bang for the buck. On the other hand I already have perfectly usable jackets, and don't have any aftermarket lights yet.
My wife and I have always ridden with high visability jackets/vests etc. I also ride with fog lights on but never high beams. High beams are a great source of irritation to oncomming traffic and something else for the cage drivers to complain about. Over the years and miles, I have had several police, highway patrol and paramedics stop and thank us for making our selves more visable as they are totally convinced that it is a key issue in not becoming an accident statistic.
-
fellow I ride with, he and his wife wear hi vis greenish/yellow modular helmets.
-
Okay, I'm sold on the hi viz vest. Are Lamont's LED headlights the same as the ones in Jim's pictures? That sounds worthwhile. The bumpskid is an attention grabber, but kind of expensive. And maybe some more visible brake/turn signals would be nice.
I agree defensive driving is paramount, but I'm willing to put a little money into the bike just to be even safer! I sure appreciate all your suggestions!
-
Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Devious56
I can't thank Mike enough for this post, I have been preaching this for years.
While it is important to be visible, your responsibility as a driver plays a big part. Being in the right place in your driving lane, looking out for other drivers instead of assuming that the others will see you, and being a defensive driver will help keep you alive much better than wearing bright clothes, and lighting your ride up like a circus wagon. I won't repeat the list of vehicles that Mike did, but what has stuck in my mind over the years is, If a vehicle operator is going to run into the side of a train, he isn't going to see you no matter what you do. Take a motorcycle driving course, you will learn more in two days than you will riding for 5 years. Like Mike, I don't mean for this to be a lecture, but ride safe, don't depend on the other guy.
David
Very true David. You do not get to be an old rider unless you develop street skills. This includes the ability to see stuff about to happen. My wife would get frustrated at me about me pointing out people getting stupid half a mile ahead of me. But after it saved us an accident a couple of times, and she learned to ride, she changed her tune and now sees it too. You can't prevent all accidents, but you can reduce the chances of them.
Jim
2013 ST-S (wife's)
2015 BMW R1200GS (mine)
1981 Yamaha XS400 Scrambler Custom (mine)
-
SpyderLovers Sponsor
BRIGHT LIGHTS , AND LOTS OF THEM
-
Sadly....
Have to agree with Mike....in 99 % of the accidents caused by drivers the excuse is "I didn't see him/her/it". I think it is a standard and lights and jackets will help in many cases but not all. The higher up the lights are the better cause you need to be in their line of vision. I have never trusted anyone to do the right thing. Have had drivers look right at me coming and still pull out with the misguided believe motorcycles stop on a dime. I keep the least amount of distracting gadgets on the bike and only add the GPS when I am in the area that I need it. The day-glo jackets, in my opinion, give a bigger and better area for drivers to see....
2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black
-
Active Member
I try to always practice having an escape route. Keep scanning for a dangerous situation all around you and if you haven't yet take an MSF course.
-
Lights!
Originally Posted by JoAnn R
Okay, I'm sold on the hi viz vest. Are Lamont's LED headlights the same as the ones in Jim's pictures? That sounds worthwhile. The bumpskid is an attention grabber, but kind of expensive. And maybe some more visible brake/turn signals would be nice.
I agree defensive driving is paramount, but I'm willing to put a little money into the bike just to be even safer! I sure appreciate all your suggestions!
Bob Denman has the bumpskid as well as the TRICLED 3rd and 4th brake light LEDS. I have those lights as well and can vouch for them from the rear. To me the byke just doesnt have enough illumination from the rear..... And those are fairly inexpensive and easy to install. I also have the TRICLED in mirror turn signal LEDs ... i figure if someone is behind me they can see those as well as someone in my blind spot in case I don't see them.....
Just my 2 cents....
-
Swap out the fender reflectors for lights/turns add daytime running lights on the a-arms, LED headlights, a high mount brake light.
RIDE WITH YOUR BRIGHT LIGHTS ON!!!!
2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
2011 RTS-SM5 5,000 miles
2013 RTS-SM5 burned up with 13,200 miles in 13 weeks
2010 RTS-SM5 59,148 miles
2010 RT- 622
-
TricLed's
-
Active Member
Agree with all the comments on adding lights. Read a comment online a while back about helmet colors and daytime accidents. Seems white helmets added to daytime visibility by a measurable amount. Wife and I have white Shubuth (sp) C3 Pro helmets and 5 TriceLED Lighting products front and back to increase our visibility.
Sent from my HTC M10.
2014 RT Ltd Silver Platinum Satin, Ultimate Seat, rider and passenger backrests, Vented Windshield, Adjustable Side Wind Deflectors, Chrome Tri Axis Handlebars with GPS Support, Trailer Hitch Kit, RT-622 Trailer Silver Platinum Satin, Stebil Air Horn, BajaRon's Sway Bar, Spyderpops Bumpskid bike and Trailer, R/T grills, SpyderSisters Front Trunk Pockets, SpyderSisters Sunshade, Spyderflaps Mud Flap, many TricLED lights
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|