Agree, but if you're group riding it's difficult on the rider in front, especially the LEDs.
This is why I cut off the photocell and replace t with a switch. I turn on the modulator only when needed.
Ours is a red, black and chrome 2017 F3 Limited. Bought new in 2/2019. The avatar is my first bike back in 1952, a Simplex Servi-Cycle. Photo taken at the Barber Museum.
Some basics that makes the Ryker low visibility to cagers/others:
1. Black Black Black Color 2. Rider sits low
I plan to get a 2021 Ryker ( giving my 2015 F3-S to brother) when available and will spend a ton on led lightning: 1. front fender - running/turn/brake (this also lights up side and bottom of bike) 2. top case and rear running/turn/brake 3. hand guards/front hood/arms/ skid plate white LED's 4. Try an integrate the gear smart brake module - brakes lights come on when slowing without hitting brakes.
In addition I have bright reflective jacket and helmet
This should help along with knowing I will still be invisible to others.
2020 RT Ride Frequent Stay Safe
Aftermarket Aux Light, GPS mounting/wiring, Lamonster Garage Mirror Lock, Lamonster Garage Belt Tensioner
Backrest Home Brew Mod
2008 RS from 2008 through 4/2015, 2015 F3-S from 4/2015 through 9/2020
Ours is a red, black and chrome 2017 F3 Limited. Bought new in 2/2019. The avatar is my first bike back in 1952, a Simplex Servi-Cycle. Photo taken at the Barber Museum.
I usually ride with the headlights on even during daytime(not just the position lights), when doing so I'd estimate every third car flashes their headlights at me. Doesnt matter if they are annoyed by my headlights or just think I forgot them on, it gives me a confirmation that they have indeed noticed me, so the tactic seems to work to at least add some additional safety.
But ultimately the only way to stay safe in trafic is to just expect EVERY other vechicle (or pedestrian etc) to do the most stupid and dangerous move at any moment, and do your own driving accordingly in terms of keeping distance, be ready to brake etc.
There is a local motorcycle police officer that wears a fluorescent yellow jacket and white helmet while on patrol. He has a reputation for being tough on moving violations and registration compliance. When I ride I wear a fluorescent yellow jacket and white helmet. The way I see it if they are watching for him they are going to see me.
Awareness is your best friend. Drive like they don't see you or are out to get you. Sometimes they don't see you or worse.
Dressing for visibility is good...if they see you. We even have yellow and orange colored Spyders...but always in the back of my mind is the statement..."I never saw them."
all might help but adopt “Defensive” driving because these fools will pull out/over on a freight train, even before had cell phones, GPS, & infotainment systems to distract them. be aware to be safe
2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
sawblade mowhalk fender accents
minispyder dash toy
Lid lox
KradelLock
Pakitrack
GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
SENA 20S EVO
I replaced my horn with a better one. The default horn is a joke.
I also replaced the curved reflectors on the two front wheels with the led lights from slingmods. These alone are worth every penny. Not only do they increase visibility when turning, they are also lit up while the bike is running....giving a huge advantage for being seen from the front side a nd back.
Nice kit, but wondering if the turn signals can be set for solid blinks instead of the sequential thing. After all, we're just trying to be seen, not induce epileptic attacks ...
Also wondering why they can't sell just the red lights. Looks like you could even use the same wiring harness - just tape off the connection for the amber lights if you don't use them.
I also have LED daytime running lights/ fog lights on during the day. Also I turn up my radio. When I am on the highway( interstate) and I am behind a TT Unit I am back there so I can see the driver in his/or her rear view mirror.
Deanna
Current Spyder - 2023 F3 LTD Special Mineral Blue
Red LED NANO Saddlebag Marker Lights with Full Illumination
Sequential Fender LED'S (Amber/Red) with Safety Reflector
Dual Power Plate (12 V & USB ports)
Gremlin Bell
Rear Trunk Organizer (4 holders, 2 Elastic Holders)
Lamonster "Top Cuff" with adjustable drink Holder
SpyderPops Missing Guard Belt
Console Accent Trim (Carbon Fiber Domed Black)
Ultimate F3 Floorboards
Front Fairing Service Access Door Covers (Carbon Fiber Doomed Black)
Sway Bar with Links
Rolo Laser Alignment
Half Cover
A-Arm Daytime Dual Color LED Running Lights with Blinker Module
Hi-Viz DRL and Sequential Mirrors lights
Marinco 12Volt Power Receptacle with polarized leads & slide lock
Show chrome Trunk Shock
Just replaced the stock horn with a nice little Wolo Full Blast. Lower tone and louder for a bit more authoritah. Even uses the stock bracket with a longer bolt and spacer so it tucks down just behind the fuse box. Plenty of clearance around the sensitive bits and no need for a relay as it's a standard type horn.
Headlight modulator. I use Kissen. Been using them on many different bikes They do make a difference. You will notice it the first day
I completely agree.
A headlight modulator has saved my butt more that once I can tell you that. However, there was one time that it would have been a very fatal crash for me going over a rocky embankment. A headlight modulator worked wonders on my Goldwing. You can actually see it catch their attention in how that come to a stop.
Tim
Current - 2010 Spyder RTS
1) Experience is something you don't get until after you need it.
2) A closed mouth gathers no foot.
3) IF YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO DO IT RIGHT, WHEN WILL YOU HAVE TIME TO DO IT OVER??
___
Horsepower is an illusory mathematical equation; Torque is REAL, and is the source of all good things in the world.
The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem. Do you understand?
Just replaced the stock horn with a nice little Wolo Full Blast. Lower tone and louder for a bit more authoritah. Even uses the stock bracket with a longer bolt and spacer so it tucks down just behind the fuse box. Plenty of clearance around the sensitive bits and no need for a relay as it's a standard type horn.
There's times I think it don't make a difference how many lights, horns, flags, big arms waving in the air! Some people just don't care or don't see, they just bolt out! YOU have to be the proactive one at all times!! That's why I have a pet peave, and that's window shading the drivers window with A shade that you can not see where some ones head is turned, don't like it!!!! My 2 cents!!! Sorry!!
Awareness is your best friend. Drive like they don't see you or are out to get you. Sometimes they don't see you or worse.
Dressing for visibility is good...if they see you. We even have yellow and orange colored Spyders...but always in the back of my mind is the statement..."I never saw them."
RE: Loud mufflers...they mostly make people mad IMO, and are not helpful in your case.
I like the suggestion of a horn upgrade though.
Agreed, riding motorcycles for over 40 years has taught me one important thing, never expect anyone to see you on any kind of bike OR car for that matter. Never be distracted while riding OR when stopped, keep looking all the time. Another tip for cars coming out in front of you ahead left or right, this is where most accidents occur, watch the front wheel never the driver, the driver could be looking right at you and still not see you, PLUS many vehicles have tinted windows so you can't see the driver anyhow. If the wheel moves get on the breaks and off the throttle. If you can light up your bike as much as possible at night that will help. If you haven't upgraded your horn yet, do that immediately.