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!
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.:helpsmilie:
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
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I took the 3 day trike education/driving course. Amazing what this "old dog" learned. I have become a much better driver since mounting my Spyder. You can be driving with a spotlight on you and literally folks are NOT GOING TO SEE YOU. It is my responsibility to be in defensive driver mode whether a straddle the Spyder or behind the wheel of a cage. Have I been in a wreck on my Spyder. Yep stopped on small hill behind car with all my lights ablaze. gal rolls back and smack $$$ damage...she was uninsured, no license, undocumented...all I can say is "uninsured motorist" a must have and thank gosh I had it...heck I'll make this a lecture to anyone...if it saves a life lectures are priceless!! Merry Christmas and ryde safe.
JoAnn, I don't / won't knock decorative lights, my RT Spyder is lit up like a Christmas tree :roflblack: ..... However I'm a DIY'er and didn't spend much ( less than $200.00 ). You said money was an issue and I heard that ..... Lamont's headlight's are currently the most powerful LED's ( for the money ) I've seen and besides being great at night , they will even help during day light ..... but as others have use your Brights ........ enjoy .... Mike :thumbup: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!
actually, I did buy a white Neotec as an early Xmas present to myself. Much more comfortable and quiet than my previous HTC, too.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.
I was just thinking that the custom version of the GT racing stripes shown on his website, with red and reflective silver stripes on a black RT like mine, looked pretty good...Another option would be Pete's (Wrap My Spyder) reflective kits for very effective nighttime riding.
They light up very well when headlights shine on them. (No wiring required)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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....
. That looks very slick indeed!Here's a quick look at the extra brake and turn package
I am in too much traffic here on the cape and can not run with high beams on i'd be flippin the switch all the time cause its not legal to leave them on
https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/headlight-use-laws-for-all-50-states
How about this?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.:helpsmilie: