HEADLIGHT FLICER 2012 RT

[Babyblue]

Last night I was out with hubby and a friend for dinner and a ride. Normally I lead, but I chose to follow last night. Anyway, I have known about the "flickering" with lights during the day so I ride with the brights. However, it was dark and I chose to ride with the low beams instead. Both guys told me my lights were blinking and my husband actually dropped back to see if I was okay. I have read that adjusting the headlight should alleviate this problem. Today we are going to do that, but I also want to know if there is any other suggestions. Thanks for any infomation!

Lori

 

[Don in E Texas]

Blue Light Special

Don't know if this thread is of any help for you or not:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?52934-Blue-Light

Don

 

[Babyblue]

Don't know if this thread is of any help for you or not:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?52934-Blue-Light

Don

Thank you Don. I did read this post and a couple of others from a couple of years back.

I know that these are expensive, but do you or anyone else think installing fog lights would help so I don't have to run with my brights at night?

Thank you again.

 

[NancysToy]

The flickering effect in the dark happens when the edge of the beam, cut off by the low beam shiutter, pases in and out of the direct line of sight of the viewer. The focused beam makes this effect more intense. Lowering the aim of your headlights a little should help. Please realize that all motorcycles are lightweight vehicles, and the headlights often appear to bounce or flicker as you hit bumps. You can minimize the effect by aiming the headlights correctly.

In the daytime the effect is the same, but it is exaggerated by the viwer only being able to see the brightest, most focused part of the beam. Using your brights in the day eliminates the cut off edge, and allows mor beam to reach the viewer, reducing the in-and-out of view effect.

 

[Babyblue]

The flickering effect in the dark happens when the edge of the beam, cut off by the low beam shiutter, pases in and out of the direct line of sight of the viewer. The focused beam makes this effect more intense. Lowering the aim of your headlights a little should help. Please realize that all motorcycles are lightweight vehicles, and the headlights often appear to bounce or flicker as you hit bumps. You can minimize the effect by aiming the headlights correctly.

In the daytime the effect is the same, but it is exaggerated by the viwer only being able to see the brightest, most focused part of the beam. Using your brights in the day eliminates the cut off edge, and allows mor beam to reach the viewer, reducing the in-and-out of view effect.

Thank you! This makes perfect sense to me.

Is it possible the shutter could be loose too and maybe have dropped a bit?

And just for S and G, what are your thoughts on adding fog lights?

Thank you so much!

Lori

 

[NancysToy]

Thank you! This makes perfect sense to me.

Is it possible the shutter could be loose too and maybe have dropped a bit?

And just for S and G, what are your thoughts on adding fog lights?

Thank you so much!

Lori

I have not seen or heard of any loose shutters. Think of it as holding your hand out in front of your eyes, looking at a person's head on the TV. Move your hand the tiniest bit and their head or eyes disappear. That's similar to what is happening on the Spyder. Get that direct beam out of their eyes (at night) and your lights will be more steady to onlookers.

I like the foglights for added visibility (being seen) but they don't really light up much on the RT. The RS foglights cast a lot of light up front, close to the vehicle. Very handy, but the RT foglights are more for attracting attention than seeing anything. JMHO

 

[Magdave]

The flickering effect in the dark happens when the edge of the beam, cut off by the low beam shiutter, pases in and out of the direct line of sight of the viewer. The focused beam makes this effect more intense. Lowering the aim of your headlights a little should help. Please realize that all motorcycles are lightweight vehicles, and the headlights often appear to bounce or flicker as you hit bumps. You can minimize the effect by aiming the headlights correctly.

In the daytime the effect is the same, but it is exaggerated by the viwer only being able to see the brightest, most focused part of the beam. Using your brights in the day eliminates the cut off edge, and allows mor beam to reach the viewer, reducing the in-and-out of view effect.

+1 and what tosses a monkey wrench in is riding 2 up unless you stiffen the rear shock every time you do the cut off rises. I get a lot of flashing headlights riding 2 up. Tough. Lots of guys around here lift the front of their pickups and put HIDs in halogen lenses un adjusted and have been blinding me for years. Time for some Spyder payback. LOL

 

[Babyblue]

I have not seen or heard of any loose shutters. Think of it as holding your hand out in front of your eyes, looking at a person's head on the TV. Move your hand the tiniest bit and their head or eyes disappear. That's similar to what is happening on the Spyder. Get that direct beam out of their eyes (at night) and your lights will be more steady to onlookers.

I like the foglights for added visibility (being seen) but they don't really light up much on the RT. The RS foglights cast a lot of light up front, close to the vehicle. Very handy, but the RT foglights are more for attracting attention than seeing anything. JMHO

Understood on the shutters. Thank you.

As for the fog lights, I am looking to be seen, not seeing. The price is holding me back a bit as we rarely ride at night, but safety is safety. I am also going to order a brake light for the back trunk. I met a woman yesterday who has a 2010 RT. She showed me her mods (extra lights on fender and rear trunk) and pointed out why they were done. Her name is Sherry and she and her hubby David are part of the Blue Knights here in MN. I was worried about the power drain and she stated she has never had a problem.

Thank you again for your valuable information.

Lori

 

[Babyblue]

+1 and what tosses a monkey wrench in is riding 2 up unless you stiffen the rear shock every time you do the cut off rises. I get a lot of flashing headlights riding 2 up. Tough. Lots of guys around here lift the front of their pickups and put HIDs in halogen lenses un adjusted and have been blinding me for years. Time for some Spyder payback. LOL

:clap: Had one of those behind me last night. Wanted to shoot out his lights, but they frown on that I so I've been told Me, I just thought it woul have been good practice.

Back to riding, I ride solo. I am no skinny little woman. I have the manual shocks and currently have them at 4. I rode last year and part of this year with the setting at 3, but I thought I would try 4 for awhile. Judgement still out on that though. I have never had a problem with curves and watch my tire pressure religiously. I don't know if this has made a difference with the angle or not.

Thank you.

Lori

 

[Bob Denman]

Hi Lori,
During the daytime; it's high beams AND the foglights for me! :2thumbs: I don't want anybody to get a chance to say that they "never saw me" to the LEO that's investigating the wreck... :shocked:

 

[Magdave]

:clap: Had one of those behind me last night. Wanted to shoot out his lights, but they frown on that I so I've been told Me, I just thought it woul have been good practice.

Back to riding, I ride solo. I am no skinny little woman. I have the manual shocks and currently have them at 4. I rode last year and part of this year with the setting at 3, but I thought I would try 4 for awhile. Judgement still out on that though. I have never had a problem with curves and watch my tire pressure religiously. I don't know if this has made a difference with the angle or not.

Thank you.

Lori

If you haven't done this yet replace you fender bulbs with these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400488104788?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 They make the front a lot more visible day or night

 

[SPYDERFUZZ]

Headlights

Lori My RT limited :f_spider: came with fog lights already installed. I haven't used them yet so can not comment on that.

 

[Babyblue]

If you haven't done this yet replace you fender bulbs with these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400488104788?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 They make the front a lot more visible day or night

Thank you. Put them on the list!

Lori

 

[Babyblue]

Lori My RT limited :f_spider: came with fog lights already installed. I haven't used them yet so can not comment on that.

I know the LED lights should not draw much, but I am wondering about the fog lights. I am hoping after we adjust the headlight, I shouldn't need them. Looking at the two tone lights for the front fenders too. I am not a bling person, but talking to Sherry everything she pointed out were excellent ideas.

Thank you again!

 

[retread]

The fog lights will light the area between where the headlights light and the front of your Spyder. Just a suggestion, if you don't have the air bag, take your rear suspension up a notch.

john

 

[Oldmanzues]

I am a fan of Tric-led front fender lights (Yellow in front, red to rear) and his 3/4 tail/stop light for added visability at a reason cost to buy, quick to install.
Oldmanzues

 

[Babyblue]

The fog lights will light the area between where the headlights light and the front of your Spyder. Just a suggestion, if you don't have the air bag, take your rear suspension up a notch.

john

I will try that too, probably first.

Thank you. Hubby is heading to Lake Superior fishing, so we won't be able to try these things until he gets back. He gets a little nervous when I try things on my own..........) Let's just say I have had some disasters in the past.

Lori

 

[Cleg]

See and be seen!

High beams, fog lights and any other are the best way to go 24/7. Never had anyone 'spot' me because of the high beams. Safety safety and yes a little bit more safety. I do like the idea of the brighter fender pucks...but the link to E Bay says 10 per pack??? Why?:hun:

 

[Babyblue]

I am a fan of Tric-led front fender lights (Yellow in front, red to rear) and his 3/4 tail/stop light for added visability at a reason cost to buy, quick to install.
Oldmanzues

Thank you. I found the website and added them to my list!

Lori

 

[Magdave]

High beams, fog lights and any other are the best way to go 24/7. Never had anyone 'spot' me because of the high beams. Safety safety and yes a little bit more safety. I do like the idea of the brighter fender pucks...but the link to E Bay says 10 per pack??? Why?:hun:

Because they fit many cars too I use them up. You can buy less you only need 2 but you can put them in the footwell and other interior lights in most cars they are the same bulb. I replaced all my C5 Corvette interior bulbs with them. Licence plates too. Those particular ones have 7 super bright LEDs not the 5 segment flat panel type and are very bright. :thumbup:

EDIT do not buy that set I paid $5.89 for them not $55 that is just stupid. here is a better link

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-Car-194...Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c2b6d39a5&vxp=mtr

or you can buy 2
http://www.ebay.com/itm/S0BZ-10x-19...Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d42202d28&vxp=mtr