CapeSpyder
New member
Tricled xmas sale just started
CapeSpyder
Sent From my Note 5
CapeSpyder
Sent From my Note 5
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There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.
Increasing daytime visibility
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The only "problem" with a high viz vest / jacket, is that on any Spyder with a tall trunk or topcase, the rider is obscured from behind - especially shorter riders. So it's helpful to have some kind of rear light system. But don't be tempted to go overboard unless you do some pre planning. Being lit up like a christmas tree can be confusing / distracting to some drivers. Be sure that brake lights and signals aren't lost in the dazzling display.
al0vely
Member
They are having a sale now 15% off … I bought mine last month and got 20% off which saved me $100.
I couldn't agree more. Perhaps not as much on MCs, but daytime headlights on cars, especially if they're on high beam, or those whose low beams are brighter than normal, actually force me to look away until we pass each other. My eyes have become very sensitive to such lights, either from simple aging or from my years of lampworking (sculpting with molten glass in a propane/oxygen torch).
I also hate to see more and more cars using their headlights during the day because it no longer alerts drivers to motorcycles. It used to be if you saw a headlight coming at you, you knew it was going to be a motorcycle. Two headlights coming at you were two bikers sharing a lane. Now, it's more likely to simply be another car. I think it's making the cage drivers immune to watching for us or being reminded that we're out there.
HayRog
New member
Thanks for the link.
Just back from the local Cyclegear with two of these in high viz yellow.
https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/bilt-solar-reflective-vest
Excellent bang for the buck.
JimVonBaden
New member
I didn't want to disagree with the groupthink yet again, but since you did, I will give your opinion the nod. Bright headlights on all the time in traffic, even during the day, is a bad idea. Properly aimed aux lights are fine, added side and rear lights also fine, but running brights is not only very bad form, inconsiderate, but also illegal in most states.
Bob Denman
New member
As much as I like to hope that more lights will help... :shocked:
What if the other driver is on their phone... or texting... or adjusting the ventilation system... or yelling at their kids in the back seat... or is drunk... or is asleep...???? :yikes:
Always try to have a way out, and never get caught feeling overly confident! nojoke
What if the other driver is on their phone... or texting... or adjusting the ventilation system... or yelling at their kids in the back seat... or is drunk... or is asleep...???? :yikes:
Always try to have a way out, and never get caught feeling overly confident! nojoke
2Paw
New member
and those that see you are out to get you!
If you want the best protection with high visibility go for this: https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/held-airbag-vest-by-helite here is an example:
Surprisingly, my instructor for the Motorcycle Safety Course utilize high beams. Heck, most of the law enforcement (Non-duty uses high beams). Whatever makes the person feel safe than use it. Most cars do not see motorcycles, and I know. So, I do respect people who rides motorcycles with their high beams on. Yes, it is illegal for most states. But, the good thing is law enforcement do not pull the motorcycle riders. Because they know the dumb drivers on their phone text, inexperience drivers, and teeny boppers will not see the motorcyclist. It is better to be safe than sorry.
PMK
Active member
Recently, I led a group ride here in Florida.
With 4 Spyder RT models behind me, it offered some comparison of visibility I had not realized before.
One of the machines was running LED headlights, the others were running stock Halogen bulbs.
When taking inventory that all bikes were still following it became very apparent that the color of the headlight beam made a huge difference.
I am without doubt a huge fan of having the best forward nighttime illumination. The high power LEDs and proper HID systems will accomplish that.
My observations while leading the group ride had me notice the difficulty seeing the LED equipped Spyder. The Halogen equipped machines all had that yellowish appearance to the lights. For whatever reason, that color, and the bobbing around while moving was quite apparent. The LED equipped bike had a very white color to the lights, no doubt matching other lights on the machine for the bright white color. On the sunny day, the bright white, while visible when actually looking for it, was not outstanding as were the yellowish Halogen lights adding contrast to the backdrop and much more easily seen.
Not exactly sure how this equates for others, my point being you may not be as visible even though the LEDs offer increased forward output.
Possibly, those adding additional lights might consider adding some contrast when viewed from the front.
With 4 Spyder RT models behind me, it offered some comparison of visibility I had not realized before.
One of the machines was running LED headlights, the others were running stock Halogen bulbs.
When taking inventory that all bikes were still following it became very apparent that the color of the headlight beam made a huge difference.
I am without doubt a huge fan of having the best forward nighttime illumination. The high power LEDs and proper HID systems will accomplish that.
My observations while leading the group ride had me notice the difficulty seeing the LED equipped Spyder. The Halogen equipped machines all had that yellowish appearance to the lights. For whatever reason, that color, and the bobbing around while moving was quite apparent. The LED equipped bike had a very white color to the lights, no doubt matching other lights on the machine for the bright white color. On the sunny day, the bright white, while visible when actually looking for it, was not outstanding as were the yellowish Halogen lights adding contrast to the backdrop and much more easily seen.
Not exactly sure how this equates for others, my point being you may not be as visible even though the LEDs offer increased forward output.
Possibly, those adding additional lights might consider adding some contrast when viewed from the front.
I've posted it before, & I guess I'll probably end up post it again too, but there's a growing body of evidence that shows while lights alone might help other road users notice you when you are a fair way off; but by themselves, those same lights alone are simply not very good at helping other road users SEE you in a way that makes them unarguably aware that you are still approaching once you get within about 30 yards; ie, once you get within that final critical zone for last ditch accident avoidance!! :shocked:
So if you THINK that lights by themselves are going to make other road users actually see you in a way that means they are aware & they wont do something that causes you to collide, then I'm sorry, that just ain't gonna happen by fitting lights alone & you still need to ryde ALL the time as tho they just don't see you & are gonna do the very thing you least want them to do!! And if you are adding accessories or mods to help you be seen, then it's probably smart to use a number of alternative approaches rather than just fitting more lights!! That could mean trying those contrast lights PMK suggested above, or Modulated lights if they are legal where you are, possibly wearing Hi-vis clothing or helmets, painting your Spyder with Day-Glo &/or reflective stripes, or even fitting a laser guidance system slaved to your line of sight to the 50 cal mount or CIWS stashed in your frunk; anything that adds MORE to attract & hold their attention than just lights will help - but the major accident avoidance aid you have access to remains your constant awareness & vigilance whilst always ryding defensively & as tho every other road user is truly out there to kill you thru their inattention or negligence! :thumbup:
So if you THINK that lights by themselves are going to make other road users actually see you in a way that means they are aware & they wont do something that causes you to collide, then I'm sorry, that just ain't gonna happen by fitting lights alone & you still need to ryde ALL the time as tho they just don't see you & are gonna do the very thing you least want them to do!! And if you are adding accessories or mods to help you be seen, then it's probably smart to use a number of alternative approaches rather than just fitting more lights!! That could mean trying those contrast lights PMK suggested above, or Modulated lights if they are legal where you are, possibly wearing Hi-vis clothing or helmets, painting your Spyder with Day-Glo &/or reflective stripes, or even fitting a laser guidance system slaved to your line of sight to the 50 cal mount or CIWS stashed in your frunk; anything that adds MORE to attract & hold their attention than just lights will help - but the major accident avoidance aid you have access to remains your constant awareness & vigilance whilst always ryding defensively & as tho every other road user is truly out there to kill you thru their inattention or negligence! :thumbup:
Last edited:
Bob Denman
New member
:agree:
Lights, plus high visibility clothing, plus the proper riding attitude and tactics...
That's what'll get you home safe! :thumbup:
Lights, plus high visibility clothing, plus the proper riding attitude and tactics...
That's what'll get you home safe! :thumbup:
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