Do you ride with your high beams on during the day?

[passive101]

I've been told and seen lots of different ways people like to ride. Some say single beams should use the high beam on during the day, others say dual beams you should ride with the high beam on or high beam off. I've heard people that have HIDs might do either one as well.

During the day do you ride with your highs or low beams only? (Please state if it's city or country riding)

I'm just curious how people like to do it.

[LNasty]

High beams here

[passive101]

I ride with my brights on during the day city and country roads. (dual beam bike)

[Aufitt]

Do not blind drivers with high beam please (yes that still happens in daylight).

[Snake]

No but I modulate between high and low to warn cagers of my presence before I enter an intersection.

[allanoue]

Low beams then when I flash high it stands out more and fewer people are mad at me.
I work in the city and have a long commute to/from the country. Highways in the morning and twisties going home

[CycleCam303]

Originally Posted by Aufitt

Do not blind drivers with high beam please (yes that still happens in daylight).

Seriously? After I started running my high beams during the day my experience on the public roads completely turned around for the better. People on twisty back roads pull over more often than not. When I'm lane splitting traffic will part and people see me. All the high vis gear isn't as effective as running your high beams during the day.

Even the msf class, we suggest running both lights during the day.

[Aufitt]

Its illegal in my country.

Just use the pass switch to flick high beam when needed.

[NevadaWolf]

I ride low beams during normal daytime conditions (city, traffic, wide open desert), high beams at night cept when an approaching car gets close enough that I can see both headlights.

Outside of normal, I ride high beams if the sun is directly behind me and approaching traffic is blinded, if I am in a "Daytime Headlight" section, or if conditions or weather make me feel the extra light helps me to be seen (ie storm, fog, smoke, dust).

I know my lights are bright (I have Sylvania Silverstars) so while I like to be seen, I don't want to blind or irritate anyone in front of me. I keep them on low most of the time.

[Obsidia]

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

Outside of normal, I ride high beams if the sun is directly behind me and approaching traffic is blinded, if I am in a "Daytime Headlight" section, or if conditions or weather make me feel the extra light helps me to be seen (ie storm, fog, smoke, dust).

+1

Around PDX, I've only had to do it the past couple of mornings because it's been slightly foggy. I've currently just got the stock headlights and normally I just go around with the low beams on. People here honestly don't pay any attention to motorcycles anyway, so anything I can do helps.

[Joshorilla]

Originally Posted by CycleCam303

Seriously? After I started running my high beams during the day my experience on the public roads completely turned around for the better. People on twisty back roads pull over more often than not. When I'm lane splitting traffic will part and people see me. All the high vis gear isn't as effective as running your high beams during the day.

Even the msf class, we suggest running both lights during the day.

That's because you're blinding people. They're not parting or moving over because they see you, they are avoiding being dazzled.

It's illegal to ride with your high beams in traffic here, because it dazzles people, all it takes is one car driver to get dazzled, natural reaction is to close your eyes or shield em with your hands and they crash into you.

[passive101]

Originally Posted by CycleCam303

Seriously? After I started running my high beams during the day my experience on the public roads completely turned around for the better. People on twisty back roads pull over more often than not. When I'm lane splitting traffic will part and people see me. All the high vis gear isn't as effective as running your high beams during the day.

Even the msf class, we suggest running both lights during the day.

Years ago in my MSF course they also recommended driving with the high beams on high and the DMV course allowed it at the time. I have no idea about now in WI if it's allowed for the course.

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by Aufitt

Its illegal in my country.

Just use the pass switch to flick high beam when needed.

Possible thread jack, sorry

I've seen videos from Europe where passing drivers will flick their high beams to signal they are passing. I've also seen it in off road races here when the driver in front will not get out of the way. I know the 300 has the little switch on the back of the left controls.

But honestly, I've never seen anyone flash their highs when passing me. Does anyone in the States do this or is it just a rest of the world thing?

[rojoracing53]

24/7

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by passive101

I ride with my brights on during the day city and country roads. (dual beam bike)

Consider that your brights may impede drivers ahead of you to see your directional light flashing.

Adapting to conditions is always better than "always".

There is no much good in following a car for several miles while shooting so much light to its rear mirror (traffic courtesy has worked for me); however, it is good when approaching to cross an intersection that has a left turner scanning in your direction.

Weaving your light catches the attention of many eyes:
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...ing+camouflage

[250rr]

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

Possible thread jack, sorry

I've seen videos from Europe where passing drivers will flick their high beams to signal they are passing. I've also seen it in off road races here when the driver in front will not get out of the way. I know the 300 has the little switch on the back of the left controls.

But honestly, I've never seen anyone flash their highs when passing me. Does anyone in the States do this or is it just a rest of the world thing?

More of a rest of the world thing. I like the idea personally. However, in the states it seems like flashing your high beams is considered more rude than running with them steady on during the day. I am quite sure I've had people NOT pull over into the slow lane on the freeway BECAUSE I flashed my brights on them. I know, it doesn't make sense. Unfortunately that seems to be the reality around here.

[LNasty]

Originally Posted by Aufitt

Do not blind drivers with high beam please (yes that still happens in daylight).

Even the written test here in Texas and MTS says you need to have your high beams on during the day. The sun alone is about 10,000 times brighter. I could give two shits about the other drivers as long as they can see me better.

[allanoue]

Originally Posted by LNasty

Even the written test here in Texas and MTS says you need to have your high beams on during the day. The sun alone is about 10,000 times brighter. I could give two shits about the other drivers as long as they can see me better.

They do not see you better.

Edit:
people avoid looking at the sun and they will avoid looking at you with your highs on and that is not what you want.

[Aufitt]

Originally Posted by LNasty

Even the written test here in Texas and MTS says you need to have your high beams on during the day. The sun alone is about 10,000 times brighter. I could give two shits about the other drivers as long as they can see me better.

Wow, I guess a lot of riders get turned in front of by blinded motorists
Your Motorcycle trainers need some common sense and training.

[rasta]

If making a driver uncomfortable for just a moment means he definitely sees me, I'm okay with it. I was wondering this very question, so I started staring into motorcyclists' headlights while I was driving. It isn't THAT bad. Especially in the middle of the afternoon here in Cali, where the sun shines bright. Also since 90% of drivers here wear cool looking sunglasses anyway.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

But honestly, I've never seen anyone flash their highs when passing me. Does anyone in the States do this or is it just a rest of the world thing?

Yes but only on the backroads where I live. The little old ladies on their way to church on Sundays need to know that I am coming and to stay in their lanes. lol

Other examples;
Truck drivers will flash their lights after being passed by another truck to alert the passing driver he can get back over a lane.
When in KY and other southern states, if an oncoming vehicle flashes their lights at you, you better check your speed. There is a cop ahead or deer ahead.

ps, I use my low beam 99% of the time.

[massacremasses]

yeah, and if you think motorists are blinded by some your motorcycle brights ive got some news for you... they arent. Also this is a repost. Its been asked before. In the US we say yes, other places say no. But who cares about other countries. I DONT. USA USA USA.


Also
The only time ive been flashed I thought damn, maybe I am blinding people, then I saw the CHP. THANKS BRO!


and seriously i see everyone with their brights on in the day. I dont look away cause OMG ITS SO BRIGHT... cause its not.

[NevadaWolf]

Just my own viewpoint-

Bright spots of light hurt my eyes, whether from the sun itself, reflections off metal or water, or intense lights from vehicles.

I find myself squinting against the light (mostly closing my eyes and peering through a thin slit covered by my eyelashes) and then turning my head or raising my hand to block the source of the light and attempt to look at the side of the road or beyond the source.

If you're on a bike and have bright lights aimed right at me, I block you out simply to keep myself safe since I am partially blind and suffering mild discomfort. It doesn't help me see you any better, in my own view you're a hazard on the roadway.

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Truck drivers will flash their lights after being passed by another truck to alert the passing driver he can get back over a lane.
When in KY and other southern states, if an oncoming vehicle flashes their lights at you, you better check your speed. There is a cop ahead or deer ahead.

ps, I use my low beam 99% of the time.

Yeah, I've seen truckers signal it's safe to come back over (and a few times, they'll flash their brakes to indicate ok to pass) and the ultra rapid "cop ahead" blink. Though at first I thought it was cause something was wrong with my bike, then I saw the cop.

Just never seen the quick flash when someone is coming around. They just pass when safe (or not so safe).

[Aufitt]

Is it just new riders or seasoned riders that do this in the USA?

[massacremasses]

Originally Posted by Aufitt

Is it just new riders or seasoned riders that do this in the USA?

A lot. A mixture I would imagine.

Ive been riding for three years and generally run them and buddies that are just under 10 also generally run them.

[Driddle]

I ride around in a suburban city, and I ride with low beams all the time. However I do have a HID kit in both bulbs, so that could help.
I ride high beams at night in any area where it is not well lit.

I just don't feel the need to run highs all the time.

[rasta]

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

Just my own viewpoint-

Bright spots of light hurt my eyes, whether from the sun itself, reflections off metal or water, or intense lights from vehicles.

I find myself squinting against the light (mostly closing my eyes and peering through a thin slit covered by my eyelashes) and then turning my head or raising my hand to block the source of the light and attempt to look at the side of the road or beyond the source.

If you're on a bike and have bright lights aimed right at me, I block you out simply to keep myself safe since I am partially blind and suffering mild discomfort. It doesn't help me see you any better, in my own view you're a hazard on the roadway.

I don't want to be mean, but personally, if you have the block your eyes from reflections off metal and water, I find you to be more of a hazard on the roadway.

[rasta]

Actually, I'll give you the one about reflections off metal, that can be really bright. But not the water lol

[allanoue]

around here I would say 1 in 20 run on high

[csmith12]

Blu Blockers yo!

Link to original page on YouTube.

[BlueRaven]

I run on high beams most of the time. I'm considering getting a motorcycle headlight modulator so my headlight consistently flash. I find this make any motorcycle stand out everytime when i was driving in a cage or the big rig.

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by rasta

Actually, I'll give you the one about reflections off metal, that can be really bright. But not the water lol

Sunlight off water, at the right angle, can be insanely bright. Coming up onto Lake Tahoe near sunset and not only is the sun blinding you from above, but the lake gets you too.

[LNasty]

F**K it, just gonna strap this mutha on the front of my bike and see how you all like it

[CycleCam303]

Originally Posted by Aufitt

Wow, I guess a lot of riders get turned in front of by blinded motorists
Your Motorcycle trainers need some common sense and training.

That logic doesn't add up. When someone sees bright lights they don't get blinded and forget o there was someone right behind me. The whole blinding other motorists thing is ridiculous. Your halogens during the day are not that bright don't kid yourselves. Turn your brights on during the day and go stand in front of your bike.

Most drivers don't really notice two wheeled vehicles. Everyone is busy on their cell phones or showing off their pathetic attempt of navigating the mean streets.

I used to not run my highs during the day. I noticed that running the high beam that lane sharing and left hand turners stopped being a problem. People see a light then notice a cool red motorcycle. No harm done. No ones flashed me back.

It's funny how self conscience we are. I bet if you asked a handful of people on the road if they noticed you most would say no.

[CycleCam303]

And trust me. Running my brights is most likely the least of my offenses to society lol. The Residents of the Oakland hills want me on a stick

[anacron]

I don't run my brights, like, ever.. which may sound incredible foolish given that my bike is Black and I do a lot of night riding.

I usually weave every time I approach any intersection. Its tons of fun and I'm hoping the moving headlight attracts the attention of both on-coming traffic and pedestrians looking to cross.

I also shift down to get a louder exhaust note so they can hear me as well. Stock exhaust is decently loud once you're at the 7k range.

[adouglas]

No, because I ride using the Golden Rule.

It annoys the living crap out of me when people do it to me, so I don't do it to others.

Edit: I do flash to pass as well as warn oncoming traffic of hazards and po-po.

I'll also turn on my highs and leave them on to get brain-dead left-lane squatters to get the **** out of my way when the polite flash doesn't work.

Yes, pal, you CAN speed up 1 mph to get past the guy in the right lane. Any day now. While we're young, okay? I've been waiting for you to ease past him for over a mile. Oh, good, you've done it! Now move the hell over and let me get on with business......

But the minute they move the highs go off.

[massacremasses]

Originally Posted by adouglas

No, because I ride using the Golden Rule.

Me to.

And IDGAF when another motorcyclist does it in the day. I want other riders to been seen from farther away so Im happy when they do it. And frankly in the day its not even that bad when a car has them on with standard halogen bulbs. You guys must have sensitive eyes.

[LNasty]

PPPPPPPPuussies