Headlight Modulator

[MarkCollins]

How many of you run a headlight modulator. Are there any opinions on the best ones?
I have an '86 GL1200A running the H4 type bulb.

Thanks

[WingAdmin]

I've got one on both my 1100 and 1500, and on my wife's Virago. I see a huge change in people seeing me with it.

I used Kisan Pathblazers in all three bikes, and they work great. Simple to install, reliable, and work perfectly.

[cbx4evr]

I have one and although I have seen benefits from using it I have felt there were times when people may have been annoyed with it and purposely cross into my lane a little or turn their brights on continuous. Non-riders can be such idiots.

I will continue to use it especially on the two lanes.

[WA9FWT]

I can tell you I would not be with out one.I believe it has saved my self a number of times on close calls.
I have been out only a few times this season so far and have been stopped and was told my light was flashing.

Just two days ago, a fellow in a truck just stopped in front of me right smack in the middle of the road and
motioned me to pull along side of him.He said something must be wrong with my head light...Of coarse I
had to explain.I would not be with out one after having in on for a few years now.The brand I use is the same as our Wing Admin... It sure works great.It only flashe's during day light...

WA9FWT Phil

[maestro319]

Great question, Mark. I have the same bike as you and have been considering getting a modulator for a while now. My question to all of you on this forum, do they have a modulator for our "older" ('86) bikes? And, how easy is it to put one in/on? Seems like there would be a lot of tupperware removal to get at the headlight. (obviously, you can tell by my question I have never done it before,) Thanks all.

[cbx4evr]

Great question, Mark. I have the same bike as you and have been considering getting a modulator for a while now. My question to all of you on this forum, do they have a modulator for our "older" ('86) bikes? And, how easy is it to put one in/on? Seems like there would be a lot of tupperware removal to get at the headlight. (obviously, you can tell by my question I have never done it before,) Thanks all.

They make them for just about any type of headlight bulb, including all Goldwing applications.

Plug your info in here: https://www.kisantech.com/application.php

As to installing it. I've only done it on the 1500. Maybe took an hour to run the wire and install the daylight sensor but then I had the headlight out before. First time around may take you a little more time but fairly easy to do. You have to be able to get to the back of the headlight.

[WingAdmin]

The 1100 was very easy to do, as the headlight comes out in 5 minutes. The 1200 is more like the 1500 - you have to remove the windshield trim bolts (or mirror attach bolts, depending on which version of 1200 you have), then remove the windshield trim. The screws holding the headlight in are then easily accessible.

[estavtn]

I bought a used 2000 GL1500 a couple years ago and last February I installed the Kisan Pathblazer 150GW and started using it this spring. The 150GW seems to have been designed for the 1500 as it plugs right in between the headlight cable and the light harness, real easy. Mounting the photo eye can require more disassembly but still worth it I believe. It stopped modulating this July. As I had purchased it directly from Kisan and I had kept the invoice, they warrantied it. I received a replacement modulator and installed it in August. On the first short ride, after about 5 miles I thought I smelled something like insulation burning, eventually it went away but when I got home from the short ride I still smelled it up front and the modulation had stopped working. When I took the front bezel off and the headlight assm out, the modulator had overheated and melted a bit. I verified I have stock bulbs and Kisan warrantied that unit too with a replacement of the same model. It did the same but did not last as long. Andy at Kisan tech support was very helpful and said they have started using a different vendor and this never was a very good design. He asked me to send them my old units so they could read the eprom and see if they could learn anything. Eventually, they sent me a model P115W-D which is two units that plug in between the light bulb and the socket and have a different photo eye cable. It has worked well the last rides I have taken so we will see.
My point is if you are thinking of a modulator for the 1500, I would recommend the P115W-D and highly recommend Kisan for their support of their product.

[WA9FWT]

I bought a used 2000 GL1500 a couple years ago and last February I installed the Kisan Pathblazer 150GW and started using it this spring. The 150GW seems to have been designed for the 1500 as it plugs right in between the headlight cable and the light harness, real easy. Mounting the photo eye can require more disassembly but still worth it I believe. It stopped modulating this July. As I had purchased it directly from Kisan and I had kept the invoice, they warrantied it. I received a replacement modulator and installed it in August. On the first short ride, after about 5 miles I thought I smelled something like insulation burning, eventually it went away but when I got home from the short ride I still smelled it up front and the modulation had stopped working. When I took the front bezel off and the headlight assm out, the modulator had overheated and melted a bit. I verified I have stock bulbs and Kisan warrantied that unit too with a replacement of the same model. It did the same but did not last as long. Andy at Kisan tech support was very helpful and said they have started using a different vendor and this never was a very good design. He asked me to send them my old units so they could read the eprom and see if they could learn anything. Eventually, they sent me a model P115W-D which is two units that plug in between the light bulb and the socket and have a different photo eye cable. It has worked well the last rides I have taken so we will see.
My point is if you are thinking of a modulator for the 1500, I would recommend the P115W-D and highly recommend Kisan for their support of their product.

How many of you run a headlight modulator. Are there any opinions on the best ones?
I have an '86 GL1200A running the H4 type bulb.

Thanks

I have one installed for years on my Gl 1100 and would not drive with out.It has saved my butt to many times too mention.Noproblems either.
WA9FWT Phil

[RoadRogue]

I too use the Kisan modulator. First on the 1500 and now on the 1200. Since installing it NO. BODY has tried to turn left in front of me. I can see that people see me on the road now. I also run a brake light flasher ( backoff XP) that makes people stop at least a car length farther back at stop lights giving me a comfort zone while waiting for the light to change. I believe these modulators should be standard equipment on all motorcycles.
Sure some people don't know what the modulated headlight means, I have had some tell me there's something wrong with it and others have even pulled over to the side of the road to let me pass, I assume they think I'm an emergency vehicle. I always waveand smile as I pass by....
People will get used to them as more of us use the modulators. Everybody is resistant to change but they will come around eventually

[chrisz]

Me too, me too. I've been using it for quite a few years now with good results. When it was mounted on my BMW RT (a couple of years ago) and with my white helmet I would on occasion have people in cars in front of me pull off the road letting me pass, thinking I was a bike cop. I'd ride by and wave a thank you. (Or they were pissed with the flashing lights of my high beam ) On group rides I do switch the modulator off if behind other riders as I was told it is distracting for them.

But on two occasions I was stopped by the police for my 'flashing' light. But I do carry the Ontario regulation page copy with me in my wallet to explain the law and show the photo sensor and how it works, and then they just let me continue my ride. Thankfully I haven't been stopped (yet) for my brake flashing light as the law not in my favor in this regard.

[crock4]

I have a modulater on my bike , and really like the way it gets cagers attention. My question though is where can I get a copy of the headlight modulator regs to carry on my bike in case I get stopped by the police? I live in Florida. Thanks in advance for your help.
Bob

[WingAdmin]

I have a modulater on my bike , and really like the way it gets cagers attention. My question though is where can I get a copy of the headlight modulator regs to carry on my bike in case I get stopped by the police? I live in Florida. Thanks in advance for your help.
Bob

Click on the "Manuals" link at the top of the page and you'll find it listed as:

Motorcycle Headlight Modulator Regulations - USA and Canada

It's a PDF that you can download and print out - one page each, one for all of US and one for Canada. There are no state-by-state modulator laws, as the US DOT federal law trumps any state or local legislation.

[crock4]

I have a modulater on my bike , and really like the way it gets cagers attention. My question though is where can I get a copy of the headlight modulator regs to carry on my bike in case I get stopped by the police? I live in Florida. Thanks in advance for your help.
Bob

Click on the "Manuals" link at the top of the page and you'll find it listed as:


Motorcycle Headlight Modulator Regulations - USA and Canada

It's a PDF that you can download and print out - one page each, one for all of US and one for Canada. There are no state-by-state modulator laws, as the US DOT federal law trumps any state or local legislation.

Thank you for your help.

[dadztoy]

I have been using headlight modulators for about the last 26 years (since 1993) and wouldn't be without one... While they may irritate some cagers, I cannot tell you how many people I have seen getting ready to pull out in front of me, and then jam on the brakes when they see the modulator... Say what you want, but IMO, a great safety device for us 2 wheelers!!!

[chrisz]

While they may irritate some cagers, I cannot tell you how many people I have seen getting ready to pull out in front of me, and then jam on the brakes when they see the modulator... !

I wonder sometimes if the modulators are giving someone the impression that you are flashing your lights at them to give them the 'go-ahead' signal. But when they realize you are not slowing down, they jam on the brakes.

[WA9FWT]

While they may irritate some cagers, I cannot tell you how many people I have seen getting ready to pull out in front of me, and then jam on the brakes when they see the modulator... !

I wonder sometimes if the modulators are giving someone the impression that you are flashing your lights at them to give them the 'go-ahead' signal. But when they realize you are not slowing down, they jam on the brakes.

Good observation remark,but I don't think thats the case at all. At least they apply there brakes,and thats what we want.

WA9FWT Phil

[WingAdmin]

While they may irritate some cagers, I cannot tell you how many people I have seen getting ready to pull out in front of me, and then jam on the brakes when they see the modulator... !

I wonder sometimes if the modulators are giving someone the impression that you are flashing your lights at them to give them the 'go-ahead' signal. But when they realize you are not slowing down, they jam on the brakes.

I can tell you that in the many years I have been running a headlight modulator, this has never happened to me.

[RoadRogue]

The modulator pulses the light way too fast ( 4 times a second I believe)and is modulating constantly for anyone to mistake it as a " go ahead" signal.

[newtothe1996wing]

Referring to a go signal, myth, does not happen. I have one from Kriss industries, most high tech and well made.
Recently put one on my 2014 harley sportster 48, Kriss is only company that can make one that functions properly with the can-bus system. The owner is engineer and has a "rocket" scientist (works for NASA)helps with design.
Before you buy you owe it to yourself to ck them out!

[Old Fogey]

As far as I am aware, these are totally illegal in the UK but why I don't know. Many cyclists use that type of light both front and back, modulated or flashing. In fact, I have even seen Police cyclists with the flashing version, although the law states that any lighting must be solid. Not that the Police give a sh*t when it comes to themselves.
I will make some inquiries and come back with an official answer. It should cover the EU as well, since all lighting has to be homologated to EU regulations.

[SidAbma]

I have one on my 1994 GL 1500. One day it quit working, then every once and a while it works again. Any suggestions what I can look for. I too like having it for safety reasons.

[WingAdmin]

I have one on my 1994 GL 1500. One day it quit working, then every once and a while it works again. Any suggestions what I can look for. I too like having it for safety reasons.

It depends. What kind is it (i.e. what manufacturer)?

[Sadanorakman]

Unfortunately totally illegal in the UK, along with any kind of flashing brake light. A real shame, as I would buy a modulator in a heart-beat!

If you're a cyclist, you used to not be allowed flashing lights on the bike, but they were ok if attached to the rider's body.
That's now changed, and you can have flashing lights on your bike.
I now see many cyclists with ultra-bright, strobing LED flashlights mounted that frankly burn your retinas as they ride toward you. I get it that they want to be seen, but sometimes the light they put out is so bright, and dazzles you so much, you can't see anything else past it on the road! This then becomes destructive rather than constructive, and accidents are going to happen!

[Andy Cote]

I have used modulators in four different bikes. I also will swear that there have been times when I really believed a car was going to pull out and then changed at the last moment and attribute that to the modulator. There have also been times when cars still pull out.

I have had a few folks pull to the side. I have also had a few folks pull alongside and say my light is flashing. I just say "thank you for noticing" and not explain. I did have a HD guy stopped in front of me at a red light that waved me alongside to ask about it.

I always used high beams during the day even with the modulator. But...….with the GL1800 having two low beams on full time plus the modulated high beams it increased the number of pull overs by an order of magnitude. Too many in my mind and possible to get a road rage thing going. I use the modulator with low beam on the GL1800. Signal Dynamics is the only brand that works on both low and high beams.

In the US, you could still get a ticket if you argue with a LEO and shove the Federal MVSS in his face. They will not recognize the federal rules. You would go to court and they will then dismiss buy you'll lose a day.

IMHO, a better solution. I have reviewed the state motor vehicle laws where I ride most often. They all are similar and restrict use of "alternating headlights." Were I to be stopped I would nicely point out that "my lights are not alternating Off/On - Left/Right but are going bright to dim in unison and which is a safety feature in accordance with the FMVSS."