How to be seen

[kurt]

I commute 35 miles one way, in the dark to work. My route takes me straight down I-35 on one of the ten worst sections of freeway in the country. Lately I have felt I needed some added advantage to be seen by the other traffic as many stretches of this road have no lighting.

To put the odds closer to my favor I've done a couple of things. Most people are familiar with my two yellow helmets. This was the first change I made and difference was amazing. You can see people looking at you as the color grabs their attention.

Second, I added Hyperlites. They are LED supplemental lights mounted beside the license plate that flash rapidly for 5 seconds every time the brake is applied. I can't quantify the difference, but feel they make a big difference as well.

Next up was 2" red/white safety tape. I just recently added it so I really can't comment as to its effectiveness.

I thinking about a high-viz jaccket as well. What have you done?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/kurt1305/Pictures/IMG_1874.jpg

[jhansen]

I wear a red Joe rocket jacket (mesh in summer/balistic 5.0 winter) and I am going to go to a different color helmet (silver?). I have also installed the HD rear turn signal conversion kit. It changes the orange rear lenes to red and turns them into brake lights while keeping them turn signals. They make a LED kit that goes into the back rest, but that gets covered up so it wouldn't do much good. I see very few HD folks wearing other colors than black so I think I am doing the right thing.

[Squeaky]

I dress like Tron

[Gilk51]

Second, I added Hyperlites. They are LED supplemental lights mounted beside the license plate that flash rapidly for 5 seconds every time the brake is applied. I can't quantify the difference, but feel they make a big difference as well.
I just replaced the wimpy Givi brake light bar in my wife's Atlantic top case with one of the universal Hyperlight modules. It was a custom job but the results are a much brighter third brake light plus the flashing.

One note - The Givi wiring only passes the brake hot and a ground through two contact connectors in the top case. The optimum Hyperlight installation includes a switched power input (brakelight) as well - this makes the hyperlight like another tail-light. I tied the switched brakelight power (gray wire) to the brake power (red wire) - this makes the unit work only as a brake light - it still flashes for 5 seconds initially and then stays steady as long as the brake is applied, but it goes dark when the brake is released.

I also added some color-matching blue reflective tape to my top case as well... I have the V-Strom Hyperlight kit - I just need some time and courage to unmount my luggage side and top racks and take apart the back end. (if you knew how much trouble I had putting the racks ON, you'd understand why I DON'T want to take them off...)
:mrgreen:

[kurt]

The GS was easy. Three screws and the entire tail light compartment drops out the bottom of the tail section.

[Gilk51]

The GS was easy. Three screws and the entire tail light compartment drops out the bottom of the tail section.

:thpt:

[AusFletch]

I thinking about a high-viz jaccket as well. What have you done?


I have done exactly that: 3M Solas tape all over the bike, Hyperlites and the Hi-Viz jacket. The first time I wore it some friends were meeting me out in Marathon for a race and they said they could see the jacket a mile away on the highway.

Only one problem...I was walking through a restaurant out in the middle of nowhere between Austin and Port A when I hear a mother and her boy talking about me. She is saying, "It's okay, go ahead and ask him." He was too embarassed so I stopped, knelt down and asked him what he wanted to know. He looked at the ground, shuffled his feet then blurted out, "Are you a fireman?" I almost sold left the jacket in the dumpster in the parking lot. ;-)

http://www.ausfletch.smugmug.com/photos/105088066-S.jpg

[kurt]

Only one problem...I was walking through a restaurant out in the middle of nowhere between Austin and Port A when I hear a mother and her boy talking about me. She is saying, "It's okay, go ahead and ask him." He was too embarassed so I stopped, knelt down and asked him what he wanted to know. He looked at the ground, shuffled his feet then blurted out, "Are you a fireman?" I almost sold left the jacket in the dumpster in the parking lot. ;-)

http://www.ausfletch.smugmug.com/photos/105088066-S.jpg


Now that's funny! When I'm asked, I just say "No, I work for a living". :mrgreen:

[AusFletch]

Now that's funny! When I'm asked, I just say "No, I work for a living". :mrgreen:

Actually, I told him what I do for a living and his eyes got even wider if that is possible.

I was riding back from Canada last summer and stopped in some roadside motel in the panhandle. My wife and I were completely geared up like power rangers and we and the GS were wet and filthy with dirt and road grime. As we rolled to a stop a young boy was walking past. He swiveled his head to watch us the whole way until he bumped into the lobby doors. We dismounted and followed him in. Just as we opened the lobby door we could see him tugging frantically on his dad's shirt tail, pointing out at us and rambling breathlessly, "Dad, Dad, there's a REALLY big motorcycle like a dirt bike and and and they're wearing all this STUFF!!!!" I never cease to be amazed and pleased at the looks you get from the boys strapped in the back of the family sedan as we roll past. I imagine the conversations THOSE families will have that afternoon and all through the teenage years about motorcycles.

I LOVE the reflective tape however one of the small but annoying downsides to the great 3M tape and all the reflective stitching on gear nowadays is nighttime pics are tough to capture. It usually reflects so much light my flash either doesn't go off or, if I force it on, it overwhelms the picture. After 700 miles of riding my hands are usually shaking too much for long exposures So I just go with the pschadelic starburst affect. It's kinda like my night vision ever since I had RK surgery 15 years ago....

http://www.ausfletch.smugmug.com/photos/17761989-S-1.jpg

[whoa]

I really like the neon yellow (which looks green to me) that many bicyclists wear now. I saw some jackets at Lone Star in either yellow or orange.

I also noticed some new signs on 183 north that are a piercing yellow. I've seen several of the BMW riders wearing beige or silver jackets with orange reflective stripes that really stand out.

With so many vehicles running headlights during daylight now, these jackets help the rider stand out. They could also be a lifesaver if you ever have to leave the bike during an accident. The rider would definitely stand out in that situation.

Sorry, not sure of the manufacturers of either of these jackets.

[Calgary-Yogi]

I have White/black reflective tape on my helmet. With all the hrad movement I figure it should catch a cager's eye.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o61/Calgary-Yogi/pb_1002.jpg

For those folks that have GIVI cases. Placing white reflective tape behind the red lense makes your cases way more reflective. The case on the right does not have tape behind the lense.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o61/Calgary-Yogi/IMG_0997.jpg

[bluedogok]

The hi-viz jackets/pants at Lone Star are Olympia Motorsports (http://www.olympiamotosports.com/home.html) gear.

[Dragwn]

Hyperlights, reflective stickers and such from http://www.nightfirepatches.com, Hyperlights, my London Issue Police jacket with "Police" left uncovered, a new headlight relay set-up with a 30 amp for the high and for the low beam, bright colors on the helmet with a reflective sticker square in the middle on the back, comming soon will be a set of PIAA 1100x lights up front...led turn signals on the back (much brighter and visible)

And last, but not least.....dog ears on my helmet :)

[bigboy292000]

For those folks that have GIVI cases. Placing white reflective tape behind the red lense makes your cases way more reflective. The case on the right does not have tape behind the lense.


Awesome tip, thank you! I need to do this!

[txtinman]

I've got a pair of motolights mounted on the front calipers. It gets the attention of the cagers coming at you.

[McLeod]

Current Cycleport jacket and pants with reflective striping. The previous owner installed a LED tail light that I am not sure if it dose much. It sort of rotates when the brake light isn't applied then flashes when it is applied. I hope it helps. It seems too small.

My biggest problem when riding at night or early morning isn't the guy behind me its the mini van who never looked left when they merge into my lane.

I am going to upgrade my rear brake light and I am going to ad a constant on side marker in my turn signal.

[Voltar]

A guy I ride with has a set up kinda like this. He puts on one of those mesh yellow vests that construction workers, etc wear over his ATGATT. That and his white helmet really get him noticed.

Cagers think he is a cop, they even pull over for him. It is amazing.



http://www.ausfletch.smugmug.com/photos/105088066-S.jpg

[flb_78]

with your big side cases, you could mount some 4 inch LED lights, you can wire them up as running lights and brake lights...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LED-4-Round-Taillight-lights-RED-60-Diodes-Grommet_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ50466QQihZ020QQ itemZ300103005289QQrdZ1

these are the same lights that go in the back of semi trailers and they are very bright, especially when the brakes are applied.

you can find em at most truckstops fairly cheap...

[Squidward]

I use the Ghostrider method. Set my self on fire and ride....but only for very short distances.

http://jsharrison.com/gallery/d/989-1/ghostrider1.jpg

[1TallTXn]

I've got a set of Tailbrights (http://www.casporttouring.com/thestore/tbrght.html) on the ST1300. Used some of the "extra" reflective strips and stuck them on the VFR bags and the back of the helmet.

Added a TWTEX reflective sticker to the helmet and topcase on the VFR.
Doubt its going to do much, but it gave me a good excuse to get them! :trust:

AusFletch, I can vouch for those jackets being VERY visible. I've seen a few in packs of bikes and you can't miss them. I nearly bought one, but my Belstaff fit enough better to make me get that vs the Olympia.
My jackets (Belstaff and Tourmeister) and Olympia pants have reflective striping, not as much as I'd like, but something is better then nothing.

I'm all for adding color/reflectivity to your gear, I still ride like they can't see me, cause if they do, they are aiming :wary:

[bedlam]

To put the odds closer to my favor I've done a couple of things. Most people are familiar with my two yellow helmets.

Two helmets! At once? Yeah, that'd sure get MY attention. :eek:

:mrgreen:

I have to admit that I like the idea of the flashing tail light thingy, but I am quite intimidated by modifying anything electrical. It scares the bejezzes outta me...especially with the recent threads of exploding motorcycles. :eek2:

[euromedic]

This is what i did recently to help my commute be a bit safer (click on pic for short vid).

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/euromedic/F650/th_MS150009.jpg (http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/euromedic/F650/?action=view&current=MS150009.flv)

:rider:

[Texas T]

http://www.thorn.org/images/concours/cmenow2.jpg

[bluedogok]

We know that can't be your bike Brian or is a really old pic, it is still in one piece :mrgreen:

[Squeaky]

We know that can't be your bike Brian or is a really old pic, it is still in one piece :mrgreen:

:clap: So... when is the intervention? We all go to his garage and put it back together while he's at work...

[Texas T]

:clap: So... when is the intervention? We all go to his garage and put it back together while he's at work...

I'll be out of town this weekend. :trust:

[buck000]

Lessee....

* Kisan headlight modulators on the high-beams, though, in truth, I don't use 'em that much (unless I see a situation developing)... :doh:
* Kisan taillight blinkers, good for making cars behind me stop about 4 car-lengths in back at a stop light. ("Why is that guy furiously flashing his brake lights?" :-))
* Aerostich hi-viz jacket, now slightly faded, but the reflective portions are still pretty good
* Reflective tape on my top case
* White "maybe, just maybe, he's a police officer" helmet with reflective tape on back

http://buck000.smugmug.com/photos/64094662-M.jpg
http://buck000.smugmug.com/photos/64094651-M.jpg

[McLeod]

This is what i did recently to help my commute be a bit safer (click on pic for short vid).

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/euromedic/F650/th_MS150009.jpg (http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/euromedic/F650/?action=view&current=MS150009.flv)

:rider:

Where is Richard Dreyfuss the mother ship has landed?:lol2:
Awesome job.

[ceddec]

euromedic
so what manufacturer/kit is that to get such attention?

[sherob]

Hi-Viz Motoport jacket... white helmet... 3 point light system up front - foglights/headlights, spoiler w/bright LED brakelight, stock bigbutt rear Wing brake lights that get tapped constantly at lights/stop signs(while in gear) until cage is stopped behind me, 2 sets of stock bigbutt rear Wing running lights.

[BexarWolf]

I recently added some 3M reflective tape to my white helmet. I have a white strip on the rear and some blue strips on the sides. Not sure if it helps or not but I haven't been run over........yet.

Also, I added some mini spot mirrors to the rear of my leatherlyke saddlebags. Two spots on either side. Again, not sure if it's doing any good because I can't usually see the back of the bike while in forward motion. I'm hoping they reflect headlights of oncoming cars.

In the near future, I hope to be adding an Icon Mil-spec vest in the hi-vis yellow. I can't remember if the orange or the yellow comes in the mesh. I'll have to look at cycle gear and then order from someone with reasonable prices.

On the front of the Vgo, I've added two 55w driving lights. Yes, I used southern ingenuity to get them mounted (ie, angle iron) but my bike is about function, not form. :trust:

Oh, on the helmet note.........add ears. I promise, folks will see you as they whirly-bird down the road. Yes, they'll laugh but they'll also do a double-take....which means they saw you.

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/3127/iconvestpagedd2.jpg

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/6076/picture014hy6.jpg

[hardybaker]

The first and one of the most effective things you can do to be seen, is to call El Paso Lighthouse For the Blind and order a hi-viz vest from Richard Diaz. (915 532 4495) Cost about twenty five dollars. Now, wear the vest everytime you ride the bike. Don't worry, your friends will get use to it. If not,,,,,, they really don't give a darn about your safety and welfare.( find new friends.) Remember, if your passanger doesn't have a vest too,,, does that make you 50% safe?? ( only to be seen from the front)
Hyper lights (small additional led brake lights) are good too.( about fifty dollars a pair) Reflective tape,,, yep. Cheap, but it helps. I have been using a "safety yellow" helmet for years.
Now for the grand fanally. I have been doing the hi-vis stuff for years.(does that make me a trend setter?) The most effective thing you can do to get on-comming traffic to see you is to install a set of "YELLOW "not clear or white" Motolights(this is a company's name) on the lower forks. These lights won't help you much on your normal night excursions, other that making on-comming drivers see you. No, you can't see futher down the road at night so you can't ride faster. It is simply unbelievable how much these lights help both daytime and nighttime. Let me say hat again, you won't believe the "respect" drivers will give you. Cost slightly over three hundred dollars. But you know what,,, I'm worth it. Is your safety worth it? If I didn't care, I wouldn't have wasted my time typing this note. I hope to 'SEE' you on the road. Hardy Baker

[Hairsmith]

First thing is ride a ugly scary motorcycle. Then I added a Brake! LED Replacement Taillight/Brakelight (http://www.sierrabmw.bigstep.com/item.jhtml;$sessionid$JJTX0MIAAAOIFTZENUGXBMWPERWR JPX0?UCIDs=820323%7C820403&PRID=1546048) Reflective tape on the bags. Ride in Belstaff gear that is covered in reflective material. From the front other than being ugly I have added two Hella 6in 100w each lights. Wired them so they come on with the highbeam. Any time I am approaching an intersection, side road, or any left turn car. I hit the passing flasher a few times or just go to BRIGHT's and leave them on just depends on the situation. I had an ICON vest and need to get another, but I passed the one I had to a new rider for his safety and his dads peace of mind. The fact that he is much thinner than me may have played a factor.

[Woodys650]

As my dad was making fun of my ugly 3M reflective tape on my saddle bags, he mentioned that they make some stuff that looks black during the day and reflects bright white at night. I didn't find the exact kit for his bike but these guys carry a ton of stuff from generic 3M tape to helmet pinstripes and bike luggage kits. Seemed pretty cheap too!

http://www.reflectivelyyours.com

[Eulogite]

I got the Olympia Airglide II mesh jacket in Hi-viz. I think it's a shade brighter than Aerostich hi-viz. I wore it on a Leakey trip a couple of weeks ago and was voted "Best Turn Signal" when I stuck my arm out.

I think the effect would be negated if everybody wore one, but fortunately, the vast majority of "bikers" in America wouldn't be caught dead in anything but black. I'm not counting that skeleton outfit I've been seeing lately.

[GregH]

...I'm not counting that skeleton outfit I've been seeing lately.
You mean this one? :lol2:
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z270/ghanson59/Motorcycles/VentMax3Bone.jpg

[bluedogok]

I think he may mean the Vanson Bones Leather Jacket (http://www.vansonleathers.com/product_pages/jackets/bone_bonesjkt.htm). There was an older guy on a Duc 1098 wearing one at the Lone Star open house a couple of weeks ago.

http://www.vansonleathers.com/images/jackets/bone-front_small.jpghttp://www.vansonleathers.com/images/jackets/bone-rear_small.jpghttp://www.vansonleathers.com/images/Jackets/bones_sideSM.jpg

[GregH]

I guess they dropped the bone count for the mesh jacket! :rider:

[DancesWithCurves]

A Scotch-Canadian was kind enough to gift me some of the magical black Scotchlite (coincidence?) that reflects white. T'is good stuff.

Here's what it looks like on my helmet:
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w245/ckleerun/MC/helmet455.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w245/ckleerun/MC/helmet458.jpg


...and rear rim:
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w245/ckleerun/MC/rim451m.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w245/ckleerun/MC/rim452m.jpg


In retrospect, a broken line on the rim instead of a solid one would probably get more attention when in motion -- not to mention being easier to install.

[bedlam]

I like it! Wonder if they could make patches to look like orthopedic pins and plates, or little red x's that you can sew on the jacket wherever you get your boo-boo's...to mimic your own x-ray?

Talk about a custom jacket!

[Daryl]

The most effective thing you can do to get on-comming traffic to see you is to install a set of "YELLOW "not clear or white" Motolights(this is a company's name) on the lower forks.


+1 Makes a HUGE difference.

I use non Motolight 35w yellow bulbs from Home Depot in the Motolight housings. Leaves more juice for the coffee maker!

[1TallTXn]

+1 Makes a HUGE difference.

I use non Motolight 35w yellow bulbs from Home Depot in the Motolight housings. Leaves more juice for the coffee maker!
your worried about juice on the ST1300? :eek:

I'm used to having almost no extra juice on the VFR so the ST's a welcome alternative

[bedlam]

All that farkle is one thing, but NOTHING beats THIS:

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Krilion-2-Bioluminesance-Impregnation-p-18362.html


:rofl: :mrgreen: :rofl:

[P-Ratt]

I had a rider pull up next to me one night and proclaim that Stevie Wonder could see me at midnight with my Roadcrafter. I thought that was hilarious.

[Tx Rider]

Yeah the Olympia mesh jackets do show up real well at night, I've been called Tron more than once. :)

I've also been eyeballing the new LED tail lights made with the new high wattage LED's. Those things are bright enough they are working on using them for headlights.

http://www.superbrightleds.com/specs/115x-xLX3.htm

[pbureau69]

I dress like Tron


hummm... you mean you bike shows up like mine does ?

http://longcoeur.com/gs500mods/reflective/S5000628.jpg

and the helmet too ";)

http://longcoeur.com/various/scorpion-reflective/S5001036.JPG
http://longcoeur.com/various/scorpion-reflective/S5001037.JPG

of course jacket to match :)

http://longcoeur.com/various/gs500/New%20reflective/S5000638.jpg

of course my backpack had to get a treatment...

http://longcoeur.com/various/gs500/New%20reflective/S5000666.jpg

[scar04]

3609I use loud pipes

[scar04]

:duck: I use loud pipes

[Chirpy]

Hey, we ignored you the first time. ;-)

[scar04]

Hmm, it posted twice, thats odd. o well. alzheimers sucks

[scar04]

I could just claim its an echo

[Texfire]

After some hesitation I realized that I'm not cool, never will be, and have the fashion sense of a turnip. So I picked up this jacket this weekend to go with my Olympia Airglide pants. I get a little less flow than my Motoboss mesh jacket, but it's much more visible and the zipper allows it to be attached to my mesh pants. Fashionable? Not really, but very visible.
http://www.olympiamotosports.com/airglide/airglide_mj130z.jpg
I'm expecting some kid to ask me if i work for EMS, but that's a risk I'll have to take. :-P

[voyagerrider]

Has anyone ever heard of the "Helmet Halo". A refective elastic band that goes around your helmet. Seen here:

http://www.reflectivedecals.com/haloebay.htm

I have used it for years, after all your head is the highest thing no matter what kind of bike you ride.

Does anyone know if they make the reflective stick on tape in clear? I would like to put on the trunk and bags of mine and my wifes bikes, but still want the paint job to show thru during the day. Would also like to use it on the back of the helmet, but still see the graphics during the day. Can anyone point me to a web site?
Thanks,
Marty

[igo-wfo]

Hmm, it posted twice, thats odd. o well. alzheimers sucks

No it doesn't, you can hide your own easter eggs. :mrgreen:

[pbureau69]

(1) Has anyone ever heard of the "Helmet Halo". A refective elastic band that goes around your helmet. (2)Does anyone know if they make the reflective stick on tape in clear?Marty

(1) yeah but 14$ for an elastic ban, versus 5.75$ for a 37ft roll of tape I can do bike, 2 helmets and backpack ... not a great deal if you ask me. (PS cycle gear in Dallas on I75 sells the "Halo" for same price. and no postage)

(2) That would be sweet; invisible reflective tape, but unfortunately not physically possible at this time, as clear tape lets all light through and the current "reflective tapes" are actually "metallic tapes - ie like mirrors", you cant see through them.

I would think a tape that is "clear" and connected to power (ie; liquid LCD liquid tape for example) could theoretically possible.. thus when not turned on see through and when turned on, visibly lit. But that would not be considered reflective, but simply "lighted" tape.

[Manfred]

(PS cycle gear in Dallas on I75 sells the "Halo" for same price. and no postage)

Sorry dude - highway 75 in Dallas is a US highway, not an Interstate. Otherwise, your comments were right on!

[dukey33]

Does anyone know if they make the reflective stick on tape in clear?

Thanks,
Marty

I've not seen any clear reflective tape. But 3M Scotchlite does come in a variety of colors; yellow, blue, green, red, orange, even black (and some others).

[Squeaky]

Yup. I've got a roll of silver reflective if someone wants some.

[Texfire]

http://longcoeur.com/gs500mods/reflective/S5000628.jpg


Greetings program! :)

[Manfred]

Yup. I've got a roll of silver reflective if someone wants some.

I've got a silver helmet .....

[Squeaky]

I've got a silver helmet .....

Wow, so's my bike.... ;-)

How much you think you need/want? A design or just patches?

[Manfred]

The Virago I just sold is silver. My jacket and helmet match it. Now I ride a red/brown bike and don't match :-(

I was think of just a strip around the base of the helmet, not all the way around the front. The hat's out in the garage, but I think that's about 24 inches. On the other hand, I could easily get by with a few pieces (3 or 4) about 4 inches long and space them out to insure visibility. That would be easier to apply and wouldn't be a pig about asking for so much tape.

[P-Ratt]

Has anyone ever heard of the "Helmet Halo". A refective elastic band that goes around your helmet.I have used one of their neoprene helmet skirts for several years during winter trips. Does a great job on helping stay warm and adding to visibility during bleak weather.

[ptwohig]

Now that's funny! When I'm asked, I just say "No, I work for a living". :mrgreen:
I almost took offense to that remark about work, But i take it from you r screen name you are in the 911 bussiness to so I will let you slide.

[Texfire]

Kurt and I are both in public safety, he in EMS and I in Fire. We've known each other for years, so a little trash talk is inevitable. Trash talk is a longstanding tradition between Fire, EMS and Police, but ultimately we're all on the same team, even if some individuals forget that on occasion.

When you're operating on an accident scene differences evaporate and us vs. them takes on a new meaning, with us being everyone walking around and them being the oncoming traffic.

[Jbay]

I've got a pair of motolights mounted on the front calipers. It gets the attention of the cagers coming at you.

im thinking to add the PIAA 1100X and leave the stock headlight alone

the brights on the Tiger are very good, but the normal setting is awful, the motolights add to being seen, act as a back-up to the stock headlights, and maybe less oncoming vehicles will flash at me to say my headlight is out

one dude got so mad my headlight was apparently out, he pulled out his driveway and chased me down, honking and swearing :huh2:

up high on the Tiger

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/ezimagecatalogue/catalogue/variations/9527-500x600.jpg

mounted low

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m17/Rincewind0011/Tiger1050/al1.jpg

[BexarWolf]

.....maybe less oncoming vehicles will flash at me to say my headlight is out

one dude got so mad my headlight was apparently out, he pulled out his driveway and chased me down, honking and swearing :huh2: .....

That's the one thing about the way the newer sport bikes are built that confuses me. The single headlight showing when there are two up there just makes it look like one's burned out. :giveup:

[Pooh Bear]

These are all great ideas! Thanks for creating this post. I'm still paranoid about driving around at night, but sometimes it's inevitable. I have a white jacket, but dark helmet. I did add reflective tape on the back of the helmet, but some of the suggestions here are excellent!
How hard was adding all the lights?

[Manfred]

I put an HID Bi-Xenon headlight kit on my bike. It's much better at lighting up the night and, when properly aimed, causes no trouble to oncoming traffic.

[kp600]

Just catching up on old threads. Here's some of my recent safety mods:

I love my HID's - the low beam is almost as useless as the stock light but the high beam rocks! I run the high beam almost all the time.
http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/475802137_si9d5-L.jpg

I also added a big honking Petersen LED tail/brake trailer light with both elements wired to the brake circuit.
http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/403049515_tmQt3-L.jpg

Air horns from Harbor Freight - cheap but very effective.
http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/530608347_9d6SY-M.jpg

Silver RF-1000
http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/301943615_nhqdd-M.jpg

Most recently the HI-VIZ Olympia Stealth suit.
http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/524910219_Q5dww-M.jpg

If they can't see (and hear) me now . . . . . . . :zen:

[brown]

Along with the brighter colors and reflective materials, I have, in the past couple of months, attempted to become a more pro-active rider, attempting to get the attention of cagers. I give hand signals. I point. I wave. I hold my hand out, palm flat, when they are pulling up to stop signs or stop lights. I motion for them to proceed. I flash my lights. I'll give my air horn a light toot. In general I attempt to interact with them in any manner I can to get them to notice me.

They think I am being friendly. I'm just trying to get them to see me. It seems to help.:rider:

[trl5791]

well for starters I love my headlights nobody else likes the lights on a fz, but they can get over it. second I wear a pure white helmet just like the leo's. third I always put myself in the lane in such a way that I am seen to include never riding in the blind spot of a cage. dont remember everything from the msf course but I remember these simple things. If it is drizzly I wear a reflective vest and blaze orange rain pants. I wil be doing the steibel horn upgrade soon.

[kp600]

Along with the brighter colors and reflective materials, I have, in the past couple of months, attempted to become a more pro-active rider, attempting to get the attention of cagers. I give hand signals. I point. I wave. I hold my hand out, palm flat, when they are pulling up to stop signs or stop lights. I motion for them to proceed. I flash my lights. I'll give my air horn a light toot. In general I attempt to interact with them in any manner I can to get them to notice me.

They think I am being friendly. I'm just trying to get them to see me. It seems to help.:rider:
YES, all of the above.:thumb:

well for starters I love my headlights nobody else likes the lights on a fz, but they can get over it.
EXACTLY! My HID high beam may annoy oncoming cagers for a few seconds but it could very well save my LIFE. I think it's a fair trade.

[todkapuz]

EXACTLY! My HID high beam may annoy oncoming cagers for a few seconds but it could very well save my LIFE. I think it's a fair trade.

Sadly around here that is likely to meet with them turning their highbeams on blinding you as well... or worse, they close/divert their head and start driving erratically. Which is really bad in the semi-urban semi-rural like areas around here with some lit some unlit areas and a good mix of pedestrians and bicyclists also on the road/crossing it, most plugged into headphones. I'd hate to see someone blinded by one bike's (or even car's) highs to not be able to notice another vehicle pulling out. I know there is at least 2 trucks around here that has aftermarket HIDs, and they blind/affect me for 10 seconds or more on the road.

That being said I have my "low" halogens aimed up just a bit from recommended... and with a vibrating bike and road, it just licks their eye lines... maybe a few times... the eye/brain perceives changes a lot better than static images. (Although I hate the constant pulsars/flashers on high beams that do it 24/7 while the bike is running... again as even when close it still can blind, where as my headlights will not be affecting their ability to see me and the road).

Of course riding defensively is the most important part to all of this :) but that's just my two cents.

[Texas T]

The most effective thing you can do to get on-coming traffic to see you is to install a set of "YELLOW "not clear or white" Motolights(this is a company's name) on the lower forks. These lights won't help you much on your normal night excursions, other that making on-coming drivers see you. No, you can't see futher down the road at night so you can't ride faster. It is simply unbelievable how much these lights help both daytime and nighttime. Let me say hat again, you won't believe the "respect" drivers will give you.
What is it about the yellow that makes it so much different to the oncoming drivers?

[Voni]

Today only:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/455/MNGR/Super-Deal-of-the-Day.aspx

Voni
sMiling

[cdc]

Today only:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/455/MNGR/Super-Deal-of-the-Day.aspx

Voni
sMiling


Voni -
Have been looking at getting one for a while, but felt the prices were on the high side, so thanks for the lead, ordered two, (one for my son).

[psuedoarchon]

I saw a guy outside of Maud, TX over Thanksgiving that had leather bags but the side/bottom strip that should have been leather was what looked like aluminum diamond plating. That was extremely reflective in the sun and actually looked pretty nice also.

[rad3766]

Normally I like to operate in a low profile mode, but when I'm out on the bike I like to stick out like a sore thumb.
Towards that end.....

Ive always had a white or silver helmet, with reflective tape.
Ive just added the fluor yellow vest to my winter jacket, a cheap alternative ($15) to replacing the jacket with a hi viz.
My summer jacket has a mesh fluor vest.
On the bike up front is an HID headlight, 1 amber lamp, a clear lamp and my newly installed favoritest farkle, a pair of KC HiLiTES HID's Model 660, 35w 600k candle power each. :eek2:
Out back is a pair is a pair of 4" 32 LED truck lamps cut into the saddle bags, and a fair amount of reflective tape.
Its good to be seen. :trust: :mrgreen:
http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/rad3766/100_6068.jpg

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/rad3766/100_6064.jpg

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq32/rad3766/100_6061.jpg

[Morgan Buchanan]

I have that Helmet Halo. It's pretty cool if you are not into using the cheaper sticker tape. Wonder if they could do a helmet entirely in Scotchlite paint.