Headlights on all the time

[Voltaire]

I take it this new rule applies to all motorcycles regardless of age?

Probably have to fit cyclists lights to my old Beemer for daytime riding round town to avoid battery flatness.

[Ixion]

I'm researching the possibility of getting some sort of LED lights that will comply. Stupid bloody law.

[p.dath]

I take it this new rule applies to all motorcycles regardless of age?

Probably have to fit cyclists lights to my old Beemer for daytime riding round town to avoid battery flatness.

Would you consider your bike a "classic"? If so, perhaps there is some kind of exemption you can apply for.

[Beeza]

The sensible thing would be to exempt all bikes made in the 20th Century from this headlights-on law. That way, riders of bikes which have charging systems not designed for lights-on running at low speeds won't be fined if they choose to leave their lights off during the day. E-mail Minister Steven Joyce with this suggestion before the bill is enacted.

[Grahameeboy]

I think the Law is a great idea but the Govt are saying the reason is due to increase in accidents yet most modern bikes have automatic lights anyway so clearly their take on stats is flawed.

Could it not be that there are more cars on the road and more scooters which are more exposed to accidents...

[jellywrestler]

Probably have to fit cyclists lights to my old Beemer for daytime riding round town to avoid battery flatness.

the law is for motorcycles not earth moving equipment so you should be ok...

[What?]

I take it this new rule applies to all motorcycles regardless of age?

http://landtransport.govt.nz/rules/q...le-2009.html#4

Mopeds and motorcycles riders are required to ride with their headlamps on or, if fitted, daytime running lamps, during daylight hours. This requirement applies only to riders of mopeds or motorcycles manufactured after 1 January1980.

[Beeza]

http://landtransport.govt.nz/rules/q...le-2009.html#4

Mopeds and motorcycles riders are required to ride with their headlamps on or, if fitted, daytime running lamps, during daylight hours. This requirement applies only to riders of mopeds or motorcycles manufactured after 1 January1980.

1980 is too early and unrealistic. Many machines made after 1980 and before 1990 were never designed to run with their lights on all the time. It's only in the nineties that some countries began making new laws requiring permanent lights-on operation and motorbike manufacturers then began uprating their charging systems to cope with this new reality.

[scumdog]

1980 is too early and unrealistic. Many machines made after 1980 and before 1990 were never designed to run with their lights on all the time. It's only in the nineties that some countries began making new laws requiring permanent lights-on operation and motorbike manufacturers then began uprating their charging systems to cope with this new reality.

My '81 Sportster only had a generator but handled the headlight AND two spotlights, the earlier Sportsters had the same electrical systems.

But yes, there will be bikes that will find it tough - although LEDs will help.

[YellowDog]

1980 is too early and unrealistic. Many machines made after 1980 and before 1990 were never designed to run with their lights on all the time. It's only in the nineties that some countries began making new laws requiring permanent lights-on operation and motorbike manufacturers then began uprating their charging systems to cope with this new reality.

I had not ever considered this as a realistic argument, but I suppose this is correct. A lot of older bikes will not have a suitable electrical system.

You guys will just have to peddle harder

[Motu]

I think 1990 would be a better cut off point,by the '90's most bikes were hard wired and their systems able to cope.BMW's had good charging systems for the time,but I think my '87 is still borderline.I like to run for a few km after starting and a few km before stopping to recover starting drain,and to top up the battery before shutting down for who knows how long.Also,I forget to turn them on sometimes - I don't see why I should get a $100 fine for being a doddery old fart....

[slofox]

Genuine question here:

Something that interests me regarding not being capable of running with lights on during the daytime...How do these bikes get on with night riding? Are they only capable of running lights at night for a limited period?
Even my original 1953 Ariel could run with its lights on at night and therefore during the day as well...despite having the most primitive of electrical systems...I rode from Christchurch to Dunedin at night once and the lights did keep going (amazingly enough I admit).
I don't think any bike I have owned would have been in too much trouble having its lights on during the day. Apart from the times ( i.e. mostly) when the CVC regulator was on the blink of course...

[Motu]

Put a voltmeter on your bike and ride around,I think you will be surprised at how low the voltage goes....but watch the road as well too! Marginal is fine so long as everything is as new - on a 30 year old bike everything is far from new.

[ntst8]

[QUOTE=slofox;1129355780]Genuine question here:

Something that interests me regarding not being capable of running with lights on during the daytime...How do these bikes get on with night riding? Are they only capable of running lights at night for a limited period?

For older bikes a major problem can be prolonged around town running when revs don't get high enough to spin the alternator (or whatever) fast enough for the power made to exceed the usage. Putting in a higher output bulb so that you can actually see something in front at night only makes this worse. Plus as Motu said, these things ain't new so you're never sure what is going to work and how well or for how long.
Before i upgraded to a 3 phase alt my Commando struggled to generate more power than it used around town, i imagine older bikes would be worse again.
Anything newer than 1980 is a mystery to me, can't comment there.

[Paul in NZ]

Oh FFS.... Apart from a few dire mopeds nearly all old bikes can run with headlights on 100% with a little care and stuff all expense...

The 1970 TR6C runs it's original alternator but relays, H4 bulb, solid state rectifier mean no flat batter ever...