Low (dipped) vs high-beam debate

[iYRe]

I heard, from a reputable source, that the "lights" thing on bikes was a stuff up - they were trying to pass some other laws and this one slipped under teh radar. They are/were trying to amend the rules to allow headlights on full and driving lights of various descriptions - glad to see its official now..

[iYRe]

I hope this doesn't mean some moronic imbecile is trying to allow full beam headlights to be used when other traffic is about?

actually.. yes.. moronic imbeciles aside you're more visible on highbeam with a properly adjusted headlight (shouldnt blind anyway - mines 110w and bright as hell but doesnt cause blindness), so there shouldn't be a problem. I ride in auckland traffic daily and can tell from experience that i have more issues when my light isn't on high beam.

Also: https://www.toi.no/publications/glar...e18249-29.html

The effects on other road users are so minimal compared to the gain in visibility that there is no question we should be using highbeam in daylight.

The results showed no difference between the headlight conditions on neither visual acuity nor contrast sensitivity. This indicates that motorcycles using the high beam in
ordinary day light conditions do not degrade the visual abilities of oncoming drivers.

[russd7]

shouldn't have to have the bloody light on during day, more problems since i started riding with light on than before when i rode with it off, the whole thing is a stuff up, only way to fix is make it illegal for cars to travel in daylight with lights on,

actually.. yes.. moronic imbeciles aside you're more visible on highbeam with a properly adjusted headlight (shouldnt blind anyway - mines 110w and bright as hell but doesnt cause blindness), so there shouldn't be a problem. I ride in auckland traffic daily and can tell from experience that i have more issues when my light isn't on high beam.

and as for bikes riding with full beam, i agree in principal but as for not blinding, what a load of bull crap, when im in the cage and a modern bike with modern lights comes towards with light on high beam it is bloody blinding, what is worse, a driver that cant see where they are going because they have been blinded by some dickhead riding with his light on full or a driver that happens to be able to see where he is going and stay on their own side of road

[swbarnett]

(shouldnt blind anyway - mines 110w and bright as hell but doesnt cause blindness)

Do you really know that? Have you stopped drivers to ask? Blindness aside it ceratinly increases eye fatigue and distracts drivers. I find it hard to concentrate on anything else when I have a bike behind me with high beem on - to the point that I have pulled over to let them pass and can feel the pain in my eyes ease.

[swbarnett]

Also: https://www.toi.no/publications/glar...e18249-29.html

The effects on other road users are so minimal compared to the gain in visibility that there is no question we should be using highbeam in daylight.

Just read the abstract to this. It's talking about oncoming drivers. I agree that this isn't the problem it could be. The problem is when you're following.

[iYRe]

and as for bikes riding with full beam, i agree in principal but as for not blinding, what a load of bull crap, when im in the cage and a modern bike with modern lights comes towards with light on high beam it is bloody blinding, what is worse, a driver that cant see where they are going because they have been blinded by some dickhead riding with his light on full or a driver that happens to be able to see where he is going and stay on their own side of road

Time to get your eyes checked?

Do you really know that? Have you stopped drivers to ask? Blindness aside it ceratinly increases eye fatigue and distracts drivers. I find it hard to concentrate on anything else when I have a bike behind me with high beem on - to the point that I have pulled over to let them pass and can feel the pain in my eyes ease.

as noted, its oncoming. If they are behind you there is a little lever on your mirror you can use to dim it.

I've never heard of anyone going "Sorry Mate, I did see you, your headlight was so bright i couldnt miss it, but I smashed you anyway".

Rule #5 - harden the fuck up..

[bogan]

I've never heard of anyone going "Sorry Mate, I did see you, your headlight was so bright i couldnt miss it, but I smashed you anyway".

Nothing has been said about hitting the fuckwit using high beam, its effect is to cause eye strain and fatigue causing the dazzled driver to be more at risk of hitting something else; which swbarnett explained pretty well I thought.

[iYRe]

Nothing has been said about hitting the fuckwit using high beam, its effect is to cause eye strain and fatigue causing the dazzled driver to be more at risk of hitting something else; which swbarnett explained pretty well I thought.

yeah except.. as the testing shows.. it doesnt. And I quote again:

The results showed no difference between the headlight conditions on neither visual acuity nor contrast sensitivity. This indicates that motorcycles using the high beam in
ordinary day light conditions do not degrade the visual abilities of oncoming drivers.

[Scuba_Steve]

actually.. yes.. moronic imbeciles aside you're more visible on highbeam with a properly adjusted headlight (shouldnt blind anyway - mines 110w and bright as hell but doesnt cause blindness), so there shouldn't be a problem. I ride in auckland traffic daily and can tell from experience that i have more issues when my light isn't on high beam.

Also: https://www.toi.no/publications/glar...e18249-29.html

The effects on other road users are so minimal compared to the gain in visibility that there is no question we should be using highbeam in daylight.

No it doesn't blind but neither does trucks & cars with full beams tho it sure as hell is annoying & distracting.
I've often thought about swerving in-front of idiots with high beams on, after all that wouldn't blind them either but it would, again, get their attention.

[iYRe]

No it doesn't blind but neither does trucks & cars with full beams tho it sure as hell is annoying & distracting.
I've often thought about swerving in-front of idiots with high beams on, after all that wouldn't blind them either but it would, again, get their attention.

again.. the effects to the drivers are minimal, but the visibility for motorcyclists is HUGE.. the positives outweigh the negatives considerably. HTFU.

Why should a motorcyclist reduce their visibility because it upsets a driver. Never.

[Scuba_Steve]

again.. the effects to the drivers are minimal, but the visibility for motorcyclists is HUGE.. the positives outweigh the negatives considerably. HTFU.

Why should a motorcyclist reduce their visibility because it upsets a driver. Never.

Well if your idea of being seen is annoying the fuck out of everyone you got issues
Also it doesn't improve visibility for the biker & that sentence is massively self-righteous wankery

[iYRe]

Well if your idea of being seen is annoying the fuck out of everyone you got issues
Also it doesn't improve visibility for the biker & that sentence is massively self-righteous wankery

Yes it DOES improve visibility and has negligible visual effects on the drivers. My life is more important than any mild and momentary discomfort on their behalf.

Its called common sense not self righteousness.

[buggerit]

I find vehicles on high beam with modern lights affect my perception of distance between myself and vehicle.

[Madness]

Yes it DOES improve visibility and has negligible visual effects on the drivers. My life is more important than any mild and momentary discomfort on their behalf.

Its called common sense not self righteousness.

I'd give you another red if I could, you self-righteous prick!

[iYRe]

I'd give you another red if I could, you self-righteous prick!

ah well.. its always a good way to win an argument I guess. I guess science isnt important.. as long as you're happy.