Lights on the Road

**Skyryder** · 12th May 2004, 18:50

How many of us use our lights in daylight??

**Blackbird** · 12th May 2004, 18:59

... as it's hard wired on the 'bird, but I'd do it anyway to make sure I've been seen. Another benefit is that I find coming up behind cars with lights on seems to make them move over to let you pass more regularly than with no lights on. Mind you, I've got grunty halogen bulbs, so it probably distracts people.

**FROSTY:Me** · 12th May 2004, 19:11

I'm a tad forgetfull about the lights on thing. Thanks for the reminder

**wkid_one** · 12th May 2004, 19:16

Originally Posted by Skyryder

How many of us use our lights in daylight??

Most bikes are hardwired these days.

The bigger question - how many people ride with their lights on full?? This is actually more dangerous than you think as a bike with its lights on full is next to impossible to gauge the speed of if it is coming towards you - plus it pisses people off.

**Jackrat** · 12th May 2004, 19:29

I stopped useing them during the day when I bought this bike because the charging system can't handle it.I was a bit worryed at first but now I don't belive it makes any difference at all.The bike was hard wired but I v'e put a switch in so I can control it myself.I've noticed no difference in how car drivers react.I don't expect anything from them anyway.
I treat them all as totaly blind morons and am seldom disappointed.

**Ms Piggy** · 12th May 2004, 19:37

Always ride with my lights on but NEVER on full during the day. I've seen it on bikes coming the other way during the day & it's terrible!

**maybe** · 12th May 2004, 19:51

I use lights all the time also my front indicators light as well, an orange light is easier to see for some reason.

**MikeL** · 12th May 2004, 20:18

Originally Posted by Jackrat

I stopped useing them during the day when I bought this bike because the charging system can't handle it.

I think it's more likely that the charging system in modern bikes is designed for the constant load of a headlight. If it's hardwired and you put a switch in to turn it off you may end up frying your regulator/rectifier because it has to dissipate a lot more heat.

**erik** · 12th May 2004, 20:20

the headlight on the zeal is wired on, so I haven't got any choice either.
I don't have it on high beam though.

**Two Smoker** · 12th May 2004, 20:21

I always have my headlight on, and mine isn't hardwired, but i dont use full beam, unless on the open road with no oncoming vehicles......

**k14** · 12th May 2004, 20:25

I always leave mine on. I don't like lights that are hardwired. They can give you a flat battery when you are trying to get your bike going in the morning. I normally turn mine off when I go to start mine and then turn them on as soon as it fires up. I never use mine on full beam during the day.

**NordieBoy** · 12th May 2004, 20:31

Always on.
Not hardwired - yet.
Never on full during the day.

**Posh Tourer :P** · 12th May 2004, 20:42

what about the option of when its not night time but there is low vis eg raining, fog, dull day etc

**Skyryder** · 12th May 2004, 20:59

Originally Posted by Posh Tourer :P

what about the option of when its not night time but there is low vis eg raining, fog, dull day etc

I realy did not think that was necessary. Guess I was wrong

Skyryder

**Grumpy** · 12th May 2004, 21:54

Both bikes are hardwired so no problem but as I use the 500 to commute on I've wired the indicaters to stay on as well. It doesn't exactly have the best of headlights so I always felt a little vulnerable.