LUC’S TIPS MARCH 2013: MODULATING HEADLAMP
Last Updated: April 1st, 2024
As motorcyclists, we can make some good additions to our motorcycles to increase our ability to be seen easier by other motorists thus increasing our safety. One aftermarket accessory I would recommend would be a modulating headlamp for your motorcycle.
WHAT IS A MODULATING HEADLAMP DEVICE?
A modulating headlamp device is an accessory that oscillates the intensity of a motorcycle headlamp at 240 ±40 cycles per minute (~4 Hz between approximately 20% and 100% of full intensity. The headlight operates at full intensity 50-70% of the time when the modulator is in operation.
Commercially made modulators don’t turn the headlight bulb on and off which would give the filament a thermal shock with every cycle, they simply reduce the voltage so the life of your bulb is not affected (and may even be extended).
ARE MODULATING HEADLAMPS LEGAL?
Yep, modulating headlamps are legal in all 50 states. All we need to do is refer to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 (FMVSS 108), which permits motorcycle headlamp modulation systems provided they comply with the performance, operation, and durability requirements contained therein.
All of the commercially available headlamp modulators use a light sensor that will automatically stop modulating at dusk because FMVSS 108 forbids a flashing headlamp at night.
“I DIDN’T SEE HIM OFFICER”
Like the flashing lights law enforcement or emergency vehicles use, the flashing headlamp is designed to increase the likelihood of being seen by other motorists. While there are no studies supporting the headlamp modulator as an effective motorcycle safety device, some research suggests headlamp modulators may increase the conspicuity of motorcycles. With a majority of car/motorcycle crashes resulting from a driver entering our right of way (meaning turning left in front of us) why not error on the side of caution?
As always, make sure to have a qualified technician from a local dealership or professional repair center help you with installing the device properly.
Safe riding,
-LUC
DISCLAIMER: THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS COLUMN ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF ANY MANUFACTURER. THE CONTENT PROVIDED IS MERELY EDUCATIONAL AND NOT INTENDED AS A REPLACEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL REPAIR. TEAM ARIZONA, ITS STAFF, AND ITS RIDERCOACHES ARE UNAVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE MOTORCYCLE REPAIR; WE RECOMMEND SEEING YOUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP OR REPAIR SHOP.
