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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Stig / Major Tom on May 03, 2018, 11:08:04 PM
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White and bright colors for scooters seem to be a good idea.
And I have read several places that the #1 visible item on a rider is the helmet. So, bright colors there - probably white is best for all light conditions.
But, to each his own.
To explain - a scooter rider wearing a bright jacket and helmet was struck in the side in an intersection by a vehicle driver who did not see him in time to avoid the accident.
So, following his rehab, and using some of the hefty court settlement, he bought an expensive all matte black motorcycle and a matching matte black stealth helmet.
Obviously bright gear is not fool proof - but I'd bet my actuary dollar that that jazzy looking all "stealth-black" ensemble is going to be significantly harder for a driver to pick out.
Like I said, to each his own.
It seems that we might ride, the way we ride, for many different reasons.
Search, "Are white helmets safer?"
"A study published in the World Health Organization's Helmet Manual analyzed the link between the colour of a biker's helmet and chances of his crashing. It suggested that policies that encourage white and light-coloured helmets can help prevent motorcycle crashes.
Wearing a white helmet makes the bike driver more conspicuous both during the day as well as at night, explained Madhu Khurana, chairman and managing director of a major helmet manufacturing firm. "Bike riders should wear only white or yellow coloured helmets as they become more visible, especially at night and chances of them being hit are greatly reduced. We make helmets in all colours, but eight out of ten people prefer to buy black-coloured helmets."
If a new rider is just now putting together his gear - this might give you something to think about.
Stig
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So all, well, most of the Harley riders responding to the herd motivation dress out in black or dark motif. Part of the IMAGE carried from the bad-boy days of Hollister. You meet the nicest people on a Honda blew the 60's apart with ordinary people trying two wheels. Bell Hemet originally available in white set the pace. I had one for years until it got painted to cover up the scuff marks. But I never got black! No black! Hated when all the morons in the 60's would remark about my motorcycle, a 250 Honda Hawk, and me: "You must be one o'them Hell's Angels, aincha!" Every one thought they were the original comedian. The Harley mystique is still alive and well but most of the riders are getting too old and feeble to hold one up and have too much ego to get something lighter so they just quit riding. Not all but most. Visibility is partly color, the rest is movement. The intersection "wobble" will produce instant recognition. And the rider realizing the driver is blocked by the door post takes Readiness Condition to RED.
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if I was 20 it would probably be a matte black helmet with a smoked shield...but since I'm over 50 I'll stick with my white helmet and high viz jacket! As cool as a black one?..No...but I'd rather increase my odds of being seen.
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I like wearing a white helmet. When I go for walks I would look at the motorbike or scooter riders and see which gear stands out and noticed that white helmets seemed the best.
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I don't have anything useful to add to this; I'm currently using a matt black helmet but I've alternated colours quite a bit over the years.
I wouldn't, by choice, own a black bike - but I do.
White would be nice but I never seem to be able to get the right helmet at the right size in the right colour.
There isn't much of a cruiser/Harley scene here in the UK. American motorcycles never really took off.
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There isn't much of a cruiser/Harley scene here in the UK. American motorcycles never really took off.
For good reason! We Americans copied the hand clutch, foot shift because it worked better and made more sense!
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All the helmets I have bought in the last 10 years have been either white or yellow.
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My old PCX was black, but since I bought it from the first owner, I couldn't choose the color. The new Kymco is a beautiful matte Silver, as the only other option was black.
I wear high-viz gear, no matter what. My Spring/Summer mesh jacket is a fluorescent yellow Mesh-Tex:
(https://image.ibb.co/mB7BPS/fisrtgear.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
and my Fall/Winter jacket is a modified Port West S-464 with added CE armor in the sleeves and back. Looks like this:
(https://preview.ibb.co/dUnKTn/s464yer.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jtsm8n)
I have a modular helmet, as those half-helmets and open-face ones don't cut it for me. GMax GM-64 dual-visor:
(https://preview.ibb.co/nHWM8n/gm54_s.jpg) (https://ibb.co/byWcg7)
I wear Ringers Impact Gloves, also in high-viz with the red palm, FWIW.
I just managed to talk my wife into the idea of going places 2-up, and bought her some gear to wear too. Found her a nice Firstgear Contour in Pink and White:
(https://image.ibb.co/bPwhW7/s_l300.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
And a LS-2 Modular with dual-visor and butterflies for her:
(https://image.ibb.co/bFiq17/s_l500.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
Given that I am always in High-Viz gear, The only way I think I will ever be hit is by someone who will have to explain how they couldn't have seen me. How they could miss all that fluorescent yellow will be something they'll have to explain to the police and judge. I hope that I never have to find that out, but there's no way to miss me, unless you're on the phone, just not paying any attention, or are legally blind.
And on top of all this high-viz gear, I ride very defensively, with as much situational awareness as I can maintain.
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My old PCX was black, but since I bought it from the first owner, I couldn't choose the color. The new Kymco is a beautiful matte Silver, as the only other option was black.
And on top of all this high-viz gear, I ride very defensively, with as much situational awareness as I can maintain.
Yep, defensive riding.
We have a member here who was T-Boned by a lady --- he was wearing hi-viz yellow while riding on a yellow Can-Am Spyder type thing.
Stig
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My vote for visibility is school bus yellow. Lol.
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My old PCX was black, but since I bought it from the first owner, I couldn't choose the color. The new Kymco is a beautiful matte Silver, as the only other option was black.
I wear high-viz gear, no matter what. My Spring/Summer mesh jacket is a fluorescent yellow Mesh-Tex:
(https://image.ibb.co/mB7BPS/fisrtgear.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
and my Fall/Winter jacket is a modified Port West S-464 with added CE armor in the sleeves and back. Looks like this:
(https://preview.ibb.co/dUnKTn/s464yer.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jtsm8n)
I have a modular helmet, as those half-helmets and open-face ones don't cut it for me. GMax GM-64 dual-visor:
(https://preview.ibb.co/nHWM8n/gm54_s.jpg) (https://ibb.co/byWcg7)
I wear Ringers Impact Gloves, also in high-viz with the red palm, FWIW.
I just managed to talk my wife into the idea of going places 2-up, and bought her some gear to wear too. Found her a nice Firstgear Contour in Pink and White:
(https://image.ibb.co/bPwhW7/s_l300.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
And a LS-2 Modular with dual-visor and butterflies for her:
(https://image.ibb.co/bFiq17/s_l500.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
Given that I am always in High-Viz gear, The only way I think I will ever be hit is by someone who will have to explain how they couldn't have seen me. How they could miss all that fluorescent yellow will be something they'll have to explain to the police and judge. I hope that I never have to find that out, but there's no way to miss me, unless you're on the phone, just not paying any attention, or are legally blind.
And on top of all this high-viz gear, I ride very defensively, with as much situational awareness as I can maintain.
To each their own, and no offense, but if I was that concerned about being hit I think I wouldn't ride.
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To each their own, and no offense, but if I was that concerned about being hit I think I wouldn't ride.
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Personally I think that bright colors look better than black or dull gray anyway. So when I buy high vis riding gear I don't feel like I'm sacrificing style for safety. I have no desire to look like a "biker".
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I always enjoyed flying but always had one or more landing spots at any given time just in case the engine quit or came apart. Part of flying. Me, neither, Klaviator! No desire to look like a "biker!"
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To each their own, and no offense, but if I was that concerned about being hit I think I wouldn't ride.
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No offense, but if you're that cavalier, thoughtless, and selfish about your own safety, the safety of others, and the associated costs of having to send ambulances, EMTs, police, and other responders out to the collision in which you were involved, then perhaps you should stay off the road.
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No offense, but if you're that cavalier, thoughtless, and selfish about your own safety, the safety of others, and the associated costs of having to send ambulances, EMTs, police, and other responders out to the collision in which you were involved, then perhaps you should stay off the road.
Been riding for years. .. You become invisible when you get on a bike (or cagers don't give a sheet). Every little bit helps. A head- light- Modulator is the BEST! Wish I knew if they made one for the 200i.
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I had to google search Headlight Modulator to see what it is and it is not a bad idea but would the constant flashing burn out your globes quicker? The tail light modulator looks good as well and there is a company that sells a LED brake light that flashes when activated, just can't find the link at the moment but will look later. I like the fact that a lot of new (mainly higher priced such as the Xmax 300 and new BMW 400 scooters) are coming out with LED daylight running lights.
A youtube vid on the modulator lights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbQcIGUy4CY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbQcIGUy4CY)
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I had to google search Headlight Modulator to see what it is and it is not a bad idea but would the constant flashing burn out your globes quicker? The tail light modulator looks good as well and there is a company that sells a LED brake light that flashes when activated, just can't find the link at the moment but will look later. I like the fact that a lot of new (mainly higher priced such as the Xmax 300 and new BMW 400 scooters) are coming out with LED daylight running lights.
A youtube vid on the modulator lights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbQcIGUy4CY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbQcIGUy4CY)
Kisantech.com makes a pulsing tail-blazer bulb for scoots and bikes. Had two in my Burgman 400, and have one in CB500X motorcycle. Simple as changing a bulb. All the technology is in the bulb base. Have LED and halogen versions.
I like them, especially with the halogen bulbs, takes better advantage of the reflecting housing.
Stig
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I like the fact that a lot of new (mainly higher priced such as the Xmax 300 and new BMW 400 scooters) are coming out with LED daylight running lights.
I wish this were true for all US bikes, but it isn't the case. None of the running lights are connected on the 400i.
That is, in fact, the first major modification I intend to make. I'm just waiting on a couple of parts...
The forward-body turn signals/running lights are inoperative, but the LED panel is visible through the lens. Same with the rear signals/RL combo.
I'm going to add some LED running lights to the body in the place of the pancake reflectors, so having those other running lights isn't so much of an issue for me. The problem I have is that the forward turn signals are in the mirrors, and the rear signals are in add-on pumpkins. So, there's going to be some rewiring going on when my parts come in.
My new Ermax windscreen should be here tomorrow, so I might put it on, but I don't want to keep taking the front end apart and putting it back together for fear of wear and breakage. I'd rather only do it once, if I have to.
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I wish this were true for all US bikes, but it isn't the case. None of the running lights are connected on the 400i.
That is, in fact, the first major modification I intend to make. I'm just waiting on a couple of parts...
The forward-body turn signals/running lights are inoperative, but the LED panel is visible through the lens. Same with the rear signals/RL combo.
I'm going to add some LED running lights to the body in the place of the pancake reflectors, so having those other running lights isn't so much of an issue for me. The problem I have is that the forward turn signals are in the mirrors, and the rear signals are in add-on pumpkins. So, there's going to be some rewiring going on when my parts come in.
My new Ermax windscreen should be here tomorrow, so I might put it on, but I don't want to keep taking the front end apart and putting it back together for fear of wear and breakage. I'd rather only do it once, if I have to.
The modulator only works on Hi beam and on in Day-lite (has a photo- switch) an NO effect on bulb. ( doesn't completely cut it off- just dims it a few times a second) I Swear! Cuts WAY DOWN on "left- turners "
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Ought to be mandatory! Bike built with it!
The modulator only works on Hi beam and on in Day-lite (has a photo- switch) an NO effect on bulb. ( doesn't completely cut it off- just dims it a few times a second) I Swear! Cuts WAY DOWN on "left- turners "
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Sent from my LGLS675 using Tapatalk
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The brake modulator -- maybe. The headlight modulator looks incredibly obnoxious though.
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The loud pipes idea seems more polite.
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Except for your neighbors! And Noise ordinances
The loud pipes idea seems more polite.
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Except for your neighbors! And Noise ordinances
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;D I have to leave for work at 0430 in the morning. My neighbors would not put up with a loud scooter.
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Ditto - I'd be lynched within days
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Yep, defensive riding.
We have a member here who was T-Boned by a lady --- he was wearing hi-viz yellow while riding on a yellow Can-Am Spyder type thing.
Stig
But that guys a dope !😉
AMAC
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But that guys a dope ![emoji6]
AMAC
When you are on a bike. ...you are playing the odds (some times you lose) I want the deck stacked in my favor (as much as I can)
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Forgot to mention - if you're reading this in the EU - light modulators are totally illegal here :P
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But that guys a dope !😉
AMAC
Well.....
no. Any guy who can ride a 250 scooter clear down the east coast of the United States , gets respect.
Stig
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Forgot to mention - if you're reading this in the EU - light modulators are totally illegal here [emoji14]
Wow, [emoji37]
Let me guess. ..hummm...
Bet you live in one of the Communist states. ..?
California?
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As long as I'm being concerned about my neighbors, I might also not want to annoy oncoming traffic.
I guess if you're serious about every little thing to help you get noticed, you should have loud pipes AND obnoxious blinky lights.
Also, why would you take noise restrictions in stride and then be shocked that light modulators are illegal in the EU?
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As long as I'm being concerned about my neighbors, I might also not want to annoy oncoming traffic.
I guess if you're serious about every little thing to help you get noticed, you should have loud pipes AND obnoxious blinky lights.
Also, why would you take noise restrictions in stride and then be shocked that light modulators are illegal in the EU?
So so sorry [emoji22]
You don't have the benefit of American's form of communism
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Have not we been over this loud pipes thing before? They are minimal from the front. Maximum to the rear. Good reason, REAL reason!
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Wow, [emoji37]
Let me guess. ..hummm...
Bet you live in one of the Communist states. ..?
California?
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You have communist states in the US? :P
I'm in the UK.
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You have communist states in the US? [emoji14]
I'm in the UK.
Absolutely!
They refuse to follow the law, and make up their own. Clustered around the east coast and the west coast. One rogue mid-west state is Illinois.
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You have communist states in the US? [emoji14]
I'm in the UK.
If things don't change. North Korea is going to start to look good [emoji37][emoji22][emoji37]
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BTW- Heard about you guys banning knives LOL. ...yea...that's gonna work out good for you [emoji107]
You have communist states in the US? [emoji14]
I'm in the UK.
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The topic: promoting rider visibility via helmet color.
Subject has been sufficiently explored.