General Visibility & Headlights [Archive] - SV650.org

branny

14-10-08, 03:29 PM

The winter season is upon us and i plan to commute through the worst of it on my SV.

I have bought some new riding gear, Buffalo Arctic Camo style stuff.

Now, being on the receiving end of quite a lot of "who's going to see you in that" banter... (even though it is more visible than my previous black jacket) i got thinking.

What are the best ways to ensure the best visibility when on unlit roads?
Does anybody use the cyclist type flashing LEDs on their bike or body?
What is the simplest and best way to maximise the headlight brightness? Any recommendations on bulbs would be great.

Yellow style stuff just doesn't do it for me, i am thinking something more active than passive/reflective.

Alpinestarhero

14-10-08, 03:31 PM

I think HID bulbs or something are spoken about here alot, and they are ment to be very bright?

If you are driving down unlit roads, it wouldnt be stupid to get a 2-peice day-glo oversuit with lots of the highly-reflective silver strips on them. Also, maybe get some reflective strips for your mirrors, to make you look as wide as you really are?

Matt

northwind

14-10-08, 03:48 PM

Passive reflectives, if it's good stuff, are miles more visible than the LED gear- the 3M retroreflectives which you find on almost all good hiviz are incredible these days.

Respro do a Hump- backpack cover- which is black with retroreflectives though, if you want stealth hi-viz. It might also be available with their actives, but to be honest that's not much of a benefit. Also, I've always suspected that multiple random flashing lights etc can confuse people more than they help.

Osram Nightbreakers are the best direct-fit bulb replacement, there's a Phillips equivalent which is pretty much the same but I forget the name. A full HID retrofit can work much better- mine does- but it's expensive and a lot more hassly, and also illegal and potentially unsafe (if not done right)

branny

14-10-08, 03:50 PM

Thanks for that Northwind, i will look into those bulbs and think about some sort of hi-vis yellow to wear.

these ones right?
http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/h4-osram-night-breaker-90-12v-60-55w-pair-new-pr-17118.html

northwind

14-10-08, 03:56 PM

Bike-specific stuff is mainly mince btw, you get those terrible old-school yellow reflectors. Some of the cycle stuff is good, but the hi-viz I actually use is all cheap workie-stuff mostly bought from JJB Sports for £1.99 a vest :D

(I love my hi-viz fleece, I look like a knob but I can be seen from space:

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/9949/pitstoplk7.jpg

Nobbylad

14-10-08, 04:00 PM

I got a sleeved hi vis jacket from www.hivis.net (http://www.hivis.net) for about £7-8 delivered and it can be seen for miles!

I also got some black diamond reflective sticker sheeting from http://www.respro.com/products/urban-commuting/motorcycling/sticker_kits which are almost black in daylight (I have a black K8), yet scotchlite reflective when caught in headlights....will post some picks when I get chance.

Am thinking about the Nightbreakers too - would like HIDs bought scared off by illegal/dangerous comments.

Paul the 6th

14-10-08, 04:02 PM

Osram Nightbreakers are the best direct-fit bulb replacement, there's a Phillips equivalent which is pretty much the same but I forget the name.

Phillips power xtreme with free dinky sidelights from the website someone on here pointed me towards. Can't remember what it was? Anywho it was about 24 quid all in and they take about 20 mins to fit on a pointy.

branny

14-10-08, 04:03 PM

i just ordered those Osram Nightbreakers from autobulbsdirect.co.uk for £18.36 delivered with a free white sidelight bulb.
That is a bargain!

Paul the 6th

14-10-08, 04:04 PM

i just ordered those Osram Nightbreakers from autobulbsdirect.co.uk for £18.36 delivered with a free white sidelight bulb.
That is a bargain!

them's the ones yer want! they all do the same job and they're an improvement over the stock ones :)

Stu

14-10-08, 04:10 PM

there's a Phillips equivalent which is pretty much the same but I forget the name.
you mean X-treme Power ;) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/H4-Philips-X-treme-Power-80-Xenon-Bulbs-pair_W0QQitemZ290266133473QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item 290266133473&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A15%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

TEC

14-10-08, 04:30 PM

Does anybody use the cyclist type flashing LEDs on their bike or body?
Actually illegal used on their own but for some reason there's never any police about to deal with the cyclists that use them ;)

BBadger

14-10-08, 04:39 PM

Get a good numberplate light. My motrax one cost £10 and lights up the road just behind the rear wheel. So adds that bit extra.

As for headlights, some good bulbs and make sure there focused properly as that makes a world of difference.

captainsmelly

14-10-08, 05:47 PM

i've got a hi-viz vest that is so reflective it casts shadows. fold it up and put it under the seat when not in use. got it free from work, only problem is the massive royal mail logo!

tanis34

14-10-08, 05:57 PM

the best hi viz jacket i've got is an ex police flourothane waterproof its lightweight and defo hi viz bought from ebay

Bluepete

14-10-08, 06:37 PM

Hi-viz is under-rated I think. I never go out without it whilst at work, even on sunny days, I wear a lightweight mesh hi-viz.

Oddly though, I don't wear one on a bike. I'm not sure that someone who doesn't see the bike lights from the rear would neccessarily see the hi-viz. Could be wrong!

Plus, it's not very flattering, puts pounds on!

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk24/conker51/a72c28c1.jpg

Pete.

Grinch

14-10-08, 07:51 PM

Ride naked.

Stu

14-10-08, 09:04 PM

Hi-viz is under-rated I think. I never go out without it whilst at work, even on sunny days, I wear a lightweight mesh hi-viz. Great, don't like the rozzers hiding ;)

Oddly though, I don't wear one on a bike. I'm not sure that someone who doesn't see the bike lights from the rear would neccessarily see the hi-viz. Could be wrong! .
I think you are very wrong.
but notthat I chose to wear a lot of hi viz, just a couple of straps on my rucksack for commuting, it's strange but I don't place "being seen" very high on my priorities

mbuk

14-10-08, 09:16 PM

Actually illegal used on their own but for some reason there's never any police about to deal with the cyclists that use them ;)

Sorry for straying off topic but I think they are now legal on there own if type approved.

Statutory Instrument 2005 No. 2559 (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20052559.htm): says it's legal to have a flashing light on a pedal cycle. It also made it possible for a flashing light to be approved, so that means no other light is needed.

More info here http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/vehicles/vssafety/guidanceaboutlightsonpedalbi4556

Mike

punyXpress

14-10-08, 11:09 PM

Someone on here posted a short while ago that they wear hi-vis in case they come off the bike & are left a dark blob in the road ( the bike is elsewhere ) at the mercy of passing traffic!

northwind

14-10-08, 11:13 PM

Yup, that'd be me :) Also means you're more likely to be spotted in a ditch or halfway up a tree or wherever you end up. Don't count on being conscious or mobile after a crash!

branny

15-10-08, 07:12 AM

^this is a very good point, not one you think about straight away. I think i am going to try to get some reflective strips for my jacket arms. Ideally some black ones that only show when shined on, that should do it.

i am almost certainly going to buy a roll of this-
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HI-VIZ-REFLECTIVE-TAPE-motorbike-jacket-sticker-sheet_W0QQitemZ380068371335QQcmdZViewItem?hash=ite m380068371335&_trkparms=72%3A1301%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C 240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

what do we think?

Stu

15-10-08, 11:21 AM

branny

15-10-08, 11:41 AM

^yes, i spotted that so i ordered one further down the search which was £2.25 + £1 p&p for a 1 metre length.
1 metre should be good, 1 foot on each arm and the rest on my back probably.

i will be like a christmas tree

Nobbylad

15-10-08, 11:47 AM

Interesting to see how long it stays stuck to your jacket with wind speed/rain etc

Brettus

15-10-08, 11:58 AM

Hmm Blue high vis tape, tempting, if slightly chavvy.
2.5m of it for 5.95

TEC

15-10-08, 05:49 PM

Things always stray :)

Sorry for straying off topic but I think they are now legal on there own if type approved......
All still very confusing reading the regulations/ammendments but the Highway code does explain it better :)

Baph

16-10-08, 07:34 AM

the best hi viz jacket i've got is an ex police flourothane waterproof its lightweight
+1

Oddly though, I don't wear one on a bike. I'm not sure that someone who doesn't see the bike lights from the rear would neccessarily see the hi-viz. Could be wrong!

Pete, my jacket looks very similar to yours, try wearing it on the bike, you'll be amazed how many people assume you're police just for the jacket.

Not that long ago, I was working my way down the A5 at a fair old pace, in the early evening (light just starting to fade) and was wearing my high-vis. Cars I came up behind could see bright headlights, and high-vis jacket, on a bike moving quickly - approx 10-12 of them pulled over to the side just to allow me to pass! I gave a cheery wave as they saw the back of the jacket, and they probably realised that it doesn't say "Police" on it. :lol:

Generally though, I only wear high-vis when it's raining. I'm still waiting to fit my spot lights on the bike so I can see better at night.

punyXpress

16-10-08, 01:26 PM

Not that long ago, I was working my way down the A5 at a fair old pace, in the early evening (light just starting to fade) and was wearing my high-vis. Cars I came up behind could see bright headlights, and high-vis jacket, on a bike moving quickly - approx 10-12 of them pulled over to the side just to allow me to pass! I gave a cheery wave as they saw the back of the jacket, and they probably realised that it doesn't say "Police" on it. :lol:
It didn't say Hedley did it ?? :confused:

Baph

16-10-08, 05:31 PM

It didn't say Hedley did it ?? :confused:
:lol: Nope, it has no writing, or chequer marking on it - other than that, it's identical to BluePete's - if a little dirty compared to his.

Stig

16-10-08, 05:38 PM

Passive reflectives, if it's good stuff, )

I have these plastered all over the Dullsville. As stated, very good stuff.

GazandKatie

16-10-08, 06:52 PM

Dont use flashing lights of any description on a bike, they are likely to distract drivers and could potential be dangerous. Also the only vehicle that can have a flashing red light is a Fire and Rescue Vehicle so you are likely to get pulled.

The yellow high viz jackets are designed for good visibility during the day and the reflective stuff for night. The rucksack covers are a good idea, you can get these from most decent cycling shops.

northwind

16-10-08, 08:05 PM

Also the only vehicle that can have a flashing red light is a Fire and Rescue Vehicle so you are likely to get pulled.

And pushbikes. But we are neither. I agree with distraction though, anything that confuses people is not good.

kwak zzr

16-10-08, 08:16 PM

i sold my blue headlight cover on ebay, didnt want to get pulled by shellywoozle or blue pete.

GazandKatie

17-10-08, 09:56 PM

And pushbikes. But we are neither. I agree with distraction though, anything that confuses people is not good.

Push bikes arent a motor vehicle so dont have to comply with the same regs.

Im sure that a push bike cant legally have a flashing light, I am sure it should be constant too.

northwind

17-10-08, 10:01 PM

Nah, that used to be the case but after flashing lights were shown to be safer the law was changed.

(60At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.
[Law RVLR regs 13, 18 & 24)])

injury_ian

17-10-08, 10:34 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2227/2106482680_554523c871.jpg?v=0

https://secure.cazbah.net/client_images/catalog19650/pages/files/Trike5.jpg

branny

18-10-08, 12:05 PM

I have just fitted the Nightbreaker Bulbs and i am not too impressed. They don't seem any whiter than whatever was in there... i will see at night how much brighter they are, but it doesn't seem to be very much.

northwind

18-10-08, 12:47 PM

What was in there already? Whiteness is a terrible judge of quality, pure white light is less good to see by and judge distance than a slightly yellow beam.

yorkie_chris

18-10-08, 04:56 PM

https://secure.cazbah.net/client_images/catalog19650/pages/files/Trike5.jpg

Lol, SV-robo?

yorkie_chris

18-10-08, 04:58 PM

TEC

19-10-08, 04:49 PM

https://secure.cazbah.net/client_images/catalog19650/pages/files/Trike5.jpg

A poor imitation ;)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/2806288217_73305380f0.jpg

branny

19-10-08, 07:02 PM

^yes, good point, i was in an unlit garage though for what thats worth!

RingDing

29-10-08, 08:06 PM

Headlight bulb on my nekkid SV blew this evening. Thought I'd see what deals were around on the Osram Nightbreakers and found them for £15 here (for a pair). Came to £18 including postage.

http://www.triumph-online.co.uk/osram-nightbreaker-h4-6055w-twin-pack-deal-3014-p.asp

HTH.

Nobbylad

30-10-08, 07:01 PM

Pics of the Respro black diamond stickers in action (so to speak)....

I bought the A4 sheet and cut 2 pieces to fit the shaped/indented piece of the fairing that runs from the R&G crash bung down to the lower. As you can see, in daylight it's not that noticeable....

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a161/nobbylad/DSCF2082.jpg

This pic shows the reflection from the flash of the camera in daylight and the next shows it in the dark (as per being lit up by a headlight - I reckon).

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a161/nobbylad/DSCF2083.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a161/nobbylad/DSCF2097.jpg

Pretty nifty huh?

Stu

30-10-08, 07:22 PM

Pretty nifty huh?
Sorry to pee on your parade, but if I saw that in the dark I wouldn't have a clue what it was & could well ignore it. Now, if it was rim tape that showed up as 2 circles I would know it was a bike.

Although I can't really come up with a scenario where being seen from the side would be beneficial unless I was in the wrong to start with :smt102

Nobbylad

30-10-08, 08:46 PM

I took the yellow rim tape off 'cos I'm gonna replace it with red (to match the .org stickers lol).....with regards to peeing on my parade....pee away my friend, as far as visibility goes, every little helps imo.

(Oh....and wait 'till I get white LED's for underneath the fairing lol)

vardypeeps

01-11-08, 08:20 PM

I'm very surprised that no one has mentioned reflective rim tape. It works well when light shines on it and would show both your front and back wheel from the side. I'v got some rim tape on already but it is not reflective and I'm going to get some and remove the old stuff.

xXBADGERXx

01-11-08, 08:47 PM

I know people diss rim tape as Chavvy but let`s face facts , the wheel is pretty much the first thing to poke out of a junction (unless you have a Manilow Nose :D) and a nice big reflective circle will be more recognisable . I usually wear a Hi-Viz jacket but in the recent high winds the thing was flapping about and dragging me from lane to lane and was more of a safety issue with me than being seen so it has been consigned to the spares hanger on my BikerTidy ..... Am looking for a better alternative and have considered those Respro Black Diamond sheets for my lid (Black Arai Corsair Rx7)

vardypeeps

01-11-08, 09:01 PM

xXBADGERXx

01-11-08, 09:17 PM

I have like a high viz reflective belt thing. I know that does not make sense it's like a belt that goes around your waist and clips together as well as two should straps. I need to dig it out to be honest and leave it on my textile jacket.

"Sam Brown belt" variation , The older style has a strip that runs from one shoulder to the opposite hip , yours has 2 vertical strips running from either hip over each shoulder . Good idea but I fancy having a mesh style jacket to go over mine so that I can be seen from all angles .......... having Black bike gear wasn`t the brightest idea of mine :(

Lozzo

01-11-08, 09:46 PM

Do you honestly think wearing bright clothing makes the blindest bit of difference. When you're on the bike wearing that stuff, the only people who see enough of it to recognise that there's something bright around are the people directly behind you, and as we all know "what's behind doesn't matter".

I've been wearing all black gear for years and I don't have people pulling out on me. When I was younger and less experienced everyone pulled out on me, but somehow, as I got older, cars got faster and there's more cars around it doesn't happen at all now... I wonder why? Could it be that I'm now a better rider and position myself in the road better, and take precautions before situations arise?

I've always ridden with my headlight on, right back from the early 80s when it wasn't commonplace. If your headlight is on then reflective clothing is superfluous to requirement and just makes you look a nob.

Lozzo

01-11-08, 09:52 PM

https://secure.cazbah.net/client_images/catalog19650/pages/files/Trike5.jpg

If I was in my car and I saw that abomination I'd put my "Good taste police" hat on and ram it off the road on purpose, to save everyone else the mental trauma of seeing it.

The guy who built it has defied the whole object of the exercise

xXBADGERXx

01-11-08, 10:00 PM

Do you honestly think wearing bright clothing makes the blindest bit of difference. If your headlight is on then reflective clothing is superfluous to requirement and just makes you look a nob.

Well reflective Hi-Viz clothing worn by coppers has allowed me to spot them from miles away , so it must work , Anything that gives you an advantage has to be worth it , Just because it hasn`t happened to you doesn`t mean it isn`t going to happen .

Lozzo

01-11-08, 10:16 PM

Well reflective Hi-Viz clothing worn by coppers has allowed me to spot them from miles away , so it must work , Anything that gives you an advantage has to be worth it , Just because it hasn`t happened to you doesn`t mean it isn`t going to happen .

You're only recognising them as coppers due to the reflective stuff. You'd still see them if they were dressed in black, like our local coppers do. Can't remember the last time I saw a Beds bike copper wearing reflective gear.

I wouldn't say it gives you an advantage any more either, there's so much reflective stuff out there nowadays that another bit of green or yellow just blends into the rest of it. Safety has gone too far, everybody but me and a handful of others seem to be absolutely paranoid about it. I started riding because it was risky, why would I want to change that now?

xXBADGERXx

01-11-08, 10:28 PM

I think it`s more of an issue out here as we have lots of twisty tree lined lanes , the amount of times I have spotted somebody a few bends ahead due to reflective gear has allowed me to slow my pace a little . I agree with you on the "pulling out" thing , no amount of gear is gonna stop some mindless , half asleep , drone from doing that . In countryside areas it can make a vast difference . I have been out at night on the bike and have had pillocks hammering right up behind me , with the reflectives on they have seen me much earlier and have shown more caution . At the end of the day I wear it as I set off for work at 5:30 in the morning and there is not much traffic about anyway , I would also like to think that IF I did have an accident on a dark and frosty morning and was knocked out in a ditch or something , it would improve my chances of being found a bit quicker as well :D ............. not that it will happen (knocks on wood)