Beam converter for European use?

[olisak]

Hello,

I'm taking my curvy around Europe very soon and understand some of the police are sharp on headlights dipping the wrong way etc. I'm after something I can stick on before getting on the ferry and rip off on return. Any recommendations? Or is it a case of using car ones?

Cheers

[christopher]

Just returned from a week abroad and didn't change anything with the bike except for sticking a GB sticker on it, and I didn't bother with one of those the last time but found this one in the garage so put it to use. No bother from any police or oncoming traffic with lights.

If you're concerned though, the easiest thing is stick some black tape on the part which shoots light up and to the left. Or just explain the deflector must have fallen off and you'll stick some tape on (which you'd be carrying anyway along with cable ties etc) instead if you're ever stopped.

[olisak]

Good point - cheers for your help!

[christian1000]

+1 for just taking some tape incase, just been away for 11days without any deflectors fitted with no issues dispite a few conversations with the local police

[embee]

According to the AA, the legal requirement is "not to cause dazzle" to oncoming drivers, and I have seen it written (but can't find reference at the mo') that it is NOT required on motorcycles to apply any sort of device to alter the beam pattern.

Having said that I usually add some black tape to the sector which kicks the beam up for the dip, since this will be in use all the time (legal requirement in many countries). As you look at the lamp the sector around 8 o'clock gives the dip kick-up if you have patterned lenses. Projector type lamps can't be masked externally in this way, it is done internally (some are adjustable).

Very few GB bike riders use any sort of masking on headlamps IME. My feeling is that it shows good intent so might weigh in your favour. Black tape costs very little. The glue doesn't seem to affect the lenses at all.

Make sure you have the legally required stuff, especially original paperwork (licence, V5C, insurance cert etc., plus copies and copies at home too).

It's good practice to have spare lamps even if it isn't legally required in all countries (head + stop/tail + indi will do). Carry spare spectacles if you wear them. Compulsory carrying of Hi-vis and warning triangle rules don't apply to bikes in France, though hi-vis in case of having to stop is not a bad idea anyway.

[trail guru]

I've had a good trawl for info on the Net and here's a few points worth bearing mind:

Back tape can cause a hot-spot on the lens - this may discolour and/or crack it.
Some insurance policies require that you fit an approved headlamp deflector when travelling outside the UK.
Fitting/removing a car headlamp deflector is easy and cost about a fiver.