Uprated bulb discussion

The man with the big stick seemed to be getting a wee bit miffed at us derailling a thread, so I figured I'd self-moderate.

The story so far:

Originally Posted by sinbad

I think you've got a problem if the difference between normal rear light and brake light isn't (blindingly, heh) obvious. I've never had any trouble distinguishing between the two on any machine. If that's the reason for not running with lights all the time, then I don't get it, I mean the difference between a bike in the murk and a bike in the murk with its headlights on is far greater, but hey it's your own decision. There must be more to it though, I'm genuinely interested.

Originally Posted by Baph

Running uprated bulbs on dipped (not main beam) like I am now, it could be argued that it appears I'm running on main beam (as they're not that far off).

Countless times I've had oncoming drivers flash me at night, when I've been on dipped lights, because of the above. I'd love to see the reaction when I show them what full beam is actually like!!

Originally Posted by Warthog

[Another derail] Pet hate of mine is uprated bulbs! They blind you coming the other way. If people are flashing you, they are flashing you cos you are blinding them, not cos they think you have some settings wrong. What if they drive into you cos they are dazzled by the glare? When I go past cars with exceedingly bright lights, I have to slow right down and aim for just next to them, cos I can't see any of the road, markings, bushes or anything! I hate uprated bulbs. If you want bright, use full beam and dip it for oncoming traffic.[/Another derail]

Now, my take on Warthog's post is that my lights are adjusted properly, and as such, don't really blind people. I use uprated bulbs because I have to ride at night sometimes, and the main beam on the pointy isn't sufficient IMO. I'm also shortly going to be adding spot lights for this very reason - at which time I'll decide if I step back down to 'normally' rated bulbs in the headlight.

However, that wasn't really the point raised. I stated that I get flashed at because people assume I'm running on full beam, when I'm actually on dipped. This has happened in daylight conditions as well as in the dark. Again, my lights are properly ajusted.

I think the "I don't like daylight running lights" sentiment comes because it can be seen as an act of agression by other drivers, thus putting them on the defence immediately, and possibly easing road rage etc.

Anyone else want to throw in their 2p? I'll start a beer fund with them all.

[Luckypants]

IMHO uprated bulbs are fine where they are

1) good quality, so meet the relevant standard. Thus the light source will be where it is meant to be in the headlamp.

2) Headlights are correctly adjusted. On a motorcycle this means having pre-load set correctly for the rider and the adjustment done with rider on board (a faff I know but the only way to get lights properly adjusted IMO)

The above means that dazzle should not occur. folks say the lights on my VFR are good / bright, but I rarely get flashed for dazzle. This speaks volumes about correct adjustment.

I'd argue that if drivers are flashing you then they think your lights are too bright! Doesn't matter how well adjusted you *think* they are, if they are dazzling other people they should be toned down. If they were properly adjusted you wouldn't be being flashed

Ergo I therefore suppose I have no objection to uprated bulbs if they are pointing at the floor, its just many cars seem to have them pointing in my face! "dipped" and "full beam" are just words, what actually matters is whether oncoming traffic is being blinded by you or not.

Originally Posted by Warthog

I'd argue that if drivers are flashing you then they think your lights are too bright! Doesn't matter how well adjusted you *think* they are, if they are dazzling other people they should be toned down. If they were properly adjusted you wouldn't be being flashed

Originally Posted by Warthog

Ergo I therefore suppose I have no objection to uprated bulbs if they are pointing at the floor, its just many cars seem to have them pointing in my face! "dipped" and "full beam" are just words, what actually matters is whether oncoming traffic is being blinded by you or not.

What actually matters is that they are adjusted properly to the specification of the law. And I know for certain mine are, due to a friendly MOT test centre.

Some drivers see a brighter than usual light, and assume you're running on main/full beam, when that's actually not the case.

Interesting thread. I have to say, being both a biker and owner of a car, being dazzled by some jumped up nobbler with their bright bulbs is damn annoying.

I would also say I've yet to see a pair of bright lights that haven't dazzled me, therefore I am not convinced that it's all down to adjustment and has got to have something to do with the bulbs being too bright.

I have also ridden at night, as I'm sure many have, and do appreciate the absence of a sufficiently bright pair of headlights does make vision difficult, but that doesn't mean we should all be trying to out-dazzle each other. In defense to this, you should always ride to the conditions, and I would say I don't think there's anything wrong with the light you get from a 60/55 bulb.

Originally Posted by Jase22

I don't think there's anything wrong with the light you get from a 60/55 bulb.

The issue I personally have is the spread of light. Hence why I'm fitting spot lights. These will be pointing sideways from the bike (and not subject to the same MOT testing as they're spots) thus allowing better vision around corners at night. One of the big downfalls of the SV headlights IMO.

I have put Halfrauds bulbs in mine and raised the angle slightly.
They shine just below the rear window of the car in front.
They provide ample lighting on country roads at night and I can't remember when I was last flashed at ().
I feel there is a fine line between well adjusted and taking the pee.
Take a bit of time to set them up and everybody will be happy with the results.

[punyXpress]

There seems to be a growing problem where over the last few years every Tom **** & Harriet has bought cars with HDI lights. Now that these are on their 3rd or 4th owner the lights point in all directions.
Do we beat them or join them?

[Stu]

Originally Posted by punyXpress

There seems to be a growing problem where over the last few years every Tom **** & Harriet has bought cars with HDI lights. Now that these are on their 3rd or 4th owner the lights point in all directions.
Do we beat them or join them?

I think you will find that OEM HDI in cars are asjusted properly - by law they have to be self adjusting and you can see this working every time the switch on the point down at the ground & back up to the correct level.
You are probably experiencing problems from aftermarket HIDs.

& in answer to your question join them would love aftermarket HID, but £90 is still a bit too much