Easy ways of making yourself more visible at night

un_designer · Post by **un_designer** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 2:38 am

Over the weekend, I went on my longest ride so far (probably 25 miles each way). It was dark on the way back, so I started thinking about easy ways of making myself more visible. I happen to have my bicycle messenger bag with me, so my bicycle lights were all there. I figured that I might as well put them to good use, and attached one of those blinking red light to the metal basket I have on the rear rack of the Buddy.

So, now I'm thinking that maybe I could just have a couple of those lights going at night to really make the scooter visible. At some point it's going to be overkill, but I don't know what that point is yet.

Thoughts?

bicyclerider · Post by **bicyclerider** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 3:01 am

I like these bike lights, I have few of them.
they work great and weigh nothing, have lasted me almost 2 years.
http://www.knogusa.com/en-us/front.html

Roose Hurro · Post by **Roose Hurro** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 3:35 am

Sorry for a bit of OT, but... un_designer, is the metal basket on the back of your Buddy a dealer-available accessory? Thanks....

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un_designer · Post by **un_designer** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 3:46 am

lol nope. it's just a bicycle metal basket that i zip-tied to the chrome rear rack on my buddy. mr. peabody on here has pictures of it if you want to see what it looks like. it's a cheap/utilitarian solution that i really love. mine's not as pretty as her's though... no flowers

Roose Hurro · Post by **Roose Hurro** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 3:59 am

No need for pictures... I just didn't remember seeing such an accessory available, dealer-wise. I'd much prefer a basket to a topbox. You can bungie/net more in a basket than you can stuff in a topbox (unless you don't want to close and lock it. A basket would also be less drag, given the wind passes right through it, when it's empty. And it would be easier to snip a few zip-ties for basket removal, than having to unbolt a topbox. I've looked at a Honda CH80 with a basket on the back rack, and I like the look and utility it provides. Thanks....

*starts thinking of other things to zip-tie to a rack...*

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un_designer · Post by **un_designer** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 4:25 am

zip ties rocks!

i found these removable zip-ties too, so i don't have to snip it everytime i want to remove/reattach it. but, so far i haven't had any reason to remove the basket yet.

Post by **polianarchy** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 2:48 pm

I have several bike lights that I use at night, too. They live on my messenger bag, so it's not an issue of transferring them from bike to scooter at all! My only regret is that Tireflys don't fit on the Buddy tires without knocking against the forks.

And don't even get me started on spokey dokes!

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 3:02 pm

Conventional wisdom suggests we're more visible at night because of our lights. With this in mind, the typical suggestions are to boost your lighting output (more lights, more intense replacement lamps, etc) and wear reflective clothing. You need to be especially careful at dusk or just before sunrise.

My solution to the dilemma of night riding is that I don't ride at night. It's not that I'm concerned about being seen, it's more the things I'm unable to see. My night vision is not what it used to be so spotting road hazards after dark is hit or miss for me, and that's not acceptable. Sure, there are times I ride after dark when I'm commuting or going on a shopping run but those are well lit roads that I know very well. If your schedule forces you to ride at night, just be aware that you have concerns above and beyond being seen. Spotting a deep pothole on a dark road isn't a sure thing. Same goes for deer, dogs, gravel, rocks, nails and all the other debris that winds up on our highways these days.

bicyclerider · Post by **bicyclerider** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 3:40 pm

Andy,
wondered if your scooters in Denver area are jetted/set up differently for the altitude?
Also how they do climbing up into say Evergreen/Golden/Estes Park or up above Boulder U? Gold Hill road, etc.
thx.

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 4:29 pm

Brake light modulator (anytime you hit your brakes, blinky lights then goes solid.)

Reflective anything/everything! My wife for whatever reason had a safety harness with larger reflective strips than my jacket has. I wear it early in the am and in the pm when scooting. I'm planning on getting some racing type stripes for the scooter and some stuff for the helmet!

A front light modulator is a great idea but at least in CA I believe it's illegal to use it at night?!

I'm looking into one now for my Vespa. www.comagination.com

Lighter/brighter colored clothing and helmets.

Assume at night THEY DON'T SEE YOU and are out to KILL YOU! It's a paranoid thing, but so far my night rides have been better for that mentality! I travel a distance of 4 miles at night. Still ride with that mentality.

captaintg · Post by **captaintg** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 5:47 pm

bicyclerider wrote: Also how they do climbing up into say Evergreen/Golden/Estes Park or up above Boulder U? Gold Hill road, etc.
thx.

From Boulder:

Last weekend I rented a 1500cc Harley and took it up into the mountains. Yesterday I took my Buddy up into the mountains. I'm no daredevil in the turns, and I noticed the buddy was plenty fast enough to carve up the canyons. I was going the same speed on both bikes (25-40 mph).

ScooterDave · Post by **ScooterDave** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:07 pm

At night here, we just roll with big ole spotlights taped to our front fenders.

Dave

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 12:15 am

Lights on the back, in particular, are a great idea. I haven't had a chance to compare the '06 and '07 lights at night but the new Buddys do sport upgraded head and tail lights. Also wiring the dead legshield lights as running lights may help.

You can buy reflective tape, decals and fabrics to add to your Buddy, accessories and gear. Lots for sale on eBay, various online outlets, camping and boating stores, etc. I've even been surprised at how visible reflective piping in some jackets is (when directly hit with a light...).

When adding lighting, verify that your mods are legal in your state. I'm not even sure that any kind of persistent blinking red light is allowed on a motorcycle/scoot in CA and there are also statutes regarding placement, color, etc.

weaseltamer · Post by **weaseltamer** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 12:42 am

i had an awesome little chrome basket that i zip tied to my chrome rack. i used a rotary drill to cut the bottom a bit so i could fit the raised part of the chrome rack inside basket bottom, and then i put a padlock on it. (i feel my basket was so cute... a few zip ties would likely not deter a thief in need of my little chrome basket. unfortunatly i got hit before a picture was taken, and my basket is now ruined. it was a free gift to my bf as a new employee of american eagle... don't think we can get another one :*(

Lagerhead · Post by **Lagerhead** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 3:37 am

ScooterDave wrote:At night here, we just roll with big ole spotlights taped to our front fenders.

Dave

Of course "big ole spotlights" is at least version 4.0. I've seen that Allstate with a AA Maglite taped to the headset.

Ingenuity is the invention of your mother.

un_designer · Post by **un_designer** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 4:17 am

gotta love the stylin' headlight!!

ScooterDave · Post by **ScooterDave** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:43 pm

Hey lagerhead, nice avatar. I should start charging royalties.

Dave

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:31 pm

So I wired my dead oem lights in the front to be clear running lights , and they RULE! I'm in the process of reflector-izing everything, I'm trying to be even more visible, but I have two questions:

1) Has anybuddy installed a brake light modulator on an '07 Buddy, and if so, do you have any pics or tips?

2) Who knows if those little deer whistle thingies work for scaring animals off, cuz if they do, I'm gonna need about 20 of 'em for all the cats!

Post by **polianarchy** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 4:03 pm

KRUSTYburger wrote:Who knows if those little deer whistle thingies work for scaring animals off, cuz if they do, I'm gonna need about 20 of 'em for all the cats!

There was at least one thread discussing those things, with the common consensus being a resounding "NO." I bet you could find the thread with the search function if you'd like to read through it...started last spring sometime, I think.

Kevin K · Post by **Kevin K** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:06 pm

I don't think there's a more reflective tape out there then 3M's SOLAS tape.
It's the same material that's used on the green and white highway signs--and you know how those light up at night!
I have a strip on the front and back of my helmet. It's also flexible enough that you can bend it and trim it to fit fenders, etc.

I get mine here: http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Adh ... 16513.html
-K

Tazio · Post by **Tazio** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 11:13 pm

If the flashing lights are attached to your scooter, they are probably verboten. If they are attached to your person, they are probably OK. I have a motorcycle vest with a built in led flasher.

The headlight modulators are supposed to have a light sensitive switch that disables them at night.

I installed a brake light modulator on my Buddy. Once I figured out how to diassemble the tail light it was a simple installation to just wire it with the correct polarity in series with the brake lamp.

I have attached front and rear very bright flashers on my tandem bicycle which are probably illegal. However, we ride right past a CHP facility and several police stations every week and have never been stopped.

robtaylor · Post by **robtaylor** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 12:08 am

two words: tiki torches

Corsair · Post by **Corsair** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 11:26 am

Anyone ever use a helmet halo?

hcstrider · Post by **hcstrider** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:28 pm

Corsair wrote:Anyone ever use a helmet halo?

Yes, I have a helmet halo on my helmet. I have to admit that I have never checked to see just how reflective it is.

madmikal · Post by **madmikal** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:37 pm

I wear this shirt....

www.eqtshirts.com

I am the party...

Cheers,

Madmikal

Alix B · Post by **Alix B** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 4:48 am

Lagerhead, you have Creepers on-I miss mine. I went through three pairs.
Ah, memories.

Oh, yea, reflective stuff, visibility....
I don't like to ride at night although, I do, and often through the WORST places. I attach one of those caving lights, the ones, for your head- to the bottom of my windscreen.
It makes a huge difference and doesn't blind oncoming traffic.

And wear a Corazzo-ever notice you can't take a picture at night at a rally-cuz of all those Corazzo's flashing....
There's a reason for that reflectivity!

Post by **polianarchy** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 2:06 pm

Alix B wrote:I attach one of those caving lights, the ones, for your head- to the bottom of my windscreen.
It makes a huge difference and doesn't blind oncoming traffic.

I really like this idea! How do you attach the light to your windscreen?

Kurzer · Post by **Kurzer** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:53 pm

madmikal wrote:I wear this shirt....

www.eqtshirts.com

I am the party...

Cheers,

Madmikal

OMG!!! so I wanted one but after a closer look, the EL is lower on the shirt than what the picture shows, if it was higher up like the pick I'd be all over that

madmikal · Post by **madmikal** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:19 pm

Yea...but it's $20 cheaper than the other ones. If you want attention of any kind....get this shirt.

I'm going to silk screen the back. I might remove the EL Panel and put it on the back of a jacket or something. It works as a tachometer as well...

Madmike

Kurzer · Post by **Kurzer** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:25 pm

madmikal wrote:Yea...but it's $20 cheaper than the other ones. If you want attention of any kind....get this shirt.

I'm going to silk screen the back. I might remove the EL Panel and put it on the back of a jacket or something. It works as a tachometer as well...

Madmike

a tach too? PM me

I cut up and mod everything else I own... I have no clue why I didn't think that would happen with the shirt

It's in the mail

maryvu · Post by **maryvu** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:04 pm

you can get various lengths/widths of the 3M Solas here too.
identi-tape.com.

They ALSO have a TON of other reflective stuff. I trimmed the black interior panel edges, and entire mudflap of my cream buddy with black reflective. I use 1 inch orange on my green Stella's cowls, fender and legshield. I use the SOLAS on my saddle bags, topcase, helmet (like the elastic one earlier in this post)

I have an unexplainable obsession with reflective tape. I guess that's a good thing!

ps. I also have one of these for night time...

Eddy Merckx · Post by **Eddy Merckx** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 12:55 pm

The flashing bicycle lights work the best, imo they are better than reflective items because reflectors only work after the headlights are pointed at you.

There are supposed issues with the LAW on the flashers but in NY and Ct the police either don't care or don't know because when I ride past them they don't even blink...I understand out west in Cali some of the police dept. do lean on those that use the flashers, it would appear they don't have a lot to do if that has become such a priority for them... jmo

Ride on, be safe, and always tell people at gas stations you get Ninety miles to the gallon and do it with a knowing smile on your face, it really gets those that pay $70.00 to fill their tank four times a month to think about their choices.... just a little thing I do, I look at it as a public service.....

Post by **polianarchy** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 1:25 pm

I believe the laws are more concerned with the flashing lights if they are attached to your scooter, If they're attached to your person, such as your helmet, jacket, or messenger bag, then it's within the law. I suppose it depends on the state, though.

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 6:39 am

polianarchy wrote:I believe the laws are more concerned with the flashing lights if they are attached to your scooter, If they're attached to your person, such as your helmet, jacket, or messenger bag, then it's within the law. I suppose it depends on the state, though.

In CA, I'm not sure they differentiate between a flashing light on your gear or on your scoot. The vehicle codes that I found didn't mention attaching anything to your person. But they'll sure as hell pull you over for other lighting violations, so I'm not going to risk the ticket!

Valgal20 · Post by **Valgal20** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:21 pm

If your White (Im flourescent) Drive naked (helmet and underpanties required) You will be seen! if your darker skin, perhaps put some flashing divices in strategic places.

redding · Post by **redding** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 8:37 pm

Krustyburger: How difficult was it to wire the front running lights? Can you give us more info? Thanks.

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 8:45 pm

It's pretty easy, there are two posts in the tech library that show you how to hook them up as runners OR to have double blinkers... Whichever you prefer. I like them as runners, I also switched the stock amber ones with some bigger clear bulbs (the part # for these is also in the post in the tech library). My dad says I look like a big Harley or something riding at night, cuz of the extra lights... plus that big ol' headlight!

EP_scoot · Post by **EP_scoot** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 8:45 pm

redding,
There is a technical post for it here: topic576.html

redding · Post by **redding** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 8:49 pm

Thanks, EP!!!

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Easy ways of making yourself more visible at night

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