Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Interesting: ive always thought it to be safer and smarter to use the high beam during the day, and low beam at night. i just finished "proficient motorcycling" by david l. hough and in it there's a section about road rage and he basically says to be courteous to other cars(of course) and use your low beam during the day. i continue to use the high beam during the day but was curious what opinions anyone has on it.

This may irritate other drivers and be illegal in some states. There are headlight modulators that rapidly alternate between high and low beams, and they are legal in California, and everythis is illegal here. I think they have to cycle 240 flashes per minute.

I personally like the idea of a modulated headlight and plan on getting one as soon as I get motivated enough.

Okay here is what I do. I ride with high beams at all times...however you first have to adjust the beam down further and at least 1 more degree to the right so as not to blind on coming traffic. My belief is that I'd rather be seen with my bright lights than not seen at all. I have always set up and ridden my bikes this way.

i agree with the book. if there not gonna see you with the low beam there not gonna see you with the high on is my postion. i feel its your job as a motorcylist to be aware of them too. if your focused on your eviroment you will see those not paying attention and with your quick and adgile bike avoid them.

High beam in traffic. Low beam on rural highways. Whatever is legal at night (500 ft from oncoming traffic I switch to low...200 feet from traffic i approach from behind).

Incidentally, I have experimented with traffic on the same route at the same time of day, and Cars turn left in front of me far more often on low beam.

On smaller cc bikes using the high beam alot could effect keeping your battery in a good state of charge. Some smaller bikes aren't even charging until you get the R's up a bit. I normally just click from high to low when approaching an intersection, but normally ride during the day and at night with just the low beam.

This has never crossed my mind! High beam during the Day eh?

Hmmmm....

My 1st impression it that perhaps you could 'get lost in your own light' If that makes any sense?

What I mean is, could your bike disappear within the intense brightness of the light & confuse the motorists....like a startled deer in the headlights scenario?

I dunno....

I have never done it, just low beams during the day & if anyone tries anything silly I let em have it with a Flash of Full beam.

I just recently started using high beam on for daylight riding. I like to be seen. If the light is bright enough they pay more attention then if it is dim, IMHO. Ya gotta ride like everyone in a cage is an idiot (and mostly they are) are far as M/C's are concerned. At least make sure they see you.

Knew a guy that used to travel home at dusk with no lights on. Said he could see just fine. But what were the chances that he couldn't be seen? He never did get it.

The only times I use highbeam are at night and in the rain.

Clicking between the high and low beam is dangerous because... a motorist waiting to turn out might misunderstand your signal for "look out for me" as a signal to take their turn right in front of you.

I added a light bar to my bike for use with the low beam - I am more noticable now without being annoying or confusing to other motorists (and it just looks so cool!).

Cheers,
Loonette