Recent conspicuity news

[RhadamYgg]

I'e been reading some articles lately about the more human-like the front of the bike is to a face (and also the more angry a human face), the more likely people are to 'see' you on a motorcycle.

I'm in going to purchase a Rebel 250 - which has a single head-light.

Does anyone know what it would take to give this rebel two headlights? I don't think there is anything I can do to make a rebel look angry, but two headlights seem do-able.

RhadamYgg

[Loonette]

Hmmm - I dunno. Unless you really like the look of two headlights on the bike, I wouldn't do the mod based on a false sense of security that it will somehow make you that much more visible. Bikes get nailed by cars for all sorts of reasons. You're better off just assuming that nobody out there can see you, and make sure you ride as defensively as possible.

1. Look for cars creeping out of intersections or driveways. If their tires are rolling at all, they may pop out in front of you. Even if it appears that they've made eye contact with you, don't count on it being safe. Slow down a bit and be prepared to do some maximum braking.

2. Stay out of blind spots - never ride along the side of a car. If you can't see their face in the side mirror, they certainly cannot see you (if they're even looking at all!). When passing a car, make sure you have full length to execute the pass without having to linger at their side.

In most situations, it won't matter what type of headlight system you've got going, or how "angry" your bike looks, or how loud your exhaust pipes are, or even how brightly colored your gear is. You must always be watching everyone else as much as possible. Just my opinion...

If you're still hip on doing the modification, you might find some sage advice on the "Total Motorcycle Garage" forums here. Good luck!

Cheers,
Loonette

[RhadamYgg]

Well, the only reason I mention it - is because I like playing percentages - at least in terms of something risky like riding a motorcycle.

So, I'm taking the MSF BRC - because 92% of motorcycle accidents (at least in some old statistics) are non-trained riders.

I'm purchasing a Rebel 250 - because the statistics I see out there indicate that lower cc motorcycles are involved in fewer accidents and when they are invovled in accidents the results - the damages are lower.

I'm going to get a while helmet - because somewhere I've seen that people with white helmets are involved in 25% fewer accidents.

So, if I see something that indicates that having a 'human-like' facial features on the front of my motorcycle might reduce my risks, I'm tempted to do it... If...

It doesn't cost a million dollars and doesn't make the bike worse in some way (say reducing the amount of electricity available for normal bike operation).

And if riding through intersections is where 70% of accidents happen, I'll avoid intersections as much as possible - can't eliminate them 100%.

Anyway, thanks for the info... It is always good to hear from real riders about the dangers of riding.

I was thinking about extra lighting in any case, but I understand the Rebel is low on spare electical power.

RhadamYgg

[dr_bar]

I'd skip the spare headlight, it's a waste of money.





I heard somewhere that 100% of bikers that never rode their bikes were accident free...

[NewGuy]

Can you provide a source for the claim that making your bike look like an angry face will increase how visible you are? I'm skeptical to say the least.

If you want to be noticed more from the front then I suggest you get a headlight modulator. I use the Kisan PathBlazer, but there are other good options too.

[Fast Eddy B]

Well, the only reason I mention it - is because I like playing percentages - at least in terms of something risky like riding a motorcycle.

RhadamYgg

Here's one, statistically speaking, that MIGHT help. No motorcycle rider has EVER been in an motorcycle accident while quietly asleep in his own bed (without a motorcycle in bed).

So that's it then. Don't sleep with your bike. And never go riding. Good luck!

[Wrider]

I used to have a white helmet on that bike you see in my avatar, nice and big cruiser that was black and white. I pulled a lady over on accident one time, didn't even try to... That's why people notice the white helmets!
Wrider
PS, If you want people to notice you more, get HID headlights and/or a headlight modulator, it flashes your normal, bright, normal, bright, normal, bright as you ride along, they also have them for brakelights for the first few seconds when you first hit them.

[Fast Eddy B]

Can you provide a source for the claim that making your bike look like an angry face will increase how visible you are? I'm skeptical to say the least.

Here you go. Crazy huh? It had to be Honda. Love' em.

That's 500, doing other people's research. You're Welcome!

[Brackstone]

Well, the only reason I mention it - is because I like playing percentages - at least in terms of something risky like riding a motorcycle.

RhadamYgg

Here's one, statistically speaking, that MIGHT help. No motorcycle rider has EVER been in an motorcycle accident while quietly asleep in his own bed (without a motorcycle in bed).

So that's it then. Don't sleep with your bike. And never go riding. Good luck!

Well I slept next to my bike in the garage and it fell on top of me :\

[storysunfolding]

I want a ural with a mounted machine gun. If that doesn't grab attention you can at least shoot their tires out.