Have you installed a headlight modulator (and with or w/o solid state relay)?

[rjk555_imp]

Good afternoon,

I am considering installing a headlight modulator on my CB. The question I pose to the forum is whether to also include a solid state relay along with the modulator. I unfortunately don't know enough about the technical aspects of our bike to figure out if the bike already has a solid state relay associated with the headlight. Does anyone know if our CB1100 already has this equipment?

I am considering the Comagination Visipath. The [url=http://www.comagination.com/modulator.htm]first is with NO solid state relay. The second is [url=http://www.comagination.com/relay-kit-headlight-modulator.htm]with a solid state relay.

For those of you who may be new to the world of headlight modulators, they are devices that will cause your headlight to blink rapidly during the day only, thus increasing your visibility while riding. They are legal in every state. Here is a useful [url=http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/comagination/visipath/visipath.htm]review about these safety devices. Cost for a modulator only is $69.90. Combination modulator and relay is $149.90.

Why consider the solid state relay? Installing the modulator alone on some bikes may cause total brightness level to dim. In those instances, headlight modulator companies suggest installing a solid state relay to your bike's wiring to prevent this.

Thank you.
rjk555

[silascopathic_imp]

interesting. never heard of this before.

[rjk555_imp]

interesting. never heard of this before.

Yes, my friends with the modulator feel bare without them. Only question is whether our bike needs the relay or not.

[the Ferret]

Dumb question..how does your bike know whether it is day or night?

[rjk555_imp]

Dumb question..how does your bike know whether it is day or night?

No dumb questions at all.

The modulator has a light sensitive sensor connected to a long thin cord that you place somewhere that is exposed to open light. If there is enough ambient light, the modulator stays on. If the ambient light goes down, then the modulator turns off. [url=http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/comagination/visipath/visipath.htm]The review I linked to has a picture of one such setup. It's Photo 5 (the photo isn't named, but you'll know it's the right one when you see a white arrow pointing to the sensor). Hope this helps.

[dBuster_imp]

I have seen this on many bikes and have been thinking about it but I find myself hitting that flash to pass switch when I think I am heading into somewhere that the cagers are not paying attention

Sent from my XT901 using Tapatalk 4.1.3

[Jim21680_imp]

Not a huge fan of these things, and you shouldn't let them give you a false sense of security.
That is, your level of riding caution should be the same whether you have a modulator or not.

Plus, I've heard of too many instances where drivers mistake this modulation for the rider "flashing" them to go ahead or pull out.
Just my opinion, but I think they're more annoying to other drivers than anything you'll gain in safety (which is minimal, if anything).

[rjk555_imp]

Not a huge fan of these things, and you shouldn't let them give you a false sense of security.
That is, your level of riding caution should be the same whether you have a modulator or not.

Plus, I've heard of too many instances where drivers mistake this modulation for the rider "flashing" them to go ahead or pull out.
Just my opinion, but I think they're more annoying to other drivers than anything you'll gain in safety (which is minimal, if anything).

Thanks for your opinion, Jim. You raise legitimate points. With that in mind, I hope forum members can respect those who choose to get a modulator, and vice-versa. And I look forward to hearing an answer to the technical question that was posted - whether the CB1100 has a built-in headlight relay that eliminates the need to get an aftermarket one. Thanks in advance, fellow riders.

[the Ferret]

Dumb question..how does your bike know whether it is day or night?

No dumb questions at all.

The modulator has a light sensitive sensor connected to a long thin cord that you place somewhere that is exposed to open light. If there is enough ambient light, the modulator stays on. If the ambient light goes down, then the modulator turns off. [url=http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/comagination/visipath/visipath.htm]The review I linked to has a picture of one such setup. It's Photo 5 (the photo isn't named, but you'll know it's the right one when you see a white arrow pointing to the sensor). Hope this helps.

No dumb questions at all.

The modulator has a light sensitive sensor connected to a long thin cord that you place somewhere that is exposed to open light. If there is enough ambient light, the modulator stays on. If the ambient light goes down, then the modulator turns off. [url=http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/comagination/visipath/visipath.htm]The review I linked to has a picture of one such setup. It's Photo 5 (the photo isn't named, but you'll know it's the right one when you see a white arrow pointing to the sensor). Hope this helps.

Well..how about that!.. Very cool. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

[Randy B]

Not a huge fan of these things, and you shouldn't let them give you a false sense of security.
That is, your level of riding caution should be the same whether you have a modulator or not.

Plus, I've heard of too many instances where drivers mistake this modulation for the rider "flashing" them to go ahead or pull out.
Just my opinion, but I think they're more annoying to other drivers than anything you'll gain in safety (which is minimal, if anything).

Thanks for your opinion, Jim. You raise legitimate points. With that in mind, I hope forum members can respect those who choose to get a modulator, and vice-versa. And I look forward to hearing an answer to the technical question that was posted - whether the CB1100 has a built-in headlight relay that eliminates the need to get an aftermarket one. Thanks in advance, fellow riders.

I don't think that will be much of an issue as we seem to have a really good bunch of guys here.