When filtering, would you/should you use your full beam?

SweenyT · Trackday Trickster Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Karma :

As asked in the title...when filtering would you or should you put your full beam on?

The reason I ask is cause I was out riding with a mate on Saturday after a long spell off the bike and we had to filter down the outside of a long (for approx 3/4 mile) lane of traffic. After we got back he said that I should have used my full beam when filtering especially when doing a long filter. He rides a KAWASAKI ZX 10R and I'm on an unmodified ybr125. He said that for me it was even more necessary as my bike is really quiet and as they don't hear me it will ensure that I'm seen when idiots want to spit, throw things out the window or basically open their doors to see what the hold up is.

I thought that putting on the full beam would dazzle the drivers especially any oncoming drivers in the opposite lane.

So, do you? Would you? Is it legal to?
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Paxovasa · World Chat Champion Joined: 25 Apr 2010 Karma :

I don't. My light is on dip automatically. that is usually enough.
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Wafer_Thin_Ham · Super Spammer Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Karma :

I don't. I think it would just upset the car drivers.
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SweenyT · Trackday Trickster Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Karma :

SweenyT · Trackday Trickster Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Karma :

Piercee100 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 07 Mar 2011 Karma :

No that sounds dagerous to me, more likely get squashed by an uncoming car you've dazzled.

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Might make you seen at the expense of annoying others and dazzling them. But then if a rider is showing that little consideration then why should the cars show any consideration and leave a gap.

All the best

Keith
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dogbot · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Mar 2011 Karma :

SweenyT · Trackday Trickster Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Karma :

Thanks guys.

To date I've not had any real problems when filtering even when on the packed A406 during rush hour but am curious as to what everyone thinks. I used to drive and didn't like it when a car behind me would have its full beam on let alone a bike.

So far the general consensus is 'no' to full beam which I also agree with. Anyone who disagrees and filters with theirs on?
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yen_powell · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Karma :

I get bikes doing that a long way behind me when I'm filtering and it blinds me when I check my miirrors..... so NO!
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0ddball · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Karma :

There are people with 20 years experience who still don't know what they are talking about. One of which will probably be your mate in 10 years time.
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blurredman · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Karma :

No.
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chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

Anybody who has there full beam on during the day is a dickhead.

Also when filtering make sure you check your mirrors, there is nothing worse than being stuck behind a bike filtering at half the speed you want to.
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SweenyT · Trackday Trickster Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Karma :

CaNsA · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

You're not supposed to but....

during the day, i will if i feel i need it on a busy stretch of road.

its sorta like moses and that big bit of water.

Pete. · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Karma :

Full beam (and HID) makes it harder for me to judge approach speed and distance than dip beam. It's just stupid and unnecessary.
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soforene · Nearly there... Joined: 25 Oct 2009 Karma :

When filtering though traffic during busy periods I sometimes give a few regular flashes of main beam just to create "awareness" but leaving your lights on Main Beam full time is kinda self defeating.

The eye is drawn to movement and if you are "flashing" then people will be inclined to notice that rather than a steady light (either dipped or main beam).

Mind you, I ride a white Ex-Police Pan European and wear an Ex-Police jacket so that tends to draw the eye too. Dance!

But as long as they see you, Job Done !!

locked · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 22 Oct 2009 Karma :

No just dipped. You'll piss everybody off my having your full beam on.
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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Your mate is a bit of a bell end, end of, etc.
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calyx · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Dec 2008 Karma :

On the motorway (heavy traffic) I use hazard lights + flash every 3 seconds or so. Everybody gives way Thumbs Up

I think they hate me after I pass them realizing I am not a copper Embarassed

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chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

thx1138 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Karma :

I've been filtering, and others filtering with full beams on in the distance very mildly irritated / distracted me. You know when you've got stop start motorway traffic, so you filter for a while then merge again and repeat. Can't keep an eye on my mirrors, cos it's just full on dazzle.

Barry_M2 · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Sep 2004 Karma :

millemanuk · L Plate Warrior Joined: 18 Mar 2011 Karma :

I just keep the headlights in dipped as I know from past experience that drivers dont like being dazzled. What I tend to do is to blip the throttle as I approach the cars, (Got a straight through arko), which seems to help.

I do try to get out of faster filters but I do tend to find that a lot of my concentration is used looking forward.