Extra illumination (not headlights) is it legal?

[Ribenapigeon]

I know sticking extra lighting on a car is illigal, something to do with causing a distraction to other road users but what about bikes? Just a few high brightness LEDS around my bike would make it so much more visable at night and unlike scotchbright patches would be visable from all angles. So what's the score with lighting up a bike?

[cromwell]

More this
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/269387/images/light-cycle.jpg

Than this
https://www.plasmaled.com/images/LED_BIKE_GLOW.jpg
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"unbelievable"
Current - Suzuki Bandit 600
Ex's - Yamaha YBR 125

[Ribenapigeon]

Hmmm well, something like that!

[map]

[Kickstart]

[weasley]

I have ordered some things that I intend to fit to my bike for improved visibility. I intend to replace the standard mirrors with ones with built-in indicators. Then I intend to replace the stock front indicators with flush-mount ones with clear lenses. Then I plan to replace the orange bulbs in these with bright white LEDs. Then I plan to wire these up to come on with the ignition.

Result: LED DRLs with a decent separation between them with no need to drill or otherwise foul the existing fairing. Probably not entirely in the letter of the law, but done with the intent to be seen without being a nuisance (eg HID).
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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE

[bridgedino]

What about clip on cycle style led lights attached to your jacket or back pack

[Kickstart]

[Ribenapigeon]

[TheSmiler]

IF you intended to make yourself more visible and be able to switch bikes then one of these might do. Or some kind of custom jacket with led lights that form an image.


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/High-Visibility-LED-Viz-H-Band-Jacket-Equestrian-Motorcycle-Building-Vest-/140857316551?pt=UK_BOI_ProtectiveGear_RL&hash=item20cbc014c7
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CB125>CG125>GN125>ER5>K100RS>R1100RS>K100RS
A2 completed 23/07/15 Ready for the Golden Crisp Packet

[Ribenapigeon]

[Kickstart]

Hi

About 20 years ago a company was selling (well, maybe attempting to sell) yellow side position lamps (ie, lamps that fitted to the side of the fairing).

Not sure a front position lamp which is yellow is legal unless it is part of a headlight that is only capable of putting out a yellow light. On a separate side light (such as the running lights built into indicators on many US models) that would appear to count them out from being yellow.

However what is legal and what you will get away with are different things.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[Vracktal]

I think the number of lights thing only applies to retrofitting lights on a bike that wasn't originally manufactured with any.

I know one of my mates has daytime running lights on his KTM to improve side visibility, which fit on his tank and in my opinion look fairly awesome.

https://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy223/ArokhZero/9AB6D529-79ED-4A8A-8065-AC20AA5D9F31-5057-000004C413765296.jpg

I've no doubt they make him a lot more visible to cagers and the like too, especially at T-junctions.

[Kickstart]

[yaigi]

Would these be legal on a motorbike?

https://www.firebox.com/product/4084/Bike-SpokeLit

If you could fit them to a motorbike that is..... could give you part of the Tron effect...
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What would you do in life, if you knew you could not fail?
Currently own - Fazer 600, 2000, Red. (But no riding as baby on board atm)

[Kickstart]

Hi

Not sure. If amber then it might fit under the definition of a side marker lamp.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[Vracktal]

[j.silvs]

Honest opinion?

If cars aren't looking for a bike they may still not see you. How many times have people pulled out on bikes and bicycles with high vis, flashing lights and reflectors?

Personally I would go with a loud exhaust, gives the illusion of you being closer, if they can hear you they will look for you. You could then be all matt black with one light but they key is that they are looking for you.

Just IMO

[Ribenapigeon]

Amber lights are starting to look acceptable. Also if plod did pull you over would you be up in court or just asked to remove them?

[Kickstart]

[Ribenapigeon]

I'm going to look for some amber LEDs then.

Cheers

[cimbian]

IIRC Daytime Running Lights must go OFF when the headlight is on... may be wrong, though.
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22PlusY
Current: Moto Guzzi 1100 Breva. Previous: Honda XL650V TransAlp
Bearded, Balding, Born again Buddhist Biker

[TheSmiler]

[Cadbury]

As I posted in this thread: https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=3389206#3389206

I wear lights on my body rather than the bike.

https://cdn.bikechatforums.com/files/photo_338.jpg

I have a red belt version too for if I want to be extra tacky/visible

[Ribenapigeon]

I think things you put on your wheels are dodgy, ok at 20mph but get faster and they could screw up the balancing.

I think I will gor for some amber lights mounted to light up the engine and another to light the spring on my rear shok.