Headlight Modulator reviews/info

[mistermiata13]

I'd like to buy a headlight and tailight modulator and was considering the Diamond Star "Heads Up Traffic Alert" (http://checkout.verisign.com/cgi-bin/ePages.filereader?3d222eba02697248271dc0a80138064c +EN/products/123656&2D1119741) and Back Off! (http://checkout.verisign.com/cgi-bin/ePages.filereader?3d222eba02697248271dc0a80138064c +EN/products/123656&2D1253791&2A2) pieces from Ridesafer. Does anyone have experience with these? Are there any better products?

I'll be commuting to work on the bike, so I'd rather not become road kill at the hands of inattentive drivers. I'll do anything I can to prevent that.

Aaron

[stough]

Hi,

I have the Diamond Star Headlight Modulator and the BackOff Breaklight modulator. I found them both easy to install. The BackOff install was complicated by the fact that I have LED replacement lights which draw very little current; Signal Dynamics customer support suggested a 330 ohm in parallel with the breaklight and that did the trick.

Leigh, Gregg (burst), and Brad (bwarbiany) saw the headlight modulator on an Angeles Crest ride last month, so they might comment on the visibility effects... I think that they work great. I have a bit of reassurance, but still assume that I'm invisible (or at lease _bearly_ visible). :)

Later,
Tim.

[mistermiata13]

Cool. I will have to order the dual-headlight wiring kit for the headlight modulator. But if the wiring is relatively simple I'll be okay.

I also have some LED bulbs that I may put in the taillight. Got them free from a friend. I'll let you know if I need any tech help with installation.

Aaron

P.S. Stough, where in Pasadena do you live? I ask because my girlfriend is living up the street from Caltech this summer, so I'm up there all the time from Monterey Park.

[stough]

Mentor Ave just south of Washington; nearest major intersection N Lake Ave and Washington. My wife and I have a 1913 bungalow in an historic neighborhood. Let me know when your in town, we could take a spin up on the Crest. Or I could show you the modulator install...

Later,
Tim

Decode the following to email:
stough.at.ginkoleaf.spam.net

[bwarbiany]

I love headlight and brake modulators... One of the next mods I need to do... As a rider, with full knowledge of brake modulators and what they do, every time I see someone braking with one, my eyes are drawn to it. If I, who knows what they are, see it that well, someone who doesn't has to notice... Same goes for headlight modulators...

Brad

[RACERX]

what is a headlight and tail light modulator and what does it do?
thanks
cory

[Burst]

They make your lights flash so as to make you more noticeable to other motorists. The headlights flash at various rates(rates depend on brand of modulator) I think one flashes something like 4 times a second on the headlight.

The taillight modulator flashes your brake lights when you are slowing down. Some start with a slow flash and increase the rate the longer you are on the brakes.

[mistermiata13]

Good news!

I got the Diamond Star Headlight and taillight modulators installed on Saturday night. They work great and were very simple to install, I just used the wiring diagrams in the sv650 manual that's available for download (http://www.socalsvriders.com/download.php). No test light required.

Only thing left to do is mount the switch and light sensor. Anyone know a good palce for the sensor? I'll probably get it finished up tonight and put the fairings back on. Then it's time to ride!

Aaron

[stough]

I put mine on the headlight bucket at about 11 o'clock as you face it from the front since I have an SV. I never mess with it since it turns out that I like the regular (middle, not nova) mode in almost all situations. However, since you have an SVS, I'm sure that there is a good place to put it on the fairing. I've seen pics of switches mounted on the below where the handle bars clear the fairing.

See where she puts the control knob:
http://www.bluepoof.com/motorcycles/howto/svs_heated_grips/

I've also seen it installed in the middle position on the right grip switch cluster (above the starter and below the kill switch). I guess that there's room in there. I think I'll save that choice location for the smoke screen or oil slick buttons. ;)

Later,
Tim.

[mistermiata13]

Thanks for the advice, Tim.

I'll probably end up mounting the switch there too. What about the light sensor? Is yours mounted in the bottom of the headlight? I want to avoid drillign the fairing, but will if I have to since it's pretty inconspicuous pointing at the floor.

Aaron

[stough]

Yep, it's on the bottom of the headlight bucket, and hardly visible. If you don't want to drill the fairing, you can probably find a place to hang it... Like an L-bracket off of the horn mount, possibly? Does the horn have a clear view of the ground on the SVS?

Let us know where you put it...

Later,
Tim.

[RACERX]

Where can I get some of these and what are the usual costs involved? Are they easy to intall?

[Burst]

Not sure exactly where you get them, but yes they are easy to install. You might ask mistermiata where he got his......

For the installation, usually the instructions on these types of things pretty much make them fool proof. So, if you have ANY experience with basic wiring at all you should be fine.

[PasCaTT]

http://www.signaldynamics.com

If order from here, remember to also choose the $3 dual headlight harness if you have an SVS.

[mistermiata13]

I got mine from Ridesafer.com (http://www.ridesafer.com) . You don't actually need the dual headlight wiring harness, since the headlight wires just split off from one main wire. So you can just tap in before the split and control both lights.

Both modulators were easy to install and work great. I ziptied the light sensor to a front brake line underneath the fairing. I mounted the control unit under the gauge cluster shroud with double stick tape.

All in all a very worthwhile mod, I see other drivers moticeably looking over at my flashing headlight, so it seems effective.

Next up: Carb sync and jetting!

Aaron

[pfletch]

I'm a brand new rider, just got my 02 naked and want to know what a "head light modulator" is and what is involved in installng one, is it an easy do it youself or a shop installed item. How much and where to get one and manufacturers. Thanks in advance for any help.

PS. Brake light modulator, same questions.

[linp]

Welcome Paul!

Here is a thread that might interest you. The "Search" function (accessible from the links on the top) is pretty helpful.

Headlight Modulator Installation (http://www.socalsvriders.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=214)

[rb643]

I was thinking of a Brake Modulator too. On our San Diego ride last Saturday, one of the guys had one on his bike. Everytime he applied his brake, it would catch my attention right away.

[stough]

I recommend both head and brake light modulators from Signal Dynamics. They are excellent. I have installed both on my bike with great results and easy installs. I wrote up the headlight modulator install and posted it once. It is available on my web site at:

http://www.ginkoleaf.net/SV650/hl-install.html

I have a bunch of pictures at:

http://www.ginkoleaf.net/gallery/albums.php

In the bike project pictures, you can see where I mounted the switch and the photo sensor.

Good Luck,
Tim.

[PasCaTT]

I second the recomendation of the Signal Dynamics gear. I have the headlight and brake light modulators and they do seem to make a big difference in people seeing you. I notice a lot more people look to see what the flashing light is coming at them or up behind them. Install is pretty easy if you understand electical wiring even the tiniest bit.

But don't let the added visibility let you get complacent. I guy in a pickup tried to pull out right in front of me today even with the modulator.

[pcperks]

OOOHHHh, I think I might have to invest in this. Even though it seems like the price is kind of steep. Anyone know where to find these a little cheaper?? I'm thinking if anyone has an old and/or broken one that I can tear open, I might be able to reverse engineer one of these cheaper.

Phil

[Sentinel]

Modulators are cool, but if you're strapped for cash - try this...

Just loosen up your head/tail light mounting screws and your
lights will modulate naturally when your bike moves. To adjust
the modulation rate, just loosen or tighten the screws :)

[Sentinel]

Guilt kicks in...

But seriously, as safety mods goes, the modulator does increase
your visibility to other motorists. Another mod that will increase
your visibility is to change the color of one of your headlights.
Amber/Blue or Amber/White is the usual combo. While at it,
might as well choose a brighter bulb. The MSF instructor suggests
switching to high beam during daytime driving.

Most of my driving are daytime, so as a cheaper alternative I purchased colored sleeves that slip over my headlight bulb. They
are cheaper than the replacement bulbs and they do give off that
nice amber/blue combo beam. It does attract attention but then
again maybe the onlookers are really just attracted to the candy
blue SVS.

[Rocko]

Yo,

I found this website:

http://www.comagination.com

Do we have an H4 or an H7 bulb?

Thanks,

R

[doub1etap]

Anyone ever have problems with modulators failing when they get wet? I'd hate to have my headlights not work in the rain.

I park outside all the time and my little LCD clock has not survived. 12:00... 12:00... 12:00 :mad:

Daniel :)

[Troy]

these are street legal, right?

[stough]

My experience with Signal Dynamics has been very good. You can call or email tech support and they'll be happy to help you. It sounds like the unit is defective. If this is the case, I'm sure they'll swap it for you.

Keep us posted...

later,
Tim.

[PasCaTT]

I also have the signal dynamics stuff and I've had no problems with it. It's worked exactly as advertised. I'd try Stough's idea and call or email their support.

[chukiechz]

Anyone heard of the VisiPath modulators that Rocko posted the link for? Seems much cheaper than the Signal Dynamics brand.

[bwarbiany]

Must be for dual lights (SVS, not SV).

I just got the taillight modulators installed, and am looking for the added visibility up front too... Anyone got a pair of these you want to let go of?

[sdsvpilot]

Did you go with the Kisan plug-ins, or...?

[bwarbiany]

I know my taillight modulator is a plug-in, not a module I needed to splice, so probably yes :D

For the headlight modulator I think I might try to build one... I'm just not sure how to make it synch up between the two lights...

It'd save me $70 or so, I'm sure :)

[bwarbiany]

Speaking of this, if anyone has information about various headlight modulators (ones you've used, etc), let me know.

So far I've found:

Comagination: ~$80-90, but needs to be wired in
Signal Dynamics: About same price, also needs to be wired
Kisan: Plug in, but runs about $150 for the dual kit

I'm not quite sure if I trust myself to build it, as I don't want to fry my bike's electrical system... But I don't really want to spend $150 either, which is the nice slick installation version...

[Knightshade]

I have the diamondstar head up modulator on mine. The wiring is relatively straight forward, althought I wouldn't have been able to do it without my dad's help. I'm pretty much a complete idiot when it comes to electrical stuff.

The horn feature on mine still doesn't work either. Dammit.

[bwarbiany]

Originally posted by chukiechz
Anyone heard of the VisiPath modulators that Rocko posted the link for? Seems much cheaper than the Signal Dynamics brand.

First to answer his question, we've got H4 bulbs...

Second, the Visipath modulator only seems a lot cheaper if you get the single light one, which we can't do... Their dual headlight modulator is still $70-90...

I think I'm going to have to order this once my next paycheck comes... Got a good deal at my apartment and got 2nd month of rent free! :D

edit: Going to get signal dynamics... I trust them slightly more than Visipath.

[bwarbiany]

Originally posted by pcperks
OOOHHHh, I think I might have to invest in this. Even though it seems like the price is kind of steep. Anyone know where to find these a little cheaper?? I'm thinking if anyone has an old and/or broken one that I can tear open, I might be able to reverse engineer one of these cheaper.

Phil

Phil,
Check out Headlight Modulator Circuit (http://www.buchanan1.net/modulator.shtml)

You'll have to put on the engineering hat to understand the circuit enough to make it synch up properly for a dual headlight modulator (i.e. you need to build two of them and make them interdependent).

But it looks pretty cheap to do...

[mistermiata13]

Hey guys,

My bike may be gone (to a lucky member of the board), but I've still got some knowledge in this head of mine.

The SVS lights are not a true dual circuit. I bought the Signal Dynamics modulator with the "dual-headlight kit," which was nothing more than a short piece of wire with and extra splice or two. The SVS headlights split off from one wire to feed both bulbs. You only need to splice the modulator into the wiring before the split to oprate both lights. I just looked at the wiring diagram from the standard SV and found that color wire in the harness. I did the same for the horn wire and rear brake light.

Aaron

P.S. Does anyone need an SV650 factory repair manual? It's the one availabel online, I just printed it out (at work, of course) and put it in some binders. It's yours if you pick it up or for the cost of shipping.

[bwarbiany]

Originally posted by mistermiata13
The SVS lights are not a true dual circuit. I bought the Signal Dynamics modulator with the "dual-headlight kit," which was nothing more than a short piece of wire with and extra splice or two. The SVS headlights split off from one wire to feed both bulbs. You only need to splice the modulator into the wiring before the split to oprate both lights. I just looked at the wiring diagram from the standard SV and found that color wire in the harness. I did the same for the horn wire and rear brake light.


So what you're saying is that you only need the single light modulator? If so, then the 45/55 watt lights we have (or are they 45/50?) together would draw almost 100 W. If you use the single light modulator, does this exceed the power consumption limits of the modulator?

And if you wanted to put in higher wattage bulbs (more visibility), then would you exceed the power limits? If you went the 55/60 bulbs, that puts you at 120 W on high beam, and most of the modulators I've seen are only rated to 115 W.

[ward]

time to try it out and count on a 50% safety margin on the wiring,
it's probably fine


everythings overengineered. it's a good thing

[Knightshade]

I got the Diamond Star Heads Up modulator

http://checkout.verisign.com/cgi-bin/ePages.storefront/3ea5854b0706ae48271dc0a801380627/Export/products/123656-2D1119741-2A1

and the dual headlight wiring kit was two wires, and two plug splice, things.

Like mrmiata said, the power is drawn off of one main wire, then split into another one.

[mistermiata13]

Brad,

You are correct. You only need the single modulator (the only one Signal Dynamics sells, aside from that crappy dual headlight kit).

I didn't really pay attention to the power ratings when I installed 90/110 watt H4s. Perhaps I should have... but they were going strong up to the day I sold it.

Aaron

[Golden_Eternity]

Anyone seen a modulator for the sv that alternates left-right, rather than flashing both in sync?

[bwarbiany]

Originally posted by Golden_Eternity
Anyone seen a modulator for the sv that alternates left-right, rather than flashing both in sync?

Illegal.

Only government vehicles can do it... It would be cool though :)

[mistermiata13]

My friend did that on his car. I think he just used a turn signal flasher from the auto parts store. Looks very cool, even causing some drivers to pull over because they think he's a cop. I wouldn't suggest it unless you can deal with the ticket potential.

Aaron

[Golden_Eternity]

Originally posted by bwarbiany
Illegal.

Only government vehicles can do it... It would be cool though :)

Bah, that sucks. I saw a CBR that was set up like that a while back and thought it was pretty sweet.

[Cooker]

Installation was a snap! Clearance was not a problem.

Okay, I could've probably saved some coin by doing some splicing, but plug-and-play has a nice allure.

Confession: Okay, now I'm really tempted to go buy a gold 3/4 helmet, wear kahki, hit the hazard lights, and forcibly motion cagers to the shoulder--all the way to work. (Most people would probably fall for it thinking, "oh fuck, do they now have unmarked CHP motorcycles?")

And when the cop stops me and says I'm a nuisance driving with my hazards on, of course I'd say, "Did you see the way those f'ing cagers were driving?"

If you put a blue strobe light on the back of your bike, but never turn it on, can they bust you?

Anybody wear a white 3/4 and aviator sunglasses just to get people to move out of the way more often?

[bwarbiany]

Going to bring that '03 on any rides soon (Saturday?)

[misko]

Everybody that uses one of these seems to swear by them...so I decided to get a pair :D

Does anybody have one - this brand:
http://www.comagination.com/

...seems like easy to install, small in size and the price for the combo seems pretty good too, btw what type of bulb does a standard SV have?

any response is greatly appreciated :D
...misko

[misko]

Nevermind guys, I didn't notice this thread before I posted (newb mistake)...looks like signal dynamics seems to be the popular choice here...

...thanks, misko

[illustr8dman]

I like these... I had a similar make on my last bike and when it failed it just left the headlights on. The high beams wouldn't come on but the headlight wasn't aggected at all.

[Rocko]

Originally posted by misko
Everybody that uses one of these seems to swear by them...so I decided to get a pair :D

Does anybody have one - this brand:
http://www.comagination.com/

...seems like easy to install, small in size and the price for the combo seems pretty good too, btw what type of bulb does a standard SV have?

any response is greatly appreciated :D
...misko

I have the comagination unit...love it.
I can tell that a lot more people see me now.
easy to install. definitely worth the money.

R

[TIE_Pilot]

Has anybody put one of these comagination units on an 03 SVS? Will the single headlight unit work? It looks like it can be connected in before the wiring to the headlights split.

[vipman]

Anyone think this is a good buy and will it work with SV650?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2434357459&category=35598

or this one the site lists sv650 as one of the bikes.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2435581122&category=35598

They look the same, how about the effect on electrical system?

[rjhowell]

Who ever installed the Signal Dynamics "Diamond Star Headlight Moduator" w/remote switch (if anyone did). Where did you mount the remote switch?

Rob

[Chicago_SV]

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/comagination/visipath/visipath.htm

Best mod to save your hide.

See install and demo above.

See them in action! QuickTime movies of these products:
(Scroll down to the bottom)


I have one and they DO turn heads.:D
Flashing light = cops :eek: it's wired in our head and never goes away with age. So I find that with the light flashing it sets off a trigger in the other drivers minds and their natural reaction is to pause/stop what they are doing and pay attention. I find it works well with the cell phone drivers. Old people just find it strange so they take a look. (even other bikers)I can't count how many times I believe it's help get a left turners attention for just that split second to revaluate his/her move.

I can't recomend these enough. I just wish i had invented them.


M_Hamer

[rjhowell]

Originally posted by Chicago_SV
http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/comagination/visipath/visipath.htm

Best mod to save your hide.

See install and demo above.

See them in action! QuickTime movies of these products:
(Scroll down to the bottom)


I have one and they DO turn heads.:D
Flashing light = cops :eek: it's wired in our head and never goes away with age. So I find that with the light flashing it sets off a trigger in the other drivers minds and their natural reaction is to pause/stop what they are doing and pay attention. I find it works well with the cell phone drivers. Old people just find it strange so they take a look. (even other bikers)I can't count how many times I beleive it's help get a left turners attention for just that split second to revaluate his/her move.

I can't recomend these enough. I just wish i had invented them.


M_Hamer

I'll check them out.. thanks M_Hamer :cool:

[stough]

rjhowell,

I've installed the modulator on me SV (not SVS), but it went really smooth...

http://www.ginkoleaf.net/SV650/Write-ups/hl-install.html

For the SVS 1000, I'd recommend drilling a hole in the dash somewhere for the switch, and another hole underneath on the fairing for the sensor. When locating the switch in the dash, keep in mind that it may be the first of many additional switches like heated grips, indicator lights, digital temp gauge, etc. You realize that you won't be able to stop modifying it... The modulator install should be quick and easy once you have access to the wiring harness (you may have to remove the fairing).

Good Luck. I highly recommend the Signal Dynamics modulators (the brake light modulator is excellent too).

Later,
Tim.

[rjhowell]

Originally posted by stough
rjhowell,

I've installed the modulator on me SV (not SVS), but it went really smooth...

http://www.ginkoleaf.net/SV650/Write-ups/hl-install.html

For the SVS 1000, I'd recommend drilling a hole in the dash somewhere for the switch, and another hole underneath on the fairing for the sensor. When locating the switch in the dash, keep in mind that it may be the first of many additional switches like heated grips, indicator lights, digital temp gauge, etc. You realize that you won't be able to stop modifying it... The modulator install should be quick and easy once you have access to the wiring harness (you may have to remove the fairing).

Good Luck. I highly recommend the Signal Dynamics modulators (the brake light modulator is excellent too).

Later,
Tim.

Thanks Tim... you guys are great help. :groove:

Rob

[Knightshade]

Originally posted by rjhowell
Who ever installed the Signal Dynamics "Diamond Star Headlight Moduator" w/remote switch (if anyone did). Where did you mount the remote switch?

Rob

I have a SVS and I mounted mine on the black part of the dash, next to the tach. In hind sight, I probably should have done it on the other side (clutch side) but I've never had the need to switch it while riding, so it doesn't seem to matter that much.

I sometimes tend to get some weird looks because of it, but at least I know I've gotten people's attention, and that's always a good thing in my mind while on the bike.

I got the rear brake modulator as well...good stuff.

[Knightshade]

Originally posted by Knightshade
I have the diamondstar head up modulator on mine. The wiring is relatively straight forward, althought I wouldn't have been able to do it without my dad's help. I'm pretty much a complete idiot when it comes to electrical stuff.

The horn feature on mine still doesn't work either. Dammit.

and I did finally get the horn to work, replaced the wire tapper that was provided with a home depot version and it works perfectly!

[TIE_Pilot]

I put the comagination unit on my 03 SVS... took like 15 minutes, since Suzuki engineers thoughtfully realized you should be able to access the lightbulbs without removing the entire fairing. :) I bought a single H4 unit since it was on sale - it's a little strange since only one of the two bulbs modulates but overall I would recommend it.