r1150rt improved visibility/lighting

[SCOUT1]

Have '03 r1150rt. Looking to improve visibility to oncoming traffic. Any suggestions as to best, e.g. new headlight bulb, PIAA lights, etc.? Not that concerned with being able to see (as in night riding) but primarily with being seen. Thanks.

[Motor31]

I'm not trying to be sarcastic or shut you down or anything. You might do a search for aux lighting on the bbs here. I know the subject has been discussed at length more than onve and the answer you want may already be in one of those posts. It could save you some time to boot.

Here are 3 threads I looked up to start you in that direction.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11086&highlight=aux+lighting

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=8566&highlight=aux+lighting

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=8845&highlight=aux+lighting


Happy hunting!

[alien_hitchhiker]

If you want to be seen - vs seeing - go with auxillary lights mounted as far outboard as possible, and well below, or above, the headlight.

The idea is to create a broad base triangle of light. Not only will you stand out more, but it will be easier for car drivers to judge your speed as you approach them.

Motolights do a good job with this. You'll find them in the threads Motor31 posted.

[chrisZ]

Simple, headlight modulator.

I have one on both of my bikes and now can't ride without them without feeling naked. :brow

[PGlaves]

For maximum visibility add two outboard driving lights - about 4" diameter.

Leave them turned off during the day.

Put a blue cover over one of them. Put a red cover over the other of them.

Add a headlight modulator.

Everybody will notice you. Some folks will even pull over for you.

Kinda like driving a white Crown Vic with one blue seedcorn hat and one red seedcorn hat up on the shelf behind the back seat. :)

[awagnon]

There is a PIAA 1100X kit for the 1150RT. Leave the lights on all the time during the day. However, the PIAA 1100 replacement bulbs are proprietary and expensive. I ended up replacing the 1100's with 1000's which use a bulb you can get at any parts store. The Motolights are nice if you want the light beam to turn with the front wheel. Also, you can buy the police mounts which attach under the dash ( there are cutouts on the back of the dash ) and mount your lights higher for night riding. Lots of options.