Best LED headlamp (positive earth)

Two things that I'm aware of from the Hurt Report that are now part of British motorcycle cop training are:
1. When approaching an intersection with waiting cars, weave from side to side (with lights on) in your lane. The waiting drivers look at you, look the other way then look back - but something is "different" to them, delaying them from pulling out.
2. Motorcyclists should watch the wheels of the car, not the car or driver themselves. It is easier to spot a wheel starting to rotate than determining the car is starting to move.
The inclusion in training of these, as well as other items, contributed to a reduction in accidents involving police bikes of about 30%,

Here is a summary of the report (note items 10 &14) - if you want a copy of the full report (4Mb) then PM me with your email address
Cheers
 

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A main or dipped beam is a focused beam for seeing straight ahead in the dark. For daylight running you are better off with an unfocused light as the most dangerous other road users are the ones coming in from the side not the ones you are following or are coming towards you.

So I first put a scooter 23W halogen in the pilot position, this gives a strong unfocused light seen easily from the side but without a beam to dazzle on coming or followed traffic. I now use an LED 10W bulb in the same pilot position for lower power but equal or maybe greater lumens.

I keep the main and dip for nighttime.
 
robs ss said:
Two things that I'm aware of from the Hurt Report that are now part of British motorcycle cop training are:
1. When approaching an intersection with waiting cars, weave from side to side (with lights on) in your lane. The waiting drivers look at you, look the other way then look back - but something is "different" to them, delaying them from pulling out.
2. Motorcyclists should watch the wheels of the car, not the car or driver themselves. It is easier to spot a wheel starting to rotate than determining the car is starting to move.
The inclusion in training of these, as well as other items, contributed to a reduction in accidents involving police bikes of about 30%,

Here is a summary of the report (note items 10 &14) - if you want a copy of the full report (4Mb) then PM me with your email address
Cheers
Click to expand...
Watching the wheels is something I’ve always done, not sure why, maybe I was taught it when I first did my Star Rider training at 16 ?

The weaving is a new one on me though…
 
Triton Thrasher said:
That’s the motorcyclist’s optimistic “default.”

If the driver thinks you’re far enough away, or slow enough, he’ll pull out.
Click to expand...
In which case, there is no drama.

Although the Hurt report was published based on a study in the US, it mentions primal instincts, relative to the SIZE of the threat.
I'll go out on a limb, about instincts, and such, that the "I never saw him" thing rings true in other places besides the US.
 
Fast Eddie said:
Watching the wheels is something I’ve always done, not sure why, maybe I was taught it when I first did my Star Rider training at 16 ?

The weaving is a new one on me though…
Click to expand...
I also focus on the wheel movement. The logic (and it seems to work) is that our eye is more sensitive to the faster rotation of the wheel than to the slower motion of a large object. If that wheel is rotating I slow down more and get ready for evasive action.
 
JimNH said:
So I started searching and lots of the LEDs look like alien insect eyes. I did find some that look like vintage or even vintage Lucas without the Logo. I don't care about the logo but I do want the vintage look. I may just see how it handles the extra load or, put a traditional lamp shell back in and use a replacement LED bulb.
Gotta order gloves, I hate being cold but like riding in the crisp air, go figure.
Click to expand...
Jim,
I am waiting to see if your charging system will handle the electric gloves along with the jacket liner. I have tried the battery powered gloves and to me they are pretty close to useless.3 different brands. I am now going to go with the Gerbing liner replacing just the vest I now use. I also like to ride in the cooler temps but like you mentioned, I don’t like being cold.These electric options,vests,liners,gloves, etc work!Please let us know how it works out for you.
Thanks,Mike
 
Stephen Hill said:
I also focus on the wheel movement. The logic (and it seems to work) is that our eye is more sensitive to the faster rotation of the wheel than to the slower motion of a large object. If that wheel is rotating I slow down more and get ready for evasive action.
Click to expand...
...and the creeper outers, who never really stop at a stop sign, their (auto) body language says: "I may dart out in front of you at any time the voices in my head say to do so"
 
concours said:
...and the creeper outers, who never really stop at a stop sign, their (auto) body language says: "I may dart out in front of you at any time the voices in my head say to do so"
Click to expand...
I like to punish them by going as slowly as possible past them, staring them in the eyes, so that their actions cost them time instead of them doing the right thing by conveying that they have your safety in mind.
 
robs ss said:
1. When approaching an intersection with waiting cars, weave from side to side (with lights on) in your lane. The waiting drivers look at you, look the other way then look back - but something is "different" to them, delaying them from pulling out.
Click to expand...
Weaving also wakes up tailgaters every time.
 
Weaving might get you stopped for being under the influence by a cop that has had that training. Double edged sword. :)
 
YING said:
Jim,
I am waiting to see if your charging system will handle the electric gloves along with the jacket liner. I have tried the battery powered gloves and to me they are pretty close to useless.3 different brands. I am now going to go with the Gerbing liner replacing just the vest I now use. I also like to ride in the cooler temps but like you mentioned, I don’t like being cold.These electric options,vests,liners,gloves, etc work!Please let us know how it works out for you.
Thanks,Mike
Click to expand...
I haven't ordered the gloves yet but it handles the jacket liner at full heat. Controller is pulse width modulated so it pulses a 6 amp load. I feel the extra two amps will be ok and if it struggles I'll change to an LED headlamp freeing up the extra current.
My master cylinder started leaking so no riding while I sourced seals. Fair Spares id off vacation and is providing the parts They'll be getting my business.
 

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