Tinted headlight protector! Why??

[fosters]

I know a dark tinted headlight protector might look nice on a black blackbird especially and I don't want to come across as a killjoy who wears head to toe fluorescent kit because I dont but obviously newer bikes have permanent running lights, which I think is great.

But why on earth would you want to cover your headlight over? ( clear I 100% understand ) I just don't get it! More of a chance a cage driver will pull out on you surely!!

U are out for a ride and it gets overcast, rains or dark coz late back. Do u take it off and post it home? :xm Ok if got luggage etc but wot if not.

My headlight is on always and I think it's a mugs game not to have it on but that's just my opinion. Y cover it over?


I can understand it for shows etc but not road use. I don't wear Fluro other than reflective grey panels in my textiles for night riding but I do ride with a white lid for commuting in London. I know part Fluro kit is ideal for London commuting etc

Your thought for road use?

 

[slim63]

Just my opinion but clear protectors are a good idea as long as they don't alter the light pattern, much cheaper than a new headlight

With coloured ones I agree pointless tat that shouldn't be on there

Now I'm going to open a can of worms ................ I ride with my lights firmly off unless conditions require them to be on I don't think there is any safety advantage to riding with lights on in good conditions h1d1ng2

As for fluro not even for a bet I hate it with a passion

 

[andyBeaker]

I always had a cover on mine - judging by the damage on one it probably saved me a new headlight on at least one occasion.

Clear for night riding, yellow for day riding - with a. HID underneath the yellow really stood out during the day, much more so than without/clear. More interested in being seen than appearances.

 

[Jaws]

A couple of years ago there was a half decent study done on this subject.
The conclusion was that if a bike has a single headlight or two that are so close together they are effectively one, then the job we perceive them to do is a tad flawed ..
Without a second headlight or light source some distance from the primary* a lot of people had trouble determining the distance the light was from them..
A bit like the cyclops effect in reverse.. a false or non existent depth of field.

*This is purely from memory but a minimum distance of .75 metres was, I believe the suggested distance apart for the light sources.

Perhaps someone can find the study ?
I had a quick snout but failed completely !

 

[Centaur]

On or off it makes no difference.

One prat who pulled out in front of me said my headlight blinded him! 8rfl@
I think the only thing that would have an effect on smidsys is a flashing orange light on the helmet. They don't see because they don't look IMHO. :wank:

 

[slim63]

A couple of years ago there was a half decent study done on this subject.
The conclusion was that if a bike has a single headlight or two that are so close together they are effectively one, then the job we perceive them to do is a tad flawed ..
Without a second headlight or light source some distance from the primary* a lot of people had trouble determining the distance the light was from them..
A bit like the cyclops effect in reverse.. a false or non existent depth of field.

*This is purely from memory but a minimum distance of .75 metres was, I believe the suggested distance apart for the light sources.

Perhaps someone can find the study ?
I had a quick snout but failed completely !

Spot on jaws, I think the university of Loughborough was one of the places doing the research, I have been looking to find the reports as well but no luck yet

Only from memory in daylight a headlight made it difficult not only to judge distance but speed as we focus on the light rather than its relation to the surroundings, the opposite appears to happen in reduced visibility

 

[ScottyUK]

The human brain can't determine distance from light.

Imagine looking at a torch in the dark - you can't tell if it's large and far away or close and small. That's why main beam and blinding people is dangerous.

With regards headlight covers, the coloured ones are illegal for road use even if it's during the day and the actual light isn't even on.