old - Fazer Owners Club - old
General => General => Topic started by: Frosties on 17 December 2015, 08:53:55 pm
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Now I admit that I used to wear a proper Oxford Hi Viz waist coat jobby until a couple of years ago I thought "doesn't make any feckin difference if they're not looking" and that it was useless when filtering to cars in front so stopped wearing it. Not had any dissimilar incidents since but noticed a lot more bike accidents this year since the dark nights/rain and mainly on dual carriageways/motorways.
I've upgraded the headlights & side lights on the CBF workhorse, added LED hand guards but for some reason am more cautious than previous years when filtering due to the incidents I've seen. Another tonight on the A329M going home, one on M4 Monday evening, another M4 Tuesday morning.
Just thought I'd ask the question as to your thoughts and if you've ever thought the Hi Viz has helped.
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I have to say yes but only because I wear one - it cant be un-helpfull can it?.
It may certainly be helpful in any insurance claims I would of thought.
I use a stretch running top that gos over my leathers and it also has arms, but I dont wear it in the summer when there is good light, hot enough as it is without an extra lair.
Can you actually get leathers with high viz ?
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As you've already said, I don't think it will make any difference if the thick cnuts are not going to look for you in the first place. Then of course there's the ones who do look for you and then deliberately block your filtering. (http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy231/celticfisherman_photos/Smilies/watching.gif) (http://s795.photobucket.com/user/celticfisherman_photos/media/Smilies/watching.gif.html)
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Never ever used to wear one as thought exactly the same- if they ain't looking it's not going to help.
It was only through my own observations that I realised how much they help this time of year on the motorway- coming up behind a couple of bikes, but only realised it was a couple when got closer, one guy had hi vis, the other was basically invisible from behind as he was all in black and in the same road position of the car in fronts rear lights!
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I wear Hi-Viz when I think it's going to benefit me, so, yes, in the Winter especially, where you have early evenings and lots of rain or drizzle, I'll wear it.
However I won't just wear it a matter of course after an experience some years ago: I was riding on a country road and there was a guy cutting a hedge. He was wearing green Hi-viz jacket and trousers and it wasn't until he moved that I actually saw him because it was green against green, and was acting as camouflage!
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In poor weather conditions it can be very effective and my rain gear is hi-vis, but in fine bright weather can be a a bit of a false sense of security since it often matches the surrounds in the countryside.
My leathers do have reflective pinstripe and my helmet has reflective sections.
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Agree totally with summer use and long day light times. Also a bit dubious of it in London where every bastard wears Hi Viz so it goes partly un-noticed and seen as a common colour. My bike gear also has shed loads of reflective seams which are good when hit by headlights.
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The TRL's report says:
<blockquote> The results are interesting in that they show the previously held assertion that a bright reflective jacket will improve rider conspicuity may not always be true ...
[T]he message seems to be that the most conspicuous outfit will be dictated by the lighting conditions and local environment at the time, which may be extremely variable within the confines of even a fairly short ride.
a green fluoro jacket against green foliage is more like camo than hi viz
reflective strips can help at night, but the old adage that they're all out to kill you still holds true
</blockquote>
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However I won't just wear it a matter of course after an experience some years ago: I was riding on a country road and there was a guy cutting a hedge. He was wearing green Hi-viz jacket and trousers and it wasn't until he moved that I actually saw him because it was green against green, and was acting as camouflage!
That's because he was probably doing the same speed as you were :o
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Mine is yellow - so the only time im am in camouflage is when the oil seed rape is ripe
Can you see me
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As you've already said, I don't think it will make any difference if the thick cnuts are not going to look for you in the first place. Then of course there's the ones who do look for you and then deliberately block your filtering. ([url]http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy231/celticfisherman_photos/Smilies/watching.gif[/url]) ([url]http://s795.photobucket.com/user/celticfisherman_photos/media/Smilies/watching.gif.html[/url])
I'm wearing a builders vest over my outer jacket at the moment as I'm commuting in the dark to and fro work. I definitely think it helps. I don't wear it in daylight. The traffic on my routes been mental busy this last while, nose to tail so lots of filtering for me. I've had 3 cnuts who've deliberately moved into my path in the last 6 weeks, It's not pleasant. Id be interested to hear how other foccers deal with this, what's the best policy?
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They help without a doubt, especially when raining at night with less visibilty.
There's been a few times when i've been walking up the main road in my area and i've seen smaller older bikes go past and other than a small red dot of a tail light the rider just blends into the background and vanishes into darkness.
And that's with clear vision, when you're out on the bike at night in rain you know how bad things can get visually, especially with headlights/brake lights lighting every raindrop up on the visor, so even for our benefit as well it's good if other bikers can be seen too.
Another thing as well is that when i don't wear it, which is highly unlikely these days, i feel as if car drivers treat me even worse than normal on the roads, as if i'm not even there.
Makes a big difference wearing a decent well made hi-vis singlet with a zip though, rather than using those crappy flappy builders ones that are shite over 10mph.
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They help without a doubt, especially when raining at night with less visibilty.
Makes a big difference wearing a decent well made hi-vis singlet with a zip though, rather than using those crappy flappy builders ones that are shite over 10mph.
That's a fair point darrsi, luckily the one I've got seems up to the job even in strong wind and rain. It's only two strips of velcro but it holds together well . . . Probably because it's not been washed yet!
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They help without a doubt, especially when raining at night with less visibilty.
Makes a big difference wearing a decent well made hi-vis singlet with a zip though, rather than using those crappy flappy builders ones that are shite over 10mph.
That's a fair point darrsi, luckily the one I've got seems up to the job even in strong wind and rain. It's only two strips of velcro but it holds together well . . . Probably because it's not been washed yet!
The one i've been using for quite a while now is really well made and quite a heavy material for what it is, so doesn't budge at any speeds whatsoever. I've even tried it with just a t-shirt underneath in extremely hot weather and it still doesn't move.
It has adjustable sides to accommodate any size jacket, although i actually replaced the woven elastic for some with a bit more give as i wear a large textile jacket which is rather bulky.
Must've had it a good 5 years now and it's not wearing out or broken anywhere, plus they do it in orange too if you wanna be a bit different. Money well spent in my opinion.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Icon-Mil-spec-Mesh-Hi-Vis-Reflective-Motorcycle-Motorbike-Over-Vest-Yellow/111799931647?_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150313114020%26meid%3Dcbb39ada38754089b36831eb40dc17ab%26pid%3D100338%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D9%26sd%3D131638917768 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Icon-Mil-spec-Mesh-Hi-Vis-Reflective-Motorcycle-Motorbike-Over-Vest-Yellow/111799931647?_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150313114020%26meid%3Dcbb39ada38754089b36831eb40dc17ab%26pid%3D100338%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D9%26sd%3D131638917768)
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Open road - yes. Definitely.
City riding - rarely.
And when it comes to SMIDSY, not sure it helps very much. Swerving before intersections is a lot more effective.
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Open road - yes. Definitely.
City riding - rarely.
And when it comes to SMIDSY, not sure it helps very much. Swerving before intersections is a lot more effective.
Depends which city you ride in i s'pose, i live in London where everyone drives like a self righteous wanker, so i try to be seen as much as i can so they can't use SMIDSY as an excuse.
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Open road - yes. Definitely.
City riding - rarely.
And when it comes to SMIDSY, not sure it helps very much. Swerving before intersections is a lot more effective.
"...Swerving before intersections is a lot more effective..."
Are you saying you swerve all over the road to be seen?
That would get you pulled over in the UK, then drink and drug tested at the roadside.
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Open road - yes. Definitely.
City riding - rarely.
And when it comes to SMIDSY, not sure it helps very much. Swerving before intersections is a lot more effective.
"...Swerving before intersections is a lot more effective..."
Are you saying you swerve all over the road to be seen?
That would get you pulled over in the UK, then drink and drug tested at the roadside.
I think Slaninar is referencing weaving which i admit to doing myself. Gently moving backwards and forwards across the lane to hopefully grab a drivers attention. We've all heard and understand the distance perspective issue that drivers appear to suffer with (also known as fucktard syndrome) so I'm with Slaninar on this one (first for everything :lol ).
I used to wear one of these and have a brand new one from the NEC a few years back. Think I'm going to start wearing it over the winter.
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They do a section on Hi-Vis on the Biker Down course run by the Fire Service.
It pretty much say what people have said in this thread.
It's certainly not a bad thing to wear but it doesn't make you invincible and it does depend on the surroundings, weather etc etc.
Yello hi-vis on a sunny autumn afternoon when the leaves are yellow and the sun is low means you will blend in.
A grey day in a city means you will stand out more.
A car at a minor junction turning into a major road at night, which way are his headlights pointing? 90 degrees to you coming along the major road, therefore the reflective properties of the hi-vis aren't being used and one would have to assume you've not been seen.
A big +1 for weaving when approaching a junction if there is a car waiting to pull onto the road I'm riding down. Not massive movements, just enough to create sideways movement.
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As mine is a stretch running top it fits tight and does not flap and also has the added benefit of extra viz because it has arms.
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I'm with the majority in that I wear Hi Viz during the winter or when it's dark and rainy. I think it does help a bit. Certainly I've seen a few people on the motorway have Oh Shit moments when they've passed me and then though "was that a copper?" (not that I'm wearing anything that could possibly make people mistake me for a copper, just a Hi Viz waistcoat).
Weaving around a bit can help. I think if you ride in a dead straight line, people don't perceive the headlamp as moving. Whereas if you weave a bit the lamp shifts so becomes more noticeable.
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hi viz, blues and 2's and some advanced training and this still happens to you
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/09/11/1410469136276_Image_galleryImage_Police_out_rider_which_wa.JPG)
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a couple of points from my perspective as a fireman/RoSPA tutor/fire bike rider/Biker down tutor
1. the emergency services wear hi viz for a reason......it gets you seen....even the white lid is seen better (by most of the population and granted there are goons who won't see you no matter how hard you try.......cue my fire engine mobile to a job, all the lights/bells klaxons on the go and the numpty pulls straight out in front of us)
as I ride, and it maybe that I'm more observant than other riders (no insult intended here but advanced riding teaches better observation skills) I tend to notice hi viz wearers early and can adjust to their position whether road users or pedestrians
2. biker down indeed discuss's hi viz and as others have said, its about the background, yellow on yellow/green on green and you have issues
3. weaving.....sounds drastic that word and confuses some but the technique works, not so much a weave but advanced riders will move away from a hazard..... in the case of a car at a junction, by moving away from the nearside/middle of the lane to the outer side then the movement catches the eye especially with headlights on. as for the car being at 90 degrees its the hi viz he's seeing not the reflective bits ergo hi viz is more daylight and the reflective bits are more darkness
try google looming and motion camouflage for better understanding of issues of us being seen by others
4. filtering......If people especially in stationary traffic still use their mirrors then hi viz should be seen but as a lot peeps just sit there waiting to move, then they don't consider looking.....I always bang the hi beam on when filtering and will try and "weave" as much as possible in the space I have to try and gain attention
5. a solicitor once told me that wearing a hi viz vest will automatically get you 80% of the benefit in court should you be hit, a cop once told me that at the scene of an accident, your clothing is duly noted by plod, hence you're all hi vizzed up, white/yellow lid then its hard for the cager to say Smidsy
I ride with it and its been pointed out that hi viz with sleeves is seen more than hi viz without, ie a full jacket as opposed to a vest helps more as sometimes the screen/fairing masks the vest where as the arms seem more prominent, very pertinent if your hi viz is grubby with road grime and not really that hi viz any more
for those interested, there are different categories of hi viz too, if memory serves the class 1 is the best and is used by emergency workers and motorway workers as its the brightest
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Has his bike just embedded its self int the car and stayed there.
Answers the question as to "so where did you strike the car"
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was that the accident with Prince Harry and his outriders?
think it was going down as 50/50 car pulled out of a side street but the outrider was overtaking the HRH range rover and T boned the car
HRH driver drives on thinking terrorist plot and leaves bikers to look after each other
google SEG/special escort group see youtube......best of the best but can still come a cropper as seen above
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Maddog, Sharpy - are we saying one of these is the best option then?
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/cycling-clothing/jackets-gilets/ridge-water-resistant-cycling-jacket (http://www.halfords.com/cycling/cycling-clothing/jackets-gilets/ridge-water-resistant-cycling-jacket)
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Maddog
Thats what I said in my first post --"It may certainly be helpful in any insurance claims I would of thought."
So that is actually the case then ?
My viz also has arms, and my lid is mainly white.
The problem then with the camoflarge effect - could this be prevented with a multi green,yellow,pink top does such a thing exist
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Maddog, Sharpy - are we saying one of these is the best option then?
[url]http://www.halfords.com/cycling/cycling-clothing/jackets-gilets/ridge-water-resistant-cycling-jacket[/url] ([url]http://www.halfords.com/cycling/cycling-clothing/jackets-gilets/ridge-water-resistant-cycling-jacket[/url])
Mine is more like this Picture bellow- so just a small zip at the top and goes over your head - fits nice and tight and goes over the end of my leather sleeves and around my wrists so that it is still easy to get my gloves on. Also fits nice around my neck area. And is longer than my leather jacket and almost forms a seal below.
BUT mine is not water proof, but I dont do rain anyway, but if you get the right size and bearing in mind it is stretchy it could go over your waterproofs
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FS......quite possibly, pink seems to be getting good reports as it stands out from other background colours especially where everyone is in hi viz, so if you're in London pink maybe seen better than another yellow hi viz if its correct that London is swamped with yellow hi viz
its all about contrast
as for your other questions about the 80% etc I can only go on what I was told by an individual and can't quote case law, ditto the sleeves........my mate who is similar qualified as me, once stated that the sleeves were more visible when out with a rider in long sleeves as opposed to vest wearing riders
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Perhaps with sleeves when approaching a junction instead of weaving you could flap your arms
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Open road - yes. Definitely.
City riding - rarely.
And when it comes to SMIDSY, not sure it helps very much. Swerving before intersections is a lot more effective.
I agree with you there, if I see a car poking out of a side street I'll move side to side within the lane as the human eye notices movement far more than colour.
As for wearing hi-vis, I never ride without it, for two main reasons. Firstly, the insurance issue as already stated earlier in the thread. Secondly, for my wife's peace of mind.
I personally don't give a fuck about what I look like, so don't care if I'm looked down on by other bikers for wearing it. If I have to wear a pink tutu and bunny ears to stop my wife shitting herself every time I get on the bike, that's what I'll wear. :lol
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Maddog
Thats what I said in my first post --"It may certainly be helpful in any insurance claims I would of thought."
So that is actually the case then ?
My viz also has arms, and my lid is mainly white.
The problem then with the camoflarge effect - could this be prevented with a multi green,yellow,pink top does such a thing exist
There you go fella. :thumbup
You'll look fabulous. :lol
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I don't use one personally. I have never been convinced they would do any good although agree that they certainly won't do any harm.
Over the last few years I have seen 3 motorcycle accidents happen in front of me, two of those had hi-vis vests - I am not saying your more likely to have an accident in one, just the way it turned out in this case. All these accidents involved a junction, either excessive speed or the riders being badly positioned approaching it (riding near the white line quite close to the car in front). In positions like that any car wanting to pull out of the junction just can't see the bike, more of a Sorry Mate I Couldn't See You.
My opinion is you see the lights, hard reflections off the helmet etc well before the hi-vis vest especially in the dark, in fact oncoming bikes the headlight halo effects obscures all until they are quite close. I find even the large police range rovers covered in high vis yellow are not really more visible than other cars, just more distinctive. Traffic police wear hi-vis but this is more to do with them frequently having to be roadside on foot, even the ones in cars wear hi-vis jackets due to this.
Not sure about the insurance thing but I have only ever heard of police asking if the bikes had the light on, not what they were wearing.
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I've got:
Reflective Arai stickers on both sides of my fairing, plus front/back of crash helmet
Reflective tape around the sides and back of the top box
Hi-Vis waistcoat
LED tail light that also indicates (as well as original indicators)
LED strip lights on the sides of the fairing, which are connected to the original indicators as well.
Twin headlight mod has been done
Very loud air horn
And a beeping indicator for the benefit of people that kept walking out in front of me as i turned into my road of an evening after work. I found that the air horn used to make them jump.
If you can't hear or see me then all i can say is you must be a Pinball Wizard.
It's an old photo but it's not all as bad as it sounds, and all comes to life at night.
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I do find that bikes with two lights like fazers are easier to judge/pick out than those with a single light.
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I do find that bikes with two lights like fazers are easier to judge/pick out than those with a single light.
Worst thing i keep seeing recently, at night when it's raining as well so it was poor visibility too, is cars with only one headlight working coming towards you, so they can actually be mistaken for a bike.
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definitely NO on this one, if they cant see 2 friggin front headlamp lights on what can some of them see?????????
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There you go fella. :thumbup
You'll look fabulous. :lol
(http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=18941.0;attach=22436;image)
That would just trigger an epileptic fit in the driver looking at me
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I have an orange one from Arco. It's for trackside workers and is orange day glo with 2 big reflective stripes. It is made of 2 halves - front and back- with heavy duty poppers across the shoulders and down the sides. The idea is that if you catch it on anything it will separate rather than snagging. Designed with passing trains in mind but could apply to traffic/filtering.
I used to have a waterproof yellow jacket with arms. Was great but I found that the arms bulked the suit out so that I struggled to see past my own arms in the mirrors.
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I used to have a waterproof yellow jacket with arms. Was great but I found that the arms bulked the suit out so that I struggled to see past my own arms in the mirrors.
That's the beauty of mine as it is a stretch tight fit - and cheep enough too
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Maddog, Sharpy - are we saying one of these is the best option then?
[url]http://www.halfords.com/cycling/cycling-clothing/jackets-gilets/ridge-water-resistant-cycling-jacket[/url] ([url]http://www.halfords.com/cycling/cycling-clothing/jackets-gilets/ridge-water-resistant-cycling-jacket[/url])
Mine is more like this Picture bellow- so just a small zip at the top and goes over your head - fits nice and tight and goes over the end of my leather sleeves and around my wrists so that it is still easy to get my gloves on. Also fits nice around my neck area. And is longer than my leather jacket and almost forms a seal below.
BUT mine is not water proof, but I dont do rain anyway, but if you get the right size and bearing in mind it is stretchy it could go over your waterproofs
Not surprised it's feckin tight......it's made for a bird - just sayin like. Thanks for the idea but i'm not going to A&E as a cross dresser. :lol
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Loving this scheme though. Can you make me one aswell Darrsi
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It stops the poor sods in the sweat shops starving .
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On dark days be it morning or evening Hi Vis has to be worth it at least gives you a fitting chance be it on the roads or in court
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Yellow sunshine . . . sounds like an acid trip , , , I'm going to have to post my own pic! You have been warned!" :b :rollin :rollin :rollin
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Anyone notice how hi vis looks with sunglasses especially poloraid one.
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Anyone notice how hi vis looks with sunglasses especially poloraid one.
Kind of defeating the object if truth be told?
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For the last couple of years I've had yellow lens protectors on my bike and I think these are amazing, whilst filtering I notice more cars move aside for me. I wear a Hi Viz jacket that I nicked from work, it covers my arms too. I never used to wear any Hi Viz until a work mate mentioned a story of some guy coming off his bike and laying in the road and was hit by a car that couldn't see him, his bike was some yards away. Think about it, dressed in Black in the dark and lying on a road. He might still have been hit by a car wearing Hi Viz but it might have given the driver a few vital yards to brake.
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Open road - yes. Definitely.
City riding - rarely.
And when it comes to SMIDSY, not sure it helps very much. Swerving before intersections is a lot more effective.
I agree with you there, if I see a car poking out of a side street I'll move side to side within the lane as the human eye notices movement far more than colour.
As for wearing hi-vis, I never ride without it, for two main reasons. Firstly, the insurance issue as already stated earlier in the thread. Secondly, for my wife's peace of mind.
I personally don't give a fuck about what I look like, so don't care if I'm looked down on by other bikers for wearing it. If I have to wear a pink tutu and bunny ears to stop my wife shitting herself every time I get on the bike, that's what I'll wear. :lol
My motorcycle has some hi-vis tape put - white on the front, red on the back. I often wear hi-vis in the open road. My "winter" bicycle is taped in hi-vis tape. So nothing against hi-vis.
However, as far as effectiveness goes, out of town it's a lot more effective. In the city... it seems to help a lot less. IMO, the list is like this:
1. Lights - adding two fog lights at the sides, to make the front look as wide as possible.
(http://www.ijdmtoy.com/BLOG/Showcase/Honda-LED-Lights-HID-Bulbs/galleries/2012_Vol_06/Motorcycle-10W-LED-Lights-04.jpg)
2. Good lane positioning according to situation (to increase visibility) and weaving at intersections (what is a man when he stops drinking and driving?! :) ).
3. Speed and braking - always assume you're still invisible. Always!
4. Hi - vis.
5. Crash pads and helmet, if all else fails. :)
I wrote a blog article on hi-vis decals limitations for bicycles. People often expect a bit too much of it.
http://www.bike.bikegremlin.com/2015/09/02/bicycle-lights/ (http://www.bike.bikegremlin.com/2015/09/02/bicycle-lights/)
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My thoughts are that if you are commuting every day in heavy traffic and in the winter then it is worthwhile..........but the average summer weekend rider doesnt need it.........and right or wrong we are all into aesthetics arent we & high viz looks shit...........if we didnt care then we'd have all of our bikes covered in high viz instead of the lovely paint jobs they have.
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if we didnt care then we'd have all of our bikes covered in high viz instead of the lovely paint jobs they have.
I would quite like a white fzs 600
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Do it fazersharp....there was a guy on here from norway had a white one it looked nice......imagine how he must have blended in.......would have had to wear black clothes so folk could see him :lol
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I think a white bike will just have to wait and be my next bike
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Open road - yes. Definitely.
City riding - rarely.
And when it comes to SMIDSY, not sure it helps very much. Swerving before intersections is a lot more effective.
I agree with you there, if I see a car poking out of a side street I'll move side to side within the lane as the human eye notices movement far more than colour.
As for wearing hi-vis, I never ride without it, for two main reasons. Firstly, the insurance issue as already stated earlier in the thread. Secondly, for my wife's peace of mind.
I personally don't give a fuck about what I look like, so don't care if I'm looked down on by other bikers for wearing it. If I have to wear a pink tutu and bunny ears to stop my wife shitting herself every time I get on the bike, that's what I'll wear. :lol
My motorcycle has some hi-vis tape put - white on the front, red on the back. I often wear hi-vis in the open road. My "winter" bicycle is taped in hi-vis tape. So nothing against hi-vis.
However, as far as effectiveness goes, out of town it's a lot more effective. In the city... it seems to help a lot less. IMO, the list is like this:
1. Lights - adding two fog lights at the sides, to make the front look as wide as possible.
([url]http://www.ijdmtoy.com/BLOG/Showcase/Honda-LED-Lights-HID-Bulbs/galleries/2012_Vol_06/Motorcycle-10W-LED-Lights-04.jpg[/url])
2. Good lane positioning according to situation (to increase visibility) and weaving at intersections (what is a man when he stops drinking and driving?! :) ).
3. Speed and braking - always assume you're still invisible. Always!
4. Hi - vis.
5. Crash pads and helmet, if all else fails. :)
I wrote a blog article on hi-vis decals limitations for bicycles. People often expect a bit too much of it.
[url]http://www.bike.bikegremlin.com/2015/09/02/bicycle-lights/[/url] ([url]http://www.bike.bikegremlin.com/2015/09/02/bicycle-lights/[/url])
"...adding two fog lights at the sides, to make the front look as wide as possible..."
Just in case you stumble upon any grizzly bears whilst out riding. :lol
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I think a white bike will just have to wait and be my next bike
My last bike was white, and soooo much easier to keep clean than my black Fazer.
Although it's obviously faster in black, i don't think i would ever buy a bike in that colour again.
One quick shower of rain and it looks dirty all over again, even after just cleaning it. :groan
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"...adding two fog lights at the sides, to make the front look as wide as possible..."
Just in case you stumble upon any grizzly bears whilst out riding. :lol
It seems to work better than just centre headlights. For cars pulling in at intersections at least.
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"...adding two fog lights at the sides, to make the front look as wide as possible..."
Just in case you stumble upon any grizzly bears whilst out riding. :lol
It seems to work better than just centre headlights. For cars pulling in at intersections at least.
A biker passes me on the way to work every morning and he has sidelights, and admittedly you can spot him a mile away.
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My last bike was white, and soooo much easier to keep clean than my black Fazer.
Although it's obviously faster in black,
White is just black without any black in it
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For the last couple of years I've had yellow lens protectors on my bike and I think these are amazing, whilst filtering I notice more cars move aside for me. I wear a Hi Viz jacket that I nicked from work, it covers my arms too. I never used to wear any Hi Viz until a work mate mentioned a story of some guy coming off his bike and laying in the road and was hit by a car that couldn't see him, his bike was some yards away. Think about it, dressed in Black in the dark and lying on a road. He might still have been hit by a car wearing Hi Viz but it might have given the driver a few vital yards to brake.
That's just reminded me of a bloke a few months back with these fitted - saw the bugger coming a mile off filtering down the M4. Damm good shout - i'm off hunting :thumbup HANG ON - IS YELLOW LEGAL?
"...adding two fog lights at the sides, to make the front look as wide as possible..."
Just in case you stumble upon any grizzly bears whilst out riding. :lol
It seems to work better than just centre headlights. For cars pulling in at intersections at least.
With you on this also Slaninar - all the wiring is done and the Cree LED spots bought, just got to mount them.
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Fitted mine a few months back,, noticed more cars seem to move out of my way now :)
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Yellow is legal. Amber is not
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My motorcycle has some hi-vis tape put - white on the front, red on the back. I often wear hi-vis in the open road. My "winter" bicycle is taped in hi-vis tape. So nothing against hi-vis.
However, as far as effectiveness goes, out of town it's a lot more effective. In the city... it seems to help a lot less. IMO, the list is like this:
1. Lights - adding two fog lights at the sides, to make the front look as wide as possible.
([url]http://www.ijdmtoy.com/BLOG/Showcase/Honda-LED-Lights-HID-Bulbs/galleries/2012_Vol_06/Motorcycle-10W-LED-Lights-04.jpg[/url])
2. Good lane positioning according to situation (to increase visibility) and weaving at intersections (what is a man when he stops drinking and driving?! :) ).
3. Speed and braking - always assume you're still invisible. Always!
4. Hi - vis.
5. Crash pads and helmet, if all else fails. :)
I wrote a blog article on hi-vis decals limitations for bicycles. People often expect a bit too much of it.
[url]http://www.bike.bikegremlin.com/2015/09/02/bicycle-lights/[/url] ([url]http://www.bike.bikegremlin.com/2015/09/02/bicycle-lights/[/url])
Interesting article. I was considering fitting some extra lights and this has convinced me now.
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Saw a car the other day that had yellow lights and my eyes were instantly drawn to the change of colour, so I put some yellow self adhesive film over my lights last night when I got home.
Two people at work have commented on them already, and that was in daylight today with the bike parked up and lights not even on, so I'm hopeful they'll stand out at night as well.
Just a shame I won't get to admire them myself. :\
I'll take a photo later to show you.
One side went on a lot smoother than the other, so I may do it again as I have enough to do a few and I'm a fussy bastard.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172030444802?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=470897431106&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172030444802?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=470897431106&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)
Photos are a little deceiving regarding brightness as the lights flared them out a bit, but you get the idea.
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My mate had green headlight protectors on his FZR600R. Even the copper had to admit he saw him coming from miles away (unfortunately). Copper said he could see matey's point that it was safer for him to stand out from the crowd but if everyone had whatever colour headlights matched their vehicle where would we be? I think he would've got away with it if it hadn't been for the text on his number plate saying "Aren't you a nice copper?"
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The photos have degraded even more after putting them on here to be honest, you can hardly see any colour other than on the wall.
Took a bit of getting used to seeing a different beam in front of me on the road and on the rear of cars.
I s'pose you could describe it as stale piss yellow. :lol