Riding with high beams on during daylight?

Question

Another biker in my riding group is very insistent that I do this to be more visible. I think it's a waste of battery power since I don't think it helps any. What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

I say anything you can do to be more visible to other motorists can't possibly be a bad thing.

As far as being a waste of battery power, I think you may need to re-evaluate your thinking a bit on that one. The battery is primarily used for starting the motor, and that is about it. Once the engine is running, the alternator takes over, and pretty much powers everything on the bike.

You might be able to argue that using more power for things like a stereo, high beams, and a lot of running lights will put more of a load on your alternator, requiring your engine to work a bit more to turn the alternator resulting in a possible reduction in your gas mileage. However, I believe that reduction would be so small it would hardly be worth calculating.

At any rate, be careful while riding, and watch out for the other guy!

Here's to bugs in your teeth!

Stevo.

Answer 2

I was always taught to ride my motorcycle like I was invisible. It's unfortunate that motorcyclists have to think that way, but certainly a necessary survival technique on the roads.

And If keeping your high beams on during the day, makes you notice by cars and trucks, then that's what you need to do.

It turns out that use of a motorcycle's high beam during daylight riding is somewhat controversial. Some say that the high beam can cause depth perception issues, others say that it has saved their life.

The MSF course (at least the one I attended) tells you that you should ride with your high beams on during daylight. The more you can do to make yourself noticed is better... You would be surprise, even while doing that cars still don't pay attention.

The way most bikes sit your brights shouldn't bother someone in a car... And if it does, then I'm sorry but I would rather have you notice me, then you not see me at all.

Btw when it comes to bikes, and high beams, its not against the law

Answer 3

I ride with high beams on during daylight hours and no, it doesn't unnecessarily drain your battery.

I think it probably makes me more visible, because the angle of the beam is higher plus it puts out more lumens, it is more likely to put a strong beam of light into an oncoming driver's eyes. Of course, people still pull out and stop in front of freight trains, too.

My personal big justification (theory) is:

I have to use low beams or high beams during the day because it is required on all bikes sold in the States now. (There is no "off" setting). If I use the low beams all day, every day, they will fade faster and when I NEED them at night, they will be less effective. So, high beams burn during the day, low beams are "saved" for night driving. I avoid riding at night, but when I do, I want to see the best I can, and I only have one headlight to do it with.

I also have been implementing this in all my cage driving for ten years with out a ticket.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I use the high beam on my bike when riding in the daytime. In Illinois where i live, the headlight is mandatory to be on, so turning it completely off is not an option. The "Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual" recommends using the high beam during daylight hours to improve your visibility. So its your choice, and not against the law either way, at least in Illinois. I can't believe the energy difference between high and low beam is enough to worry about losing horsepower or gas mileage, and definitely won't affect your battery.

Answer 5

It's pretty much up to you. They make them with the headlight on all the time now. Started in the late '70s here. High beam is brighter, but I don't think the difference is that great during daylight. The downside: you work the electrics a little bit harder. The upside: your low beam lasts a little longer.

The argument is all about safety. My thought is you should ride at whatever safety "level" you are comfortable with.

I asked myself: They don't see me with all the shiny stuff AND a 55 watt light, does 10 watts make a difference? My answer was: No. (55/65=low/high)

Answer 6

I ride with mine on during the day, how about this for a reason. Several years ago I didn't ride with the brights on and I ended up having to drive at night with only the brights because the filaments for the low beam burned out and nothing was open to get a replacement. It ended up as a long a scary ride.

So if you ride during the day you are only using up the filament for the highbeam not the low so that you will have it should you have to travel at night.

Be seen to ride, and ride to be seen

Answer 7

Its a good idea, you'll be more visible, it doesn't drain your battery, and if the high beam burns out, you're still good to go, at night, with the low beam.

I have a "white" bulb in my headlight, some like the rainbow curtains, and some go with a headlight modulator. You already know what the common excuse for killing a motorcyclist is.

Answer 8

I think your friends practice is a very wise choice. I always use my high beams during the day. Your best defense is to be alert to other drivers and do what you can to increase your visibility.A high beam will cause the other driver to take more notice because it is out of the ordinary which will spark an alertness on their part.No worry about your battery as was said it is being recharged as you drive.

Answer 9

I think it may help. Better safe than sorry. I know I've over looked bikers many times cause I'm so used to a car come by me thats what instinct tells me to look for. You should do it, without the high beams though.

Answer 10

your battery is being recharged as you ride. also there will be absolutely no noticable difference in power or gas milage when you ride with high beams. you will be more visible to other motorists and it could save your life