A motorcycle question for the leos

[20eyes]

Is there any laws against to bright of a headlight in co? I have been building a bike for a few years, and its almost on the road. And now i need a headlight

Thanks

[20eyes]

This would be the one that i plan on running. Actualy 2 of them. 1 for low beam and both for the high beam


http://www.RigidIndustries.com/product-p/rgdl10.htm

[Colorado Osprey]

There are DOT requirements: For example light has to be a DOT approved headlight with a clearly labeled DOT on the lens. DOT has maximum lumens emmitted in it's requirements. There is a formula to determine this as it changes from not just the light bulb or emitter itself but with the amount of reflectivity of the light housing as well.

FMVSS No.108 pertains to headlights'

Failure to meet DOT lighting requirement is illegal in most states enforceable in a few different ways.

I would bet those are not DOT approved and thus are rated as off road use only.

[theGinsue]

I used to run Hella-Vision headlights on my Toyota 4Runner and often expected to be pulled over for their brightness. They were legal, but just barely.

[20eyes]

Thanks co osp. They are not dot approved. What do you think the fine or punishment would be?
Because all the other lights i have seen for bikes are total junk. I want something that that works well and puts out some light

I will look up 108

[TFOGGER]

CRS 42-4-205 (http://www.michie.com/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=query&iid=115d17d4.210a391e.0.0&q=%5BGroup%20%2742-4-205%27%5D)

1) Every motor vehicle other than a motorcycle shall be equipped with at least two head lamps with at least one on each side of the front of the motor vehicle, which head lamps shall comply with the requirements and limitations set forth in sections 42-4-202 (http://www.michie.com/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-202&sid=115d17d4.210a391e.0.0#JD_42-4-202) and 42-4-204 to 42-4-231 and part 3 of this article where applicable.








(2) Every motorcycle shall be equipped with at least one and not more than two head lamps that shall comply with the requirements and limitations of sections 42-4-202 (http://www.michie.com/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-202&sid=115d17d4.210a391e.0.0#JD_42-4-202) and 42-4-204 to 42-4-231 and part 3 of this article where applicable.








(3) Every head lamp upon every motor vehicle, including every motorcycle, shall be located at a height measured from the center of the head lamp of not more than fifty-four inches nor less than twenty-four inches, to be measured as set forth in section 42-4-204 (http://www.michie.com/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-204&sid=115d17d4.210a391e.0.0#JD_42-4-204) (3).








(4) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.


CRS 42-4-216 (http://www.michie.com/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=query&iid=115d17d4.210a391e.0.0&q=%5BGroup%20%2742-4-216%27%5D)

(1) Except as provided in this article, the head lamps or the auxiliary driving lamp or the auxiliary passing lamp or combination thereof on motor vehicles, other than motorcycles or low-power scooters, shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations, and such lamps may, in addition, be so arranged that such selection can be made automatically, subject to the following limitations:








(a) There shall be an uppermost distribution of light or composite beam so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least three hundred fifty feet ahead for all conditions of loading.








(b) There shall be a lowermost distribution of light or composite beam so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least one hundred feet ahead; and on a straight level road under any condition of loading, none of the high-intensity portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver.








(1.5) Head lamps arranged to provide a single distribution of light not supplemented by auxiliary driving lamps shall be permitted for low-speed electric vehicles in lieu of multiple-beam, road-lighting equipment specified in this section if the single distribution of light complies with paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of this section.








(2) A new motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or low-power scooter, that has multiple-beam road-lighting equipment, shall be equipped with a beam indicator, which shall be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the head lamps is in use and shall not otherwise be lighted. Said indicator shall be so designed and located that when lighted it will be readily visible without glare to the driver of the vehicle so equipped.








(3) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.

[rondog]

I've been a rider for many, many years, and I can relate to your desire for good lighting. But don't put lights on your bike that will blind oncoming traffic, there's no benefit to going around pissing people off, and it's dangerous too.

I don't know what kind of bike you're building, but those are the ugliest damn lights I've ever seen! Are you serious about using those? Have you ever seen any in person? Seen any lit up? It looks huge. And ugly. If you put those on a motorcycle, all the other kids are gonna point and laugh at ya.

[hollohas]

I agree, those will look very weird on a motorcycle. I can also guarantee that those will be blinding to any oncoming traffic. One of the drawbacks of LED lighting technology is that it almost always produces a lot of glare because there really aren't any reflectors behind the lamps to direct the light to the ground and out in front of you where you need it. These just flood light in every direction...not ideal for headlights but great for off-road use.

Have you looked at xenon HID headlights? Those LED light bars you are looking at are about 3000 lumens. Motorcycle HID headlamps will get pretty darn close to 3000 lumens and much more if you use two...and will actually look like the belong on your bike IMO.

[rondog]

Those lights wouldn't even look right on this monster.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/bikes/Roaddog.jpg

[20eyes]

Rondog its a soft tail that is streched a few inchs. They do look a lil off on the bike. And i have gotten mixxed opinions about them. Some like them some people said sweet some said no way it will ruin the bike. And im used to people pointing and laughing. I kinda like the look of them, no one else has them. I put one on the fork of my bike. Didnt look too bad

I would say they are no brighter than the hid's on some of the new cars out there. As far as useing them i have put a few hundred miles offroad with them. They work amazing!!!

Hollohas. There is hardly any glare with them. They have reflectors inside of them. I have seen the xeon lights for bikes. All my mechanic buddy said they were all junk

[Irving]

There are plenty of high quality, low cost HID lights you can get. I'd get HIDs over the LED any day. Why don't you just hand that LED light over to me, and in 75 years when the economy picks up and I get a real job, I'll but a truck and put that light on the front bumper.

[rondog]

Sorry 20eyes, I don't mean to be so critical, but I'm just a traditionalist when it comes to bikes, especially Harleys. It's your bike, do what you want. But I really think you should consider the oncoming traffic aspect of super-bright lights.

[20eyes]

I got freinds way more critical than you rondog. I didnt think you were being critical any way. I got some buddys that won't ride anything newer than a knuckle head. And think im a sally for rideing a softtail.
But as far as brightness, it is a bit dimmer than a hid converison for a normal car. As per this site
http://www.hid-conversion-kits.com/. I mean that last thing i wana do is piss off someone when im on my bike. My truck is another story

Stu in 75 years when you get a jobbi let me know i can prolly get you a real good deal on a set. As far as good bike lights everything that i have liked in the catalogs, i ask the guys building it what they think of this or that light. They say they are junk. So im going off what they say.

[20eyes]

And since this is a gun forum


http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?xl=xl_blazer&v=-B5DLyDICtc


Enjoy

[lead_magnet]

I don't think I've ever seen or heard of a cop checking a headlight for the "dot" markings... I've ridden with plenty of people with illegal equipment much worse than a non-approved headlight that was never mention when we were pulled over.

But really, why the hell would a cop check your headlights for compliance with DOT regs? I would just use whatever you want and wouldn't worry about it too much.

I had an acerbis headlamp system (SUCKED!) on one of my bikes which was illegal, I think it was even clearly marked "for off-road use only" and never caught any crap for it, for that matter my tires, taillight, turn signals (or lack thereof) and mirrors (or lack thereof) and no reflectors were all illegal.

Not to mention, its hard to justify pulling over a motorcycle because of a non-approved headlight (plus the LEO would have to establish a reason for the stop other than that, unless he can attest to being able to read 1/8th inch letters on the headlight of a passing motorcycle at speed) when I best ALOT of people here including myself are guilty of this one

42-4-233. Alteration of suspension system. (http://www.michie.com/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=query&iid=115d17d4.210a391e.0.0&q=%5BGroup%20%2742-4-233%27%5D)

(1) No person shall operate a motor vehicle of a type required to be registered under the laws of this state upon a public highway with either the rear or front suspension system altered or changed from the manufacturer's original design except in accordance with specifications permitting such alteration established by the department. Nothing contained in this section shall prevent the installation of manufactured heavy duty equipment to include shock absorbers and overload springs, nor shall anything contained in this section prevent a person from operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with normal wear of the suspension system if normal wear shall not affect the control of the vehicle.
(2) This section shall not apply to motor vehicles designed or modified primarily for off-highway racing purposes, and such motor vehicles may be lawfully towed on the highways of this state.
(3) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.

Source: L. 94: Entire title amended with relocations, p. 2267, § 1, effective January 1, 1995.


Or am I the only one who sees trucks with MAJOR suspension mods running around all the time?

[Colorado Osprey]

He asked if there were laws... not if they were enforced.

There are many, many laws that are not enforced.

For arguments sake:
I could usually follow someone less than 1/2 mile and find multiple violations or PC for a stop.
Then some citizens like being jerks and get more tickets than the average guy. That is when things light altered suspension, altered exhaust, etc. ..... and the tickets start flowing.

Most of these tickets are dismissed for guilt on a bigger charge in court.

Word to the wise," Be respectful, keep your mouth shut." This is the way to avoid additional tickets. If you want to fight the ticket, don't try and fight the po-po about the ticket, take it to court. Also don't tell the po-po you'll see him in court. Officers take notes on the back of the ticket which include many things that will get your fine increased and found guilty in court.... don't give them more fuel.

BTW, I am not LEO anymore and haven't been for about 15 years.

[newracer]

I don't think I've ever seen or heard of a cop checking a headlight for the "dot" markings... I've ridden with plenty of people with illegal equipment much worse than a non-approved headlight that was never mention when we were pulled over.

But really, why the hell would a cop check your headlights for compliance with DOT regs? I would just use whatever you want and wouldn't worry about it too much.

I had an acerbis headlamp system (SUCKED!) on one of my bikes which was illegal, I think it was even clearly marked "for off-road use only" and never caught any crap for it, for that matter my tires, taillight, turn signals (or lack thereof) and mirrors (or lack thereof) and no reflectors were all illegal.

Not to mention, its hard to justify pulling over a motorcycle because of a non-approved headlight (plus the LEO would have to establish a reason for the stop other than that, unless he can attest to being able to read 1/8th inch letters on the headlight of a passing motorcycle at speed) when I best ALOT of people here including myself are guilty of this one

42-4-233. Alteration of suspension system. (http://www.michie.com/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=query&iid=115d17d4.210a391e.0.0&q=%5BGroup%20%2742-4-233%27%5D)

(1) No person shall operate a motor vehicle of a type required to be registered under the laws of this state upon a public highway with either the rear or front suspension system altered or changed from the manufacturer's original design except in accordance with specifications permitting such alteration established by the department. Nothing contained in this section shall prevent the installation of manufactured heavy duty equipment to include shock absorbers and overload springs, nor shall anything contained in this section prevent a person from operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with normal wear of the suspension system if normal wear shall not affect the control of the vehicle.
(2) This section shall not apply to motor vehicles designed or modified primarily for off-highway racing purposes, and such motor vehicles may be lawfully towed on the highways of this state.
(3) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.

Source: L. 94: Entire title amended with relocations, p. 2267, § 1, effective January 1, 1995.


Or am I the only one who sees trucks with MAJOR suspension mods running around all the time?

Read further, that law was found to be unconstitutional.

[ronaldrwl]

The pictures of the lights on the truck at night, shows the light is designed to light up a wide path and not much for distance. I think they would be great as a secondary light on 4x4 truck.

[Irving]

It looks like on the site, you can choose between a flood light, and a focused light.

[hollohas]

Then some citizens like being jerks and get more tickets than the average guy. That is when things light altered suspension, altered exhaust, etc. ..... and the tickets start flowing.



This.

The only reason you'll get a ticket for that type of stuff is if you get pulled over for another violation and you're a dick. They can get you on tread depth, broken windshield, headlight or tail light color, window tint, etc, etc. Or if the officer can tell you're a douche before he pulls you over because he saw you doing doughnuts in a school parking lot or giving a soccer mom the finger or something.

[hollohas]

It looks like on the site, you can choose between a flood light, and a focused light.

I missed that. I guess the "focused" light would reduce the glare I mentioned earlier.

Full disclosure, I studied "Illumination Engineering" for 5 years in college and now sell light fixtures for a living so I'm kinda nerdy on the subject. I also ride a Wide Glide so the OP interests me even more.

Can you post some pics of this unique use of an LED light bar on your bike for us all to see?????

[20eyes]

I missed that. I guess the "focused" light would reduce the glare I mentioned earlier.

Full disclosure, I studied "Illumination Engineering" for 5 years in college and now sell light fixtures for a living so I'm kinda nerdy on the subject. I also ride a Wide Glide so the OP interests me even more.

Can you post some pics of this unique use of an LED light bar on your bike for us all to see?????

I will try to get up pics tomorrow. I plan on useing the flood for low and flood and spot for the high beam.
If your i light geek you should look into them a lil more. They pattented the reflectors on them. A lot of time went into them

[20eyes]

Bimp of ghettodub

[cliff]

I just sold my 04 fatboy, still have stock head lamp and housing in box as new if someone has any use for them their yours free just make arangements to pick up. also stock new factory slip on mufflers, sold bike with nascel head lamp kit. just taking up space in basement.

[ghettodub]

Here you go, bro

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_F2jad0jf5kc/TVh84Y85YtI/AAAAAAAADDk/-YpcnvefQkA/s512/IMG954070.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_F2jad0jf5kc/TVh84i_UPyI/AAAAAAAADDo/WWl_PL_43kg/s640/IMG958543.jpg