I ride with my C14 high-beam on during the day

[ZG]

You ZG, you!

[martin_14]

Defensive riding only protects you so much, other tactics and being seen is #1 priority when I ride. I have also been using the SMIDSY technique much more often, seems to help.

I get your point and agree with you, but I refuse to let the high ground when it comes to my life. Here's an example: I come to a crossing and I have the right of way. A car is coming to the crossing from the side street, he seems to have seen me and brakes. The driver seems to be an attentive one and he is looking at me. His vehicle is not moving. I still cover both brake levers and clutch and back off the gas. I DO NOT assume that he saw me, and that he is waiting for me to pass before he starts rolling. NEVER.
This is my mental state when I drive. I also don't overtake trucks on the highway until the full length of the truck is free for me to pass him entirely. You never know when the driver might decide to change lane for whatever reason. With a car, you're at windshield height. With a truck, you're half a second away from being between the axles.
The list goes on.
I think Zteve here is quoting me...

I'm sure it's already been said here many times. But "drive like you're invisible" is the best advise ever. IMHO

[pistole]

- did a 200 mile ride today, mix of rural back-roads twisties and high speed highway running.

- all done with high-beams on.

- found that cars/trucks were more aware that the bike was coming at them fast , and most of them adjusted accordingly.

- as some as mentioned , any little bit extra does help with our safety.

- as for those who promote the "ride invisibly" way , sure. But there will be situations where that simply doesn't work (eg , riding fast on the highway , you basically need cars to clear the heck out of the fast lane (or not encroach into your way), and there is no way to feasibly "ride invisibly").

.

[Zteve]

Yes, ride invisibly is only part of the arsenal just like the middle finger. Use as needed.

[Conrad]

+1
Prejudice never shows much reason. I ride a black C14 with black everything, except my anthracite Shoei Neotec. And people do not cut in front of me, not sms writing teenagers, not 89 years old ladies, nobody. I have this nasty habit of driving defensively, which among other things includes keeping distance from other vehicles. I know, I'm funny in that way too. 

I get your point and agree with you, but I refuse to let the high ground when it comes to my life. Here's an example: I come to a crossing and I have the right of way. A car is coming to the crossing from the side street, he seems to have seen me and brakes. The driver seems to be an attentive one and he is looking at me. His vehicle is not moving. I still cover both brake levers and clutch and back off the gas. I DO NOT assume that he saw me, and that he is waiting for me to pass before he starts rolling. NEVER.
This is my mental state when I drive. I also don't overtake trucks on the highway until the full length of the truck is free for me to pass him entirely. You never know when the driver might decide to change lane for whatever reason. With a car, you're at windshield height. With a truck, you're half a second away from being between the axles.
The list goes on.
I think Zteve here is quoting me...

You know Martin, a person can ride defensively, as you suggest, with their highbeams on. I do ride with a mindset as if I'm invisible, with my highbeams on. I'm VERY glad to hear that no one ever pulls out in front of you ON THE ROADS THAT YOU RIDE. I've never ridden in another country but from what I hear, folks take the responsibility of sharing the roads with others MUCH more seriously in your neck of the woods than they do here. I'll bet that if you rode around here you wouldn't be able to say that no one ever pulls out in front of you, and that would be after the first day! 

[maxtog]

- did a 200 mile ride today, mix of rural back-roads twisties and high speed highway running. all done with high-beams on.  found that cars/trucks were more aware that the bike was coming at them fast, and most of them adjusted accordingly. as some as mentioned , any little bit extra does help with our safety.

http://twowheelsoapbox.com/?p=26

[pistole]

http://twowheelsoapbox.com/?p=26

- you are , of course , entitled to your opinion.

- i was just describing my actual experience with using high beams during the day.

- perhaps you could try it out yourself too and report back , rather than condemn it outright.

.

[VirginiaJim]

It seems enough of us have not seen this discussion by the dummies....  Locking this thread for now.  May re-open at a later time when I feel like it......or not.

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/13526509/high-beam