Got my MSF course out of the way.

[dentheman]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

Is a modulator basically a flasher? If so, is it legal to drive (ride) with your lights (front or rear) flashing on and off? I imagine this varies from state to state but I've never seen a car with flashing head or taillights in CA. Except, of course, for officers Van Horn, Moreno, Tisdale, Hockney, etc. Come to think of it, I think theirs actually rotated...

The headlight modulator is legal in all states and Canada, but has to follow certain DOT/Canadian criteria. One is that it must not modulate after dark, there is a light sensor built in for that. I am not sure, but from reading up on it I think there is a California restriction on how many times the brakelight can flash before it stays steady. I'm sure I will be corrected if I am wrong on that.

[Water Warrior 2]

Modulating headlights and modulating brakelights are legal in Canada and the U.S. They operate according to criteria set by law. Always carry the info with you after installation. You will get a copy with the modulators with the legal description etc. Check DOT in the U.S. and Transport Canada north of the border. Search for headlight modulators and it will pop up.
Another method of increasing your rear visibility is by using HyperLights. They are 2 small sets of 8 LED's that are very attention getting. Lynda's bike has ones that have a built in modulator and are relatively cheap for what you get. Easy to install and come with everything you will need.

[dentheman]

WW - I just checked the HyperLight site - very interesting.

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by dentheman

WW - I just checked the HyperLight site - very interesting.

Interesting and then some. If you ever find yourself behind a bike with HyperLights you will indeed be impressed. Lynda's bike has an OEM LED tail light but it is pale compared to the little Hypers. Tailgaters often get a brighter message too.

[mrlmd1]

By law - the headlight modulator flashes 4x/sec on high beam (the usual way of hooking it up, but it can be attached to the low beam) during daylight, controlled by a photocell so it's inactive in the dark. It actually extends the life of the bulb compared to the bulb being on that whole time without flashing, so don't worry about blowing the bulb prematurely with the modulator on. The bulb dims between being fully on, it doesn't shut off completely, ie. it doesn't "flash" on and off, the brightness "pulsates" from dim to full on. You should carry with you a copy of the regs (comes with the modulator) just in case you have to educate an LEO, but most everyone is up on the rules now.
The brakelight modulators come in at least 2 different styles - upon applying the brakes, front or rear, they will pulsate the brake light 3 - 4 times in 3 seconds then the light stays on, or, 7 times in 4 seconds and then stays on continuously as long as the brake is applied. In other words, it stays on continuously after the initial pulsation cycle, and resets to do it again when the brake is released. It will go through the quick pulsation each time the brake is applied, then light steady after the initial 3 or 7 pulsations. If you want it to keep pulsating, like if you're sitting at a light, then you have to release and then reapply the brakes.
I put both of these on my S50 in about 1/2 hr - 45 min of time, most of that was taking off the seat (numerous bolts and side panels to remove, not like the GZ).
The electrical components are very small, totally waterproof (sealed in an epoxy case) and easily fit inside the headlight bucket or under the seat somewhere (for the brakelight). I also added 2 extra 12 element red LED lights on the rear (Walmart, about ? $8-10 if I remember correctly) to augment my brake light, so with all the flashing and brightness I have back there, there is no excuse to say no one saw me. There was no problem with the extra LED lights I added for the rear brake, they all pulsate, no extra resistors or anything else needed. I have a pic somewhere if anyone wants to see it, I have to find it on my computer.
I feel much more visible with both of these, you can't help but notice a pulsating light compared to a steady beam. Now, one of these days, I'll do my Ninja.
And also get yourself a Stebel air horn or similar knockoff ($30 in Harbor Freight).