See also: Part
II: PIAA LED Lights Installation
I feel kind of silly writing about a product that I couldn't
really find a use for, but you never know -- I'm sure some webBikeWorlders
will be interested, and one of you must surely can figure out how to put
these to good use?
In fact, here's a deal: we're looking for one person with a
good idea on how to use this PIAA LED light kit on a motorcycle to improve
visibility.
You agree to install it, take photos and write it up, and
the kit is yours. See below for more information (Sept. 23 - Got a
victim! See below.)
I found these PIAA LED driving (running) lights, or "Day Lamps", as
they're called, while searching for additional lighting for the front of a
motorcycle.
These lights aren't designed specifically for motorcycles,
but they are designed to improve visibility -- something like a daytime
running light. They do not throw enough light
to enhance the bike's headlight in any way.
My assumption, which was based on an article I read
somewhere that said something to the effect that the depth perception of a driver of a
car or motorcycle driver can be affected by the width of the oncoming
vehicle.
The premise is that a narrow oncoming object like a motorcycle may seem
farther away than it really is because the width of the oncoming object has
an effect on depth perception.
The article claimed that this might be
the cause of many car/motorcycle accidents, where the car turns left in
front of a motorcycle or pulls out of a driveway in front of a motorcycle
because they either didn't see the bike or misjudged its speed and/or
distance.
If this is true, then it's possible that increasing the
perceived width of the front of a motorcycle might provide other vehicles
with a more realistic assessment of the location, distance and speed of the
moving (oncoming) bike.
Unfortunately, I can't find a reference to the exact story
or research article, and other scientific research that I've found sort of
touches the edges of this theory, but I haven't found other research on the
subject of the size of an oncoming vehicle vs. depth or distance perception.
If any of our readers can direct us to information or
studies on this topic, please let me know.
In the absence of any research that demonstrates that a
particular technology makes a motorcycle more visible, we're sort of just
guessing, are we not? So products like headlight modulators, blinking
LED brake lights, etc. may seem to work, but show me the proof!
Actually, I'm not so sure that some of the guesses may do more
harm than good. For example, we're proponents of the "one bulb, one
job" rule. That is, don't let a bulb do more than one job, like being
both a brake light and a tail light, or combining a turn signal with a
running light.
My gut instinct tells me this is a bad idea -- drivers in
other vehicles need to know exactly what it means when a single bulb comes
on -- not "Is that a turn signal? Isn't that a running light?
That light was glowing steady, now it's blinking..."
Now of course other drivers may not (or maybe they do) go
through all that thinking specifically, but I'm afraid that while the dude
is talking to his girlfriend on the cell phone with the other hand on the
wheel in the clapped-out '87 Camaro, his pea-sized brain may be processing
that data right up to the time he slams into me.
So the rule is: one bulb, one job.
And there's another problem: like many motorcycle owners, I
was a proponent of headlight modulators. webBikeWorld has reviewed a
couple of them (here's
the list). Then the manufacturers started recommending that they
should be installed on the high beam rather than low.
But a high beam dazzles the oncoming traffic -- I don't need
a scientific study to tell me that, I can see it with my own eyes when I'm
in a car and a motorcycle with the high beam on comes at me.
So one of two things happens: either the driver doesn't see
the directionals that are blinking on the bike because the high beam light
is too dazzling, overpowering everything, or the high beam attracts the
driver's attention and he/she is looking at it rather than at what the
motorcycle is doing.
Double that when the high beam is modulating -- my
experience from seeing this on motorcycles as I'm driving or riding towards
them is that a high beam is too overpowering for an oncoming driver --
they're not used to seeing a high beam searing their eyes in broad daylight,
especially while it's modulated.
Which brings me to these PIAA LED running lights.
Several of us associated with webBikeWorld are using yellow headlight bulbs
(see
this article) on low beam as our primary source of distinguishing
illumination.
The low beam gives the bike visibility to oncoming traffic
without blinding them. But because so many cars are using Daylight
Running Lights (DRL), we feel that the yellow bulb distinguishes us a bit
from the crowd.
Again, no data on this, just pure subjectivity. I
personally do not use a modulator because I feel that oncoming traffic will
be looking at the modulated headlight rather than me and the bike and
watching what I'm doing (e.g., making a turn, accelerating towards them,
etc.).
That's my personal preference, and I'm sure there are others
who will disagree. I have read a Motorcycle Safety Foundation paper
that described a test done under controlled conditions that showed that
there was very little to no statistically significant difference in the time
(and distance, I think) it took volunteers to distinguish a motorcycle with
low beams, running lights and headlight modulators. Anyone know the
paper I'm talking about? Data! I need data!!
I have noticed during my personal observations that
Harley-Davidsons and other cruisers that are equipped with a light bar and
running lights on either side of the headlight are more noticeable to me and
I can judge their distance and speed more accurately. Once again,
purely subjective.
All of this has put me on a mission to find a lighting
source that is bright without being dazzling and that I can install on the
widest part of the front of my motorcycle.
The hope is that a touch of light on the outer edges will
improve the visibility of my motorcycle to vehicles I'm approaching while
also providing a wider point-to-point area that will allow other vehicles to
more accurately judge distance and approach velocity.
I've been thinking of mounting a single miniature LED out on
the edge of each front turn signal -- and I may still try that. In
theory, they would be nearly invisible when off, so they wouldn't change the
look of the bike, but hopefully would project just enough light for other
traffic to see.
Two lights, rear view (top) and front view (bottom).
PIAA LED running light, rotating mounting bracket.
PIAA LED running light, rear view.
I don't need a lot of light; in fact, for reasons mentioned
above, I don't want the light to be too bright. I found these PIAA LED
lights which seemed interesting. They have 6 LED lights, and
regardless of PIAA's "high intensity" label, these LEDs are not very bright
-- not even as bright as most of the LED flashlights reviewed on
webBikeWorld.
The kit comes with two 6-LED lights. They are made
from chrome-plated plastic, and they have a flat mounting bracket that
rotates from one side to the other, about 180 degrees. The light can
be mounted in any orientation.
The mounting brackets use an Allen screw at each end to
tighten the light housing once the light is oriented in the desired
position. They even provide some extra wire, double-sided tape and the
hex wrench.
Splicing the light to the motorcycle's circuit is easy:
white is positive and black is negative (ground). The instructions are
minimal and as you can see in the photo at the top of the page, the box is
printed mostly in Japanese. The lights are made in Japan.
Uh, and they're very, very expensive for what they are.
Very expensive!
There is no information I can find on the box, the lights,
in the instructions or on the PIAA website that tells how much power they
use, but LEDs typically use very little, so that shouldn't be a
consideration.
The only problem is that they are an unusual shape for
motorcycle use. Each light measures about 100 mm long by 19 mm thick
and the body of the light is about 35 mm deep. Each light only weighs
52 grams (1.875 oz.).
I just couldn't find a place to mount them on any of the
bikes around here without having to drill in to something or making them
look too obvious.
It's always very difficult to take photos of lights when
they're on, and these are no exception, as you can see from the photos.
Again, they do not throw out any light that can be used to augment a
headlight; they are running lights only. Think LED flashlight.
The reflector and lens also broadly diffuses the light -- just what you want
for a running light actually.
Next: Part
II: PIAA LED Lights Installation
In the meantime, if anyone has any feedback or comments on
my plan to install some running lights high and wide, send an email to Rick
at
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►Reader Comments and
Owner Feedback
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Comments are ordered from most recent to oldest.
Not all comments will be posted. Posted comments may be edited.
From "M.D." (9/09): "The reviewer and
several respondents all agreed they could see no use for these.
I humbly beg to differ! Neither my Vulcan 750 nor my
wife's Ninja 250 can spare 110 watts of electrical capacity for
the 55w incandescent driving lights the "useless" crowd prefer.
These LED - and low-current-draw - lights would be just the
thing to increase forward visibility on cycles with low-capacity
electrical systems.
Thanks for your time, and thanks for the great
content! I visit your site often, and find your reviews linked
in search results frequently."
From "D.P." (3/09): "Regarding the LED
driving lights, I have mounted the small PIAA halogen lights to
the forks (with one of the fender mounting screws) of my Suzuki
V Strom. I've had friends and other drivers tell me they
can see me a long way down the road. The constant motion
of the forks moving with suspension action and steering makes me
much more visible.
My problem is the lights take so much power I can't run them all
the time without running the battery down when riding.
Have had a few dead battery no start episodes. The LED
with low power draw just might be my answer."
From "P" (10/08): "I know why you can't find
a use for this product. It's mostly for "Big Scooter"
riders in Japan. Putting PIAA driving lights on your
Yamaha Majesty or Honda Forza (Reflex) is all the rage on the
Shuto. Not to mention wild body modifications, lots of
chrome and air suspension. It's the Japanese equivalent of
"Mod culture" in Britain a few decades ago."
From "D.G." (10/08): "I am in total
agreement with 'Mad Dog' - can't think of a single constructive
use for the PIAA LED lights. My 55 watt running lights
measure 3" x 5" each yet drivers note they can see me coming at
3/4 mile. Given their small optical footprint and limited
output, why would anyone bother with an LED running light?
One related improvement under consideration for
my cruiser are switched, wig-wag running lights. This
would provide regular lighting 99% of the time with the option
of firing a pair of attention-getting, pulsating lights at
potential threats.
This would be ideal for those white knuckle
situations where distance limits a horn's effectiveness. I
frequently toggle the Hi/Low headlight back and forth when some
bozo is coming head-on in my lane while passing traffic.
Ditto those about to cross in front while turning off or onto
the roadway. Something a little more aggressive would be a
nice improvement.
So, you ask, why doesn't he install a modulator
instead? First of all, modulators are notoriously
difficult to wire. Second, they are pretty spendy.
Third, for reasons mentioned in other comments, a full time
throbbing headlight isn't always desirable. Finally, the
notion of oncoming and crossing traffic thinking I am an
emergency vehicle ain't all bad.
While many of us take precious seconds to
process visual signals, wig-wags shout "Uh, oh....Cop!"
producing instantaneous awareness and a visceral response from
most drivers. Simply adding a suitable push-button switch
and a $20 wig-wag module from EBay will produce that on-demand
attention bikers crave without all the downsides of a
modulator."
Editor's Note: Be sure to
check the legality of "wig-wag" lights in your location.
Also, check out our
headlight modulator articles; some of the newer types are
relatively easy to install.
From "J.M. de O" (9/08): "I am a Spanish
“Ducatista” with a Monster 600 (last carburetor units, 2001) in
Red. I bought it from a friend of mine (who wanted to sell
it but continue watching once in a while…) with 8 years and
13.000 km. Almost 2 years later, it has 20.000 km…
I’m 33 years old and with a Mechanical Engineer
degree (not electrical, but I have done my homework…)
As you probably know, the Monster is well known
for been the bike with the best lights (just kidding), so my
first issue is to improve lighting. I am doing a HID
replacement for the H4 bulb. Today is a low-beam-only but
I hope next week it will be bi-xenon (the seller send me a
non-bi-xenon, but the new one is on way right now…)
And now… regarding PIAA LED lights…
Here in Spain a TV channel has “suggested”
switching on the light for all the vehicles during the day (and,
of course, night). Bikers associations are against this
because today, we (bikers) are the only ones that use the
lights. If everyone uses the normal lights, we can become
“invisible” (you probably know what I am talking about).
If you need there is a .pdf (or a PowerPoint, I
can’t remember) in which an European association gives the clues
about it (why to be against).
Regarding the new lights (for example Audi R8 or
A4) the main difference is that the shape of the light is
completely different to the normal ones (they are long instead
of round.
In my opinion, the first thing that you have to
ask to those “day lights” is to be completely different to the
“normal” one. As the shape is different, this is ok.
And the other is to be placed far from the
headlight.
So, the best place could be:
-
Bar ends: both in
horizontal or vertical (disadvantage for wider bike).
Or put them in the “hand guards” (like the blinkers of the
Hypermotard).
-
Front forks:
In vertical position (but too different from normal).
-
Front forks: In
horizontal position. As the Ducati front wheel axis is
hollow, lets place them in horizontal (like some “mushrooms”
that are supposed to protect from crashes)."
From "G.S." (9/08): "For my part, I use the
emergency flashers whenever riding in "local" traffic.
Happily, they came standard on both my FJR and new Bandit.
There is no question drivers now see me!
Minor problem is need to turn them off when using turn signal.
A bit inconvenient, but much less so than an accident.
They should be standard equipment on all bikes and mounted above
the turn signals - just as Suzuki does. Can't comment on
the legality of riding with emergency flashers on but I'll
happily go to court to argue the case..."
From "D.S." (9/08): "I had always considered
some sort of lighting setup that would create a "pool of light"
that surrounded my bike. I don't know if this would hamper
my own vision from the saddle during nighttime hours but I
thought it would really enhance my visibility to other cars.
Sort of like the neon lights that the guys on Pimp My Ride like
to use underneath automobiles. I figured LED lights would
be perfect for this sort of use..."
From "M.S." (9/08): "I agree with you 100%
on differentiating yourself from the other vehicles with daytime
running lights. Before cars had daytime running lights,
motorcycles were required to have headlights on during the day
to add conspicuity. Now that the majority of cars have
daytime running lights, the regular headlight is not sufficient.
Therefore, I ride with my high beams on during daylight hours.
Even though a driver may not see my directional signal due to
the bright headlight, at least they do see me.
From (The
Motorcycle Council of New South Wales, Australia website):
"Day time headlights may also help but again, only if they make
you stand out against the rest of the traffic. In the NZ study,
riders with lights on during the day had a 27% lower risk."
From (How
Stuff Works, Vision): (An article on) 1. Depth
Perception; 2. Moving Parallax and 3. Stereo vision.
#1 Comments: In daylight, you determine distance
by how large the object is. Automobiles all have the same
approx. horizontal surface area. Also lends credence to the
statement, "I never saw him". If you're not looking for
motorcycles, you're not going to see them. At night, you can't
see the size of the vehicle. Only the taillights/headlights can
be seen. This leads to #2
#2 Comments: "Moving Parallax" (when driving at
night) can be interpreted as how far apart the
headlights\taillights are on the vehicle. This is how we
judge distance at night. If the two headlights are close
together, the car is further away. As the vehicle approaches
you, the headlights move further and further apart.
However, If only one headlight\taillight is visible - such as on
a motorcycle - it's difficult to judge how far away the vehicle
is. At night a motorcycle's headlight can appear to be
stationary because it never gets significantly bigger until it
is very close to you.
#3 Comments: This is only used on objects up to
approx 1 meter away.
From: (An
article on depth perception):
"When we look directly at an object, the image falls mostly on
the fovea, a tiny portion of the retina. The brain must
compute the three-dimensional structure of reality (width,
height, and depth) from an image that is focused on the
two-dimensional surface of the retina"
At a distance of 3/4 to 1 mile, all we have to
determine distance is width and height. At this distance,
a vehicle and bike look vastly different. At this
distance, a vehicle's width can be estimated. However, a
bike's width is so small, it is very hard to estimate.
Anything that can be done to increase the perception of a
motorcycle's width and height will increase it's conspicuity.
On my Magna, I put the lights on the
crash-guards and created a "triangle" of light. Very
effective at night (when I primarily used them). I did not
intend for them to light up the road, but for drivers to "see
me".
I had mounted them more centered on my bike,
where they lit up the fork and front tire, but did not feel they
were placed far enough apart to significantly increase my
perceptual "horizontal surface area".
Here is a pic of my 55 watt driving lights mounted on the
crash-bars of my '83 V45 Magna.
For bikes without a place to mount the lights
far apart, I recommend mounting them on the lower part of the
bike near axle level. This will increase the bike's
perceptual height. Another advantage is that the light
will illuminate the front tire - adding to your side view
conspicuity."
