Lights out?

OK, I asked this over at one of the H-D forums and some goof took it
all serious and personal. I just have a curiousity question:
How many of you seem to notice H-Ds with their lights OFF running
around lately? On newer bikes, NOT old pre-1974 models. I'm only
curious because I have seen this in increasing numbers in the Bay Area,
as if it's some new fad the MoCo has foisted upon their unwitting
shee..uh buyers. They can't ALL be burned out or rattled loose, could
they?

 

That's really dumb, unless one wants to get lost in the visual clutter.

 

What year did the 'lights-on-when-ignition-on' DOT rule come into effect?

1 Jan 1973 = new motorcycles have to come with turn signals
1 Jan 1975 = new motorcycles have to shift on left, down then up
= new motorcycles limited to 80mph speedos (introduced)
= new motorcycles limited to 80mph speedos (repealed)
= new motorcycles can't have external mixture screws
= new motorcycles must burn lights when ignition is on

Please help fill in the blanks.

FWIW, I see CHP BMW bikes with Euro headlamp cutoff switches, presumably
so they DON'T stand out. However since there's so few non-headlamp-on
bikes, this makes the CHP bikes stand out even more. That is, when I
see a dark headlamp approaching really fast, since it can't be a Harley,
it must be CHP; 100% success rate so far!

Ken

 

My 1982 Virago has a speedometer that stops at 85 (80 is the last
number, but the needle can go one notch beyond it); I had a 1985
Kawasaki that was capable of telling me when it was doing 95, so the
repeal is somewhere in those dates.

I believe the date was 1978. However, in 1974 I rode up the coast to
Vancouver. My bike had a headlight switch and I used it as I was
trained to use automobile headlights: on 1/2 hour after sunset, off 1/2
hour after sunrise. I stayed with a friend in Portland who advised me
that Oregon law required motorcyclists to have their headlights lit
whenever they were riding. Probably saved me a ticket.

Rich, Urban Biker

 

Geez...is it more of the HD Suicide Fashion Statement, to go along with
those idiotic beanie helmets?

--
--
Barb
Chaplain, ARSCC



"Comparing Scientology to a motorcycle gang is a gross, unpardonable
insult to bikers everywhere. Even at our worst, we are never as bad as
Scientology."
-ex-member, Thunderclouds motorcycle "club"

 

So why don't they ride on the sidewalk? The Gummint tells them not to
do that, too.

Judgement? Who needs that, when you've got a Harley?

My feelings exactly.

Al Moore
DoD 734

 

There's no room for them on the sidewalk, what with all the bicycles
that are there against gov't orders. ;-}

Rich, Urban Biker

 

Yes, there is.

25650.5. Every motorcycle manufactured and first registered on and after January
1, 1978, shall be equipped with at least one and not more than two headlamps
which automatically turn on when the engine of the motorcycle is started and
which remain lighted as long as the engine is running. This section does not
preclude equipping motorcycles used as authorized emergency vehicles with a
switch to be used to turn off the headlamp during emergency situations or when
the light would interfere with law enforcement, if the switch is removed prior
to resale of the motorcycle.


http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate?WAISdocID=1553476117+0+0+0&WAISaction=
retrieve

Well, it isn't.

Yes, but no.

 

If it's off, you will only be noticed by other motorcyclists.

 

That's always a question the cops ask after an accident. "Was your
headlight on?"

Me: "Yep, it goes on when you turn the key. Always."

That's why I'm rolling in money now. <snort>

--
--
Barb
Chaplain, ARSCC



"Comparing Scientology to a motorcycle gang is a gross, unpardonable
insult to bikers everywhere. Even at our worst, we are never as bad as
Scientology."
-ex-member, Thunderclouds motorcycle "club"

 

Actually, due to high energy costs, many Harley riders run with the lights
out to save money on their electric bills........

 

I recommend http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html

 

<snip> That obviously didn't cover rattletrap, which had been in
continuous use since 1975. I always turned my lights on, but I don't
see anything there that says I had to.

Al Moore
DoD 734

 

Oh, I get it. These are probably the same "rebels" who work 80 hours
per week for coporate America.

 

Can you think of a better way to be able to afford a Harley? <g,d &r >

Rich, Urban Biker

 

LOL, you beat me to it! <G>

--
--
Barb
Chaplain, ARSCC



"Comparing Scientology to a motorcycle gang is a gross, unpardonable
insult to bikers everywhere. Even at our worst, we are never as bad as
Scientology."
-ex-member, Thunderclouds motorcycle "club"