Motorcycle headlights have historically been of average to poor on most motorcycles. The introduction of Halogen lighting technology, along with modern reflector design, has resulted in a major improvement to this part of vehicle lighting. More recent vehicle lighting technology has seen the introduction of HID/Xenon lighting technology for vehicle headlights.
Before proceeding further with this entry some things to understand. This is Australia specific - it is about what is on or attached to the vehicle - it has no bearing on what you wear (clothing/helmet), as a motorcycle rider.
Australia has National Traffic Regulations - one set of traffic rules for all of Australia - Unfortunately if one reads this document, it is soon discovered that States have once again agreed to disagree. There are rules that are only applicable in a particular state. Remember that this document was over 10 years in the making and the States still could not agree.
So. Generally, with some exceptions, Australia's road rules are National in application.
Australian Design Rules - ADR's - Federal legislation affecting the fitment, type, design, colour etc of anything attached to a motor vehicle. Courtesy of the Australian constitution this piece of legislation, being federal, over rides State legislation, if there is a conflict/difference between Federal/State legislation, the Federal Legislation overrides the State Legislation.
ALL exterior vehicle lighting, type/colour/wattage, position/height/dimensions is also controlled (legislated) via ADR.
As a further guide - you should verify this yourself from a competent authority - not your best mate or somebody you know who seems to "know it all". (Google can assist you in finding a "Competent Authority").
White light - may only be shown to the front of the vehicle - reversing lights are an exception, but they are only used when going backwards - hence they are white. This includes "parking lights" or additional lights (except FOG lights).
Xenon/HID and LED lights present a little delima to this piece of legislation, as they are not "white" but have a "blueish" tinge. With "Euro" vehicles using a bright LED style daytime running light (evident on the latest model european built vehicles) and the "highline" models using Xenon/HID headlights, there seems to be a "enforcement tolerance" for vehicles fitted with this type of lighting as Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM). If its NOT OEM and not white to the front, you take your chances.
Red Light - may only be shown to the rear - this includes brake, tail and reflectors - NOTE - the use of the "black" white reflective tape, on saddlebags/panniers may not be legal, if it faces/reflects to the rear.
Amber - side markers and indicators/hazard flashers.
It is up to you to comply with lawful requirements in relation to lighting on a motor vehicle/cycle. Not the person/business selling you an item.
There is MUCH more but this is just a little guide to establish grounding for the main topic of this entry. On with the real bit.
As motorcyclist in the wide open spaces of Australia, headlight performance can be critical to our welfare. Large hopping things (Kangaroo's) and and short, fat and round shuffling things (Wombats) are but a few of the (wildlife) road hazards that greet us when riding at night (and day). You will even meet a "head of Beef" or so on our unfenced roads. I have experienced a close up view of the rear of a steer. Being "Run up the Ass" was a real experience for that animal| I have even had an "overtaking manoeuvre" conducted by an Emu. They are a "bloody fast" flightless bird.
Apart from adding Driving lights the current trend seems to be toward the fitment of HID headlight conversions. This type of headlight conversions appeals as -
- no additional current is drawn - if 35watt models are used - less current may be drawn
- It is a fairly easy "plug and play" type conversion - most come with wiring kits
- plastic headlight/reflector friendly with no heat issues
- greatly improved headlight "performance" - discussed a little later in this BLOG entry
The problem with HID/Xenon headlight conversions is that they are illegal. The article (RACQ Road Ahead) mentioned at the bottom of this entry, brings to the readers attention the following ADR's (remember, Australian Design Rules).
- Halogen Lamps and there Globes must comply with ADR 46 and 51 - Google them. Its a "fun" search and read.
- Xenon and HID must comply with ADR 77 and 78.
ADR 13 also imposes additional requirements when fitting HID/Xenon lights including self levelling devices and washers.
My motorcycle does not have self levelling headlights or headlight washers. As a law abiding citizen thats thrown the HID/Xenon headlight conversion out the window. Take that HID conversion kit back and get a refund....Oh its got "Not for Road use", "For off road use only", or something similar on the box. Oh well !
If you have read this far you can no longer say " I didn't know". But, thats your signature on your licence? Well then, you have agreed that you know the traffic rules and will comply with them !
I have not finished so keep reading! HID driving lights seem to be okay. You need to check!!!!!!!!
A little discussion on headlight "performance". What you see or what you can't see, is what you get.
The brighter the better? More wattage the better light? A simple answer to those questions. NO!
Go and have a wonder around the brand name vehicle lighting manufacturers web sites . Look for the lighting charts which show distance and spread (they will be for driving lights). If you go to sites such as Autobarn and look at individual headlight bulbs you will find claims for greater "brightness" and improved "luminance" over standard halogens (they are brighter according to your eye). The blurb is all about brightness, some claims of clearer visibility. The words "searing intensity" in describing a headlight bulb does not bring pleasant (and safe) night driving experiences to mind.
In reality its all in the reflector design, headlight height, driving conditions (weather, moonlight, road surface and how the environment reflects). A dirty or a tinted headlight cover can affect headlight performance (usually adversely). Correct headlight and driving light adjustment is critical to best lighting performance as well.
The ADR's restrict globe wattage in both headlights and driving lights, combined with glare reduction/elimination requirements, distance and spread illumination are finite, in headlight/driving light capabilities.
You can also have too much light. When the difference between low and high beam (with or without ancillary lights) becomes too great, night driving becomes more difficult and safety is reduced.
The human factor is important.
Did you know that bright lights (day or night) affect our distance judgment. A vehicle with headlights on will be perceived by your brain, to be further away than it actually is. The next time somebody pulls out in front of you, it may be because they believed that you were further away than you were (judgement/perception).
Many people who drive have defective vision with no rectification. Another one to think about. Persons who have cataracts removed, have very thick ("coke bottle") glasses as an indication of this condition. They are greatly affected by changes in light intensity and may be "without vision" for a number of seconds during large changes of light intensity. If they were to drive without glasses, at night in city traffic, seeing clearly past the bonnet would be impossible.
Have you had your "night vision checked"? I recommend you do. I have had young people, with no requirement for vision rectification aids, perform very poorly when driving at night. A simple eye test and rectification glasses (only to be used during the hours of darkness) fixed the poor driving, at night.
To give your body (you) the best chance of performing well during that night drive -
- no liquor (alcoholic drinks) for at least 8 hours prior to the journey (dependant on how much you have been drinking).
- no liquor during the journey.
- good rest before the journey commences - have a sleep/lay down, prior to the journey commencing - darkened room
- avoid bright lights - at home and during the journey at servo's etc - shade your eyes - do not look directly at bright lights
- if you get a "bright light hit" at the servo or cafe sit in low light or the dark, (move you and the bike) for a few minutes.
- "night driving glasses" - the claimed "enhancement" of night driving is debatable.
- be careful of eye glasses tinting. Check that it does not affect your night vision.
- keep your visor and headlight clean - every fuel stop "do the clean" - in between if there are lots of bugs or rain.
- carry a clean "micro fibre" cloth for cleaning glasses, visors, headlights, and a good quality "lense cleaner".
- Don't use "Windex" type products as glasses/headlight/mirrors, cleaning agents.
- stay away from the "servo supplied" cleaning agents in the "bowser bucket".
- investigate the use of products such as "RainX" - seems to work well on clear plastic that passes for glass.
There is a good reason why the military use "red lighting" at night.
Upgrading the head light. HID conversions are out so it means the bulb and or the light itself must be upgraded.
- Do NOT increase the wattage of the bulb - wiring and switch burnout may occur - carry spare bulb/s
- try the "brighter bulbs" that offer no temperature increase - its a perception/comfort thing.
- on older bikes with round/square headlights consider replacing the headlight assembly with a new headlight assembly
- old bikes have old wiring. New wiring (replace) will improve/restore headlight performance
- how old is that bulb? Bulb performance decreases over time and usage. Replacing the bulb may brighten your world !
Food for thought.
At 100kph your motorcycle travels at over 27 metres per second. Your best possible reaction time is 2 seconds. It is usually at least, 4 to 6 seconds.
At 100 kph you will travel between 54 and up to 162 metres before you react. If you are tired or distracted............
Its dark out....Take care!
NOTE/Disclaimer - Whilst I have a background in use and understanding of Australia's Traffic Legislation I may not be up to date and/or not fully conversant with current applicable legislation. I hold no formal qualifications in the field of law. You should verify all matters applicable to State and Federal Law discussed in this BLOG entry. Any reproduction MUST include this Note/Disclaimer.
The HID/Exon lighting issues discussed in this BLOG entry are based on an article which appeared in "The Road Ahead" summer FEB/MARCH 2010 "Torquing Point" page 36. "The Road Ahead" is a publication of RACQ.
Update - minor changes to content, for accuracy, 11/05/10