Headlamp and Daytime Running Lights

[jfink]

After I rode my used SD a while, I noticed that the headlight would go out after it started. I read up and found that when the DRL was switched 'on', it meant the low beam headlamp, with enough light, would go out.

"The daytime running light/parking light is integrated in the main headlight. The daytime running light can be switched on when visibility conditions are good. Activate the daytime running light in the combination instrument. Control is provided by the brightness sensor in the combination instrument. When visibility conditions are good, the low beam is switched off and the daytime running light is switched on. It is four times brighter than the parking light. When the daytime running light is switched off, it serves as a parking
light.

I am certain, at least in Texas, that motorcycles are required to have at least one headlamp on. I was never stopped by a friendly LEO, desiring to offer a kindly word of advice in the form of paper reminder. Does anyone know if the DRL's meet the headlamp requirement for Texas state law?

[Aussie Dave]

G'day jfink

If you want your main beam on (ie low beam main lamp) then turn DRL 'off'. I have done this as I wanted my main lamp on as I regard the DRL as not bright enough for our errrr, less than observant local's.

Once you select DRL - off, it will remain on with the main low beam headlamp.......

Cheers from the darkside

[jjscsix]

Joe, as you know Barry’s “R” has the newer LED headlight. The day he picked the bike up he was riding behind me with the normal low beams on. At a stop he got to fooling around with the settings and decided to turn the DRL on. The DRL is very “cool” looking on his LEDs, and was every bit as visible as his low beam. I was really impressed. But we also discussed the laws. I cannot imagine being stopped for it by the cops. The DRL was very bright. The GT May be somewhat different of course.

[jfink]

G'day jfink

If you want your main beam on (ie low beam main lamp) then turn DRL 'off'. I have done this as I wanted my main lamp on as I regard the DRL as not bright enough for our errrr, less than observant local's.

Once you select DRL - off, it will remain on with the main low beam headlamp.......

Cheers from the darkside

Thanks Dave. I do like riding with the DRL "on" but here in Texas as in many states in the US, the law for motorcycles are 'at least one headlamp must be illuminated". So, even if I were to take a chance with the locals missing my presence, the Local Enforcement Officers might not see it the same way.

By the way, I have ridden my Goldwing many, many miles and going to the Darkside has a whole different meaning. Can't imagine a car tire on the SD???

Joe, as you know Barry’s “R” has the newer LED headlight. The day he picked the bike up he was riding behind me with the normal low beams on. At a stop he got to fooling around with the settings and decided to turn the DRL on. The DRL is very “cool” looking on his LEDs, and was every bit as visible as his low beam. I was really impressed. But we also discussed the laws. I cannot imagine being stopped for it by the cops. The DRL was very bright. The GT May be somewhat different of course.

I agree Jim. I do like that headlight on the "R". Looks like a bug. In the manual it says the DRLs are four times brighter than the parking light. But, as you know, it only takes one LEO who sees things differently. I guess I could muster my best 'shocked and awed' face and say, "thank you officer, I will take care of that immediately". And see how that goes.

BTW ... let me be the first to congratulate you on the "potential" delivery of your SD next week.

[jjscsix]

Thanks Joe

[Aussie Dave]

Cheers Jfink.......

If you select DRL 'off' - the DRL will stay on and main (low) beam will also be on. Fills up the headlamp nicely. (goes out for starting, then comes back on) - also the LED corner lamp comes on as you lean....amuses your riding mates as they look back at you....

If you select DRL 'on' - then only the DRL is on in bright daylight, until the dash sensor decides you need the main (low) beam on. It's weird, but that's how it works.

When I did my test ride way back in Feb2017 I saw my reflection in the chrome deco of a car trunk and the LED DRL was very weak in bright sunlight - that put the thought in motion to turn my halogen low beam on for daylight riding (as well as night riding ).

Try testing in a shop window and pick whatever you feel happy with.

[RDKLL]

There were some questions the other day on one of the fb pages about the DRL on the GT...DRL: OFF-Low beam will be burning all the time and the LED element will be illuminated as well. DRL:ON-Low beam will be off and the LED above the headlight will be 4X brighter than when the low beam is off. I was going between off and on with the DRL behind a pickup truck at a long light...kind of cool to see it action

[Aussie Dave]

....I wonder what the Pick-up driver was thinking you were doing.......

[mick shere]

Showing off