Really? Highbeams during the day???

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I still say none of the ones concerned with actually being safe would ever don a conspicuity vest.
 
Rob MacLennan said:
Image one looks like a frame cap, from some sort of video camera. That would explain why the clouds are blown out; automatic metering, with relatively poor dynamic range.

Image two is definitely from a Canon EOS 40D DSLR, on shutter priority mode, and more than likely using matrix metering, based on how the exposure seems to be centre biased.

... if that makes any difference to you.
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I should expand on what I stated earlier by saying that a large part of how the camera exposes the scene depends on how much weight the camera gives to metering the picture based on the focus point. If the focus point in the second pic was on the rider with the bright lights then the camera would have probably adjusted exposure accordingly in order to preserve the most detail for that subject. Sometimes on matrix metering, the camera will actually blow out highlights like skies and clouds in order to preserve details for subjects in the foreground of the frame. The photographer could have also dialed in some exposure compensation as well.

It's really hard to capture the realistic effect of light coming from a high beam in a still frame picture where the photographer's intent was clearly more artistic rather than scientific. I will say though that our eyes are nowhere near as quick to adjust to a sudden bright light compared to the high tech CPUs found in today's DSLRs. A picture shows you what the camera sees, not necessarily what your eyes see. Either way, I think these pics are best looked at as artistic photographic examples of motorcycle riding rather than using them as conclusive proof in an argument for or against high beam use.
 
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I ride with my high beam on during the day (sunny) and low beam at night. I don't think theres anything wrong with that, and I don't believe other drivers can be blinded by the lights during the day.
 
Why do you people say that? I get spots burnt onto my rhytna.
Then I can't see properly for a long time after.
That's what pisses me off.

icecube172 said:
I ride with my high beam on during the day (sunny) and low beam at night. I don't think theres anything wrong with that, and I don't believe other drivers can be blinded by the lights during the day.
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Boom King said:
I should expand on what I stated earlier by saying that a large part of how the camera exposes the scene depends on how much weight the camera gives to metering the picture based on the focus point. If the focus point in the second pic was on the rider with the bright lights then the camera would have probably adjusted exposure accordingly in order to preserve the most detail for that subject. Sometimes on matrix metering, the camera will actually blow out highlights like skies and clouds in order to preserve details for subjects in the foreground of the frame. The photographer could have also dialed in some exposure compensation as well.

It's really hard to capture the realistic effect of light coming from a high beam in a still frame picture where the photographer's intent was clearly more artistic rather than scientific. I will say though that our eyes are nowhere near as quick to adjust to a sudden bright light compared to the high tech CPUs found in today's DSLRs. A picture shows you what the camera sees, not necessarily what your eyes see. Either way, I think these pics are best looked at as artistic photographic examples of motorcycle riding rather than using them as conclusive proof in an argument for or against high beam use.
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On matrix metering a DSLR will do it's best to balance the scene, based on the limitations of its dynamic range. In this case, that would be something like ten and a half stops, for a 40D. The human eye has something like 15 effective stops but takes seconds to adjust, to differing light levels, rather the than milliseconds of a DSLR. Conclusive? No, but perhaps indicative, if the limitations are recognized.
 
Gummiente said:
Uh... I grew up in the days of Imperial weights and measurements. What does a metric assload convert to in pounds? :dontknow:
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1 metric assload = 3.65738 imperial s***-tons
 
Well it certainly is VERY annoying and distracting with another biker behind you with his high beams on ..
....whoever was on Steeles in Milton around 9.30 PM Saturday heading up the escarpment ..
....smarten up. :rolleyes:

Back to our regularly scheduled program.....;)
 
MacDoc said:
Well it certainly is VERY annoying and distracting with another biker behind you with his high beams on ..
....whoever was on Steeles in Milton around 9.30 PM Saturday heading up the escarpment ..
....smarten up. :rolleyes:

Back to our regularly scheduled program.....;)
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That would a tad late to have high beams on.
 
calmbloggingimages1.jpg
 
I do not use high beams in the daytime. But I did use one yellow H4 bulb in my older GSXR and my RC30. They used two bulbs on all the time, and the bit of yellow in conjunction with the white really did improve my visibility to others. I will try the new Philips bulbs in my current bike and see if they make a difference. Have to say I agree with other posters, a high vis vest is far better than high beams. If you don't believe it, wear the vest for a month and then go out without it............quite a difference, especially in the GTA - home of the most self centered, selfish and distracted drivers. Be careful out there!
 
icecube172 said:
I ride with my high beam on during the day (sunny) and low beam at night. I don't think theres anything wrong with that, and I don't believe other drivers can be blinded by the lights during the day.
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Exactly. Precisely!
I lower my beam is it's gloomy, or I'm behind somebody (including stopped).
One time I was stopped right behind 2203, heheh, and I observed the inside of the cruiser was lit up like a TV studio... LoL
Lowered beam? No time (light changed green) and off we went.
No they didn't bug me at all about it.
ZX14 sits tall in traffic, I look at everyone else's rooftops anyway...
Again, only blue-sky days, and no HIDs or whatever, just stock.
SOME common-sense is required (which is about all I could offer, heheh).
Ride safe
 
while driving home from work in my cage, there was someone on a bike heading west from Oshawa to Whitby..and I was other side of 401..they had the brightest YELLOW head beam..4 lanes over I was blinded. would have hated to be in front of that one.

Leslie
 
plus one for better visability. I ride with them on and so does my wife when she is behind on her own bike. I never seem to have any issues. I turn them off when i approch another bike day or nt but for the most part i could care less if it pisses anyone off, at least they can see me! I know to many riders that have been hit, I will brake any law to ensure the safety of my fellow rider as well as my own. Dont need a big *** war here but some of the rules of the road are just not that important and are not geared towards the best intrest of the motorcycle rider.
just my thoughts u do waht u like.
 
Sorry but I don't think for a second you get any additional attention with them on all the time.

It's changing up to the high beams that catches an inattentive eye....your approach you lose that ability and you are just one more unchanging light for cagers to ignore.

Many bikes have a single low beam and twin highs and switching up is eye catching.
 
MacDoc said:
Sorry but I don't think for a second you get any additional attention with them on all the time.

It's changing up to the high beams that catches an inattentive eye....your approach you lose that ability and you are just one more unchanging light for cagers to ignore.

Many bikes have a single low beam and twin highs and switching up is eye catching.
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I disagree with this statement there now who is right! There is often not eneof time to switch on and off and thats one more thing distracting you when u play around with your switch. Two lights are better than one thats a fact. Like i said before do what u like. But to the new riders, you should look at both sides of the story and then decide. You cant follow all the rules of the road when u are suronded by other drivers who brake them. You must adapt the rules to keep you safe. Id rather be alive then dead right. and if i get a few tickets here and there which I have not, see you in court!
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