DIY Flash To Pass Button?

Kodiak

Kodiak

Trucker by day, rider by night. Noob at all times.
Joined
Mar 10, 2019
Messages
83
Age
31
Location
Chico, CA
Bike
1991 ST-1100
Hi, everyone. I've been wanting to do something to install a button that will flash the headlights either on/off or high/low beam for passing, specifically lane splitting for me. I know some of the European bikes have this system, but I was curious how I could DIY it on my own bike, a '91 ST1100. I've got a set of LED bulbs and adapter rings arriving soon in the mail and would like to add this into my weekend project, so what would you guys do? I think I'd prefer an on/off type since it seems to be more attention getting, at least in my experience driving 18 wheelers.
 
I forget, but wonder if the ST11 does the same as the ST13: when you press the starter button while underway, the headlights are de-powered. Makes a handy FTP button.
 
That's a good question, I never thought to try it. Probably because I'd be worried to fry the starter, but could still work lol
 
Not a good idea, I think, to hit the starter while underway. While the 'bendix' gear on an ST's starter is different than a cars, it is possible for it (or anything for that matter) to malfunction and engage. Better way would be to install a relay and just power up the high beam w/ a momentary contact switch if there is no high beam switch on the 1100's. I'd be surprised if there is no way to switch from high beam to low beam on these bikes. Can't you just hit that several times? An alternative would be to simply install a switch in series w/ the hot lead to the headlight. When you turn the switch to off (open) the headlight dies, flick it back on and you have lights. I can see a problem with leaving it in the off position and riding for hours until you discover it is off....

How about a headlight modulator - that 'warbles' the headlights? (I might have the term wrong).
 
That was my thoughts about the starter switch, too. Don't think I'll try it lol the 1100 does have a low/high switch and I've used that flicking it up and down, but doesn't seem to work that well to grab attention. I was considering a momentary button wired into the light circuit to only kill the light when it's pressed.

And I used to have a modulator, but always had problems with it not functioning correctly day or night. Also, it doesn't help some of the (absolutely brilliant) people where I live think a modulator means you're impersonating a motorcycle officer LMAO I've been stopped because people called and complained about it
 
If folks don't see you flashing high beams, the problem is with the guy/woman in the car, not you and your lights. Some drivers don't even see the oncoming truck until they become the bug on the windshield. Your ultimate solution is to get one of these. Simply accelerate above them and cook their hair. Search for the thread by @SupraSabre when the car tried to change lanes right in front of him while he was lane splitting.

You can preorder one now for a few bucks. One advantage of the Covid virus is with all the mask wearing, bank robbers blend right in w/ the rest of us. They are the ones who can afford one of these bikes (the bank robbers). :rofl1:

A marginally more affordable* and practical solution is to get one of those air horns on diesel locomotives. One of those will literally blow a car off the road (of course, you will have to tow an air compressor).
* Used ones are available on ebay....
 
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Just in case you're wondering what a UK/EU switch looks like, there's plenty on ebay over here. I personally find it gets the buggers out of your way.
Upt'North. 20200528_133646.jpg
 
Sheeesh! We’ve known about using the starter button to flash the headlights on our ST1100s while underway for literally decades. No harm will come of it, truST me.

In my case I use my PIAA 910s instead for maximum conspicuity/signal strength.

John
 
I don't know if it is ever enforced, but in North Carolina flashing your headlights for a driver to move over is considered aggressive driving and you can get a ticket for it! I do like JohnO and flash my LED driving lights. They seem to do a pretty good job of getting folks to move over. I haven't got an aggressive driving or any other ticket for it yet.
 
I often flash my PIAAs to signal truckers that they can pull into the left lane to pass. Saying “Hi!” and/or “come on over, driver” on the CB always surprises them. Have heard the CB chatter about the nice rider on the silver bike. :):slvr11:
 
John OoSTerhuis said:
Sheeesh! We’ve known about using the starter button to flash the headlights on our ST1100s while underway for literally decades. No harm will come of it, truST me.
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I'm not doing it John. Not interested in hearing my starter making noises while underway, which it does do.
 
In the UK as far as I am aware you can legally flash your headlights in lieu of a horn warning to warn another road user of your presence. In reality it can mean anything from please pull out into my space to sod off out of the way and anything in between.
No confusion there then.
Upt'North.
 
I bought a UK switch with the flash to pass and fit it into the US switch housing. Was a long time ago but It wasn't very hard. I found it was easier to take the UK apart and fit just what was needed into mine than it was to change out the switch housing. To change it out completely you would have to remove the seat, saddlebags, sidecovers, tank shelter, and the air cleaner. Then you have access to the other side of the LH switch housing plug. Also would have to take off the fuel enrichment cable. I found it much easier to just split the housing and solder in the flash wires. Were only two if I remember. US switch housing even have the little cut out already for the trigger.
 
DeanR said:
I'm not doing it John. Not interested in hearing my starter making noises while underway, which it does do.
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The engine is driven by the starter through what is called a sprag clutch, which grabs when the starter is faster than the engine, and slips when the engine is faster than the starter. All you're hearing is the starter spinning unloaded.

What Is a Sprag Clutch and How Does It Works

Sprag clutches belong to the family of overrunning clutches. They consist of cylindrical inner and outer races with sprags filling the space between them. Click on the link for more information.
hvhindustrial.com
 
caldercay said:
And be VERY CAUTIOUS when accessing eBay these days ... when you visit the eBay website, it now port-scans your computer/device.
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Care to go into a little more detail? For those of us who are not so techy. What is it, why is it bad, and how do we stop it?
 
The Cheese said:
Care to go into a little more detail? For those of us who are not so techy. What is it, why is it bad, and how do we stop it?
Click to expand...

It is rather odd they're doing the scan. I'll try my best to explain.

Every device, such as a computer, has many "ports" that each serve a specific purpose. Think of a port to what a door is to a house - each door has a specific purpose, such as closet or bathroom or pantry.

Some ports are "well known". For example, port 25 is used for email routing. Ports 80 and 443 are used for World Wide Web traffic (you know, the stuff you see in your browser).

Other ports are "wide open" for non-specific purposes, such as a smart wall plug or Wifi light switch, or some other unique device.

Port scanning is the act of "searching for any open ports on a device" (like on a computer). Think of it like this ... you're inside an unfamiliar house, so you go to every door and attempt to open it to see what's behind the door or gain access to the room.

Most computers will "lock" any ports not in use - that would be akin to a locked door. You know the door is there, but you can't "get in" without the key.

This is how "hackers" look for vulnerabilities on a computer, so they can "break in". They look for open ports (unlocked doors), so they can gain access to the computer.

I'm not saying eBay is being malicious ... but "why" are they doing it? They say they are doing it for "fraud protection". Personally, I'd block the activity, but then again, i never purchase from eBay : )

Here's one article exploring this

www.forbes.com

Did You Know eBay Is Probing Your Computer? Here’s How To Stop It

Going, going, gone too far? The world's most famous online auction site probes your computer when you connect. Here's why, and what you can do about it.
www.forbes.com www.forbes.com
 
Larry Fine said:
All you're hearing is the starter spinning unloaded.
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Huh. On the 1300 I don't believe the starter even spins. I've done it a couple of times and didn't hear it.
GryST said:
Why? So you'll schlep behind him for 15 mins until he passes and moves back?
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?? I FTP'd when the driver had an opportunity to move over. If he didn't then I moved. I know people want to believe everybody else is out to kill them but that's not the case. I used due care and caution and nobody exhibited umbrage.
 
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