Safe Speed Forums

I'm thinking of changing my current bike (2000 ZX12R), checking the local dealers, all bikes bar none have no on/off light switch, so the bl**dy headlight is on all the time.

Does anyone know if it is legal for me to insert my own headlight switch and turn it off daytime riding?

Yes it is. DRL is NOT a legal requirement, just a gentleman's agreement between the manufacturers.

_________________
Science won over religion when they started installing lightning rods on churches.

But I'm guessing that, strictly speaking, such a mod would need to be advised to the insurers?

Why?

Because it is a modification to what some pundits see as a safety system. If a vehicle is involved in what might be a serious pay-out, rest assured insurers will look for any tiny loophole they can crawl through to avoid being the ones footing the bill.

Did you know that Triumph will sell you (for @£90) the required parts to do just that to your new bike? (Switchgear to replace and plug into the loom)

I am sure all sorts of kits are available for vehicles, some of which will affect performance and some of which don't - but all of which materially alter the factory-issued bike, and hence should strictly be notified. The availability of a kit makes no difference to my hypothesis (which may be flawed, but I don't think so).

Saddo that I am, I've just applied for a fictitious quote to insure a Triumph triple. By three seaprate online brokers. Each one asked me to confirm that ...
and at least one asked me to confirm that..
I am not for a moment suggesting that telling the insurers will necessarily result in a premium increase. What I am saying is that mentioning mods will likely save you hassle or even financial bankruptcy in the event of a large claim.

If you collect the bike from the dealer fitted with an headlight switch that is sanctioned by the manufacturer is it 'modified' in the first place?

I cannot speak for bikes, but in the car world, things like factory-fitted alloy wheels and nonstandard stereos have to be disclosed. Apart fro performance and safety, the "nickability" is important.

My question stands, say that I bought a bike that had been ordered fitted with a light switch and subsequently had been cancelled and put back in the showroom and when purchasing the bike the salesman had neglected to tell me that it was 'modified' in such a way. Would I be riding uninsured if it was to considered a 'modification' that had not been declared?

While I can see how fitting a light switch makes a bike more desirable I can't see it making it more likely to be stolen.

Why not tell the insurance company anyway, just to be on the safe side!

How would someone know to do that if the 'modification' was done without their knowledge?

In my experience, factory fitted items are regarded as "standard" by insurance companies as they have been tested for safety and suitability by the manufacturers. The higher insured value resulting from any options results in a higher premium which covers the extra cost of high end stereos etc.

_________________
Malcolm W.
The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not represent the views of Safespeed.

There was a program on the TV a while back following car insurance assesors in the field. There was an Escort that had been nicked and trashed that had been fited with a non-standard body kit. His claim was rejected.

BUT there was another where a 1.6 turned out to be a 1.8 (engine swap). The claim was honoured because the modification was done prior to the current owner and was sold to him as a 1.6

Just goes to show.....and worth remembering for the future.. ignorance IS an excuse!

_________________
Speed camera policy Kills

Why bother? Lights 'on' is a good thing (whilst DRL are still not compulsory on cars). There are very few situations where lights may be a disadvantage - such as riding away from a 'low' sun.

It's a pain to be forced to have them on, but that's life these days.

_________________
It's tricky doing nothing - you never know when you're finished

Strange that they'll accept my word that my CBR has an aftermarket silencer replacing the rusted-through original, but they won't take my word that it has a Thatcham-approved alarm unless I provide them with a copy of the certificate. Hmmm...

_________________
Fatshoutybloke

Lets not go there, eh?

_________________
Science won over religion when they started installing lightning rods on churches.

Yeah - probably not a good idea

_________________
It's tricky doing nothing - you never know when you're finished

I wanna go there! My Kawasaki KLV1000 is a big orange thing with four lights at the front constantly turned on and drivers have still pulled out in front of me. Pah!

I'm with you Chris; I say give me a damn light switch and make compulsory eye exams for all drivers instead.

Why should I ride something lit up like a christmas tree and wear a jacket that looks like it's on fire just so some short-sighted goof may see me?

If they hit you with your lights on and a dayglow jacket, chances are they should have an eye test.

The lights probably give the lesser experienced more of a feeling of security, which could be more dangerous actually.

How come I have never pulled out in front of anyone in 30+ years of driving and riding? I'll tell you because I use my eyes which work just fine, that's why.

Rant over Ooo, I think I went off on one there.


PS. The single most effective thing which has helped peoples awareness of me on my bike is having louder pipes, and I'm not being faticious.

Loud pipes save lives.

_________________
The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe Speed.
You will be branded a threat to society by going over a speed limit where it is safe to do so, and suffer the consequences of your actions in a way criminals do not, more so than someone who is a real threat to our society.