Ride Light Thought

[Boston RX1]

I like it when oncoming traffic gives me the finger as to how many sleds are trailing behind. I also give the courtesy back, I know many will argue the pros and cons of this. I think it is dangerous to take your hands off of the wheel. I love the concept of the Ride Lights, but do not like the external box. Why couldn't the headlight be used for the colors? You do not use the headlight for day riding and you can't see the fingers at night. There could be a switch for colors during the day and white at night. Every sled has a headlight and very easily could conform to this safer way to sled. Just a thought.

 

[Rich Kay]

I think the placement of your idea is a better one but...... I must say this whole "light" thing is not needed and way over thought . If people would ride with there heads in the game and know they are not the only one out there and stay on there side of the trail you would not need such a thing. Playing with switches and colors only give you one more thing that may take away from the focus of riding. Most all people that see it don't what there seeing anyway and always ask, what was that ?

 

[Boston RX1]

I can't argue with you. One should always expect others coming your way. I just like to know if there are others in that group. I slow down and anticipate it until i get the fist or green light. Typically the first and the last riders do not change positions, at least in our group that is. There would be very little playing with the buttons, less than high/low lights at night. I think of all of the money we spend on mods for our snowmobiles, this would have the biggest bang safety wise for the buck.

 

[sledjunk]

But, if the ride light is integrated with the headlight, two things happen. First, you will lose the ride light at night because you will want the headlight to be white, and it will wash out the ride light if they are both on. Secondly, as a rider who usually rides either front or in the middle of the pack, I an constantly looking in my mirrors for my riders following. Without headlights, I would not see them through the snowdust. As a matter of fact, over the past two years, I have noticed that some of the new 'doos have a headlight that, while probably has great focus for lighting, is nearly impossible to see in my mirrors in any snowdust. I have asked those riders to switch to high beam, as this will not really blind anyone in daytime, and that has solved the issue.

I have ridden with ride lights of one form or another (usually DIY, but most recently Rock's RAD Light) and find them a great accessory. Just wish that there was more public education about them and wider adoption of the system.

 

[1nc 2000]

Talking with one of the local dnr officers and this is what he told me.
Don't hand signal, keep both hands on the handlebars to keep the sled under control.
Ride a snowmobile on the correct side of the trail all the time and always expect someone coming the other way any time.
He didn't think the ride lights are a good idea due to people riding unsafe.

Have you ever met a groomer on a blind curve in the daytime? When you do I hope your going slow enough to avoid it!

So keep both hands on the handlebars and ride like your going to meet yourself coming the other way!
Stay safe out there!

 

[CaptCaper]

Can't see were it's a big deal to have it on the side panel up close to the tank,windshield etc. the wiring exposed on my machines are only about 3 in and lays on the cowling. I see alot done this way. Especially Rock's.. his is small and velcros to the machine so no Ram mounting is needed and can be moved or removed.