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Fogging – Roadside Hazard Lighting

The WEB LOG entry for FarRide#13 indicated my visor/glasses fogging issue needed to be addressed in permanent way with a easily transported solution. I was initially excited about new FogCity technology, but after google searches and a bit of reading I decided that the “Optical Inserts and Pin Lock technology” was not for me at this time. Something a little simpler and more robust was needed.

Internet forums can be excellent resources. Somebody has usually had the experience you have or is dealing with the same issues. Visor and glasses fogging has been occurring for years, so many solutions abound.

FarRiders to the rescue. A forum recommendation via a link and I am off to Peter’s Safety Solutions . Home grown. Just the items I am after. FogTech and Raincoat selected. A PayPal payment and all is purchased. A prompt email confirming purchase from PayPal and then from Peter with “in the Post tomorrow and a registered post tracking number” (nice). With AusPost I expect the package promptly, early next week should be the go.

The accident scene outside of Jondaryan presented the worst visibility scenario. (See FarRide#13 WEB LOG entry)

  • Full dark
  • Rain – therefore no moon/star light and very poor visibility
  • Wet road
  • 100kph speed limit
  • two lane highway – not divided
  • limited roadside verge room
  • regular heavy vehicle traffic, B-Doubles and Road Trains prevail on the Warrego Highway

Dark clothing is the go as well with motorcyclists. Even though there is reflective parts on most modern motorcycle clothing, it is still dark. The accident scene conditions resulted in the operation of the GTR’s hazard flasher for a lengthy period of time. I left the motor idling for most of this time.

This is why -

  • The GTR only has a 14amp/hour battery
  • The fuel injection and ignition system must have sufficient current to operate properly or no start – even if you push.
  • There are 4 x 21watt indicator globes plus the flasher unit operating on average once every second
  • The ignition must be left on. Headlight does not operate, but the parking lights (front and rear 10+21 watts) come on.
  • The manual cautions about a maximum 30 minute operation or the battery will be DEAD FLAT.

I have had far to many pushing experiences with motorcycles and flat batteries. In this case the scenario of trying to push start a motorcycle under these conditions, was not appealing. Engine on was the go. Thankfully the road was not going down hill at this location, otherwise !!!!

I had intended to put a eFlare in the top case along with the other gear. I have a couple for my 4WD. They are a little bulky for the motorcycle, so in the end, I left them at home.

A mistake as it turned out. Lesson learnt and we all survived !

I have been browsing the WEB for eFlare ef300 models (amber Flash) and suction cap accessory mounts. The retail pricing of this product varies a great deal from eBay to retailers Australia wide.

As I type this BLOG entry I am in receipt of a reply from PAC FIRE Australia who are not too far away for a ride to pick up the gear. Good price quote and all I need in stock. Time for a ride.

Back from the ride. Picked up 2 x ef300  eFlares and 2 x suction cup mounts. All up $59.00. The eFlares come with a Lanyard as well. 4 x AA batteries (each) and they are flashing away. Small and very little weight, even with batteries installed. Would fit in a jacket pocket. Suction cups work fine on the fairing sides and smooth top case bits (motorcycle not meant to be ridden whilst eflare attached). Belt clip moulded fitting as well. Water proof and of tough construction.

Drop PAC FIRE some email. I enquired and they offer good freight rates as well (AusPost or Fastway Couriers).

Paul

eflar - on GTR.jpg

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