Lights Deflectors For Riding In Europe

[gazcoo]

Hi All


I noticed in the manual for my 2010 RT that it states that you should not use ordinary headlight beam deflectors.  I was just wondering what you all use for driving a UK bike in Europe.


Thanks


Gazcoo

[guest2360]

In my case for years and years of Europe tours, nothing.  BMW will supply you with a template to make the necessary mask for the 05 to 13 light.  Seem  to remember it costs the earth and you still have to find the right stuff to stick to the glass. Easiest answer is get an LC with DRL.

[JonA]

I don't do anything to my '05 RT either - just get over there any enjoy the open roads 

[Casbar]

In my case for years and years of Europe tours, nothing.  BMW will supply you with a template to make the necessary mask for the 05 to 13 light.  Seem  to remember it costs the earth and you still have to find the right stuff to stick to the glass. Easiest answer is get an LC with DRL.

Don't you go out in the dark then 

[David.]

This thread may be helpful, https://1200rt.com/index.php?topic=1094.msg6392#msg6392

[guest2360]

Don't you go out in the dark then 
Nope. Just cannot remember being on tour and getting so lost it was dark before I got there.

[JonA]

My HIDs are so bright it doesn't matter which way they're pointing 

[Stratman]

Bikes don't need deflectors IIRC

http://www.drive-france.com/faqs/motorcycling-france/

[guest2360]

Bikes don't need deflectors IIRC
http://www.drive-france.com/faqs/motorcycling-france/

Lots of wrong advice on that link. Doesn't tie up at all with the AA and  RAC .
Only safe option is to get off Eurotunnel and ride east for a few miles.

[Cleverbee]

I've never encountered any problems, but unless you ride as straight as an arrow, beam deflectors are a waste of time for a bike.  Let's face it, the amount of pot holes, drain covers etc that we swerve to avoid negates beam deflectors anyway !

[slparry]

Tagging onto this thread, does the 2014 R1200RT LE LC require light deflectors for travelling into Europe from the UK?

[Steve F]

If the bike has the DRLs fitted, then that solves the problem of daylight hours riding, doesn't it?

[gogs01]

Here's what I did for my 2010 then 2013 (pre-LC) headlights :
I bought a headlamp protector, copied the template from the BMW workshop manual, and painted it onto the headlamp protector. Stuck it on to the headlamp with the velcro tabs and you have a headlight without the dazzle for European drivers. It does no harm in daylight in Europe or UK and once back home you can remove the protector or replace it with a clear one.
As for the 2014 - on models, am I not correct in believing that they have flat beams and therefore do not require any alteration for travel in Europe ?
DRLs are all I would normally need on my foreign trips, but I have been caught out and spent the last couple of hours before arriving at my hotel on dark, unfamiliar roads (and headlights are needed in tunnels) so we should try to avoid dazzling on-coming drivers.
One of my pet hates is being dazzled by vehicles with badly set super bright HID lights .....

[David.]

I bought a headlamp protector, copied the template from the BMW workshop manual, and painted it onto the headlamp protector. Stuck it on to the headlamp with the velcro tabs. Once back home you can remove the protector.

Ditto for me, on a 2010 & 2012 RT, although I took the Blue Peter approach & used sticky back black plastic & a pair of Val's old knickers.