Remember about twenty years ago when twin headlights were "banned by the EU" because a bike could be mistaken for a distant car? So now one lamp is dipped and the other main-beam. Does anyone know what the actual law is? I can't find any facts on the internet. The MOT guide suggests it would be legal to fix a bike so it has two fully functioning main/dip lights.
I was told much the same about 7 years back when I put two extra relays in (holders are there) on my Tiger 955i and it's never failed a MOT yet. Sorry, that's the best I can tell you.
As long as the extra headlamp has the correct beam pattern and is wired correctly, dipped and main beam working correctly. It wont fail an mot, vfr800,s have run 2 headlamps for years.
Bikes have been fitted with twin functioning lights for years, and still are.
There is a single headlight function on some bikes for daylight running...I think Triumph and Yamaha run singles instead of twins. I find that very confusing... But..back to your question... Looking up EEC directive 92/93/EEC (amended by 2000/73/EC)..... ...referred to dual front lights requiring them to be fitted symmetrically with the centre line of the bike, I believe. It also allows for dual functioning headlamps.
Perhaps there was some confusion with the interpretation....
Also, research in 1985 in the UK proved that two lamps and lamps over 180mm diameter have greater influence than single or smaller lamps in improving visibility to other users.
MOT guidelines for bikes:- http://www.motuk.com/bike/1-2.asp
Here's a DfT document about AHO - "Automatic Headlamp On". https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/467289/motorcycle-retailers-rules-january-2016.pdf That has a link to EU regulations on motorcycles. Directive 2009/67/EC (13 July 2009) says you can have one or two main/dip, or one dip and one main, or two dip and two main. That was superseded by Commission Directive 2013/60/EU (27 November 2013), which doesn't change much. The original directive is 93/92/EEC, not the other way round. And 2000/73/EC doesn't change it much. 93/92/EEC appears to allow twin headlights too. So the EU never banned them at all.
My link to MOT guidelines should also reassure you that twin lighting is also duly covered.
I chose my ZZR due to twin headlamps, and I've upgraded the bulbs several times. One of the best decisions I ever made. They turn night into day, with no issues at any MOTs.
Easy to blame the EU for banning stuff, I guess...
In fairness, they've done a half decent job of interpreting guidelines that were - you could say - enforced.
If you want to point the finger at any organisation for the confusing and ultimately - failure - of tougher legislation on bikes and riders to improve road safety... ...look to the World Bank.
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