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Buell Forum » 1125R Superbike Board » Archive through January 20, 2012 » LED rear light, anybody tried these ?? « Previous Next »

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Avalaugh
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 05:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=2 50888599359&kw=250888599359

Look good for the price ! Anyone have any further info on these please ?
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Jules
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 06:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have the LED "integrated" taillight on mine, been on there for 18 months and still working so that's good :-)

You may need a "friendly" MOT test station, in theory they are legal in the UK, but in practise many MOT stations aren't happy that they are wide enough apart.

I still have the stock indicators on too - I bought the integrated light after a spate of failed rear indicators (OEM).
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Zac4mac
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 06:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have been running Robert Hall's (XBLights.com) integrated TS/Run/Brake for well over 20k miles on Loretta.
Flawless and very bright.

I would avoid the cheap units like Clear Alternative etc.



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Avalaugh
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 09:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks guys, Zac has lorretta gone now ? If not fancy selling your tail light : )
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Rogue_biker
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 11:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I bought the one from American Sportbike (not the OEM but the aftermarket Ecliptech brand) on my 1125R and my Firebolt. They are sturdy, work very well, easy to install, and reliable. I think I paid $100+ for them. I also bought the clear tail light lens to go with them. Looks great on the 1125R since these bikes come with clear LED turn signals.
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Craigsmoney
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 11:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have one that I bought from a guy in Quebec Canada, it looks great and is brighter than oem. I'd make sure it comes with the clear lens. That will make a world of difference.

Good luck
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Syonyk
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 11:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

IMO the XBLights tail lights for the Buells are the best option out there, and anything else is an inferior alternative.

The XBLights are *insanely* bright - many of the other LED units I've seen aren't visible with bright sun coming down on the tail section.

They're worth every penny. I've noticed a significant reduction in tailgaters on the highway on both of my bikes when I switched to the XBLight with the flasher module.
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Dhays1775
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 12:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I had the xblights with integrated signals on my XB12R. When I got the 1125CR, I swapped it in. Absolutely love it. Also wired in a brake light modulator that I got from Al at American Sport Bike.
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Froggy
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 01:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I also have the XBlights units on both of my bikes, they truly are fantastic.
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Timebandit
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 02:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I took the low-tech / cheap alternative. I just removed the P21/5W and replaced it with an 1157 so the running light would be brighter.
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Sportster_mann
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 03:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

For less than a fiver you could just buy an LED brake light bulb from Ebay ...

... not strictly legal, but then again, neither is a tail light with integrated indicators !

Or you could just order one from a dealer as 2010 Buells came with one as standard - but you will need to change the connector.
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Avalaugh
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 03:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I want to loose my stocker indicators so will need a specialist unit, the XBLIGHT's product does look and is great, but pricey plus i'd have to pay import duty ontop.
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Timebandit
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 03:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

for those of you who are worried about visibility there's another cheap option: just re-wire the rear turn signals through a NC relay so that they're always on, and use the turn signal circuit to power the relay to pulse them off instead of on when the turn signal is activated.

the result would be yellow running lights that are always on, but still blink when you activate the turn signals. the combination of 2 yellow running lights and a brighter tail/stop lamp really helps with night time visibility.

of course, it doesn't get you that clean look that you get when you strip off the taillamps.
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Sportster_mann
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 04:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Avalaugh - found these pearls of wisdom regarding the MOT -

quote:

MOTORCYCLE STOP LAMPS

Your motorbike’s stop lamp must emit only a steady red light
It must light immediately once the switch(es) is pressed and switch off when released
It should not be adversely affected by any other lamp
It must be securely attached to the bike and not flicker when tapped
Both brakes must operate the stop lamp unless the the was manufactured with only one switch




quote:

MOTORCYCLE INDICATORS

Indicators must be fitted to a motorcycle and emit only orange light
They must flash on and off, not just dim and brighten
They must flash between 60 and 120 times per minute
They must be visible when riding or have a functioning idiot light
They must be securely fitted and so must the switch
They must not be adversely affected by the operation of another lamp or the horn




From here -

http://mot.fasttrackmotorcycles.co.uk/tag/indicato rs/
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Zac4mac
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 07:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sportster_mann - XBLights unit does all that in spades.
I've seen the Clear Alt units and they're a joke.
I ride like I'm invisible but I want people behind me to see me before I have to do something weird.

I can't imagine anyone unhappy with one of Robert's lights.
Not only are they insanely bright, they are built better than anything I've seen in 35 years of working on electronics.
I'm really not a shill, but ... I love the light.

Zack
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Ratbuell
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 09:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have the factory '10 light on my CR, and I love it.

That said, I won't ever go with integrated signals. Its just...visibility for me. I like the "brainless" approach (and visibility) of a separate signal. I've been behind bikes with integrated LED lights, and caught myself thinking "wow...that's kinda cool..." - instead of thinking "hey , stop before you hit the bike!".

And I'd rather not have a cager go through the same process behind me.

Just my .02.
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Timebandit
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 10:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

i had a similar experience to Ratbuell's.

i remember the first time i saw blinking LED marker lights hooked up to a brake system. i was following a HD who had some of those LED marker lamps that flickered rapidly when he hit the brakes. I also watched them, not even thinking about stopping, sort of mesmerized by the novelty instead of realizing those lights were supposed to be telling me to stop.

i prefer a large surface area that lights up brightly and stays lit. something annoyingly bright. the new Cadillac taillights are really annoying. they make you stay back because they burn your retinas. if you've ever followed one in a nighttime traffic jam you know what i mean.

what i really want is pulsing strobe (like you'd find on a fire truck) to get cagers' attention when i hit the brakes, but unfortunately that would be illegal and I'm sure it would bring plenty of tickets. (the US DOT regs say that the "on" part of the flashing lamp's duty cycle has to be 50% -- a lot longer than a strobe pulse.)
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Dannybuell
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 - 11:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Timebandit ...they burn your retinas...LOL

I will flash my headlights when I want some assurances. As a driver I have experienced headlight modulators, they work well waking you up to an oncoming bike.

http://www.google.com/#q=motorcycle+headlight+modu lator&hl=en&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u& sa=X&ei=fikFT-eIG-TMiQKDndmvDg&ved=0CHoQrQQ&bav=on .2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=ffb2d43fe4e10fef&biw=11 06&bih=708
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Ratbuell
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2012 - 08:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

For the flashing brake lights...I do have those on two of my bikes. In ADDITION to steady-on brakelights.

The Ulysses is the most complex. I added an LED strip in the top case, wired to brakelights. I removed the tag light and replaced it with a Whelen TIR-3 emergency light, wired to brakelights (and moved tag illumination to the LED bolt-lights). I have the topcase and the factory brakelight wired to a flasher, so they strobe at something like 120FPM (flashes per minute). FAST. More of a vibration than a flash. The TIR-3? Steady-on, and it is bright enough that I almost feel guilty using the brakes at night.

Almost.

The S2, I just have a 2-channel wig-wag flasher built into the factory housing. Step on the brakes, and I have a 120FPM left-right-left-right flasher in addition to the stock brake light. Not terribly bright, but gives a sense of "look at me" to the drivers behind, and being right next to the bright brakelight...well...so far, they're working : )
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Timebandit
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2012 - 12:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've talked about visibility enhancement lights on bikes with a number of law-enforcement officers. I was surprised to learn how off-base their understanding of the lighting laws seemed to be. Most of them misunderstood the US-DOT regs relating to motorcycles and were inclined to improperly issue tickets. To wit:

1. Most of them thought that a headlight modulator was illegal.

2. All of them thought that wig-wag light setups were only legal on police/emergency vehicles.

3. All of them thought that flashing brake lights were illegal.

4. Many of them said they'd ticket a MC for any of these "offenses", though some of them said they'd think twice about giving a MC a ticket if the rider told them that he wasn't trying to look like a police/emergency vehicle, that his enhanced lighting setup was only facing the rear, and he was only trying to increase his nighttime visibility so that he didn't get rear-ended and killed.

So I showed them the US-DOT vehicle lighting regs.

1. Headlight modulators are totally legal during daylight hours. They were wrong on this one.

2. Wig-Wag signalling lamp setups are indeed legal on privately owned vehicles. They are not police-only. Or, at least I couldn't find such a prohibition in the DOT regs. State laws might differ. They were wrong on this one too.

3. US-DOT regs state that flashing brake lights are illegal. They were right on this one and most MC riders are wrong. The DOT regs clearly state that the TAIL LAMP and STOP LAMP have to be illuminated and STAY illuminated during a stop. Additional marker lamps may be flashed for signalling purposes, but the vehicle's original DOT-approved stop lamp cannot be modified to flash.

I was pretty surprised by this, so I thought I'd pass it along. It sounds like the "best legal approach", based on the DOT regs, is to leave the stop lamp illuminated while braking, while adding on accessory lights and flashing them. Almost forgot -- the flash frequency has to be between 60 and 120 flashes/minute, and the bulb-on period has to be no less than 50% of the flash interval.

If anyone wants to look this stuff up, the DOT regs are codified in 49 CFR Chapter V. I looked at the update published 1-1-10.
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Syonyk
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2012 - 01:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Huh. I did not realize that a flashing brake light was illegal.

Oh well. Nobody's complained so far, and I've noticed a big improvement in cars not tailgating on the highway.

Easy enough to bypass if I need to do so at some point.

At least around here, the cops don't seem to care what you do on a motorcycle if you're not being incredibly stupid.
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Timebandit
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2012 - 02:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It used to be that to get a ticket, you had to piss off a cop.

Around here I've noticed that ticketing has become more aggressive in an effort to raise revenues. Now they're looking for all sorts of little things that they never bothered with before. Everyone is hungry for money.

(Message edited by timebandit on January 05, 2012)
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