Keeping them off your ass.

I added an extra tail/brake light on the sissy bar of my Maxim. I had seen bikes with a brake light flasher and liked the extra visibility. Over the winter I put one of these


on and wired it to the extra brake light.

Having ridden in traffic a few times I must say I like the results. Often when waiting at a light I will see drivers behind me shift into another lane - even if it results in a longer line at the light. My guess is they think it is a hazard flasher and want to go around. I seldom have anyone behind me at a traffic light.

Glad it gets their attention.

 

Thats pretty neat, Jay Leno has one similar to that on the back of his jet bike. The bike has a jet engine from a bell ranger helicopter in it and the jet exhaust is over 1200 degrees, which will melt plastic bumpers if they get to close. :twisted:

 

Looks like a realy good idea.... where ever did you find it and how much did it cost?

 

Signaldynamics

This one "may not" work with LEDs. They've got one that works with all lights for a few $$ more.

Also have head lamp modulators to make the headlight flicker during the daytime. Other cool modules for other stuff too.

 

changed

 

Wow ...
Phew ... thanks!

I clicked on the top link ... although there wasn't anything about the light-thing ... there WAS an outrageous photo of Scarlett Johansen.

Hottie!

 

Not allowed to mount those here. Only emergency vehicles can have flashing red lights and head lights.

Not allowed to mount a rear facing 12g here either.

 

changed

 

Pardon my ignorance, pray tell what is a "12g"?

 

:twisted:

12 gauge, as in shotgun. Probably the ONLY thing that would stop tailgaters here.

:twisted:

 

I think that would be 12 gauge shotgun

 

I don't think we can have the flashing red lights here in NJ either. I could be wrong though. It wouldn't be the first time.

 

How difficult is it to gather-up the component parts for one of these modules and solder one up?

For their size, I can't imagine they'd be too difficult. The blinking and timed chip is probably on-the-shelf ... right?

 

Tons of ways to go. As with any do it yourself, the price is a direct reflection of what you want for the money. However, in a general response to your question, "almost nothing". Some sort of PNP device with a switching base etc etc...

 

I remember reading that here aswell; however, I got to thinking about it and I don't think it would be a problem for use, unless you get the DOT inspection with it in.

I say this because, the old timer that taught me to ride a while back, always told me to pump my brake three or four times before I start breaking. This was simply to flash the rear light. I have just made this a habit, but a unit that does it automatically would be handy. IF... and that's a big IF... you were directly infront of a police officer and he just happened to notice and care, how does he know you didn't just pump your break manually. This makes me think that this sorta thing would be fine unless it was abused or improperly implemented (i.e. STROBE LIGHTS).

Anyway... that was totally random, but I thought of it while I was on lunch break, thought I would throw it out there for discussion.

 

Here for bikes (and cars) we have to get a check done every 6 months (or once a year for newer than 5 years) calle a warrent of fitness. They check everything works as per a set list. Also anything since '87? lights can't be changed at all (no higher watts etc.) unless Certified @ $300 and still within certian guidelines.

On a push bike you can have flashing red tail lights though, go figure!

 

Oh man... that kinda... well.. kinda blows... here in the states... we get it once.. then wham bam thank you ma'am... you're on your way.. either way... a simple double throw,double pole switch could keep you in business... switch it to regular those 2 days out of 365.. then on the way home back to flashing.... if it was something you really wanted.

 

Don't even need the switch. I put bullet connectors on mine. Plug it in between the brake light and the harness. Could unplug, plug the brake back into harness and you'd be 100% stock.

 

It works pretty well, and I should know spending all that time behind ya, Carl. I may have to look into it, just don't have a place to mount unless I removed the factory one.

I bet I could fab something up...

Good piece of gear.

 

"Not allowed to mount those here".....

We still talking about Scarlett?

 

You don't need an extra brake light, you can use the module with one light. I had already added the extra light to the sissy bar. Decided to just flash that one rather than the stock light or flashing both.

The module's not much bigger than a match box. Comes with double sided tape on it. I put it right behind the tool tray stuck to the fender. That puts it near the connector (on the 650 at least) where the brake lights plug into the harness.

 

I love mine. I have it set to strobe three times, pause, strobe three times, and then constant.
About a week after I installed it, I found myself tapping the brakes at red lights just as a heads up to those coming up from behind.
To be perfectly honest, I don't care if it's illegal or not, I'm keeping it, and I'll just pay the ticket.

 

Amen... A small, non-moving violation is totally worth it to not get run over by a dump truck driver who was trying to reach his cell phone and didn't see you slow down... (how I crashed my first bike, hopping a curb to escape)

 

Personally, I wouldn't write someone for an equipment mod that would enhance safety... unless you had a bunch of funky strobes or something. But the Michigan State Troopers are notorious for doing that. Guess they get tired of changing tires all day. :lol:

 

Law is strict here, fine is $200. Flashing light would probably distract the idiot drivers (not that they deserve to be called Drivers) who insted of stopping would probably spend those seconds thinking "eerrr, there's a funny flashing thing, oh it's a break light, I suspose I should...thud".

Emergency situation:
LEDs come on faster helping the person behind see and react faster, maybe enough to save your life. If you do the flashing mod use LEDs.

Stopped in traffic
You should be holding the front break leaver when stopped. If they don't see you with your break light on means they probably ain't gonna see it flashing as likely they are not even looking or are busy TXTing (SMS) on their cell phones! Check your mirrors, leave room in front, position bike at a slight angle to face the near side of the road (right in the US) so you can move round (remember that space?) on the inside of the stopped car infront if you have to (and have time). Right foot down, bike in first, left foot ready to change up.

Everywhere:
Watch, look, listen, make eye contact with drivers to make sure they have seen you, don't assume as you have right of way you will get right of way, ride like everyone else on the road is out to get YOU and that they are blind, wear the gear!

Ride safe.

 

I replaced my taillight bulbs with LEDs. I have the brake switch on the handlebars adjusted sensitive enough so some rapid tapping on the lever gets a strobe effect from light.

 

yeah... most states that do not allow this, I know Minnesota doesnt. and there most of its surrounding states. I guess to prevent people from immitating law enforcement.