 Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
#2151
01/25/2005 10:18 PM
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Has anyone tried the stop light bulbs that are designed to flash rapidly when you apply brakes (safety feature)?
Sensei Keith
Dallas Texas
2004 Yellow/Black Speedmaster
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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No, but I wired up a Back-off module from Signal Dynamics to the LEDs in my license plate frame. When my rear brake switch broke (stuck on) on a road trip, it drove anyone riding behind me crazy until I disconnected the switch under the bike. But that wasn't the fault of the Back-off module.
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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I installed Tailblazer - easy plug & play - about $50. Flashes several times, then steady on - greatly increases visibility.
"Absent Brothers, You Are Not Forgotten"
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Quote:
I installed Tailblazer - easy plug & play - about $50.
Is it LED or filament? I'm wary of plunking down that kind of money for a filament flasher bulb that could 'burn out' fairly quickly.
I find it interesting that (according to the owner's manual) the SM's tail/stop bulb is rated higher than the B/BA/Thruxton. I think it's 5W/21W for the SM and 5W/12W (?) for the others.
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The tailBlazer is a 10w (or 20w) halogen bulb in a 1157-style base with the flashing electronics on a chip. If the bulb blows, it's very cheap to repair (it comes with a spare). However, I've used these for years on various bikes without ever having one fail. NOTE: On my '02 TBA, the tailBlazer DID NOT WORK correctly. Kisan was very responsive and indicated that it was likely a voltage drop problem as the electronics in the bulb base are sensitive to that. They offered to replace the unit with a "special" one-off calibrated for my bike. I declined as I'd already decided to go with the LED array discussed in this thread. I moved the tailBlazer back to one of my other bikes and it worked fine. The LED array also worked correctly in TBA right out of the box so I don't know what was up with the tailBlazer. Brent sells the tailBlazer so I assume it works on most TBA/SMs, just not mine.
Todd Richmond
Grapevine, TX USA
'78 R80 /7
'06 FJR1300A
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Quote:
I find it interesting that (according to the owner's manual) the SM's tail/stop bulb is rated higher than the B/BA/Thruxton. I think it's 5W/21W for the SM and 5W/12W (?) for the others.
That's probably a mis-print... as far as I know there's no such thing as a 5/12W bulb. 
Matt
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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You're quite right as I was trying to recall from memory. All have 5/21 at the tail, but the SM has 21W directionals while the rest have 10's. Perhaps that's a misprint?
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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I installed the turn signal conversion kit from Electrical Connection. It mounts two, LED rings around the bulb of each turn signal. They glow red during non-signal use, serve as running lights. When you apply the brakes, they glow bright red. I think it dramatically increases my presence at night and I feel much safer waiting to turn across traffic on a two-lane with folks passing around my right. Easy to install and inexpensive at $50: Turn Signal Conversion
Al
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Quote:
I installed the turn signal conversion kit from Electrical Connection.
Very nice Al. Did you order P/N 01315?
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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Check with your physician before adding high frequency flashing lights. The right frequency can trigger epyleptic seisures. It would be doubleplus ungood to be run over because your stoplight did things to the guy behind you.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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I ordered Part # 1314, believe it was for the HD Deuce. Sorry I haven't replied, my email notification is still not working. Robert promised to attend to it later next week.
Al
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Al
Now I am confused! You ordered part #1314 whereas Godspeed ordered #1315! Have you fitted it yet? Any problems?
Shaun
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
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I installed a set on a BA and a 900 T-Bird and a 1100 Shadow. The first set was on the Honda, I looked them over and said these will work on my BA and they did.
Mark
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Quote:
Quote:
I installed the turn signal conversion kit from Electrical Connection.
Very nice Al. Did you order P/N 01315?
I now have the conversion done using this ElecConnect kit. I like the results and think it is a good $50 safety improvement.
  
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Very nice! Mine are on order.
Todd Richmond
Grapevine, TX USA
'78 R80 /7
'06 FJR1300A
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Quote:
Very nice! Mine are on order.
Thanks. Aside from cost, I don't know why they don't come from the factory this way. A few install notes for ya:
--Your kit will include a pair of 3-wire pigtails containing diodes to prevent current reversing. Be sure to tug gently on the wires to make sure they are solid. One of my pigtails was loose and the wires came out (a replacement pigtail was mailed promptly).
--Use thin stiff wire (I used bolt security wire) to pull the single wire through the turn signal stalks.
--Using the supplied silicone, attach each LED ring to the white plastic plate that sits behind the turn signal bulb. The instructions say to glue it to the inside of the lens which I didn't want to do 'cause it would obscure the bulb.
--Except for the 2 T-taps (ScotchLoks) that are made to the wiring behind the license plate, make all your other connections inside the tail lamp housing itself. That way the taps are protected from the elements. It's a close fit in there, but worth the extra patience it requires.
--Use silicone dielectric grease on all connections.
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Thanks Rick. Good advise.
I'm going to solder my connections. I don't mind ScotchLoks but I prefer solder, plus my tail lamp housing is filled with my LED arrays.
I've become a big fan of the liquid heat shrink on my solder connections, BTW. It's easier to work with than the traditional stuff.
Todd Richmond
Grapevine, TX USA
'78 R80 /7
'06 FJR1300A
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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Quote:
I installed the turn signal conversion kit from Electrical Connection. It mounts two, LED rings around the bulb of each turn signal. They glow red during non-signal use, serve as running lights. When you apply the brakes, they glow bright red. I think it dramatically increases my presence at night and I feel much safer waiting to turn across traffic on a two-lane with folks passing around my right. Easy to install and inexpensive at $50:
Turn Signal Conversion
any chance this kit with work with kuryakyn's large silver bullets?
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Quote:
I'm going to solder my connections.
I agree, soldering with heat shrink wrap is the best method. I tried to do that, but found I needed a third hand and the different wire gauges (I think 16ga on the bike, 22ga on the LED leads) made soldering very frustrating for me. 
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Big Bore
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Big Bore
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Hi Rick, Here's a trick from an experienced solderer. Take a piece of heavy copper wire about 5-6" long and solder an alligator clip onto each end. Bend the wire into a wide U so the clips are parallel about 3" apart, kinda' like goalposts. Now you have a wire soldering jig. Strip each wire a 1/4" but do not twist the ends tight. Instead, fan the strands out a bit and then pinch them smooth again. This allows the strands to be far enough apart that you can interlace the strands from each wire and works great on dissimilar gauges. Get them started interlacing and then capture each wire with a clip and and work them into each other. Use your fingers to pinch and smooth the joint. You may have to push them together again and do some more smoothing. Solder them and they should look close to this: 
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Ah yes, the third hand problem. I like Phil's trick too but I already picked up a small hobby aide that consists of a pair of alligator clips on adjustable swivels that can slide on a rod. These are under a magnifing glass. I'll post of picture of this little widget tomorrow. It's small enough you can stand it up in/on what ever your working on and grab the wires to be soldered. Couldn't live without it.
Todd Richmond
Grapevine, TX USA
'78 R80 /7
'06 FJR1300A
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Big Bore
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Big Bore
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Yep, look close in the pic and you can see the base of the device Todd is talking about. Very adjustable but not real cheap. I figured I'd give the the el cheapo route! 
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Brent sells a lamp that has the flashing electronics built into the base. Has anyone tried this??
Sensei Keith
Dallas Texas
2004 Yellow/Black Speedmaster
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Quote:
Here's a trick from an experienced solderer.
Thanks for sharing your approach. Got it. Where was this stinkin' advice a few days ago?
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Quote:
I already picked up a small hobby aide
From Radio Shack? I like the magnifying glass option.
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[any chance this kit with work with kuryakyn's large silver bullets?
I'm not familiar with the Kury's you mention, but if they are of similar (or slightly smaller) diameter to the stockers, it will work. Email ElecConnec and ask for the OD of the LED ring to be sure.
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Quote:
Quote:
I already picked up a small hobby aide
From Radio Shack? I like the magnifying glass option.
That's it! I couldn't remember where that little jewel came from. Rat Shak sells it. It's worth it's weight in gold.
Todd Richmond
Grapevine, TX USA
'78 R80 /7
'06 FJR1300A
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Quote:
Brent sells a lamp that has the flashing electronics built into the base. Has anyone tried this??
See this thread from the old board.
I love those flashing bulbs from Kisan but even with their techs helping, I couldn't get it to work on my TBA.
Todd Richmond
Grapevine, TX USA
'78 R80 /7
'06 FJR1300A
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Oil Expert
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Do the turn signals give off a definite red when being used as running lights or are they orangy red. The only reason I ask is that the powers that be (safety nazi's) over here in England insist that no orange shows in what they call position lights!
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Quote:
Do the turn signals give off a definite red when being used as running lights or are they orangy red.
It's subjective, but I would argue that the red overpowers the orange a great extent. There is no mistaking that the LED's are red. There's no way you're gonna get pure red through those lenses, so your local enforcer may call you on it. I would argue anyday that tripling the rear end illumination offers far greater safety despite any red impurity. The "perfect" solution would be to install clear lenses with amber repeater bulbs.
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 Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Rick,
I didn't have the time to check the PA code yet, but there are restrictions in PA as to the type of lighting that can be used on motorcycles. ABATE is currently lobbying for changes to the law. The same holds true for reflective paint on vehicles. You can be cited for "distracting other drivers"..... May not apply to your mod, but with some of the ticket-happy gendarmes in our local boroughs, it pays to check first...
My son got a ticket last year because the license plate on his truck wasn't "horizontal".... I checked the code online and it's the law.... Pa has a lot of chicken-s*** laws like that...
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Here's the link to the code... Some of the flashing signals and mini signals would not be legal if I read this right. http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter175/s175.146.html
More flags
More fun!
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Boy, there's a ton of LD bikes that violate PA code on aux lights. I had 6 on my K1200LT...
Todd Richmond
Grapevine, TX USA
'78 R80 /7
'06 FJR1300A
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Quote:
Here's the link to the code...
Interesting that there is no requirement for turn signals. The applicable section is (e) Other required lamps. A motorcycle shall have at least one red stop lamp and no more than twoâ€â€one on each sideâ€â€on the rear of the vehicle, which shall be illuminated immediately upon application of the service brake. So we can have up to 3 stop lamps (no mention of running lamp restrictions) which is what I have. Guess I better print that out and carry with me for the roadside argument . Shucks, that also nixes any plans for neon lighting under the gas tank 
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Re: Rapid Flashing Stop Light Bulbs
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Rick
Thanks for your help on this
Shaun
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
NOTE: On my '02 TBA, the tailBlazer DID NOT WORK correctly. Kisan was very responsive and indicated that it was likely a voltage drop problem as the electronics in the bulb base are sensitive to that. They offered to replace the unit with a "special" one-off calibrated for my bike.
Me too. Kisan did send a replacement and that too did not work. Something about Vera.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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