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Flashing brake light module - which one?

greenmonster

greenmonster

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 7, 2013
Location
Pleasanton
Moto(s)
2022 Suzuki Hayabusa
Name
Ed
I want to add one of those modules to the brake light that flashes the lights a few times, then goes solid to attract attention. But which one?

Healtech has one but there others . They seem easy to install and come with different flashing modes.
My bike has LED lights by the way.

Ideas?
 
I’d go with the products from Signal Dynamics.

And get a headlight modulator as well. It will greatly improve your daytime visibility.
 
ST Guy said:
I’d go with the products from Signal Dynamics.

And get a headlight modulator as well. It will greatly improve your daytime visibility.
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I didn’t know about headlight modulators but they sound like good idea.
I assume they aren’t annoying to oncoming drivers?
I’ll check out Signal Dynamics.
Thanks
 
I’m surprised that you don’t know about headlight modulators. They are extremely good at getting you noticed. Since they are used only in the daytime, they don’t bother any other people on the road. People who are against their use are completely clueless.
And they are legal to use in all 50 states.
 
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And they come with a sensor that will shut off the modulation when it becomes too dark to use.

And did I mention their use will greatly extend the life of your headlight bulbs. The filament never goes full bright, nor does it go full off.
 
Is there empirical data that shows the efficacy of modulating motorcycle headlights? Please share.
 
NorCalBusa said:
Is there empirical data that shows the efficacy of modulating motorcycle headlights? Please share.
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Not that I've been able to find in my 36 years of teaching motorcycle safety.

In my experience, I've been given more room. More room when splitting. More room when cars have an opportunity to change lanes into my lane. More room when cars want to cross my path (left or right across my path. I had an FZR 400 with a headlight modulator, and a 900RR without. Both had stock exhausts, both had dual headlights. I rode them equally for 3-4 years. Back to back. In the SC mountains, and commuting on surface streets and freeways. I didn't alter my riding style when I rode one vs the other. I noticed that I was given more space on the FZR with the modulator. One of my current bikes has a fairly small headlight, and I've been casually looking for a modulator. I think I'll try harder.

I don't think it matters, but the FZR was physically smaller and black. The 900rr was white with red and blue accents.
 
Note that modulators do not switch the highbeam off then on, they vary the power to the headlight to a max of 70%. I can't remember the minimum. I think some now pulse the lowbeam and others the highbeam, never both.
 
Yep, I’m not aware of any empirical data that proves they work. Much of it will become obvious when you use one. And my experience proves that they are extremely effective. My experience mirrors that of Enchanter’s.

While one should not just mindlessly depend on them, they are a really great tool to have in your “toolbox” to keep you safe.

I consider them to be better than high vis gear.
 
Enchanter said:
Not that I've been able to find in my 36 years of teaching motorcycle safety.
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And therein lies the obvious issue. If they measurably worked- the manufacturer and NHTSA/CHP would be screaming it from the mountain tops. Anything else is anecdotal, but likely have some sort of "cool" factor. I dig flashing lights, lots of them- just don't make claims of what they do or do not do.
 
There are plenty of reasons there is no empirical data to back them up. First and foremost is the extreme difficulty in doing such a study.

But from my practical experience, over many thousands of miles, I can assure you that they do work. And rather well.

Not everything needs empirical data before you adopt its use.
 
i found at least one study after a quick google showing efficacy but i'm too busy to cite my sources right now
 
What brand do you recommend?

Also, I have an LED headlight ( and tail lights too) which may make a difference.

I’ll do some searching myself tonight.
 
NorCalBusa said:
And therein lies the obvious issue. If they measurably worked- the manufacturer and NHTSA/CHP would be screaming it from the mountain tops. Anything else is anecdotal, but likely have some sort of "cool" factor. I dig flashing lights, lots of them- just don't make claims of what they do or do not do.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I understand what you’re saying. I really do. Have you ever ridden with one? Have you ever intentionally and manually flashed your brake lights in an effort to increase your visibility? This is just a variation of that.

Somewhat tongue in cheek: Why do first responder lights flash? Is there a study that proves their effectiveness?
 
flashing lights draw more attention than static lights, for better or for worse. it can be worse, if a drunk driver gets fixated on them
 
I install a lot of the Healtech units. They’re good, with mostly fairly simple installations and they support their products. Make sure you get to their own site and pick the right unit for your bike.
 
Never heard of Healtech but if their products are good, they install easily, and they have good support, why not?
 
Also note whether you have to do some wiring or simply plug and play.
 
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