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Flashing brake light module - which one?

Enchanter said:
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?
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First responders- 'cause they can and its required by law. Funny California detail- the code requires "at least one solid (not flashing) forward facing red light" to go code 3... and of course they typically go far beyond that. No other state requires that solid red.

Me- I added a rear facing (right above the brake light) red LED made by Whelan (makes all the police and fire stuff) to all my bikes since about 2002. It came on whenever either brake was applied and the pattern was a three flashes, go solid for 2 seconds, then off for a second- rinse/repeat. I fed it from the brake light circuit, so nothing extra for me to do- it came on when I braked/off when I wasn't. Buddies wanted one too, so I put maybe a half dozen on other guy's (and one gal's) bikes over the years. Nowadays the choices are endless for LED lights, patterns and colors by a dozen or more manufacturers. I think the most common now is white, the off-road industry has gotten all into light ahead, light downward/sides, chase lights, puddles lights, edge lights, light lights lights for everything.

Many (many) moons ago I had an RLS (red light siren) shop and outfitted police cars, ambulances, fire engines, etc. with all that stuff for about 3 years, then sold the business.
 
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I'm not a fan of headlight or taillight modulators, but they do draw attention (which is the point, I guess.)
I have used Signal Dynamics products and have found them to be of high quality.
These are my lane splitting lights... probably not legal.
 
Das MotorRad said:
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
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Sort of- flashing is wanted to get attention- but the eye doesn't track that as well as solid lights. The perfect mix is flash then go solid. Newest stuff by the big dog makers is dimming lights. Bright as they can enroute, but put it in park and they all go to 50% and stop flashing- replaced with what I'd call a wave of low to medium up/down.

The other latest is they sync all the police cars on scene- so they all flash the same lower wave effect together, I like the dimmer on scene as folks lookie-louing the crash can still see the cops and firemen standing around- with a zillion LED's going full blast, ya can't see shit. Same for the scene workers- then can see what they are doing better.
 
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that first responders have flashing lights because they draw attention to the vehicle.

It may come as no surprise that CA has specific requirements for brake light modulators regarding flash rate and that the brake light must not flash continuously.
 
NorCalBusa said:
Is there empirical data that shows the efficacy of modulating motorcycle headlights? Please share.
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I can share my anecdotal evidence from splitting lanes for 51 miles each way 3 days a week for ten years.

Most noticed: Suzuki Burgman 650 with modulated headlight
Second most noticed: Yamaha FJR1300 with driving lights on the forks aimed at mirror height
Third most noticed: Harley Dyna with shorty pipe and Moon's headlight
Fourth most noticed: KTM 890AdvR (factory lights)
Least noticed: Triumph Street Triple R (factory lights)

On the Burgman, the split lane opens like the Red Sea parting thanks to the headlight modulator. It's noticeably improved vs. the other bikes.
 
Back to brake lights. I have a Clearwater Billie rear light. Not cheap and you need a Clearwater Canopener if you have BMW and want plug and play.

I have a 2020 BMW S1000XR. Turn indicators are also tail and brake lights. Not sure how that got by DOT. The Billie gave me a center rear brake light flashing and BRIGHT.
 
Lucytriple said:
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.
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Out of curiosity is there a headlight modulator available for a 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa?
I’ve done some research and can’t find anything.
Please don’t spend any time investigating if you don’t already know.
 
Why can't I think of the product that was invented by a Barfer?
It's a brake lamp on your helmet that's activated by inertia.
Such a damn good idea.
 
greenmonster said:
Out of curiosity is there a headlight modulator available for a 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa?
I’ve done some research and can’t find anything.
Please don’t spend any time investigating if you don’t already know.
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Your 'Busa's faster than the speed of light.
It's gonna outrun that poor little modulator.
 
gixxerjeff said:
Why can't I think of the product that was invented by a Barfer?
It's a brake lamp on your helmet that's activated by inertia.
Such a damn good idea.
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Brake Free

Black Brake Free USB-C

Upgrade your safety with Brake Free, the wireless LED helmet brake light that instantly enhances motorcycle visibility. No apps or wires needed – this helmet-mounted light fits all helmet types and detects braking in real-time. Ride with confidence, day or night, and stand out on the road.
www.brakefreetech.com
 
Enchanter said:
Brake Free

Black Brake Free USB-C

Upgrade your safety with Brake Free, the wireless LED helmet brake light that instantly enhances motorcycle visibility. No apps or wires needed – this helmet-mounted light fits all helmet types and detects braking in real-time. Ride with confidence, day or night, and stand out on the road.
www.brakefreetech.com
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Got one but returned it. Nice unit but I noticed the weight right away and riding nakeds with a 70 yo neck at 70+mph I could tell the difference. Or any speed. YMMV...
 
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