I was riding down the interstate on a drizzly night a coouple days ago. Saw something very faint in the lane ahead of me. Turned out to be a motorcycle w/ a weak or dirty tail light. It got me to thinking, "How visible am I from the rear at night?"
I see lots of brake light midulators and leds for brake lights and/or turn signals. These are good, but I'm looking for more visibility when I'm not braking or turning. I looked at leds for the license, but am wondering what other options I have to increase the brightness of my tail light (and still be legal( or to increase visibility form the rear at night. Any ideas or suggestions? BTW, I ride a Super Glide without any type of touring pack. TIA, Art
-

 

Art

I believe the led's are brighter but only so when viewed directly from the rear, off to the side a bit and the brightness fades. Maybe a high intensity bulb for the rear would do the trick, or you can use a set of deuce rear blinkers ( low profile) with red lended added to the fender under the stockers wired into the tail light circuit for more visability. Some run into problems with the extra draw caused by the extra lights, but usually a load equalizer will help here.

There have been a few that used a unit that twirls the led's in the tail light but from what I gather, those units tend to fixate peoples attention and could end up in being rear ended.

 

I just upgraded all my rear lights with LED's....They are bright! I turned my turn signals into running, turn and stoplights as well, I also have a unit on my main brake light and fender marker light that pulses the brake light when the brake is applied. I bought all my stuff from Custom Dynamics which is advertised on this forum.....wasn't cheap, but I have been paid many compliments on the visibilty factor....I am impressed with the results.

Tobster (02 EG Classic)

 

I just did what tobster did with the Kuryakyn LED taillight, turnsignal conversion (turn, stop, tail), and pulsing brake light (3 flashes-then on steady) and is a big improvement over the single tailight and turnsignals only.

 

I too did the same thing that Tobster and Boatman-Kuryakyn Panacea Deluxe Taillight with front and rear turnsignals. They are very bright and the flashing taillight with turnsignal/running lights really get your attention. Converting the turnsignals into running lights is a big plus for visibility, even when not braking.

M&M Cycle: $292.00
List: $359.00



Terry

 

When I bought my heritage I had them put the lights that fit inside the backrest bar for additional viewing for people behind me. I also had the lighted footboard covers put on for the same reason. Just want to be visible to the cagers that arent paying attention. The light in the backrest also lights up with the brake light also.

 

An alternate "route" towards increased visibility at night is a reflective vest. The one below has a lot of reflective material on it for night operations. Both the silver stripe and the HD logo are reflective.


Here is the sales pitch from the HD page...

Conspicuity Vest

Shines brighter than chrome. Reflective nylon Bar & Shield vest fits over riding gear. Adjustable sides for secure fit. Reflective tape and Bar & Shield on front and back for added visibility.

98172-02V


MSRP US $35.00


Edmo

[IMG]local://upfiles/1690/5C2C2C638C284F60B20BA7259D6FCCB0.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/1690/5429D0E928024566AD22360C1AA80D0F.jpg[/IMG]

 

I have to wear a reflective vest to get on and off the military base...I wear a yellow mesh with reflective tape. That black looks like it would be HOT during the day here in the desert.

Mac