Brake Light Modulators (flashers)

[monkeystrada]

Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on brake light modulators? Do you use one and would you recommend getting one? Or are they just a gimmick?

I followed a bike with one on the other day and I thought it was pretty effective at grabbing your attention

 

[MrCods]

I personally think they are a bloody good idea, You can now buy the bulbs that are a direct replacement that flash

 

[monkeystrada]

I personally think they are a bloody good idea, You can now buy the bulbs that are a direct replacement that flash

Ah not seen those

I've just been looking at a small box solution that comes with the right connectors for your bike and just connects straight in-line to your brake light connector. Don't even have to tap the wires

 

[MrCods]

Ah not seen those

I've just been looking at a small box solution that comes with the right connectors for your bike and just connects straight in-line to your brake light connector. Don't even have to tap the wires

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-FLASHING-BRAKE-LIGHT-1157-CLEAR-TAIL-LIGHT-BULB-/280894551540

 

[monkeystrada]

Ah it looks like those ones just flash the entire time the brakes are on? I spose its a quite cheap way to get the job done, but I reckon the constant flashing could be pretty annoying and even distracting to those behind.

The ones I've been looking at have a "brain" with algorithms programmed in which decide when to flash and when not to. i.e it flashes on the initial brake, but then if you sit in traffic with the brake held it wont keep flashing. And various other situations like if you keep applying small dabs of brakes

Also they have an "off" mode so when you go for your MOT you don't have to change a bulb back to standard

 

[MrCods]

Ah it looks like those ones just flash the entire time the brakes are on? I spose its a quite cheap way to get the job done, but I reckon the constant flashing could be pretty annoying and even distracting to those behind.

The ones I've been looking at have a "brain" with algorithms programmed in which decide when to flash and when not to. i.e it flashes on the initial brake, but then if you sit in traffic with the brake held it wont keep flashing. And various other situations like if you keep applying small dabs of brakes

Also they have an "off" mode so when you go for your MOT you don't have to change a bulb back to standard

I was told they flash 4 times then remain on till you release the brake?
Or that may have been the dearer version I saw? I will try to find the ones I saw before and post link

 

[MrCods]

Found some
http://www.amazon.com/Putco-235157R-Hyper-Flash-Brake/dp/B003I4X4AS


http://www.ebay.com/itm/235157R-Putco-LED-Hyper-Flash-1157-Bulb-Red-/400631570159

 

[monkeystrada]

Found some
http://www.amazon.com/Putco-235157R-Hyper-Flash-Brake/dp/B003I4X4AS


http://www.ebay.com/itm/235157R-Putco-LED-Hyper-Flash-1157-Bulb-Red-/400631570159

wow $80 for a bulb!? Gonna be an expensive repair when they blow! lol

The boxes I've been looking at are about £30 for the self-wire-in type, a bit more for the plug-n-play ones

 

[MrFalloffalot]

Ok so it was ona Goldwing, but i was approaching a Red light (im ina Car), night, fine weather and PLENTY of stopping room. As i get closer to the lights i noticed this 'Flashing' red light, i get a little mesmarised with the 'Pretty Flashing'...AND THEN REALISE ITS A BIKE AND JAMM THE BRAKES ON (NO SKID THO).

Thats my ONLY issue with them, ive heard one or two ppl who think the same, But atleast they work, as all of us were drawn to look, obviously as intended.

I have seen Head-light flasher units, allways wanted that sort, to troll the cars thinkn ima Cop lol
> : )

 

[LIvlogs]

I'd never personally get one but they do work. I always see them on gold wings and various other cruiser bikes.

 

[O8ride]

Was just at my local bike mechanic and, while waiting to get my main bulb replaced, was reading the documentation on the wall in relation to lights MOT fails and rejects.

In UK these flashing brake bulbs are illegal and you will fail your MOT and be a magnet for cops. Sorry.

 

[monkeystrada]

Was just at my local bike mechanic and, while waiting to get my main bulb replaced, was reading the documentation on the wall in relation to lights MOT fails and rejects.

In UK these flashing brake bulbs are illegal and you will fail your MOT and be a magnet for cops. Sorry.

I guess thats why the plug-in module types have a "bypass" mode so you can quickly revert it back to normal operation for your MOT

And I reckon any sensible traffic copper wouldn't have an issue with a biker doing something to make himself more visible, as long as it doesn't affect other road users. So while not technically legal, I doubt you would ever have a problem

 

[monkeystrada]

Went ahead and got one of the plug-in module type ones. Will report back when I've installed it...

 

[Shirou]

I don't get the point to flashers and headlight modulators. I did a test run simply pulsing my brakes and people don't know how to respond to something like that. It's supposed to get more attention? Well, it fails to do that. There's a reason flashing brake lights are illegal, because brake lights are not supposed to be flashing. Only turn signals flash.