Author Topic: Speaking of LEDs... (Read 2607 times)

Desolation Angel · « **on:** May 18, 2006, 11:39:03 AM »

Couple of years ago I picked up some trick LEDs for my taillight. They're round and when just cruising they do some cool sort of spinning thing, but when you put on the brakes they flash rapidly.

Like I said, they look cool, but after one time out with them I took them out. I was afraid they weren't attention-getting enough when braking because even though they flash, they don't get brighter like normal taillights.

You guys use 'em? I really dig the spinning thing while riding. I know they're not legal. My initial thought when I got them was that they would make me stand out more in the dark. A safety plus! But I'm not sure how a vehicle behind me would interpret the flashing when I put on the brakes.

Anyway, the other LED thread made me think of the things.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 18, 2006, 02:08:35 PM »

Just my $.02... The guy I used to ride with all the time had a Superhawk with trick LED integrated, flashy, blinky things for tail lights. He's a more experienced rider than me and had a much bigger bike so he usually led. I BEGGED him to change the things. I almost rammed him several times when I was following him (prob too fast and too close) on roads I didn't know. Brakes? Turnsignal? Funny flashy thingy? Not sure. SHIT! I'm far from a stickler for the rules (state inspection on a bike? You need one of those? Really????) but IMO, there's a reason the things are not legal.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 18, 2006, 02:09:19 PM »

Now get back to work, Jim! Oh... I mean Herb!

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #3 on:** May 18, 2006, 02:26:26 PM »

Quote from: PitterB4

Now get back to work, Jim! Oh... I mean Herb!

Now wait just a goll durn minute there, little cowpoke! That ain't even funny! You can question my sanity and you can question my genetics, but you DON'T confuse me with some bleedin' heart liberal tundra walker!

curiousmike · « **Reply #4 on:** May 18, 2006, 02:56:43 PM »

I'm a bit slow, but I finally discovered why my ABS idiot light was throwing an error code on my Bandit.

The previous owner had replaced the stock brake light with an LED; the ABS error code said brake light bad... but it was working.

I replaced the LED brakelight with a 1157 bulb, and two things:
1. The error code vanished
2. The running light/brake light was much brighter.

My limited experience with them tells me they're not as bright as a conventional bulb.

IcyChaos · « **Reply #5 on:** May 19, 2006, 04:55:58 AM »

By your description it sounds like the exact same bulbs my friend has on his ninja. 2 bulbs that spin non stop, and flash when braking. anyhow they are never synced up, but the worst is its so distracting in general, that when he finally brakes you don't notice it. You get zoned out, and try to ignore the spinning brakes, so when he finally stops and they flash, you don't notice it. Mainly because they aren't any brighter when braking...

I've never rammed him, or got that close, but the lights drive me crazy. I would suggest against them for that reason.