signal/running lights

[jacksgp]

Hey fellows..need a little info if you can

I,m looking for a replacement for my tail/brake light, something that will wake up the cagers. I have read about the kissan signalminder lights and they are probally what I will buy.
Any other brands/makes?
Do they allow you to use to use signal lights as running lights? Is that a good idea?
Are some lights easier to install than others?
Best place to buy these products on the web?

Sorry for all the questions, Thanks!

[ruddy]

Check out Hyperlites http://www.hyperlites.com/. Low current draw and they definitely get attention.

[brem]

I bought a Brake! LED replacement last year and it's excellent. Does the flashy thing for 1.5 seconds and it's distinctly brighter. I have heard tell that they're getting hard to find, but if you happen to find someplace that has one I highly recommend it. Doesn't address the signal light issue though.

[duckdave]

The Kisan signalMinder does indeed do what you suggest---turn your signal lamps into running lamps. You can toggle them Off, On-Low Intensity or On-Higher Intensity easily on-the-fly. Here is a post with the gory details, including installation observations:
http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13912

When I shopped, the Brake! LEDs were also highly recommended. I opted not to buy them b/c it seemed the company was going out-of-business, or at least struggling. No one seemed to be able to contact them, including me. Still, they were (are) quite liked, so I hope the company makes a comeback.

The signalMinder is supposed to do something somewhat similar to Hyperlites (flash extra lights when brake applied), but the "feature" is awkward to turn on/off on the RR w/ABS (the problem is described in the thread listed above). Several people expressed concerns that flashing turn-signal lights might be mistaken for, well, turn signals. Even the guy I talked to from Kisan said a lot of people don't like this particular feature. Even without this feature, the signalMinder does what it is supposed to do and does it well. I am satisfied.

The signalMinder is easy to install. Be sure to run the auxillary wire to the brake lights. Well worth the little extra work. I bought mine directly from Kisan via the internet. The transaction went smoothly, the product was delivered quickly. They are available on the phone, and via email, to help you with questions.

Still, the next safety feature I add to my bike is likely to be the Hyperlites. I've seen them in action, and they too do what they are supposed to do---they get your attention when the brake is applied---and there is no mistaking them for turn signals.

[jacksgp]

Thanks guys for the great advice. I,m leaning toward a hyperlight on the licence plate bracket along with a signalminder for running lights and turn signal cancellations. Thanks Again!

[ruddy]

Thanks guys for the great advice. I,m leaning toward a hyperlight on the licence plate bracket along with a signalminder for running lights and turn signal cancellations. Thanks Again!

That's the combination I'm running, and it works great. If you add a headlight modulator http://www.comagination.com/modulator.htm and a pair of Motolights http://www.motolight.com/ you'll definitely be a LOT more visible.

[Buckster]

I have them both and like them very much. I couldn't tell you about installation because I bought the bike with them already installed.

[Boxer Briefs]

Kisan also makes a product called the tailBlazer. A "plug & play" brake light replacement which flashes when the brakes are applied.

http://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=3

[vegas_rider]

Kisan also makes a product called the tailBlazer. A "plug & play" brake light replacement which flashes when the brakes are applied.

http://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=3

has anyone used this yet and could chime in with some feedback? this looks like it would be less work thna a hyperlites install, but i think the hyperlites in tandem with the stock brakelight would be more effective since the hyperlites are LED. they're about the same price...is there a good link on here anywhere for the hyperlites install?

[challey]

I have both the SM and a set of hyperlites. I use only the hyperlites because PA does not allow the use of yellow running lights and I never got around to replacing the bulbs and lenses with red. I'm happy with the hyperlites though.

As for installation, the basic SM is a plug-n-play - remove the old flasher unit and connect the SM. If you want to use the suspend feature of the SM (the signal timer is off when the brakes are engaged), you will need to tap into the brake light circuit. It's a pretty easy job.

The hyperlites are a bit more work but still less than an hour to install. The kit comes with the proper hardware to simply plug things into the rear light holder.

Charlie

[vegas_rider]

I have both the SM and a set of hyperlites. I use only the hyperlites because PA does not allow the use of yellow running lights and I never got around to replacing the bulbs and lenses with red. I'm happy with the hyperlites though.

As for installation, the basic SM is a plug-n-play - remove the old flasher unit and connect the SM. If you want to use the suspend feature of the SM (the signal timer is off when the brakes are engaged), you will need to tap into the brake light circuit. It's a pretty easy job.

The hyperlites are a bit more work but still less than an hour to install. The kit comes with the proper hardware to simply plug things into the rear light holder.

Charlie

do the hyperlites just piggyback off the taillight electronics? would you be able to hook up some pics???

[bimrluvr]

I have the signal minder, 3-way hyperlights and the BMW version of the Brake! They all play nice together and are easy installs. Add to that a topcase with a brake and running light built in and I'm easily mistaken for an 18-wheeler from the rear
Seriously though, the more light, the better.

And seconds on the driving lights (mine are PIAA 1100x's) and kisan headlight modulator as well as a very bright yellow bulb using a Beaver headlight harness.
Even these LA cell-phone-talking, make-up applying, SUV driving yahoos wake up and get out of the way when they see me in their rearviews coming up from behind. A MUST for any lanesplitting.

[tlwood28]

Another, newer, and I think much better (although more expensive) alternative to the hyperlites is the P3 lights (http://www.p3lights.com). This video kind of sold me on them:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGxOwCOY9lA (or go to youtube and search p3)

The things will give you a serious headache if you stand too close and look at them for more than a few seconds. I also have the Kisan Signalminder with it set to flash the taillights upon braking. Together they are just great. I will add some black reflective tape to the side backs and consider my work on the back to be done.

I only have one experience with hyperlights and it was not a side by comparison. Still there are plenty of comparisons on the net, and my personal experience left me very unimpressed with the hyperlights compared to the p3.

Anyway, YMMV, and no relationship to p3, just a very satisfied customer!

Tom W.