LED Light Recommendation for Patriot Guard Rider

[3Willie]

I have been doing Patriot Guard Missions to escort fallen veterans during funeral processions and am looking for recommendations for additional LED lights. Often, we are on interstates or 4 lane limited access roads. Too often drivers do not pay attention to the funeral procession even when we are running with our 4 way flashers on. I am looking at waterproof LED strobe lights that can be used on the rear of my 2008 Spyder that will be bright, not mess with any electronics and have different strobe pattern settings that can be controlled by switches. Have been told that only law enforcement in Missouri can use the blue lights so may look at amber/red, amber/white or some combination of colors and white.

All recommendations would be gladly appreciated. I am not sure if I will permanently mount the lights or opt for a removable set up.

Thanks

[pegasus1300]

I had SpyderLyter mount an LED American Flag on the mud flap below the license plate. I realize this is not what you asked for but I have found it to be effective in being noticed. It ia quite bright even in the daytime. You could probably get an orange flasher from any internet site that sells safety equipment,but you may run into law enforcement problems.

[UtahPete]

I have been doing Patriot Guard Missions to escort fallen veterans during funeral processions and am looking for recommendations for additional LED lights. Often, we are on interstates or 4 lane limited access roads. Too often drivers do not pay attention to the funeral procession even when we are running with our 4 way flashers on. I am looking at waterproof LED strobe lights that can be used on the rear of my 2008 Spyder that will be bright, not mess with any electronics and have different strobe pattern settings that can be controlled by switches. Have been told that only law enforcement in Missouri can use the blue lights so may look at amber/red, amber/white or some combination of colors and white.

All recommendations would be gladly appreciated. I am not sure if I will permanently mount the lights or opt for a removable set up.

Thanks

I would definitely go with blacklight; it's the only appropriate funereal color.

[3Willie]

Appreciate the humor, but still looking for some serious ideas to provide some attention getting flashing/strobe lights for funeral processions.

[gorcutt]

I also ride with the PGR. But I just want to say at spyderqust one year I rode in front of a person with a strobe Lt on the front of his Spyder, It was very annoying looking in my mirror. Gave me a headache. Don't think your fellow riders will like them. Just me two cents worth.

[UtahPete]

Appreciate the humor, but still looking for some serious ideas to provide some attention getting flashing/strobe lights for funeral processions.

It was tongue-in-cheek. I guess I'm not understanding the need to bring attention to yourself. That's not typical for a funeral procession.

[3Willie]

I usually end up riding toward the rear of the PGR motorcycle group since the two wheel bikes are up front followed by trikes and my Spyder. I am usually the last bike since my Spyder is bright yellow and have both a PGR and US Flag, so it makes it easier to see for motorists as well as the Ride Captain who is the lead bike. We travel both divided highways and interstates, so extra visibility is a huge safety factor. I am concerned about getting ran into from the rear by motorists on highways or interstates since funeral processions do not normally drive at the speed limit. Many motorists anymore do not respect funeral processions and do not pay very good attention to motorcycles anyway. There is normally a support vehicle behind us, but again, not all motorists are careful, so extra lights to get their attention is helpful. I have seen some pretty crazy drivers in small towns as well as city driving conditions.

I plan to put a light at least on the rear of the Spyder and think a dimmable option would be good to help with the 'Annoyance factor'. I have thought about adding one up front as well, so it would be good to have the option of a switch to use either or both. A white/amber light would comply with the state laws and allow more visibility for the bikes. A recent trip into Jefferson Barracks Veterans Cemetery for an internment in south St Louis was pretty intense with lots of drivers cutting into the procession and driving pretty dangerously. If my lights are bright enough to be seen, it is less likely the next funeral procession will be mine.

[Haze]

I too ride with the Guard when time permits.
On my previous bikes, ST1300 and VStrom, I used this LED Strobe for a stop light.
Lots of intensity and great selectable strobe patterns.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/strobe-fixtures/4-watt-vehicle-strobe-light/615/

Vehicle Strobe Light w/ Built-In Controller - 4 Watt

Now on the Spyder I plan to mount a pair of these lights to the saddle bag brackets facing back.

[fencepost]

Extream Tactical has a good selection of LED strobes that have 19 different flash patterens. Each light is self contained, so you can select the pattern you want or just stay with the one they come with. I have 6 White LED strobe lights from Extream Tactical on my F3 and am very pleased with them. I had an opportunity to use them when we were at Americade, wife and I were riding when we came upon a Goldwing with a rear flat tire. We were on a two lane, less than 100 yards coming out of a curve with the speed limte being 55. I positioned my bike back about 300 ft. and turned on the LED's, traffic slowed down and moved over. Worth every penny I spent.

[3Willie]

I too ride with the Guard when time permits.
On my previous bikes, ST1300 and VStrom, I used this LED Strobe for a stop light.
Lots of intensity and great selectable strobe patterns.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/strobe-fixtures/4-watt-vehicle-strobe-light/615/

Vehicle Strobe Light w/ Built-In Controller - 4 Watt

Now on the Spyder I plan to mount a pair of these lights to the saddle bag brackets facing back.

Great suggestion!!!

[Tlauden]

Look up Feniex Lighting, in particular the T3's (Included in link below). Now the lightheads are single color, and single mode (user selectable) but bright as all get out. I would suggest 2 amber ones facing the rear, set on a simple side to side pattern. They are bright enough to catch other peoples attention, have a pretty small footprint, 5 year warranty, and they don't break the bank. These aren't cheap Chinese LED's that will only last 6 months either, they are a very reputable company and their products are on emergency vehicles across the country.

https://www.ultrabrightlightz.com/fe...t-grill-light/


I always order through these guys, great service and fast shipping. You may be able to find a dealer in your area though if you don't wanna pay shipping.

[3Willie]

Look up Feniex Lighting, in particular the T3's (Included in link below). Now the lightheaded are single color, and single mode (user selectable) but bright as all get out. I would suggest 2 amber ones facing the rear, set on a simple side to side pattern. They are bright enough to catch other peoples attention, have a pretty small footprint, 5 year warranty, and they don't break the bank. These aren't cheap Chinese LED's that will only last 6 months either, they are a very reputable company and their products are on emergency vehicles across the country.

https://www.ultrabrightlightz.com/fe...t-grill-light/


I always order through these guys, great service and fast shipping. You may be able to find a dealer in your area though if you don't wanna pay shipping.

Now we are getting somewhere!!!

Looks like a good choice. Hope they have a dimmable option as well as pattern flash change. Some of the guys I ride with tell me that an extremely bright light can be annoying as can be if you have someone riding in close formation behind you. What kind of switch set up did you go with ?

Will check them out!!

Thanks!!!

[Tlauden]

Now we are getting somewhere!!!

Looks like a good choice. Hope they have a dimmable option as well as pattern flash change. Some of the guys I ride with tell me that an extremely bright light can be annoying as can be if you have someone riding in close formation behind you. What kind of switch set up did you go with ?

Will check them out!!

Thanks!!!

Unfortunately, they do not include a dim mode. I have read of guys wiring resistors inline with them to accomplish the dimming, but I have no personal experience with that. Sorry. I agree completely with the guys you ride with, I would not want to stare at a T3 for an extended period of time at any close distance at full brightness.

I always use simple rocker or toggle switches in my installs on various vehicles. Just a simple on/off will do the trick. If you want to wire a momentary push button up to change patterns on the fly, you can. I normally set the patterns, hardwire the sync wires between the light heads and forget about them.

[3Willie]

Unfortunately, they do not include a dim mode. I have read of guys wiring resistors inline with them to accomplish the dimming, but I have no personal experience with that. Sorry. I agree completely with the guys you ride with, I would not want to stare at a T3 for an extended period of time at any close distance at full brightness.

I always use simple rocker or toggle switches in my installs on various vehicles. Just a simple on/off will do the trick. If you want to wire a momentary push button up to change patterns on the fly, you can. I normally set the patterns, hardwire the sync wires between the light heads and forget about them.

The dim mode may be a needed option and I definitely will control all by rocker or toggle switches. I have been looking at the following lights that have pattern change, are dimmable and have a good brightness range. Wonder if anyone has tried these? https://www.speedtechlights.com/LED-...-surface-mount

[Tlauden]

The dim mode may be a needed option and I definitely will control all by rocker or toggle switches. I have been looking at the following lights that have pattern change, are dimmable and have a good brightness range. Wonder if anyone has tried these? https://www.speedtechlights.com/LED-...-surface-mount

Those look like another good option, Speed tech has been around a while and I've heard lots of good things about them also.

[BlueKnight]

I had a set of these mounted to the rear of my RT, worked great but a little pricey....they have a 4w and a 6w version. Not sure if it's a Federal law or just a State law here in NY but purple has been designated for Funerals. Also if you do go with red, these have a TBT (Turn,Brake,Tail) feature where you could use them as auxiliary brake lights also.

https://www.online-led-store.com/lam...dstb0561-xx-x2


https://www.online-led-store.com/lam...dstb0571-xx-x2

[Cavman]

Someone had posted this place some time ago:

http://www.strobesnmore.com/

I also found this:
https://www.tomar.com/pdf/catalogs/emergency.pdf

You also might look into a set of Powerflares. I carry two in my Spyder. I have attached a heavy duty cord on them so I can hang them on the bike.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wFb39chpr0E

Hope this helps?

[Bfromla]

Sorry to hear your area is having so many problems. Unfortunately NO amount of lights will stop the ignorant drivers, you may be better off talking with ride captin & get more approval for leo escorts. We have had quite a few in our local area & we minimize our interstate tavel as much as we can. Its not always feasible depending on the familys additional request & if not then we have two or three part missions. Lot of pre planning & confirming arrangments. Hope you find a working solution.

[3Willie]

Sorry to hear your area is having so many problems. Unfortunately NO amount of lights will stop the ignorant drivers, you may be better off talking with ride captin & get more approval for leo escorts. We have had quite a few in our local area & we minimize our interstate tavel as much as we can. Its not always feasible depending on the familys additional request & if not then we have two or three part missions. Lot of pre planning & confirming arrangments. Hope you find a working solution.

We do have LEO escorts some times, but not as much in the past as city, county and state police are being restricted more due to extra cost associated with the escorts. As an ARC( Assistant Ride Captain), I have talked with the Senior Ride Captain and he is fully aware of the issues and limitations on the LEO Escorts. We do not have any more problems than experienced any where else and, as always, most are caused by distracted and NASCAR wannabe drivers. The extra lights are just an extra measure for safety and will never protect you from someone texting or not paying attention. We do limit interstate travel as much as we can, but can not avoid it when we travel to Jefferson Barracks Veterans Cemetery in south St. Louis. Guess I just want to add some lights for my own peace of mind.

Definitely appreciate all of the great suggestions.

Thanks to everyone and Happy Fourth of July. Please take some time to thank a veteran for their service!!!!

[jr1884519]

We do have LEO escorts some times, but not as much in the past as city, county and state police are being restricted more due to extra cost associated with the escorts. As an ARC( Assistant Ride Captain), I have talked with the Senior Ride Captain and he is fully aware of the issues and limitations on the LEO Escorts. We do not have any more problems than experienced any where else and, as always, most are caused by distracted and NASCAR wannabe drivers. The extra lights are just an extra measure for safety and will never protect you from someone texting or not paying attention. We do limit interstate travel as much as we can, but can not avoid it when we travel to Jefferson Barracks Veterans Cemetery in south St. Louis. Guess I just want to add some lights for my own peace of mind.

Definitely appreciate all of the great suggestions.

Thanks to everyone and Happy Fourth of July. Please take some time to thank a veteran for their service!!!!

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3Willie; Please give me a call at your convenience, I maybe able to help...

Johnny Rivera (Memphis, TN)
West TN ASC, PGR
901-488-7537

[WA5VHU]

When we do Amateur Radio public service events on our bicycles or motorcycles, usually marathon-type runs, I like to use something from our bicycles, the Planet Bike Superflash tail light. These are easy to strap on the back on our antenna mounts or you could put a small bracket on the back of your Spyder. I like these because they are really bright and the flash pattern is very attention-getting even during the day, use two AAA batteries that last a very long time and don't require any wiring to the motorcycles. I see they have a turbo model now with a 1 watt LED.

http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3070.html

[cptjam]

We use a Whalen's police light. One red in the rear is plenty. Same light cops have on their car grilles. Crazy bright, lots of patterns. We've been on lots of PGR missions, and run hazard lights underway. If cars approach from the rear, a tap on the brake pedal starts the sequence. Impossible to miss!