LED Rear Lights- Brake and Turn

[h0gr1der]

I was being followed by someone who is motorcycle aware, and the first thing they said when we stopped was "can you put brighter bulbs in the turn signals"?

So, for those of you that have went through this phase of farkling, I pose a question, in two parts. Spyder is a 2018 RTL.

Which kit/brand has the most visible/brightest (in daylight) rear turn signals? I do intend to put the mirror mounted turn signal strips, I'm referring to just on the rear of the Spyder RT.

Which kit/brand has the most visible/brightest (in daylight) rear brake light? I don't think I want the brake light flasher, even though it's legal in all 50 states I have seen it cause a hassle.

I want kits that are known to work with the CAN Buss system and not cause problems, kind of tried and true models.

 

[PinkRosePetal]

I'm not sure I can help because I'm not familiar with the 2018 model but I've played with the rear lights on the 2017RTL. I've also ridden behind them. The rear LED stop lamps are very bright, behind them at night they are too bright and interfere with the night vision of the driver behind.

As you mentioned, the flashers I always found not too bright so I investigated them. On many motorcycles the amber signals use 10watt bulbs and I fully expected to find these in the Spyder, however, they are 21watt bulbs exactly as are fitted to cars. The limitation on brightness may well be caused by the limited cable size causing a voltage drop - I didn't check that. I replaced the bulbs with LED equivalent ones but the Spyder thought there was a fault and flashed them at the incorrect rate. The rate, though fast, was actually OK and I could live with it but then, if there was a bulb failure the flash rate would remain the same so there'd be no failure indication. I did mess about a bit more but eventually replaced the original 21watt bulbs. I can't say I've been aware of my turn signals not being noticed while riding so I'm living with the Spyder with its OEM fit lights.

 

[Chupaca]

Here's the thing..

:agree: the trick with the LED's is to leave a incandecent bulb in the system and you will have no issue. Now if you get what is known as hyper-flash Lamont posted a cure for that. I installed LED lights in the fender marker lights but because they are connected to the rear running lights no problems. I also added additional turns with red LED's connected to the brakes but because the brakes are conventional bulbs I also have no problem but now have outrigger brake lights. If you do rear turns in LED only you will be fine. :thumbup:

 

[Lew L]

Hi hOg,
Consider the high mount brake light. It can have turn signals built in. Looks factory and is plenty bright. Easy install.

Lew L

 

[h0gr1der]

Hi hOg,
Consider the high mount brake light. It can have turn signals built in. Looks factory and is plenty bright. Easy install.

Lew L

I had considered the integrated brake/turn high mount, but I would like to fully separate the two functions for maximum visibility. While at SpyderPops getting my sway bar and alignment he had just finished wiring up one with the complete rear setup in LED strips. It was very bright and noticeable in the shop, but I wondered about in the bright daylight.

 

[Woodaddict]

this is NOT at the rear brake lights. I put on TricLed rear facing lights on the front fenders, from behind you will now see rear lights on the back and the lights on fender. a wider view. they turn the reflectors into parking lights and are very bright.
I also have the LED strip rear brake light on truck

 

[trikermutha]

Brighter bulbs for turn signals. I find the stock ones work well. When I was stranded a few weeks ago I had the 4 ways on and they were bright enough.

Maybe the person who told you this should pay more attention to your signals.. JMO

 

[h0gr1der]

Brighter bulbs for turn signals. I find the stock ones work well. When I was stranded a few weeks ago I had the 4 ways on and they were bright enough.

Maybe the person who told you this should pay more attention to your signals.. JMO

Mr. trikermutha,
I've seen videos from behind the RT and RTL with the same kind of bulb, and I also think they are kind of weak, especially when they are combined with the brake light in the on position. Kind of drowns them out. In our cell phone addicted situation, I want every advantage. I kind of like rear lighting that's so bright it causes pain to come near.:joke:

 

[Wahrsuul]

The PO of mine replaced the rear turn bulbs with LED bulbs. Not sure how the flash rate is slowed, but it looks fine to me. He also put in the under mirror signals, and the trunk and side bag mounted LED strips that are both turn and brake lights.

 

[PinkRosePetal]

Mr.h0gr1der, How important to you are the reversing lights? Are you spotting where this is going!

 

[PW2013STL]

I had considered the integrated brake/turn high mount, but I would like to fully separate the two functions for maximum visibility. While at SpyderPops getting my sway bar and alignment he had just finished wiring up one with the complete rear setup in LED strips. It was very bright and noticeable in the shop, but I wondered about in the bright daylight.

I had these on our 14 RT and they were very noticeable in the daylight.

 

[Lew L]

Say h0g,

see below.

 

[Lew L]

Say h0g,

I realized that I also changed out my signal lights for LEDs . Very bright. Try a company called Superbrightleds.com This is the bulb I got : 7507 (PY21W) LED Bulb - 18 SMD LED Tower - BAU15S Bulb - Amber

Lew L

 

[h0gr1der]

Mr.h0gr1der, How important to you are the reversing lights? Are you spotting where this is going!

Ms PinkRosePetal,

Intriguing! Never even though of that, but it's tickling my mind.

 

[h0gr1der]

Say h0g,

I realized that I also changed out my signal lights for LEDs . Very bright. Try a company called Superbrightleds.com This is the bulb I got : 7507 (PY21W) LED Bulb - 18 SMD LED Tower - BAU15S Bulb - Amber

Lew L

Mr Lew L,
I haven't ridden behind an RT, but have seen videos of the turn signals in action. Bright enough when used alone, but they get washed out when the brake light is applied.

I'm trying to separate the turns from the brakes, kind of like the 3rd brake light idea. The cell phone addicted people these days notice movement or change a little more, so a completely separate lamp that does a function will garner the most attention. I'm trying to gain the most advantage to avoid becoming roadkill.

 

[Lew L]

Mr Lew L,
I haven't ridden behind an RT, but have seen videos of the turn signals in action. Bright enough when used alone, but they get washed out when the brake light is applied.

I'm trying to separate the turns from the brakes, kind of like the 3rd brake light idea. The cell phone addicted people these days notice movement or change a little more, so a completely separate lamp that does a function will garner the most attention. I'm trying to gain the most advantage to avoid becoming roadkill.

Hi h0g,
The LEDs I posted above are VERY bright, amber in color and at about $7 ea quite reasonable. I also installed the resistors to stop the hyperflash.

Lew L

 

[h0gr1der]

Hi h0g,
The LEDs I posted above are VERY bright, amber in color and at about $7 ea quite reasonable. I also installed the resistors to stop the hyperflash.

Lew L

They look promising. I looked on Brightleds, and in the specifications it clearly states "CAN Bus- No". I'm not sure about all this CAN Bus stuff, but heard that some LED additions can wreak havoc with the computer, throwing codes and causing malfunctions. Have you had any problems with this setup?

 

[AVBIZ]

Admore might be the answer

https://admorelighting.com

 

[Lew L]

They look promising. I looked on Brightleds, and in the specifications it clearly states "CAN Bus- No". I'm not sure about all this CAN Bus stuff, but heard that some LED additions can wreak havoc with the computer, throwing codes and causing malfunctions. Have you had any problems with this setup?

No sir.