New/additional tail light recommendations?

[jabster]

Hi.

So I'm looking to increase my visibility from behind, and am looking for recommendations on how to do that. Replace stock light with LEDs? Additional lights? What have folks here done?

Thanks,
John

[Disco]

As a first step, many of us have gone with the Radiantz LED taillight.  It's plug and play and is a big improvement over stock.  Here's the link to it for details, but you can find it cheaper if you shop eBay or Amazon.

http://radiantz.com/index1.html?search.html&1

[JC]

Here's a link to the eBay one, I'm using it and like it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tail-Light-HONDA-VALKYRIE-TOURIER-97-03-98-99-00-01-02-/250835455323?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a66f54d5b&vxp=mtr

 

Also here are a couple of shots of what you can expect. The lights on shot is old but you get the idea. I'm using a Whelen TIR3 on the backrest and Soundoff Signal Ghost Lights below the bags as  additional brakes. You can find them on eBay as well. I did have to put a resistor in line with the additional lights because they were actually too bright, but also have a bypass switch for that in case the cage behind me isn't paying attention. I've set them to not flash, but have devised a circuit that allows me to use the ghosts in flash mode direct off the battery in case of roadside emergencies (or escort duty). 

[jabster]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tail-Light-HONDA-VALKYRIE-TOURIER-97-03-98-99-00-01-02-/250835455323?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a66f54d5b&vxp=mtr
 

Yeah....ships from China & excludes Illinois.

I think I'll look somewhere else. :-)

[valky1500]

I don't think any bike suffers from any one thing more than not having enough lights in the back to make their presence made known or simply more visible. No those new LEDs and other bright flashers are not just for putting on some real nice shows for the deer. They sure do get the attention of those cages in the rear views and can entertain those who may need it most.

One light bulb that's both running and brake just isn't enough. It's only more poor visibility added to those weary eyes from behind and that is the major concern while riding in traffic, both day and night.

Adding more lights can be a major stickler in itself. Who wants to poke more holes in the fenders of a Standard or the nice and clean Interstate. Why add more lights when we already have 3 back there that can be made into Running, Brake and Turn signals by using the right module and a little rewiring.

We don't have to forget our heritage with The Valkyrie being the Custom Cruiser that it is. When seeing all those new customs running around today and flashing their pretty strobes in their wakes of noise. We can do just the same thing, AGAIN.

I mean how many a times have we been doing just that for all these years. The Valkyrie's are known to be speed freaks when around those lawn mowers and like to show off a little bit. And with the exception of a few, all this time it has been with that poor rear lighting.

Radiantz is one company who specializes in those custom LED lights packages we all have been seeking for years. They provide several or more pre-made universal modules to answer for all lighting improvement situations. We are talking about the rear lighting here and who hasn't used the "Back Off" module, I mean for years.

Better yet, we can get creative and combine some of these new lights and ideas together to suit our own individuality. What else is anything about to a biker is beyond me.

Here are the 2 I like to use in combination for the rears:
1. Brake Strobe plus
Category->Tail Lights->Brake Strobe http://radiantz.com/index1.html?search.html&1

2. Cruiser Customizing has some very good answers for our Custom Cruisers also and I use the "Electrical Connection Turn Signal Conversion Kit" with good report. http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/electrical-connection-turn-signal-conversion-kit/part/EC-01315

This combination will allow the 3 bulbs in the rear to be used as running, brake and turn signal plus it adds the 2 LED filaments for a red brake lights with the already amber turn signals (real nice on the eyes). All together it looks like 6 new bulbs with LEDs when using this combo. With the added feature of those LEDs it makes it possible for some real nice visibility while using those strobes.

[doubletee]

As a first step, many of us have gone with the Radiantz LED taillight.  It's plug and play and is a big improvement over stock.  Here's the link to it for details, but you can find it cheaper if you shop eBay or Amazon.

http://radiantz.com/index1.html?search.html&1

+1 on the Radiantz LED light.

[T.P.]

Bobby aka GEARJAMMER, has two of these on the back of his Valkyrie.

http://www.customdynamics.com/knight_rider_led_light_bar.htm

I'm in the process of doing the same.  T.P.

check out the video's

[jabster]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Definitely going to pick up the Radiantz LED light. Will likely grab the turn signal conversion over the winter.

Thanks,
John

[Willow]

Give some consideration to the Electrical Connection turn signal conversion kit to convert your rear signals to running/brake lights.

http://www.electricalconnection.com/other-lighting/tsk-std.htm

[valky1500]

@Willow
For all it's worth they are one and the same prices for the kits with the kit from Cruiser Customizing (post #4) being a newer part # (01315) and the Electrical Connection website (#01314).

Go Figure.

[junior]

here is what i did, its a tail light assembly from an 1100 goldwing

[Brian]

hey guys,

When I started considering this light change I looked at this electricalconnection option as a fellow valk rider in our club has this additon to his tourer,not sure of the brand as it was something our dealer sells. I was not impressed with the brightness of the LED's on a bright day. That is why I went with changing the sockets to the 1157's. Each of the demonstration video's are in the dark.

I still have to finish my investigation as to why the LED's are not working like the standard bulbs.

Can anyone using this electricalconnection option comment here to say they have good bright lights back there during a sunny day? It was bright day when I received the news that my LED's were not bright enough.

[HayHauler]

Here is what I did.  12" red LEDs from autozone that are 80% brighter than regular LEDs.  They are flexible and self-adhesive.  I stuck them to the saddle bag mounts from top to bottom facing the rear.  They are wired into the small LEDs (clusters) and only come on when the brakes are applied.  Bright even in the day because they are shaded by the fender and bags until they fire. 



Hay
Jimmyt

[Gryphon Rider]

I like the idea of a wide separation between lights, and used the saddlebags to mount additional tail/brake lights.

[Chattanooga Mark]

On my Interstate I installed a tail light from the Standard/Tourer. It works perfectly and looks designed in instead of obviously added on. That matters to me as I tend to not like things that have been modified to fit or that are obviously added on.

All the best,

Mark

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Here's a link to the eBay one, I'm using it and like it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tail-Light-HONDA-VALKYRIE-TOURIER-97-03-98-99-00-01-02-/250835455323?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a66f54d5b&vxp=mtr

 

Have seen these before and wondered about the comment "Easy to install,installation instructions not included"

How easy are they to hook up and any need to change the flasher because of them being led's?

[John U.]

I can't comment on the ease of install question, but on the need for a load equalizer or electronic turn signal flasher, the answer depends on whether you will convert your OEM turn signals to LED. If you run them with incandescent bulbs, you can use the signal flasher you use now.
If they will all be LEDs then an electronic flasher is needed. A flasher upgrade is a better choice because it doesn't put an added load on the alternator.

If you only replace the tail/stop light bulb with an LED then nothing else is needed.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

I can't comment on the ease of install question, but on the need for a load equalizer or electronic turn signal flasher, the answer depends on whether you will convert your OEM turn signals to LED. If you run them with incandescent bulbs, you can use the signal flasher you use now.
If they will all be LEDs then an electronic flasher is needed. A flasher upgrade is a better choice because it doesn't put an added load on the alternator.

If you only replace the tail/stop light bulb with an LED then nothing else is needed.

Thanks for your response. After reading it I see how that makes perfect sense as it's only the tail light. Duh to me..........

[hubcapsc]

Your motorcycle looks so good.

I take off my bags, rails and rear fender fairly regularly. I guess the new wires to your saddlebags
would make that... somewhat harder?... lots harder?... almost no harder?...

-Mike

[Gryphon Rider]

Your motorcycle looks so good.

I take off my bags, rails and rear fender fairly regularly. I guess the new wires to your saddlebags
would make that... somewhat harder?... lots harder?... almost no harder?...

-Mike

Thanks.  The wiring exits the saddlebag close to the seat, then goes under the seat, where there is a connector.  All I have to do is remove the seat, unplug the connector, and remove the saddlebag.  See the middle photo below; the green/yellow/brown wires feed the saddlebag lights.

[Brian]

Gryphon Rider,

I have two questions:
1. What is the silver cylinder for under the right side cover?
2. Who's power supply/fuse block are you using there behind your battery?

thanks,

[Gryphon Rider]

The cylinder is a compressor for air horns.  The fuse block is Bussman and is nothing fancy.

[Brian]

Thanks Gryphon. The fuse block appears simple and the labels are easy to read. I also like your grounding strap idea as it is easily moved to one side to access the underneath items.

[BF]

Hi.

So I'm looking to increase my visibility from behind, and am looking for recommendations on how to do that. Replace stock light with LEDs? Additional lights? What have folks here done?

Thanks,
John

IMHO, you need to increase your visibility not only from the rear......




but also from the sides.....






and also from the front....

[mike4sho]

BF, those LEDs and the headlamp is pretty sick!   

What LEDs do you have on the plate?

[BF]

BF, those LEDs and the headlamp is pretty sick!  

What LEDs do you have on the plate?

The license plate frame is from Custom Dynamics.  It's "Item: 02228
Euro Classic Chrome Dual/Red When Light".  They're red leds with clear lens.  

http://www.customdynamics.com/dualbar_license.htm

The leds above the plate where the reflectors used to be are these (red led, clear lens)......

http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=43735&str=0

The leds in the turns is the kit from Electrical Connection that others have posted links to above.  I've got clear lens on the turns.  The tail light is the Radiantz led with a clear lens.  

The lights on the luggage rack that the trunk is mounted on are these (red leds, clear lens)....

http://www.bigrigchromeshop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?page=BRCS/PROD/STRIPL/UP39306

You can wire them either just run, or you can wire them run/brake.  I've got the ones on the side just run......the one on the rear of the trunk is run/brake.  Those leds are VERY bright.  I like them alot. 

The leds on the side of the radiator are these (amber, clear lens)....

http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=43733&str=0

The headlight is this one.....

http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/Adjure_7_Halogen_Light_Iron_Cross_Diamond_Cut_H_p/t70x00.htm

[Brian]

BF, those LEDs and the headlamp is pretty sick!  

What LEDs do you have on the plate?

The license plate frame is from Custom Dynamics.  It's "Item: 02228
Euro Classic Chrome Dual/Red When Light".  They're red leds with clear lens.  

http://www.customdynamics.com/dualbar_license.htm

The leds above the plate where the reflectors used to be are these (red led, clear lens)......

http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=43735&str=0

The leds in the turns is the kit from Electrical Connection that others have posted links to above.  I've got clear lens on the turns.  The tail light is the Radiantz led with a clear lens.  

The lights on the luggage rack that the trunk is mounted on are these (red leds, clear lens)....

http://www.bigrigchromeshop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?page=BRCS/PROD/STRIPL/UP39306

You can wire them either just run, or you can wire them run/brake.  I've got the ones on the side just run......the one on the rear of the trunk is run/brake.  Those leds are VERY bright.  I like them alot. 

The leds on the side of the radiator are these (amber, clear lens)....

http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=43733&str=0

The headlight is this one.....

http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/Adjure_7_Halogen_Light_Iron_Cross_Diamond_Cut_H_p/t70x00.htm

BF, nice additions. The lights above the license plate where the reflectors were, do you have these wired to only come on with the brake? In your picture here they appear to be brighter than the LED rings in your turn signal pods.

[BF]

No......they're just run leds.  They're the only leds on the rear of the bike that arn't wired run/brake.  They don't come with a third wire so there's no way to make them do both......at least not that I know of.   

[GOOSE]

GRYPHON RIDER....What are the lights that you have installed in your saddlebags?.....make/brand/etc..  They do look awsome. 

[hubcapsc]

GRYPHON RIDER....What are the lights that you have installed in your saddlebags?.....make/brand/etc..  They do look awsome. 

I read that the ones from the old Datsun sports car would do it...



http://www.datsunparts.com/Lamps-and-Lights

-Mike

[Gryphon Rider]

GRYPHON RIDER....What are the lights that you have installed in your saddlebags?.....make/brand/etc..  They do look awsome. 

Thanks!
Hubcapsp is right, of course.  New taillights for a Datsun Roadster/Fairlady.  I looked at a lot of different tail lights from many years/types of cars before I found these that are at almost the perfect angle.  I think there are some old Ferrari tail lights that would also look good, but who knows how hard to find and expensive they might be! 

[GOOSE]

Thank's for the comeback on the Datsun lights.  They really do look awsome.

[Gryphon Rider]

I wonder if these would fit, turned vertical?  Maybe too long?  They would certainly have some cachet.

[MarkT]

No......they're just run leds.  They're the only leds on the rear of the bike that arn't wired run/brake.  They don't come with a third wire so there's no way to make them do both......at least not that I know of.   

Yeah BF there is.  Just need a diode and a resistor.  I wire my single-speed LED's in my Highlighter using a diode & resistor into run & brake.  Run the one wire from the array through the resistor to the running light circuit.  You need a resistor that will make a light level about half of full brightness - 560Ω works well with my Highlighter with 25 LED's.  But you could use a variable pot (or rheostat) wired in, and dial it up & down to find the brightness you like, then measure the impedance with an ohmeter, and use a fixed resistor that's close.  You don't need a high power diode just a small one will work - you can even use one of the LED's if you have an extra.  Wire it so it passes current only from the brake circuit to the array - same wire as you wired the resistor to, however in parallel to the resistor.  This will prevent backfeed from the running light circuit into the brake line.  Backfeed the other way doesn't matter. 

All this sounds harder than it is - solder the wire to the outlet end of both the resistor and diode held together (diode with the mark on it towards the array - think of the mark as the tip of an arrow indicating direction).  Solder wires on the input ends.  Add shrink tube to each individually, and then a larger one over both.  Connect the other ends as I said above.  Actually takes maybe 5 minutes to wire this up.