GBCruiser
Member
Posts: 7
2001 GL1500C Black Standard
Louisiana
|
 |
« on: July 20, 2018, 07:55:43 PM » |
|
Hi All,
I'm riding a 2001 Valk Standard, and am looking for a quick way to get more light out of my tail light.
While I try to avoid high traffic areas when possible, I must frequently ride through a series of busy high volume intersections with notoriously long light changes that make the auto drivers frustrated and careless. The frequent stops for lights and traffic have me checking my mirrors and clenching my cheeks, especially when I see the number of distracted automobile drivers talking on hand-held cell phones, reading texts and applying their makeup (Geez).
I know there are a lot of things I can do to make the rear end of my bike more visible, but in the interest of immediacy, I'd like first to get a brighter tail/brake light bulb. Based on YouTube reviews, the Sylvania ZEVO Red LED seems to offer brighter running light coupled with a significantly brighter brake light. Unfortunately, this LED bulb design relies heavily on the tail light reflector to throw the increased light, and not all reflectors are compatible with this lamp configuration.
Has anyone tried the ZEVO LED replacement for the Valkyrie? Any success?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
"The road goes on forever and the party never ends . . . " - Robert Earl Keen
|
|
|
97BLKVALK
Member
Posts: 637
VRCC#26021
Detroit Lakes, MN
|
|
« Reply #1 on: July 20, 2018, 08:16:19 PM » |
|
I have not tried the particular bulb you've listed. I did install the Radiantz taillamp that I'm attaching a link to, and it' s plug and play. https://www.radiantz.com/VTX-Shadow-Valkyrie-Aero-Sabre-Ace-Retro-p/9012-11.htmMichael |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
1997 GL1500C - Black
1997 GL1500C - Purple
1997 GL1500C - Bumble Bee
1998 GL1500C - Blue and Cream
|
|
|
GBCruiser
Member
Posts: 7
2001 GL1500C Black Standard
Louisiana
|
|
« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2018, 08:54:46 PM » |
|
Thanks for the link Michael.
Actually, the Radiantz taillight was my first choice. However, I'd heard that while it was significantly brighter with the brake light off, it got only marginally brighter when the the brake light came on. Seems that high contrast between 'brake off' and 'brake on' is also important for getting a driver's attention.
I've not seen the Sylvania ZEVO or the Radiantz unit in real life, only on You Tube, but those videos don't always represent lighting accurately.
How does the brake light contrast look to you? Are you happy with the result?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
"The road goes on forever and the party never ends . . . " - Robert Earl Keen
|
|
|
hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16779
upstate
South Carolina
|
|
« Reply #3 on: July 21, 2018, 03:30:34 AM » |
|
Everyone I know who has one (including me) thinks the Radiantz one is great,
no problems like you describe (brake and taillight are very different and both
bright). Mines been on there for a long time... don't know anything about the
Zevo...
-Mike
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Andy Cote
|
|
« Reply #4 on: July 21, 2018, 03:54:16 AM » |
|
Sorry but I don't have experience with that bulb either. I installed Hyperlites brand brake lights on my standard. I used the ones that blink rapidly then go solid. They are fairly priced and installed in less than half an hour. I did not use them as taillights so when they came on in the strobe fashion they would stand out. I attached them to the underside of the rear luggage rack. Always received positive comment from fellow riders. http://hyperlites.com/ |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
2015 Goldwing, basic black
Previously: 2000 Valkyrie Interstate, 1997 Valkyrie Standard, 1988 GL1500, GL1200 Standard, GL1200 Interstate and many other Hondas
|
|
|
97BLKVALK
Member
Posts: 637
VRCC#26021
Detroit Lakes, MN
|
|
« Reply #5 on: July 21, 2018, 04:30:46 AM » |
|
Thanks for the link Michael.
Actually, the Radiantz taillight was my first choice. However, I'd heard that while it was significantly brighter with the brake light off, it got only marginally brighter when the the brake light came on. Seems that high contrast between 'brake off' and 'brake on' is also important for getting a driver's attention.
I've not seen the Sylvania ZEVO or the Radiantz unit in real life, only on You Tube, but those videos don't always represent lighting accurately.
How does the brake light contrast look to you? Are you happy with the result?
The brightness is amazing in both the driving and braking modes. You will not be disappointed. Michael |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
1997 GL1500C - Black
1997 GL1500C - Purple
1997 GL1500C - Bumble Bee
1998 GL1500C - Blue and Cream
|
|
|
|
bikerboy1951
|
|
« Reply #6 on: July 21, 2018, 05:56:39 AM » |
|
I too have the Radiantz tail/brake light bulb and absolutely love it. I do have the Sylvania ZEVO led turn signal bulbs and they are wonderful in the turn signals. Would be hard to beat the brightness of the Radiantz with the 125 leds.
Brad
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
WintrSol
|
|
« Reply #7 on: July 21, 2018, 06:42:10 AM » |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
98 Honda Valkyrie GL1500CT Tourer
Photo of my FIL Jack, in honor of his WWII service
|
|
|
|
jbrooks
|
|
« Reply #8 on: July 21, 2018, 09:17:27 AM » |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
MarkT
Member
Posts: 5196
VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"
Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km
|
|
« Reply #9 on: July 21, 2018, 10:24:18 AM » |
|
Not only do we need a brighter tail light - but more sources of light - spread out. A single light source provides little depth (distance) information. Esp for brain dead texting bimbos. I have a Radiantz tailight, marker lights set up as red run-brake-turn with red LED arrays in smoke colored lenses, and my Highlighter on the back of the sissy bar, on both Deerslayer and Jade. I set up a flasher control for the Radiantz, but it has failed twice - the company who makes it has not made it robust enough to survive volt fluctuations.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Andy Cote
|
|
« Reply #10 on: July 21, 2018, 12:55:21 PM » |
|
I have a similar light from Sound Off Signal on my Interstate. SOS has a version that blinks fast for a couple seconds then goes solid - sold specifically as a stop/tail light. This is wicked bright! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
2015 Goldwing, basic black
Previously: 2000 Valkyrie Interstate, 1997 Valkyrie Standard, 1988 GL1500, GL1200 Standard, GL1200 Interstate and many other Hondas
|
|
|
h13man
Member
Posts: 1750
To everything there is an exception.
Indiana NW Central Flatlands
|
|
« Reply #11 on: July 22, 2018, 04:59:07 AM » |
|
My rear setup is stock with this: http://www.signaldynamics.com/backoffxp Sylvania makes a Silverstar in the tail/turn bulb selection. Our lenses work best with incandescent bulbs. LEDs are too directional to be effective unless you replace the whole assembly as others has suggested. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Gideon
|
|
« Reply #12 on: July 22, 2018, 01:54:43 PM » |
|
My rear setup is stock with this: http://www.signaldynamics.com/backoffxp Sylvania makes a Silverstar in the tail/turn bulb selection. Our lenses work best with incandescent bulbs. LEDs are too directional to be effective unless you replace the whole assembly as others has suggested. I did the same setup several years ago, works great!!! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
|
|
|
|
Bagger John - #3785
|
|
« Reply #13 on: July 23, 2018, 12:24:35 PM » |
|
On my Supervalked I/S, I did what MarkT did - Radiantz taillight, LED turn signal bulbs (w/ red lenses) and a Badlands run-stop-turn controller. The setup flashes three times upon brakelight switch closure before going solid ON at full brightness.
My Tourer wears the I/S's trunk. It currently has a conventional bulb in the taillight (soon to be changed) and the two outer trunk lights also function as brake lights. All four have been converted to high intensity LEDs.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Martin2001
|
|
« Reply #14 on: July 24, 2018, 11:21:20 AM » |
|
I installed a LED bulb from Vleds.com. A little pricey but the brightness is exceptional. My tail light is brighter than my brake light used to be, and stark contrast between tail & brake.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
