Has anyone tried Sylvania ZEVO LED Brake Light Replacements?

[GBCruiser]

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?

[97BLKVALK]

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.htm

Michael

[GBCruiser]

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?

[hubcapsc]

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

[Andy Cote]

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/

[97BLKVALK]

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

[bikerboy1951]

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

[WintrSol]

The previous owner mounted one of these to the sissy bar: http://www.code3pse.com/products/product_info/Warn/Exterior_Lighting/H_XT3

[jbrooks]

I just added an Admore light system very bright brake light and advancing signal lights

https://admorelighting.com/product/admore-light-bar-smart-brake-technology-deceleration-safety/

[MarkT]

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.

[Andy Cote]

The previous owner mounted one of these to the sissy bar: http://www.code3pse.com/products/product_info/Warn/Exterior_Lighting/H_XT3

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!

[h13man]

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.

[Gideon]

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!!!

[Bagger John - #3785]

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.

[Martin2001]

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.