Is the BMW LED Canbus brake light worth the $?

[Izzy3]

I like easy so plug and play means a lot to me. Looking for a little more "hey I'm braking up here on I-95" and want an easy to install, but effective alert to the butt riding tools on I-95.

Is the BMW part work the extra coin compared to a Hyperlite or other application? I don't want Canbus issues or soldering work.

Thanks.

[jdub]

Doesn't your '12 already have an LED tail/brake light? I thought those started as standard equipment in 2008.

[LaurelPerryOnLand]

Originally Posted by Izzy3

I like easy so plug and play means a lot to me. Looking for a little more "hey I'm braking up here on I-95" and want an easy to install, but effective alert to the butt riding tools on I-95.

Is the BMW part work the extra coin compared to a Hyperlite or other application? I don't want Canbus issues or soldering work.

Thanks.

1. No. Not for my money.
2. Hyperlites 16 LED version will provide PLENTY of reward visibility without CANBUS issues or a trip to the BMW dealer to have a "software change to LED". Just get the Hyperlites and be done with it.
3. Soldering isn't rocket science....learn it...you'll have a new capability that can/will serve you well.

http://www.hyperlites.com/moddf.html

[Izzy3]

Originally Posted by jdub

Doesn't your '12 already have an LED tail/brake light? I thought those started as standard equipment in 2008.

I want more visibility and and the "I'm braking flash feature" in the aftermarket systems.

[Izzy3]

Originally Posted by LaurelPerryOnLand

1. No. Not for my money.
2. Hyperlites 16 LED version will provide PLENTY of reward visibility without CANBUS issues or a trip to the BMW dealer to have a "software change to LED". Just get the Hyperlites and be done with it.
3. Soldering isn't rocket science....learn it...you'll have a new capability that can/will serve you well.

http://www.hyperlites.com/moddf.html

I can solder, I just don't want to crack into the wiring if I don't need to do so. I was not aware of a trip to the BMW dealer because I added a BMW LED tailite.

[lkchris]

Originally Posted by Izzy3

I can solder, I just don't want to crack into the wiring if I don't need to do so. I was not aware of a trip to the BMW dealer because I added a BMW LED tailite.

The BMW light comes with ZERO for instructions.

I think you can find how to install one on the MOA website somewhere.

The BMW light is on always as a taillight and when you first hit the brake it flashes very quickly for maybe two flashes and then is constant and a little brighter than normal. It's almost as if it flickers. It's not a big show for sure.

No, the R1200RT has never had an LED taillight.

[GB]

A more effective brake / running like would be the P3 lights, easy install, and much brighter than the bmw light:

www.skenedesign.com

[JetSpeed]

Originally Posted by Izzy3

I want more visibility and and the "I'm braking flash feature" in the aftermarket systems.

The BMW LED tail lamp assembly is the same exact unit that you already have on your bike (assuming its a 2012 model) the kit is designed for the 4-07 models..

[Steiney]

I have the Skeen P3 LED's on the rear - highly visible during riding and braking. What appealed to me is the way they oscillate, they really grab your attention...

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[TuefelHunden]

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/admor...ls-smoke-10018
I have one of these. It works. No Can-Bus issues. It is very bright. 30 minute install.

If you want an omelet, you have to break some eggs. Using posi-taps to connect electrical bits is so easy a 6 year old could do it.

[SR1]

Originally Posted by TuefelHunden

If you want an omelet, you have to break some eggs.

Ain't that the truth. But the OP prizes convenience over money, so let him go.

Me, I'm an egg breaker. (and I am hoping that the OP looks around and sees that most GS owners are "egg breakers" and learns how to do it himself too)

[def]

I'm thinking about making a red LED panel shaped like a octagonal stop sign with a fabric base and velcro that I can attach to the various jackets that I wear when riding that plugs into a yet-to-be installed connector in parallel with the tailight. LEDs are very easy work with and somewhat forgiving. The circuit is merely resistors, LEDs and wires that can be sewn or glued to a piece of heavy ballistic fabric.

Tap the brakes and a red stop sign lights up on your back leaving no doubt that your brakes are applied. Remember the Electric Horseman?

Then, amber turn signal arrows flanking the octagonal stop sign...now you've got some serious rear signaling going on, the current draw is very low and the wiring is simple.

[Izzy3]

Originally Posted by SR1

Ain't that the truth. But the OP prizes convenience over money, so let him go.

Me, I'm an egg breaker. (and I am hoping that the OP looks around and sees that most GS owners are "egg breakers" and learns how to do it himself too)

As a farmboy from Kentucky, I've broken many eggs and done without for most of my life. It's the "time or money" tradeoff now.

If I can find a 10 minute plug and play I'll pay a little more. Otherwise I'll break out the soldering iron and the butane torch.

[Izzy3]

Originally Posted by JetSpeed

The BMW LED tail lamp assembly is the same exact unit that you already have on your bike (assuming its a 2012 model) the kit is designed for the 4-07 models..

The catalog lists it as an additional tail lamp which fixes at the bottom of the the license plate frame. My current tail light (OEM) doesn't flash, is above the license plate and is smallish to say the least.

WTF?

[SR1]

Originally Posted by Izzy3

As a farmboy from Kentucky, I've broken many eggs and done without for most of my life. It's the "time or money" tradeoff now.

I can afford to do the same, but it's still throwing my money away. Keep going that way with that new GSA of yours and you'll soon double it's cost. I am buying a 2013 Jeep Unlimited Sahara, paid off 100%. I will still do my own work to it.

FYI, you are probably going to want to put other accessories on your GSA, and for that you'll need a fuse block anyway...which could power a different LED brake light...