Is the BMW LED Canbus brake light worth the $?

[Hikertrash]

Originally Posted by GB

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

www.skenedesign.com

+1

They're much brighter than the hyperlites and don't require soldering.

[Izzy3]

Thanks for the input.

[rgb2cmyk]

Originally Posted by Hikertrash

+1

They're much brighter than the hyperlites and don't require soldering.

+2

I have the P3s on the back and photonblasters on the front (orange) an they are worth their weight in gold on I95 in NJ.

I know they work because my GSA has them and my S doesn't and I see the way traffic behaves around me.

And lest you think the difference is a two wheeled hummer baring down on them, I haven't had time to install them on my new GSA and I see the difference.

The oscillating is why my brother calls them 'annoying lights', because they always catch your eye.

[JetSpeed]

Originally Posted by Izzy3

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?

You're talking about the "Supplemental Brake Light".
At $170 with the wire harness its pricey, but works great.
As for an additional "supplemental" brake light there are dozens of other options and you need not worry about the CANBUS as it's a load sensor withing the ZFE that triggers the LAMP Out error and that is already set to LED on 2008 and newer models.

[gspdbill]

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

Thanks for this info, just ordered the 16's last night, make sure they send you your commission check...

I've had various HyperLight setups on my bikes for the last 10+ yrs., never had an issue with them. This will be the first CANBus install though.

[scooteraug02]

You said you didn't want soldering or canabus issues but I've been stuck behind the school bus in my neighborhood. They stop at every driveway and have super bright and noticeable red LEDs. Anyway I've been thinking about something like them on my 08 GSA some how.

http://www.slclighting.com/7-RED-LED...744-96-010.htm

[LaurelPerryOnLand]

http://www.whelen.com/_AUTOMOTIVE/lightheads.php





Used the 600-series light head for some additional visibility on the RT.
http://www.whelen.com/_AUTOMOTIVE/de...74&prod_id=126
Works like a charm...no CANBUS issues.

Want to ride up on my tail? Didn't think so!

[TuefelHunden]

Originally Posted by SR1

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...

I have a fuzeblock with relay built in and ability to use both switched and straight battery power. If you monkey with the electrics on these frickin' CAN-Bus bikes it sure makes things a lot easier. I have yet to see ANYTHING positive about CAN-Bus. Last comment on omelets, if you expect to have plug and play, then don't expect to get three things: 1. What you really want. 2. The best item for the job. 3. Something you don't have to worry about CAN-Bus compatibility.

[scooteraug02]

Originally Posted by LaurelPerryOnLand

http://www.whelen.com/_AUTOMOTIVE/lightheads.php

Used the 600-series light head for some additional visibility on the RT.
http://www.whelen.com/_AUTOMOTIVE/de...74&prod_id=126
Works like a charm...no CANBUS issues.

Want to ride up on my tail? Didn't think so!

$2500



How did you trigger it to come on with the brakes. Relay?
One on each can and one in the middle. ONLY a texter would hit you.

[Poway]

I'm on my 3rd replacement BMW supplemental LED light. They suck. Although they do come with a 2 year warranty. Maybe it's the vibration from the off roading that kills them?

[Monsignore]

Originally Posted by 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.

Just run a double row of yellow LEDs down each arm, so when you signal you can point your flashing arm in the direction you intend to move.

And maybe a sheath of LEDs for each middle finger.