There are several products that accomplish what you are after. Check out the Skene and the Clearwater products ... lots of info here and elsewhere on them both.

 

+1 Skene.

 

I put this on my wife's scooter and all of my bikes except the BMW

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/strobe-controllers/brake-light-strobe-module/195/845/

 

My use of Hyper-Lites is described most of the way down this page:

2014-2016 R1200RT

 

I installed the Clearwater Billie and a set of Darlas and couldn't be happier. The Billie will also flash the brake light in response to fast deceleration from downshifting without touching the brake...not sure if that function is available in the other products out there. Using the Canopener, installation is easy and gives added flexibility on complete programming control. Of course it comes at a price.

 

I bought the Vizi-tec Supabrake II for my 2011 - $75 - does the job.

 

I bought the Vizi-tec Supabrake II for my 2011 - $75 - does the job.

http://youtu.be/TtVmSgADUKI

+1 for the vizi tech works great plug and play

 

I have the Clearwater Billie Jr. Extremely bright (probably the brightest on the market and by far the brightest I've seen), and lots of features (flash types and rates). It's also probably the most expensive because of the CanOpener, but I believe it's worth every penny.

 

Excellent, thanks all. Will start w/ Vizi-tec Supabrake II which sounds simple and effective and mainly what I thought I was looking for. No issues w/ generating CANbus codes on this product?

The other products look great too so will check those out.

Peace Out

 

According to Bernard at Vizi-tek the LED canbus system of the RTW is trouble free and is a simple plug and play. My 2011RT needed an straight load to fool the Canbus but in practice it works fine on the filament bulbs fitted. Took 10 minutes to fit and works as intended. I can even give a quick multiple flash while standing at lights as cars come up to my rear end. For $75 and free post to the UK it's a steal.

 

I'll be installing these; Vololights: Brakeless Deceleration Indicator for Motorcycles
you can get them at A&S or revzilla

Dave

 

Dang, I like the looks of the up/down position alternating and based on declaration--excellent. Hopefully I can return the SupaBrake II which I ordered...

They say this on the Volo site:

NOTE: If your motorcycle uses a CanBus system, (many BMW models) you will not be able to install the modular Vololights device at this time.

I think this is for applications that can't use a standard (for your state) license plate holder.

And then there was this comment from Revzilla buyer of Volo:

I purchased one of these plates from VOLOLIGHTS directly several months ago. First, with the BMW CAN-Bus, you CANNOT connect to the license plate light, but must run a fused line from the battery directly. Even still, after calibrating and re-calibrating it, I cannot get the product to perform as advertised. I am in communication with Vololights re: my difficulty, and so far, the best solution seems to be to wait until early 2015 when they expect to have a version for CAN-Bus available. In the meantime, it works when brakes are applied, but not independent of brakes. Doesn't seem to sense the off throttle slow down on its own, until the brakes increase the rate of decrease.

SCRATCH THAT, REVERSE IT :smile:

I just realized I ordered my RTW w/ the dual access sockets so I have fused power right there at the rear-yeah! Plug n play! I think I will go for BOTH devices because I don't see anything on the Volo site about how to get these to flash WHILE STOPPED, which is a major issue and what SupaBrake systems let you do intentionally. I'll send another email to Volo to see if that's not correct.

 

Could some of the Skene , Clearwater, and Hyper-Lite uses come back with some of the positives and negatives of the system you have? For example Jeff Dean says his system takes extra time to shut the motorcycle down....but I can see that it also has additional LEDs for extra visibility. What would be some other benefits of going with the "canopener"?

I'm leaning toward the Supa-brake II.....unless someone can tell me why something else is better. It's supposed to be programmable. Does anyone know how that works? Does it work with the optional top case light? Any additional information would help me make a more informed decision. Thanks

 

The benefits of using the CanOpener are controllability and ease of installation (plug and play). You can cycle through different brake light patterns, adjust it for compression braking, etc all using the brake leavers. The Bille (and Jr) - when using the CanOpener -automatically adjust the brightness for day and night. They also come with a small led light that you can mount near your dash/handlebars that shows you in real time what you Billie (Jr) is doing. Oh yeah, and its ridiculously bright. Clearwaters customer service is outstanding as well.

The only negative I can see is the price, but you get what you pay for.

Mine also stays on few a few seconds after the ignition is shut off. I don't consider that a negative or a positive, it just is what it is...

 

I ordered the Vololight kit and will do the ultra simple passenger seat socket using the low profile 90 power let plug. On my '16 the trim there is black and it will effectively hide the wire down to and behind the license plate mount so won't need to make any mods. I really like the idea of deceleration based flashing. Plus, have the SupaBrake II kit coming which will add rear brake light flashing as well as the ability to manually trigger flashing so between those two should get what I was looking for and then some. I did confirm w/ the company there will be no CANbus faults on the Supabrake II so that's good. $200 in total, plug and play almost, so seems reasonable for the scope of action involved.

 

I use Skene P3s. The only problem that I have ever had is if I use a trigger that does not turn off fast enough. I like to use the License plate light wire and get the power from a PDM60.

 

I went with Skene and the BMW top case brake light. Easy to install to the Canbus, easy to configure for different sequences. Has worked flawlessly.

 

Did you use the IQ 260 controller and splice the wires per the instructions on Skene's website? If not, which unit did you use?

thanks in advance........

 

I use Skene. Very bright and programmable fash.

 

FWIW, you can install the Vololight kit without drilling new holes per se. I was able to tap into the passenger accessory socket wiring, use one of the two existing holes that communicate w/ the underside of the rear fender, then come back behind the license plate mounting bracket there is a little round depression you can drill thru so the entire install is quite well obscured. This method has the wires travel for about 2" on the underside of the fender but it's up high and very secure w/ Gorilla tape and even if the tape came off it can't come down at all. The kit definitely looks like it belongs on the bike.

Cheers

 

Not to start a war or anything, but you fellas do know flashing brake lights are illegal in all 50 States...
Yep I know folks run them & swear by them, but they can get you busted.
Just an info U...

 

I guess I can argue against that since Vololights don't flash the brakes :wink:

 

Does the Vizi Tec Supa Brake II system also modulate the light on the topcase? I have the larger topcase with the light. If hte Vizi Tec does not have that feature, do the other systems mentioned here have it?

thanks

 

92merc, Well CFR says they ARE illegal, which means no state can legalize their use.
Now whether or not a state's LE enforce is another matter. So no technicality about it, they are illegal.
As I stated just a info U... But you should also know they aren't illegal because you might be mistaken for an emergency vehicle. They are illegal because a study showed flashing lights lead to rear end collisions. Bug to light scenario. AMA gave up trying to legalize them after decades of lobbying for them to be made legal.
Again just info U. Folk's are going to run what they want.

 

Well, California must have a law regarding modulating brake lights. In both my Skene documentation, and my Clearwater documentation, they mention setting your aux brake lights to "California Mode", or something to that effect. So if two different companies are referencing the California 4 fast, 4 slow flash, there is a legality there.

And as I stated, my state doesn't deem flashing red illegal unless you put them on a non-emergency vehicle, attempting to make them appear to be an emergency vehicle. Things are legal unless deemed illegal by law. Not the other way around.

By your logic, if you pumped your brakes a few times on slippery road in your car, your brake lights flashed too many times, give him a ticket. Whether it was an automated flash or manual flash makes do difference under the law.

I've said my peace, I'll bow out off my soapbox... No worries here...

 

I tried to find federal laws/regulations on brake lights. The applicable rules are in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49 , section 571.108 The links I found were were all pretty similar.

"Stop lamps are lamps giving a steady light to the rear of a vehicle to indicate a vehicle is stopping or diminishing speed by braking."

and

"Steady burning.Must be activated upon application of the service brakes. When optically combined with a turn signal lamp, the circuit must be such that the stop signal cannot be activated if the turn signal lamp is flashing. May also be activated by a device designed to retard the motion of the vehicle."


I'm not convinced this rules out 3 or 4 initial flashes before becoming steady. in any case, I did not locate any restriction on additional brake lights. A stock, steady brake light would seem to meet federal requirements, while P3s or Hyperlights with initial flashes could provide a safety margin, state laws permitting. If anyone can cite additional laws or regulations it would be interesting to see them.

 

California Legal = (c) Any stoplamp or supplemental stoplamp required or permitted by Section 24603 may be equipped so as to flash not more than four times within the first four seconds after actuation by application of the brakes.

 

Maryland DMV has a safety sheet for motorcyclists that admonishes riders to intentions.
" Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping." I assume that you can flash your brakelights manually or via an electronic controller.

 

Kpd, actually any laws found in CFR are in enforcement in every state in the USA.
You fellas are reproducing every argument proposed every time this topic comes up. So let me simplify it for you.
AMA spent millions in trying to reverse CFR on this matter, failed. They were able to get headlight modulators approve, but not brake lights.
Now you can get as PO'd with me as you like, you can make untrue claims, convince yourself there is a loophole, or whatever, it makes no difference to ME.
When you run into that one butthead cop, get arrested (misdemeanor), and they haul your bike away, impounded and swinging from a tow truck....you made your choice.
Folk's make lots of changes to bikes that aren't legal. I guess if you can live with the choice, good on you. But there are many new to riding that are probably unaware of the legality. That is the purpose of an "info U" post.

 

Kpd, actually any laws found in CFR are in enforcement in every state in the USA.

FWIW, the following is from the Oregon MVA regs as applied to brake lights, Para 11:
816.100¹
Brake lights
Each of the following is a requirement for brake lights as described:

(11) Brake lights for motorcycles may flash intermittently, provided that the brake lights do not override the rear turn signal function. [1983 c.338 §458 (7); 1985 c.16 §240 (7); 1985 c.69 §1 (7); 1985 c.71 §4 (7); 1985 c.393 §13 (7); 1985 c.420 §6 (7); 1997 c.492 §2; 2003 c.158 §24]

 

CFR is applicable to every motor vehicle sold, imported, etc within the USA. It is incorporated by every state in the USA and therefore enforcement extends to every state and/or local Leo.
Examples, driving a Jeep with doors remove, done? Yes! Legal? No! Enforces? Sometimes. PA law prohibits the use of cats eyes in brake lights. State trooper's enforce, local don't. We all know some folks riding cruisers with aftermarket exhaust. Most cops don't enforce, but if you get stopped at a safety check, or pulled, the cops will look for the EPA stamp. Not there and bike gets impounded. Where are most of these codes found? CFR.
Do what you want, but know the law.

 

I do agree with you that it applies to requirements for vehicles to be manufactured, imported, or sold in the US. I also will agree that I know the law. I'm a NC State trooper and I've been in law enforcement coming up on 17 years. One thing I do know is motor vehicle law (Now I can't help with your oil issue. My 11 used about a 1/2 to 3/4 of a quart about every 6k miles). I will tell you that I can't enforce federal law. When I was a local officer, I couldn't either. I'll give another example. I was recently trained in Federal Motor Carrier safety regulations (FMCSR) that apply to commercial motor vehicles (big trucks). NC had to adopt the federal regulations for me to be able to enforce them. When I do enforce the federal regs, its civil in nature and only effects the drivers/company's federal safety score. However, I can also criminally charge under NC general statue for seeking to avid FMCSR.

But don't take my word for it. Here is an article on it from Duke law

http://scholarship.law.duke.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5183&context=faculty_scholarship

From the footnotes in the beginning: "5 See infra Part I.B (discussing state enforcement of federal law). This Article focuses on direct state enforcement of federal civil law. States may participate in various ways in the enforcement of federal criminal law as well, for example by arresting individuals for federal offenses. But states lack power to enforce federal criminal law directly, such as by prosecuting federal offenders themselves in state or federal court. States play a similar role with respect to federal immigration law. Under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act, states or localities can sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the federal government to deputize officials to enforce federal immigration law "in relation to the investigation, apprehension, or detention of [noncitizens] in the United States." 8 U.S.C. § 1357(g) (2006). Deputized state officials obtain federal training from the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) and work under ICE's supervision. See Jennifer M. Chacon, A Diversion of Attention? Immigration Courts and the Adjudica- tion of Fourth and Fifth Amendment Rights, 59 DuKE L.J. 1563, 1582-86 (2010) (discussing Section 287(g) arrangements). States also contribute to the criminal enforcement of immi- gration law by investigating and arresting offenders, though again they lack the authority to prosecute offenders directly. See 8 U.S.C. § 1252c (2006) (authorizing state and local law enforcement officials to arrest and detain certain illegal aliens "for such period of time as may be required for the [ICE] to take the individual into Federal custody for purposes of deporting or removing the alien from the United States"); United States v. Santana- Garcia, 264 F.3d 1188, 1193-94 (10th Cir. 2001) (recognizing implicit authority for state police to detain suspects for federal immigration violations); Gonzales v. City of Peoria"

and from page 708

"States have no inherent power to enforce federal statutory law"


Now NC law as it pertains to brake lamps:

GS 20-129 (G) states: (g) No person shall sell or operate on the highways of the State any motor vehicle, motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, manufactured after December 31, 1955, unless it shall be equipped with a stop lamp on the rear of the vehicle. The stop lamp shall display a red or amber light visible from a distance of not less than 100 feet to the rear in normal sunlight, and shall be actuated upon application of the service (foot) brake. The stop lamp may be incorporated into a unit with one or more other rear lamps. (1937, c. 407, s. 92; 1939, c. 275; 1947, c. 526; 1955, c. 1157, ss. 3-5, 8; 1957, c. 1038, s. 1; 1967, cc. 1076, 1213; 1969, c. 389; 1973, c. 531, ss. 1, 2; 1979, c. 175; 1981, c. 549, s. 1; 1985, c. 66; 1987, c. 611; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 822, s. 1; 1991, c. 18, s. 1; 1999-281, s. 1.)

There is no provision or exclusion of a flashing brake light. In fact, almost every new fire truck and ambulance (around here) have flashing LED brake lights now.

 

Is there any difference between the Clearwater Billie and Billie Jr brake light (besides the "Senior" having a license plate holder)?

Does anyone have or see the need for 2 set of Billie or Billie Jr light strips?

 

The lights and functionality of a Clearwater Billie and Billie Jr are identical. Only difference is the full perimeter frame (Billie) vs single bar (Jr).

My review of the Billie Jr. appears in the February edition of Rider magazine. Nifty product, especially the ability to take deceleration into account (i.e., engine braking) independent of using the brake lever or pedal. Like Clearwater products generally, the concept, engineering and execution are top shelf.

As far as needing two strips of lights, these lights can be set to such high intensity a second strip of lights would be senseless, perhaps even counterproductive. They can be programmed in 10 steps from bright up to blinding. On a trip down the Natchez Trace Parkway last spring, my riding buddies behind me asked me to tone down the Billie Jr a few steps because it was TOO bright, both as a running light and a brake light. With a lower intensity, it's still highly noticeable but not so obnoxious. You have 10 options, so whatever works for you.

The Billie/Billie Jr is a simple add on, especially if you already have a Clearwater CANopener module installed. Since the time I took photos for my story I repositioned the Billy Jr to the underside of the license plate so there's greater separation from the OEM brake light. I prefer the Billie Jr since it's smaller with the same functionality and it doesn't cover my Iron Butt plate backer.

 

Off Topic: Another excellent example of using the Ignore List!

On Topic: Hyper Lights were my choice of poison in run/turn/brake for the rear. They get your attention and work well. Very bright and the flashing brake lights work as intended.

I have removed them for other options in rear lighting but if needed I would put them back into use.

 

I am on the fence on this one. I can see the benefit of a flashing brake light but wonder about the legality especially if I am in an accident. Having a car/bike that is not OEM with respect to critical safety features gives me pause.

For example, the entrance to my subdivision is off of an extremely busy 4 lane highway and it is just below the crest of a hill and about 300 yards beyond a traffic light. Folks are just getting up a good head of steam when they leave the traffic light only to have to hit the brakes for me and my neighbors as we have to make a slow right into the subdivision and back up a steep hill. Also, with folks texting and tailgating, it makes for an almost daily horn blow or 4 wheel lockup. We had numerous accidents, near accidents and even a death at this intersection. I have lived here 21 years. I do not turn left out of here on my bike nor will I turn right into my subdivision when on my bike - it is that dangerous. I will turn right out of my subdivision and go about 300 yards and do a U-turn to head the other way and make a left onto my street. When coming home, I will go about 1 mile roundabout to make sure that I come from the opposite direction so that I am turning left rather than turn right when on my bike. The problem even with these scenarios is that I am sitting in the "chicken lane" for sometimes minutes while waiting to turn left with cars flying on both sides of me at 50+ miles an hour but this is much preferred to having an 18 wheeler jack knifing 3 cars behind me because they and the cars in front of them weren't paying attention.

A nice flashing tail light would be more than welcome and might help in these situations; However, I wonder about the legality or "fault" should I get in an accident. Many of my neighbors will use their hazard/warning lights well in advance of the turn to warn people behind them to slow down but they do not understand that on many cars, the turn signals may not operate at the same time as the hazard lights so there is the potential issue of law that if they are actually rear ended when they turned while having their hazard indicator on and it is determined that they did not properly indicate their turn, could they be at fault? So it follows that if you do modify your bike in such a manner as to confuse other riders about your intentions could you be ask risk? Even if your turn signal is working at the same time as your flashing tail light and you get rear-ended, couldn't the driver behind you claim that all they saw was your flashing lights and assumed you were slowing down only and not actually turning? Could they have a legal claim that you confused them? Especially since you modified your bike from OEM status?