A good idea over a beer

[rj2para (Bisto)]

With all this talk of LED lights I had a look round the shed and found one on my little used push bike.



Ok it may yet be a crap idea.

will will see when the sun goes down but it will I think improve the standard rear light and for my short run to work should be ok on battery life. Time will tell..

currently mounted above my rear light. (pics to follow, if it looks like staying )

Naturally I will only be running in continuous mode on the motorbike. Much as I like it flashing.

www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_199547_categoryId_165636_langId_-1?cm_sp=Intelligent_Offer-_-Product_List_Zone_1-_-Blank&iozone=PLPz1

[gothitjulie]

Should look just fine.

I feel that the extra set of LED brake lights on top of a topbox or integral with the topbox is the way to go as the following vehicle can then see the brake lights come on much better. getting hit from the rear at roundabouts & other junctions is where it's at.

Front LEDs are a good idea & may cause someone to notice you a little better as you approach, but I'd guess we all run with the headlights on anyway so we should be seen.... just the silly sods pull out without looking. Best way to avoid that happening is finding the best road position & moving around a bit to attract their attention, & of course covering the brakes & being at a slow enough speed.

My HID lights are not to be seen better but for me to see the road better when I'm heading to & from my flat in the deepest darkest depths of rural Surrey (standard NTV lights not good enough above about 40mph).

[rj2para (Bisto)]

These might work for the front.

I seem to remember that as long as they stay on and only 'glimmer' they are legal in the UK.

www.bikevis.com/motorcycle-led-running-light-strips.html

[McF]

additional lights at the front are highly recommended. Theory is that they produce a "looming effect" the gaps between the lights grows and changes form as you approach another driver. A single light is difficult to judge distance and speed.

An extra bicycle LED at the back may may you feel more confident but I doubt it will make much difference. If someone can rear end a lorry / bus and I have even seen a police car get hit in the rear, it only proves either:
a. The other driver wasn't looking
b. The other driver had failed to appreciate speed and stopping distance
c. a and b

Having said that, I must confess I am thinking of adding the light kit for my Givi 52L box and wiring them as fog lights (they are meant to be brake lights so they should be bright enough).

I doubt adding more lights can make matters worse so it's not a bad thing

[gothitjulie]

Ah, so the results of my new headlight testing are in:

AWESOME

It's a SPY H4 kit, www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Motorbike-Bike-HID-light-kit-6000K-white-/190532220416

The standard NTV headlamp housing works just fine, both dipped & main have a definite beam. Riding along the dark country lanes is a revelation using this HID light, I can see brilliantly.

Only extra you will need is an extension of the leads that go to the battery as they're too short. Oh, used a few cable ties to keep the cables tidy too.