I just installed a Whelen TIR3 Super LED Module ($50. from Vehicle Lighting Solutions) as an auxilary brake light and fired it up. I was stunned: this thing really puts out a LOT of light and flashes in a "oh god it's the cops pants wetting" pattern (actually any of a dozen patterns that you can program). Looks to be real solid, come with mounting hardware and clear instructions. My old HyperLites don't come close to comparing to this unit. http://www.vlsusa.com/cgi-bin/vlsusa/TIR3.html
+1; that's what I'm using as a brake/tail on my XRR and it's freaking insane how much light comes out. It hurts my eyes, when they're closed!
Can it be set to not flash and only function as a standard taillight/stoplight? These things seem to be made primarily for emergency vehicle use so I wouldn't want to run into problems with a LEO 'discussing' that I just don't want a cager running over my arse and I'm not trying to impersonate an ambulance or police car. Rick
My LED tail light wiring steps is burried in in this walk-thru: Enclosed is a step by step procedure for replacing the stock 1157 tail light with a modern, low power consumption, bright LED replacement. I will also supplement the tail light with an aftermarket LED Light Bar. The advantages of the modification are as follows: 1. Long live bulbs. The bulbs will outlast the bike. Even the KLR! 2. No more bulb replacement 3. Low power consumption system 4. Brighter system 4. Vibration/shock resistant bulbs 5. More visibility = less likelihood of rear end collision The inspriation for this modification is based on a thread by fellow KLRworld members including kramsetac, 75,000 miles, Quarterhorse 2, and Bikerscout. The LEDs can be found at www.customdynamics.com The reflector tape can be found at any autoparts store in the near the paint supplies. LED Items to install: 1. 1157 tail/stop light LED replacement Radiant cluster 1.85 inch red Direct base Get SKU # 5302-19 for $34.99 2. 6 inch lightbar - red/black SKU 02010 $35.95 brushup on KLR650 electrical/wire issues Items to be installed LED 1157 tail light, Plug in existing socket 6 inch tail/stop light supplement. Not a tail light replacement. Will need to mount and wire this item install instructions reflector tape. Metallica...Rock on Man..."FreeBird"!!! hehehe remove tail light plastic housing exposed bulb and dull reflector stock bulb and LED replacement backside view install LED in socket. Just push while turning. May need to rotate 180 degrees when installing. Will only engage correctly one way all installed, No issues fits fine need to remove the housing reflector to make it mirror like finish. Remove these 2x nuts 10mm wrench unhook wires 3x total. Just pull while turning. Dont worry it wont brake. I added tape so I know to reconnect the correct wires together 2x nuts off, 3x wires labeled and disconnected reflector can now be removed now apply that mirror sticky side tape unroll the 6 foot long tape, cut 1 foot or so. the housing is symmetric so you can work from the paper side trim to fit peel back the paper exposing the adheasive inlay on the plastic reflector....No worries about heat from LEDs. There is none! mirror like reflection...see the camera? now the sides mark trim lines inlay to check tape opposite side like so! back side now. Since it is curved it will have to be installed piecemeal cover screw studs drape the material as best you can almost done check bulb does not contact material check power consumption Stock bulb tail light only .446 amps or 6.24 watts of power Stock bulb Brake light only 1.903 amps or 27 watts of power New LED tail light only .070 amps or 1.0 watts of power New LED Brake light only .354 amps or 5 watts of power The LED consume ~ 17% of the stock wattage. Woohoo! light bar tail on at .020 amps or .24 watts light bar Brake light at .25 amps or 3.0 watts need to make 3x of these electrical splice/spliters to run power to LED light bar will attach here like so. Each one is color coded. Look at Stebel horn install for walk thru of making a wire bundle reattach the tail light housing add LED bulb thread wires thru opening attach color coded wire bundles awaiting to attach to LED bar make and attach LED bracket, use this Aluminum angle trace outline mark cutting trim lines after bandsaw cut will attach bracket here, measure hole pitch transfer measurements trim bracket with band saw quick check to see if fits ok drill mounting holes in bracket tabs drilled and deburr holes check fit mount light bar here use rubber gasket as template mark holes attach bar to bracket with metric M4-.7 allen head bolts check drill size drill and deburr ready to mount thread wire thru center access hole use loctite on threads looks good! ready to mount on bike pickup these 2x holes drill small hole to thread wires under fender mounting complete wires threaded thru here standoff view lights off wires to connect to splicer wire splice tools ready! cut excess length strip insulation add 1x small shrink wrap (white) + 1x large shrink wrap (black) + one waterproof 20 AWG wire crimp connector crimp connector shrink wrap connectors repeat all 3x connectors zip tie the wires to frame...now for the results...... OEM stock tail bulb tail light only (no brake) LED tail light (no brake) OEM stock brake light LED brake LED tail LED brake Review: I think the system exceeded my expectations 1. Low power consumption LED use ~ 20% of incandescent power (6.24 watts vs. 1.24 watts LED) for tail light and (27 watts vs. 8 watts) for brake light. 2. Recommend adding the reflective material 3. Vibration resistant system. 4 Much brighter than stock. Nice safety issue! Especially if viewed from directly behind. 5. Independent Fail-safe light system. Happy with mod ready to ride!
I have the Wheelen Talon and some TIR3's, but they're not on my bike and they face forward. Great little light blasters. Stopped at an intersection waiting for traffic to clear a few weeks ago, thinking there's no way crossing traffic can see my little blinkey light (Talon) 90 degrees off axis, and whadaya know, they pulled over and stopped for me. Amazing. I have the Dual Star brake light on my KLR, but I have heard on other boards of people in a few states being hassled by the cops about modulating brake lights and it sounded like they were pushing an 'emergency vehicle light' angle on the flashing red light being illegal. Can't remember what state that was, but the city busses do it here so I doubt you'd be hasssled for it here.
The most impressive picture of the bunch! I don't think Kawasaki has that many binders on the KLR! Nice job on the install. I have been mulling over an led taillight for my GS...
In Oregon it is legal for motorcycles to have Flashing brake lights under ORS 816.100(11). 816.100 Brake lights. Each of the following is a requirement for brake lights as described:<o></o> (1) Brake lights shall be placed on the rear of the vehicle. Where more than one brake light is required under ORS 816.320 and 816.330 at least one brake light shall be placed on each side of the rear. (2) Brake lights shall be constructed and located on a vehicle so as to give a signal of intention to stop. (3) Brake lights shall emit a red light. If the motor vehicle was manufactured before 1959 and the brake light is combined with the taillight in a taillight assembly, the assembly may contain an insert as described under ORS 816.080. (4) Except as provided in subsection (11) of this section, brake lights shall emit a steady burning light. (5) Brake lights shall emit a light that is plainly visible and capable of being seen and distinguished from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the vehicle in normal daylight. (6) Brake lights required under ORS 816.320 and 816.330 shall be mounted, so far as practicable, in such a manner as to reduce the hazard of being obscured by mud or dust thrown by the wheels. (7) Brake lights shall not project a glaring or dazzling light. (8) Brake lights may be incorporated with a taillight. (9) Brake lights shall be activated upon application of the service brake. (10) Brake lights required under ORS 816.320 and 816.330 or any parts for brake lights must comply with standards adopted by the Department of Transportation under ORS 816.010. (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]
I assume you are using the LED in addition to the stock tail/stop light. I am also looking at something like this to enhance my stop light. What bike is it mounted on and how does the brighness of the LED module compare to the stock stop light?
I have the same light as a brake light on my Vstrom. It's actually a grill light for unmarked police cars. Stupidly bright.
Good effort... learn new things everyday. Thank you! I am currently trying out the 3W LEDs brake light introduced by a friend... suspose to be much brighter, uses lesser electrical power.. blah blah blah... FatBiker
Both Cree and Lumileds are bringing to market some exciting new diodes, only draw backs are the need for better optics's
KLM: A super effort to get your KLR's brake light to shine brighter. I purchased the Brake! LED stop / running light for the KLR, and it's an easy plug and play application. Simply install the LED panel and plug it into the bulb socket. The LED is an X pattern and is comprised of super bright LED's, and can be set to come on solid or strobes brightly for a few seconds and then goes solid. The strobing really catches the attention of cagers behind me. Here's a poor picture.. a 3 minute installation.. and it's been going for 3 years..
I just bought some MR16 bulbs with 3 watt cree's. They say they are equivalent to 45 watt halogen floods (I say 35 watt but still not bad) , and have decent a pattern. Only drawbacks are they are a 1/4 deeper than standard halogen bulbs and not a weather-proof face, so most standard mounts don't work. I have since seen 5 watt versions. I think LED's are about to pass HID for aux lights for motorcycle applications.
