BackoffXP

[CaptShaq]

Hey,

I was wondering if anyone installed BackoffXP on their S10. I had it on my Kawasaki and really felt it made a difference (drivers behind me seemed to be noticing my breaking sooner). I plan on installing it on my '14 standard. To install I need to tap into the break light wire - any idea what color that wire is?

http://www.signaldynamics.com/backoffxp

Thanks,

Shaq

 

[bnschroder]

I like the brake light flashers but Backoff seemed rather expensive. I ordered something for $2.90 on ebay (incl shipping) that is supposed to do the same. I can report how it is working once it is installed.

 

[CaptShaq]

I like the brake light flashers but Backoff seemed rather expensive. I ordered something for $2.90 on ebay (incl shipping) that is supposed to do the same. I can report how it is working once it is installed.

Could you share the link please?

Thanks

Shaq

 

[Will Rotten]

Shaq,

Check out this thread. It is what I am going from.

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=1478.msg190429;topicseen#msg190429

I'm installing one of these on my top case. I feel like it covers the brake light.

https://www.customdynamics.com/knight_rider_led_light_bar.htm

I am also thinking about adding these to my license plate.

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

The Knight Rider is taking a little fabrication of brackets to mount on my top case. Can't drill into the center as that's where the locking mechanism is.

The only time I'm really uptight on my bike is sitting at a stop, worrying some idiot is going to rear end me.

 

[CaptShaq]

Shaq,

Check out this thread. It is what I am going from.

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=1478.msg190429;topicseen#msg190429

I'm installing one of these on my top case. I feel like it covers the brake light.

https://www.customdynamics.com/knight_rider_led_light_bar.htm

I am also thinking about adding these to my license plate.

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

The Knight Rider is taking a little fabrication of brackets to mount on my top case. Can't drill into the center as that's where the locking mechanism is.

The only time I'm really uptight on my bike is sitting at a stop, worrying some idiot is going to rear end me.

Thanks Will.

 

[offcamber]

I went with a Vololight
Doesn't rely on brake application to activate it.

http://vololights.com

 

[Will Rotten]

That's neat. Thanks offcamber. I'm now considering these instead of hyperlights.

 

[Harry Dresden PI]

I installed the hyperlite 3 way on my wife's bike and my old Suzuki DL650.

They work great but pulling off all the plastic to access the wiring was a pain. (Hours for install)

Easters Beaver products helped with the DL650 install with a plug in connector

Both work well and help others see you in low light conditions ... the flashing LEDs for turn and stop double the chance to be noticed

.... I saw somewhere that only 10% of the motorcycle fatality are from bring hit to the rear ....

 

[CaptShaq]

I went with a Vololight
Doesn't rely on brake application to activate it.

http://vololights.com

Interesting. Although, I read their reasoning why the Vololights would be more reliable, and I must say I'm not sure I'm convinced. On the first scenario ("decelerating without braking") - I think that with such low rate of deceleration (e.g. downshifting) the situation would probably be much less risky than braking (if one lets another car sit so close on their six that a non-brake deceleration would risk hitting you, that's a different problem). Personally, when I slow down, I always tap the brakes (to alert the driver behind me AND make sure brakes are functional). On the 2nd scenario (different rate of alert between a "tap" and a "full brakes" squeeze) - why would a driver ignoring any other solution's high-frequency flashing brake lights act any differently to Vololights flashing?

Also, I'm not sure how their technology works. The fact they require "calibration" is a concern for me. What happens if/when the device gets out of calibration (solutions connected in-line with the brake light seem to have less chance of failure)? Why is a magnet being used for calibration (does that mean the product uses magnets and if so - would those interfere in any way with the ABS - the user manual specifically warns against getting magnets close to the bike for that reason)?

I'm really not trying to diss the product (I think the concept is very interesting), just wondering if it really does have any benefit over the simple, line-in brake light solutions, which are priced at 1/2 (SupaBrake) or 1/4 (BackoffXP) of it. Just my 2cents.

Am I missing anything?

Shaq

 

[arjayes]

.... I saw somewhere that only 10% of the motorcycle fatality are from bring hit to the rear ....

A bit morbid maybe, but I look at motorcycle accident stats and videos A LOT. I like to know what I'm up against. Your figure is not far off. In 2011 it was 6%:

https://rideapart.com/articles/what-the-latest-nhtsa-fatality-statistics-reveal-about-motorcycle-safety

I've never considered these brake light modulators. Kind of like hi-viz riding gear to me. I know visibility is good, but I also don't want to look like the Las Vegas strip out there. But I respect you guys who are able to put vanity aside and go the extra mile!

 

[Harry Dresden PI]

Many of our friends ride HD products that have 3 lights to the rear ... that at night are much better to be seen than the single brake light on many / most Japanese rides. I have had other bikes with running lights and find they are great to help others see you.

For me ... as my wife rides her honda at night and her rear lights are so dim in comparison ... we installed the hyperlites that provide increased visibility from the rear. (Running lights and flashing)

One down side is that extra lights / that also flash ..... at the rear .... allow for the Law Enforcement Officers to see you ....

 

[JRE]

While a relatively low % of bike accidents are the hit from behind variety, any passive safety measure you implement to mitigate the risk is a worthy investment IMO. Per the article linked above...

According to the findings 2,449 (49%) of all fatal motorcycle crashes were the result of a bike colliding with another vehicle. Only 6% of deaths in 2011 were due to a bike being hit from behind.

More than 42% (1,998) of motorcyclists in 2011 were killed in two vehicle accident and 38% (757) of these were the result of another vehicle turning left in front of the motorcycle that was either going straight, passing or overtaking another vehicle.

NHTSA claims that of all motorcycle deaths in 2011, 35% (1,614) were the direct result of the rider speeding.

Looks like we need to slow down too

 

[Langolier]

With my rack lowered and a travel bag on it the tail light on the Tenere is somewhat hidden. I added some LED brake lights on the sides of the license plate. I like the idea of "wired in" lights for the reason of when at stop lights and a vehicle is approaching from the rear I can give them a extra flash to hopefully get their head out of there cell phone.

 

[justbob]

If you really want to be noticed when braking, replace your rear reflector over the license plate with a Whelen or Tomar L.E.D. activated by a cheap flasher from Ebay.
The Tomar and Whelen lights are much brighter than Hyperlites and cost less.

 

[Will Rotten]

I finished the install of the

https://www.customdynamics.com/knight_rider_led_light_bar.htm

I'd considered adding more but these are plenty. The running light isn't legal in all states, I've just noticed, so I put quick connects under the passenger seat if an officer wants to be funny about them. I hope they don't get me pulled over but I know they will keep be from being rear ended.

I'll post pics and video soon. Cyborg S10!