Looking to try this out...opinions

Xclimation

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https://www.banggood.com/XANES-STL10-Brake-Bike-Bicycle-Tail-Light-Xiaomi-Electric-Scooter-Motorcycle-E-bike-Cycling-Camping-p-1352668.html?utm_design=114&utm_source=emarsys&utm_medium=Mail_weekend27_email&utm_campaign=newsletteremarsys&utm_content=Winna&sc_src=email_3265874&sc_eh=5317fce0b069f2461&sc_llid=203785&sc_lid=128190493&sc_uid=DW9O88g0z0

Looking to try this out for supplemental rear lighting in particular when slowing down. Only concern is how good the "g sensor" works. Easy install just have to charge the battery. And you can't beat the price. I've ordered various lighting products from banggood, T-mart and have had nothing but good luck.
 

EricV

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What are you looking to improve?
 

EricV

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Sounds like you hope this will help in traffic or commute scenarios. While some studies show that this type of flashing rear tail light improves following driver's awareness of the motorcycle by drawing their attention to the changing/flashing lights, others show people that are impaired tend to focus on the flashing light and aim in on it subconsciously, running right into the back of the vehicle. (Happens with EMS and LEOs more often that you may be aware of.)

I would argue that the average commuter fits the 'impaired' profile due to their brain dead, multi-tasking, follow the same route every day habits. We have to watch for them, not rely on them seeing us.

There are motorcycle dedicated units that provide similar functions thru your brake/tail light. This one doesn't have the G-sensor and only works when you apply the brakes: LINK $49
This version adds additional LED pods, but works the same: LINK $27
This one works like you appear to desire, w/o brake use, based on the vehicle slowing: LINK $79 Store Link

There are an endless supply of different units. Another from Signal Dynamics w/o G sensor: LINK $35

This does what you want with the stock brake lights - $64 Volo Lights

Volo Lights also offers a license plate frame version with it's own stand alone lights that does not hook up to the OEM lights. Volo Light Web Site $80
 
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Xclimation

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Eric V , Yes I am looking for commuter traffic visibility. Really I just want some type of indicator when I'm not applying the brake maybe engine braking or when squeeze the clutch lever to slow down. And I want something up high when I put on any type of tail bag/case. Looking for G sensor sensing type of indicator. With panniers or top case I feel it limits visibility on the sides and for vehicles that are high up (we have a lot of raised pick-ups here in Texas.) But at the same time I don't want my bike lit up like some kind of Vegas casino....
But I know what you mean about confusing lights. My brother rides a Harley Ultra Limited with a lot of lights on the back including a back-off type brake light. When I ride behind him and he's slowing down for a turn or just braking or just turning....I swear there is a moment of confusion deciphering all the lights and what's going on!
Also, I ride on the highway in the dark often and yes some emergency and highway construction vehicles now-a-days have those BRIGHT flashing red and blue lights which I swear temporarily blind my over 50 eyes and I squint or somewhat look away to avoid the temporary blindness! Those newer emergency LED lights in my opinion are almost too bright!
 

HeliMark

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Sounds like you hope this will help in traffic or commute scenarios. While some studies show that this type of flashing rear tail light improves following driver's awareness of the motorcycle by drawing their attention to the changing/flashing lights, others show people that are impaired tend to focus on the flashing light and aim in on it subconsciously, running right into the back of the vehicle. (Happens with EMS and LEOs more often that you may be aware of.)
The flashing light and impaired driver is true, but a number of years ago, the LE department that I was with did a study on it. They disabled the flashing so that it was solid on the rear (unless the full light bar was on) to see if it made any difference. It didn't. They found out that the impaired drivers were just focusing on the bright light facing them and aiming for it. You will see in California, the CHP on stops will shut off the rear part of the light bar. For me, numerous close calls, and one good rear end by a drunk driver when I was working.
 

EricV

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At the end of the day this is like self canceling turn signals. I prefer to choose when my lights are on, not rely on automation. It's up to me to manage and proactively signal my intentions to others, and be aware if they are responding to them.

Developing the muscle memory of tapping the brake, lever or pedal, when slowing will serve you well. Relying on some automatic feature is fine, until it fails and you are un-aware of it. Never mind the negative aspects.

I see too many negative responses to my wife's factory self canceling turn signals. I've only had a HD that had that feature and it was only useful about half the time, the other half turning off too soon or staying on too long. Which is what I see with the wife's BMW. I've seen her cut off because someone thought she was turning left, so they did too, except they were on-coming. A lot of other things too.

Back to the enhanced brake light with G sensor. You want something to do what you can already do manually. Hoping it will make you safer. It won't. Only you paying attention to what traffic behind you is doing will make you safer. How you choose to respond to that traffic's actions will create a safer scenario for you.

Things like: stopping at an angle, aimed for the gap between cars

Watching the traffic behind you, not just the one car behind you at stops

Looking for traffic behind you when you are slowing for any reason and when they are present, tapping the brakes a few times if they are closer than you like, then checking that they actually respond to your signal

Hand signals to vehicles following too close (not a single finger gesture). An open palm, turned down with a patting motion usually communicates to the driver to slow it down/back off some.

Weave in your lane to ensure others, both behind and on-coming, see you. The human brain notices CHANGE more than anything else. A single point closing in is not CHANGE. This is best suited to coming up on intersections where you might get 'left turned' or fast approaching traffic from the rear.

We always have to be prepared to avoid other drivers. It really doesn't matter who is right or wrong, has right of way or doesn't, we'll still lose the fight if we share the same space with larger vehicles.
 

Xclimation

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Eric V, You described in perfect detail the things I already do. I'm EXTREMELY observant of cars around me. I'm good at multitasking and have well above average physical coordination. The problem is........most people don't and I tailor my riding (even when driving a cage) down to the least common denominator. ANYTHING I can do to improve my odds and visibility....especially for the low price (as in the link I posted) and ease of use....I'm ALL for it!!!
I Live in Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas. We've been getting a LOT of Floridians and Californians immigrating here (as well as other places such as Oklahoma) As other Texans can attest to.....People from other places don't necessarily possess the situational awareness and physical prowess and just raw strength we Texans are born with. Some live in lower population areas and have NO idea what we face on the roads in an urban area where if you don't drive 80 mph in the fast lane and are within 2 car lengths bare minimum from another vehicle even at Non-rush hour times. Believe you/me I'm working on moving to a more rural location because of stuff like this and the incursion of the infidel Floridian, Californians and Oklahomans...Also to mention TXDOT (ones who do the road construction here in Texas) and their unpredictability of road construction and what lanes are blocked off and the fools who wait last minute to cut you off when merging from construction zones....all whilst texting or talking on the phone.....I'll admit to these things while driving on occasion...but, I'm better at most because of my coordination and I'm reasonable about it in regards to what's going on around me.......Hopefully I qualified this......Hopefully I've qualified my need to be more visible and communicative with respect to my riding environment and situation? As you see I rambled and was all over the place in my reply....but....you kind of have to be that way when riding your bike around here. I live in downtown Fort Worth...and ride my bike to work and everywhere else I get the chance to. I hope that others who live here in DFW or even in other urban high population geographic locations chime in on what is on the road EVERY day!
 

EricV

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I ride all over. I've ridden in Dallas/Ft Worth traffic many times, but not been a regular commuter. I'll be there in a couple of days, actually, for the IBA Big As TX Party in Allen. I hear what you're saying. I just think that at some point, you just take what it is and work with it. Try lane splitting in SoCal traffic where you not only have to watch for all the cars/trucks, but other motorcycles coming up on you at 60+ when traffic is doing 20 and you're doing 25-30.

Every major city has it's craziness when it comes to traffic and construction. Vegas, LA, NY, Jersey, SF/Oakland, Seattle with rain and left exits, DC with the bridges, etc. We all do the best we can. Good luck with the light and I hope it helps for your needs.
 
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