BestScenicRoutes.com

Posts Tagged ‘Motorcycle’

Side by side comparison of no lights, lights.

As with most motorcycles, my bike has a small single brake light that only garners moderate attention. I want a light that Las Vegas would be proud of to get through the traffic and nail drivers behind me right in the eyes.

After watching a video for Hyper-Lite LED lights that overwhelmed the camera, I decided that these could be the ticket to a flashy hind end. Service was prompt and within a few days of contacting Hyper-Lite my new U32 LED brake lights arrived.

Hype-Lite U32 LED Lights Build Quality = A

A simple plastic housing encases the LEDs and protects them from the elements. Each light protrudes from the case. The lights include long leads, Posi-Tap, Posi-Connect and industrial grade adhesive pads to power and attach the small LED lights to a motorcycle. Everything that you need is right there in the package.

Hyperlites U32 system out of the package.

Hyper-Lite U32, Ease of Install = A

After removing the seat and assessing the rear of the brake light, installation is an absolute cinch. The lights were attached to my license plate holder and I drilled small holes to allow the wires to pass through the fender. The Hyper-Lite wires were then cut to length. The Posi-connects and Posi-taps connected the Hyper-Lite LED wires to the bike’s brake light wiring. The fender and seat were then re-installed. Easy as pie. Turning on the ignition revealed bright running lights. The running lights only use 30 percent of the available light to give you a good triangular pattern (two sets of LEDs down low and one brake light up high). Squeezing the brake lever really brought the Hyper-Lites to life. At most, these lights pull 1/3 of an amp. Technology has come a long way since motorcyclists first rode at night with candlelight.

When the brake light is applied, look out! Especially in the dark of night.

How bright are the Hyper-Lite brake lights?

In the words of George Takei (of Star Trek fame) in the Sharp TV commercials, “Whoa! Ohhhh my!” The Hyper-Lite U32 LEDs are bright enough to send an SOS to passing jets 30,000 feet  in the air. They should do just the trick to get the attention of the next Mercedes SUV driver paying too much attention to a phone call to notice the fine and narrow rear end of my Suzuki V-Strom. Hopefully, this is enough to keep drivers stopped safely behind me in traffic.

Hyper-Lite U32, Bang for Your Buck = A

The U32 system sells for $75.95 with brake light only and $93.95 with brake light and running lights. Hyper-Lites offer several options to help get your butt noticed. They range in price from $55.95 to $98.95. A small price to pay to make your vulnerable side more conspicuous.

There are cheaper LED lights on the market. The extra cost of the Hyper-Lite LED lights is justified in that they operate as advertised, are easy to install and are backed by a responsive company. I have not found another brand that offers this combination of benefits at the same cost.

I skipped on the license plate bracket ($10.50), but would recommend that you buy it. I spent too much time creating my own and it doesn’t look as nice as theirs. I’ll likely end up buying it to make the installation look better. The U32 system has two options, running/blinking brake light or running/blink-then-solid brake light. Mine blinks incessantly in order to heighten visual stimulus.

Was this product review helpful? Let us know by posting in the comments section and supporting the site by clicking the button below.

©BestScenicRoutes.com. All rights reserved.

Rear end collisions are near and dear to me, as they likely are to all motorcycle riders. Here is a brief story about one of the closest encounters of the 4-wheel caged kind that happened to me while stopped.

The highway I was on happened to end and curl onto the entrance ramp to an interstate highway in Minneapolis. Traffic had backed up in this spot and offered very few escape routes. I kept my head on a swivel and watched the traffic behind me.

A lady driving a Mercedes SUV, whom I noticed earlier talking on her cell phone, approached from behind without the nose dipping from applying the brakes. I watched for the bumper to dip and it just wasn’t happening. There was traffic in front of me and a Minnesota State Patrol officer had someone pulled over on the right shoulder. Finally I noticed the bumper dive toward the pavement, just as I heard her tires begin to squeal. I twisted my wrist and dumped the clutch. The bike revved as I sped up and stopped inches behind the officer’s squad car.

The trooper was stepping out of the car as this happened and his eyes just about popped out his their sockets from surprise. I could tell that his synapses were ready to use his cop voice to question what the hell I was up to. Until, that is, he heard the tires squealing and saw the SUV driver dump her phone to put both hands on the steering wheel to stop the 4,000 lbs vehicle just two inches from the bumper that I was resting behind just moments ago. Traffic began moving again and I filed in a few vehicles behind the asshat Mercedes driver. A feeling of relief didn’t ease my nerves until I got out of traffic and reached my destination.

The moral of this story is to always watch your six.  It also highlights the importance of finding ways to standout like a hot chic in a nice pair of jeans.

There are many ways to improve your visibility while riding a motorcycle. Stay tuned for upcoming articles on how to increase your conspicuity while riding motorcycles. Some of these articles will include product reviews, while others just provide pointers to keep your rides enjoyable.

Articles in this series:
Take a highly Visible Stand, with High-Viz Motorcycle Riding Gear

Product Review: Hyper-Lite LED Lights for Motorcycles

Read the rest of this entry »