Brake Light Modulators

[Muleskinner]

I'd like to install a brake light modulator on my 06 Goldwing trike and wanted to get some input on brands. On my trike I have the standard Goldwing brake lights (2 on the trunk and 2 more on the upper deck). I also have the Hannigan whale fin on the trike with more brake lights in it (LEDs I think).

Any suggestions on brand or installation? Also, when I add my trailer into the mix with it's 2 LED brake lights, will those flash as well?

 

[trike lady]

If you contact Charlie Green @ G&D Trikes, he has a diode set up that allows you to turn the 'Whale tail' spoiler into a running/brake light.
I know on the brake light modulators it tells you how much the unit can handle or how many brake lights. I believe the one I installed on a client's trike would only handle four. I don't recall the brand off hand, I'd have to check records and report back. The unit is a 'Back Off XP' and it is used on the GL-1800. It's easy to install and you get two different flash modes with it.

 

[Muleskinner]

If you contact Charlie Green @ G&D Trikes, he has a diode set up that allows you to turn the 'Whale tail' spoiler into a running/brake light.
I know on the brake light modulators it tells you how much the unit can handle or how many brake lights. I believe the one I installed on a client's trike would only handle four. I don't recall the brand off hand, I'd have to check records and report back. The unit is a 'Back Off XP' and it is used on the GL-1800. It's easy to install and you get two different flash modes with it.

Thanks TL for the info, however either the Hannigan Whale Tail spoiler comes with running and brake lights or they were already modified as mine has both brake & turn lights.

Unless I hear some negative backfeed, I'll go with the VisiStop Brake Light Modulator (Intelligent Brake Light Flasher - $29.95 Comagination VisiStop) as it is cheap ($30), super easy and versitle to install, and, per a review by WebBikeWorld (Motorcycle Brake Light Flasher - webBikeWorld), very reliable.

 

[Lunchbox1983]

Rear End

Front Headlight

These are what I have on my GL 1500. I know you are asking about rears but I also suggest the headlight modulator as a great saftey device. Well worth the money.

 

[Muleskinner]

I already have the headlight modulator and wouldn't be without it. Just want to also add the rear. I saw the Kuryakyn ones, but the VisiStop is less than half the price and from what reviews I have been able to find, just as good, though it doesn't have the multiple modes that the Kuryakyn has.

 

[Nauga Mok]

You might want to check your state's laws concerning modulating lights. Some states don't allow them. Think you're impersonating the local LEOs or somethin'.

NM

 

[Muleskinner]

That's true about the brake light flashers, however there is a Federal Law in both the United States and Canada that trumps all local and state laws making the headlight modulators legal as long as they meet the Federal Guidelines. If you send me a PM I can get you a copy of the statue. I laminated it and carry it in my trike at all times.

As far as the brake lights go, with the way I'm going to hook them up, the factory brake lights will be unaffected and only the center brake lights on the Whale Fin will flash. I'll also have a simple and quick way to bypass the flasher unit on them if I run into problems anywhere.

 

[Lunchbox1983]

My Chevy trucks at work all modulate top light on the cab when you press the brakes, came that way from the factory. I doubt any police would care unless you are up to some other no go.

Remember the brake lights only modulate when the brakes are engaged, ie flashing a stop. when running they are solid, or running lights. I use a flash mode, maybe cause its what I got to work, and i left it at that, so technically all my brake lights flash, no wig wag.

As to headlights they must not modulate after dark. Anytime else good to go, federal law, good all 50 states.

 

[Comanche]

You might want to check your state's laws concerning modulating lights. Some states don't allow them. Think you're impersonating the local LEOs or somethin'.

NM

Federal law allows modulators and trumps all state laws. Everyone that makes a modulator supplies a copy of the federal law so if a LEO stops you you can show them the law. If he/she is still anal and tickets you the federal law is legal defense in any court to beat the ticket.

That said, if you have a GL 1800 make sure you do not put a WIG WAG modulator on the wing. It will burn out in very short order.

I had bought one and my installer told me this. It has been verified by other mechanics as well. I put a different kind on which flashes 5 times when applying the brakes. Gives me great rear visibility. I have a Diamond Star headlight modulator on the front which gives me frontal visibility.

None of these aids are a reason not to be totally alert to stupid drivers.

 

[Muleskinner]

Got all mine installed and working and they work great. I went with the VisiStop Intelligent Brake Light Flasher - $29.95 Comagination VisiStop for the rear which was $36 with tax. Very easy to install and versatile in its installation choices. Not only did I hook mine up so that the brake lights in my whale fin are the only brake lights that flash, it will be a simple thing to add dedicated center flashing brake lights to my trailer later on if I decide to do so.

I know for a fact that the front modulating headlights are getting attention as on a long trip we just took, we had 5 oncoming vehicles pull off on the shoulder for us. Sorry they misunderstood, but would have been even more sorry had they turned left in front of us and very glad that we got their attention. We went by numerous city and state police units in 3 states and not one seemed concerned about our modulating headlights, however I do have a laminated copy of the Federal law in my glove box, just in case.:Flag: