BrightAss Lights for Tri Glide - Question

[x-winger]

I would like to upgrade the rear tail/brake lights on my 2013 Tri Glide to LED lights. Harley offers some options in their accessories catalog but I want to retain the red lens stock look & the options in the catalog don't meet that need. As an alternative, I'm considering lights from WWW.BRIGHTASSLIGHTS.COM. They are advertised as "Plug-N-Play installation" with selectable running intensity and multiple brake modes. They are also a bit "pricey".

I would very much appreciate feedback (good or bad) from anyone who has these lights. Also, are there any other alternatives that I should consider?

Thanks,

Ed

 

[hARLEY jOE]

I would like to upgrade the rear tail/brake lights on my 2013 Tri Glide to LED lights. Harley offers some options in their accessories catalog but I want to retain the red lens stock look & the options in the catalog don't meet that need. As an alternative, I'm considering lights from WWW.BRIGHTASSLIGHTS.COM. They are advertised as "Plug-N-Play installation" with selectable running intensity and multiple brake modes. They are also a bit "pricey".

I would very much appreciate feedback (good or bad) from anyone who has these lights. Also, are there any other alternatives that I should consider?

Thanks,

Ed

I've got a 2013 with the brightasslights on it. Been looking around at the different ones available and decided to pull the plug on these just because they ARE bright ass lights. If you want to be seen, these suckers will do it.

Also, very adjustable and super easy to install.

They work!

 

[x-winger]

harley joe,

Thanks for the feed back. Good info! These lights say they can be programmed on the fly to change the intensity. How do you do that? Any problem keeping the units on two separate fenders synchonized?

Thanks,

Ed

 

[hARLEY jOE]

You use a really strong magnet (the lights come with it) to set the flash pattern. The instructions tell how to set the different patterns. You do need to program each one separately, but it is easy to do.

We keep a magnet and the instructions in the tourpak, but have never needed to reprogram them.
They don't actually synchronize with each other, you just set them both the same.

 

[HogAir]

You will also need a load equalizer with them. At least I did with my 2011 TG. Keeps the turn signal from rapid flashing.

 

[hARLEY jOE]

our 2013 didn't need a load equalizer

 

[delta]

My 2012 didn't need one either.

 

[427dave]

I had one on my Ultra and loved it, It was very bright ass! I have heard of weird problems with two of them on the trikes. Main problem seems to be with the turn signals. I am guessing you can not program the brake light mode for flashing because brake and turn are the same wire/filament/signal. I could see where that might cause a problem. Also have heard a load resistor is necessary and then have heard it is not required. Go to their website and ask them.

 

[rwhgme]

I have them on my 2010. People behind me have come alongside and said that my lights are incredible. I also did not need an equalizer. I set them to behave as the stock signals do and they have been trouble free!

 

[Papa Ed]

I had one on my two-wheel, and now two on my 2013 T-Glide. Work perfectly, except when one got water inside the lens; they fixed it anyway and installed them both back on the bike to boot while I was at Octoberfest. Definitely worth the investment.

 

[trikermutha]

some need the equalizer some do not in my case I needed the equalizer..They are bright and adjustable with the magnet..very happy with them..Harley sell the LED tail lights along with others..

 

[Rod69]

Have LED taillights from Ride Time Technology. They are real bright and have had a lot of positive feed back on them. A lot cheaper than Harley.

 

[Moneywoes]

I have them on my 12 Triglide, the turns might flash a little fast, the front turns act just like they always have so I don't know if the backs would be called hyper flashing or just the way the brightasslight flash patterns are. I also had the brightasstaillight on my previous 08 Electra glide ultra, but then the turn signals were separate lights. Hyperflash or not I do like the lights.

 

[Gorilla]

Have them on my 2013 TG. Have had them on my bike/trikes since 2008. Would not be without them.

 

[trikermutha]

You may need a equalizer. if they are hyper flashing..

 

[x-winger]

UPDATE
I sent an email to the manufacturer of BrightAss Lights asking about the possible need of a load equalizer. Here is the response that I received:

"Thank you for the inquiry. You are correct, some 2012/2013 TriGlides need a load equalizer since the brake lights act as turn signals (equalizers are not needed for brake function) and it really depends on the bike build. There is no "problem" to be corrected, it's due to the variables in the bike's manufacturing and we don't sell load equalizers since they bypass a safety feature of the bike (bulb-outage indication). Our engineers have done extensive testing and found it varies from bike-to-bike (based on the parts used when they built it), that's why some have needed them while [most] others have not. On more than two-dozen tested in a single batch, 2 needed them, the others didn't. Newer electronics do not need the equalizers. There are no other issues associated with the TriGlides besides the turn-signal anomaly and the BAL manual includes install instructions specific to the bike (copy attached)."

So, I may or may not need an equalizer. No way to know for sure until the lights have been installed. Note in the manufacturer's response they say they do not sell load equalizers. So, my questions now are:

If needed, where do I get a Load Equalizer?

How difficult is it to install one if needed?

 

[seabiz]

UPDATE
I sent an email to the manufacturer of BrightAss Lights asking about the possible need of a load equalizer. Here is the response that I received:

"Thank you for the inquiry. You are correct, some 2012/2013 TriGlides need a load equalizer since the brake lights act as turn signals (equalizers are not needed for brake function) and it really depends on the bike build. There is no "problem" to be corrected, it's due to the variables in the bike's manufacturing and we don't sell load equalizers since they bypass a safety feature of the bike (bulb-outage indication). Our engineers have done extensive testing and found it varies from bike-to-bike (based on the parts used when they built it), that's why some have needed them while [most] others have not. On more than two-dozen tested in a single batch, 2 needed them, the others didn't. Newer electronics do not need the equalizers. There are no other issues associated with the TriGlides besides the turn-signal anomaly and the BAL manual includes install instructions specific to the bike (copy attached)."

So, I may or may not need an equalizer. No way to know for sure until the lights have been installed. Note in the manufacturer's response they say they do not sell load equalizers. So, my questions now are:

If needed, where do I get a Load Equalizer?

How difficult is it to install one if needed?

http://www.ridetimetechnology.com

Great products and support.

 

[trikermutha]

badlands equalizer plug and play type of unit under the seat..

 

[seabiz]

badlands equalizer plug and play type of unit under the seat..

Agreed. Ride time uses badlands. Superior product.

 

[AZTriGlide]

Has anyone done a comparison of BrightAss Lights and Ride Time Technology? Is one significantly brighter than the other? Thank you for any replies!

 

[seabiz]

Has anyone done a comparison of BrightAss Lights and Ride Time Technology? Is one significantly brighter than the other? Thank you for any replies!

I have the Ride Time tour pack progressive turn signals. Ride time told me these were not quite as bright as the other turn signals he offers on the tour pack. What I like about the bright ass taillights is that you can program them very easily with a magnet. I would say that both Ride Time and BAL are of comparable brightness.

I have smoke lenses. I understand that if you really want a bright taillight you should stick with the red lenses.

I have the HD LED inserts for the tour pack rack and the fender guards from Harley they are basically useless and I don't recommend them.

I went to BAL and Ride Time because after looking at the Harley LED tail lights at the time they weren't very bright. I think that Harley has done a better job with them now.

 

[Trent]

I put on a pair of the HD new Layback LED taillights a coupla weeks ago, went back to a red lens instead of the smoked, and they are very bright. Didn't say anything about them to my ridin' Buds, but after following me, they commented how bright my taillights were all of the sudden. They have improved them from what was available a couple of years ago when I switched to LED. Looked at the Bright Ass { Haha!! I love typing that!! } lights, but for the price, went with the new Laybacks...The way they are engineered now makes the actual lit up surface way bigger than the older style. And yes, the red lenses are way more brighter than the smoked.

 

[Retcsm07]

@Trent,
Just curious, but you said you installed the new HD Layback LED taillights on your Triglide? Catalog fitment says no, like some other stuff. They really look nice.
Looking at LEDs but still not decided which ones.

 

[Trent]

@Trent,
Just curious, but you said you installed the new HD Layback LED taillights on your Triglide? Catalog fitment says no, like some other stuff. They really look nice.
Looking at LEDs but still not decided which ones.

Yeah...They say that a lot... Part number is #67800357.. It comes with a different little wiring harness that you have to switch out,,took me about 15 minutes to put both of them on and they work and fit just fine. Make sure you follow the instructions for switching out the wireing. And they are very bright. I had the chrome smoked LED's on before, as you can see in my avatar photo. The Laybacks also show some red on the side a little too so it is like another side marker light, but is not as bright as straight on. I had some LED bulbs burn out in my left chrome light, so I just replaced 'em both with the new Laybacks. I do like the way they look better than my chrome ones, and they have a way larger surface than the chrome lights too.

 

[Swampfox1949]

Just took mine in for hyper flash all they had to do was change the pattern on my tailights love mine

 

[Retcsm07]

Yeah...They say that a lot... Part number is #67800357.. It comes with a different little wiring harness that you have to switch out,,took me about 15 minutes to put both of them on and they work and fit just fine. Make sure you follow the instructions for switching out the wireing. And they are very bright. I had the chrome smoked LED's on before, as you can see in my avatar photo. The Laybacks also show some red on the side a little too so it is like another side marker light, but is not as bright as straight on. I had some LED bulbs burn out in my left chrome light, so I just replaced 'em both with the new Laybacks. I do like the way they look better than my chrome ones, and they have a way larger surface than the chrome lights too.

Well, I had bought a set of these and finally installed them today. They were easy to install and took about 20 minutes total. They work in all modes (run, brake, turn), but when using the turn signals they start the "hyper-flashing"after 4 blinks. The run, brake and emergency flashers work fine. Not being very good at electrical stuff, but based on what I've read here and some other posts, I assume I may need a load equalizer.

So would anyone recommend anything in particular and have any hints about hookup?

Thanks

 

[trikermutha]

Well, I had bought a set of these and finally installed them today. They were easy to install and took about 20 minutes total. They work in all modes (run, brake, turn), but when using the turn signals they start the "hyper-flashing"after 4 blinks. The run, brake and emergency flashers work fine. Not being very good at electrical stuff, but based on what I've read here and some other posts, I assume I may need a load equalizer.

So would anyone recommend anything in particular and have any hints about hookup?

Thanks

I have the badlands load equalizer. Plug and play type.Plug it in before your tail light converter under you seat by the frame rails. I had the same issue with the Hyper flashing and the load equalizer solved the problem..What year Trike is yours?

 

[Trent]

Well, I had bought a set of these and finally installed them today. They were easy to install and took about 20 minutes total. They work in all modes (run, brake, turn), but when using the turn signals they start the "hyper-flashing"after 4 blinks. The run, brake and emergency flashers work fine. Not being very good at electrical stuff, but based on what I've read here and some other posts, I assume I may need a load equalizer.

So would anyone recommend anything in particular and have any hints about hookup?

Thanks

Hmmm... Not sure why they would do the hyper flashing thing. I have never installed an equalizer and I have many extra lights including the tour pack full width led bar and two front amber led markers, led headlight and running lights, and the fairing led bar lights. Never had a single issue with any of them.

 

[Scorpio49]

Installed them on my 2013 TG and my son's 2014 TG. Did not need an equalizer, however the rear turn signals due flash a little faster than the front turns but I would not say they are hyper flashing. Doesn't bother me as I think a little more brightness/intensity from the rear is a good thing.

Excellent tech support by the way. Someone actually answers the phone.

 

[Retcsm07]

My trike is a 2012.
I also have several other LEDs (front turn, air rack light, Kuryakyn strips that run up along side the truck, LED headlight system). I also have the module which makes the tour pac lights run, brake, and turn.

Could it be the sequence in which the Kuryakyn strips may have been plugged in under the seat?

Maybe it isn't hyper-flashing, maybe it is just a fast blink, like some cars do when a bulb is burned out. But why then would they flash faster on turn than when using the emergency flasher 4-way flasher?

Also forgot to mention that last night they appeared to have an amber-yellowish tint, as if not solid red. Definitely not as red as the Kuyrakyn strips or the Tour Pac lights.

Sometimes it's just something else.