LED tail-light for R1100GS...opinions?

[ODIN]

Hi guys,

My buddies all tell me my tail-light is dim. The bulbs are fine, everything opperates as usual. Im considering an LED setup to get some additional brightness.

I see Bobs has this unit. Looks pretty good. Has anyone used one of these, or some other similar product?

Let me know what you think.

http://www.bobsbmw.com/parts_accessories/lighting/Cool_Spot_LED_lights.html

Odin

 

[redbeemer]

I have the Brake! LED TAILLIGHTS from gizmomill (www.gizmomill.com) takes all of 5 minutes to install (replace bulb). Doesn't foul up the brake circuit and is bright.

 

[BobFV1]

I have the Brake! LED TAILLIGHTS from gizmomill (www.gizmomill.com) takes all of 5 minutes to install (replace bulb). Doesn't foul up the brake circuit and is bright.

I'm with Red -the Gizmomill is totally unobtrusive - just replaces the OEM bulb, but it is really bright and it flashes before it goes solid, so it really drives the cager's attention to you. It it a great safety addition - I have this, the Kisan SignalMinder, and the Kisan hi-beam modulator.

 

[CRUISIN]

Hi guys,

My buddies all tell me my tail-light is dim. The bulbs are fine, everything opperates as usual. Im considering an LED setup to get some additional brightness.

I see Bobs has this unit. Looks pretty good. Has anyone used one of these, or some other similar product?

Let me know what you think.

http://www.bobsbmw.com/parts_accessories/lighting/Cool_Spot_LED_lights.html

Odin

I am not all that familiar with the way the rear of the GS is set up but with a little creativity and thorough planning you can add lights that will keep the bike looking clean and add a tremendous amount to your conspicuity to other drivers--big safety factor.

The halogens that I have installed on my RT and cruiser are many times brighter than any set of LEDs that I have ever seen, and even show from long distances in the day-time. On the down side, I don't know if you will find any red lenses for these units that are dark enough to pass an inspection for a taillight. That's why I had to make my own lenses using dark red stained-glass from a hobby shop. The lights are from JC Whitney and have the wiring through the bolt, making it easy to hide. The finish is high gloss chrome on very heavy metal. I use these as taillights with 10W bulbs and as running lights with 35W bulbs. The replacement bulbs can be found at most hardware stores where they sell exterior accent lighting for gardens and trees.

In the picture you will see the latest version of the halogen lights I am now using in the upper left corner. The pictures with the black spherical shaped units are of the rear of the RT when I was still able to find that particular style of light. I have had friends ride behind me and another bike that uses just the stock lights with LEDs and they all say the halogens are many times more noticable at greater distances than the LEDs. And with a little more creativity you can add LEDs inside the current housings to keep it all looking like a factory install. Most of the bright red LEDs are intense enought that they will show up red through the amber lenses like the ones at the outer edges of my RT turn signal lenses. Also seen here is a set of flashing red LEDs with clear lenses over them on either side of the RTs standard rear running light; those are wired into the brake light circuit and are the type that flash continually while the brake light is on. Let's face it, most bike manufacturers leave the rear pretty anemic looking and it is up to us to enhance our own safety.

Good luck.

 

[Kev95gs]

Tail Light

I have one of the bulb replacements as well and it is a big improvement over the incandescent stock bulb. However, the only down fall is it has a "hot spot" so the light is concentrated in the area of the bulb and is not reflected by the reflector.

I saw these at the Georgia Mountain Rally and would have preferred it to what I currently have. It's a bit pricey though.

http://www.motoelekt.com/gsled.htm

Also any LED will probably never have to be replaced and draws next to nothing in current.

Kevin

 

[The_Veg]

I have the Motorrad Elektrik LED unit on my Airhead and it WORKS! *52* LEDs arranged across the surface of a PC card that replaces the reflector. VERY BRIGHT and it gets attention! The Oilhead unit is even easier to install than the Airhead one as the connector goes right into the bulb socket rather than having to splice wires.
If the Oilhead unit is as well-made as the Airhead one, you should have no worries. The Airhead one is completely coated in a very hard clear susbtance that anchors the LEDS against vibration as well as making the whole thing weather-resistant, and the fit and finish are excellent. I think I paid $37 for it back in November, and compared to bulb-replacement units I think the Motorrad unit is far and away a better value and money VERY well-spent.
Also I picked it up from Rick Jones in person and he's a great guy.

 

[cruise_carter]

LED Lights

Saw a short post in a recent BMWON about a company in GB selling LED lights.
Ordered one for my R1100R. Your bike would be same unit.
HUGE difference from stock bulb. Along with my Hyper-lights, my buddies say I really stand out on the road.

The LED unit is manufactured in Germany, very high quality, 2 minute install.
Highly recommended. Company was first class to deal with.

http://www.nippynormans.com/prodinfo.asp?number=LLP-1010101&variation=&aitem=29&mitem=74

Dale