Mr Happy Chinese taillight????

[ljcorby]

Just a minor issue but got help from the forum members.  Yes, I had to add a one way diode in line to the new tail light.  Once I did that, everything worked great.  I am sure if you search diode, you will probably find it.  I will see if I can find the link and post it up.

[556ALPHA]

Thanks.   I appreciate it. 

[B.D.F.]

Yes, the new tail light has a quirk (OK, a design defect) in that it puts out about 8 volts on the brake light circuit when the tail light is on (all the time the ign. is on). This will cause various problems with any additional tail lights on the bike as well as defeat the brake light sensor on a cruise control (the CC won't engage with the new tail light in place).

To correct this, buy a diode and place it in- line with the brake light wire of the new tail light. Almost any diode will work but I recommend using one of the 3 amp types available at Radio Shack- they sell both 1N5402 and 1N5404 in the stores and either one will do. Diodes have a direction (they are a one- way valve for current) so they must be installed in the right direction as well as the right place in the circuit: install the diode with the band marking facing the tail light, and install it in the tail light harness itself (it must be installed 'behind' everything else in the circuit to work). Installing it backwards or in the wrong place (but in the right, brake light circuit!) will not hurt anything including the diode, it will simply not work. The best way to install it is to cut the brake light wire, solder the diode in series (in- line) in that circuit, and then use some shrink tubing to cover the exposed wires (it is easiest to cover the diode too while doing this).

If anyone needs more help with this I can snap a couple of photos of the basic idea.

Brian

I finally ordered the Admore kit for my E55 after watching your video last week.  I ordered the new plug and play harness that goes inline with the factory harness.  Did you have any issues with the new Tail light and the E55 working together?  I thought I read a while back there was some issue when adding additional brake lights.

[maxtog]

I think that the lights on the topcase are much more conspicuous than the integrated blinking function on the tail light. In fact, it took me a moment to realize that the tail light was also "participating" in the blinking 

IMHO, the video just confirms what I said earlier- the STOCK turn signals are much brighter and more visible than anything else on the back of the bike   I don't see the value in muddying the brake light function with integrated turn signals... but to each his own!

[martin_14]

IMHO, the video just confirms what I said earlier- the STOCK turn signals are much brighter and more visible than anything else on the back of the bike   I don't see the value in muddying the brake light function with integrated turn signals... but to each his own!

Well, IMO the advantage I see on the signals on the topcase is that they are placed higher (and farther appart), therefore making them easier to see from a cager behind the cager right behind you. It's like those third brake lights on top of the rear windshield in the newer cars. I really appreciate that light in other cars when driving mine, because I seat lower than on the bike and it helps me seeing whether the cars beyong the one directly in front of me is going to brake.

[maxtog]

Well, IMO the advantage I see on the signals on the topcase is that they are placed higher (and farther appart), therefore making them easier to see from a cager behind the cager right behind you. It's like those third brake lights on top of the rear windshield in the newer cars. I really appreciate that light in other cars when driving mine, because I seat lower than on the bike and it helps me seeing whether the cars beyong the one directly in front of me is going to brake.

I was talking about stock compared to the integrated signals in the brakelight.  The top box is a totally different topic that I was not addressing.  I LIKE the signals and brake lights on the top boxes and think they help with visibility and safety.  I don't think using the turn signals in the brake light adds anything to the equation at all- with or without a top box.

[jonathan]

I was talking about stock compared to the integrated signals in the brakelight. I don't think using the turn signals in the brake light adds anything to the equation at all- with or without a top box.

Speaking as one who has installed this I disagree because if you have the indicators on for a lane change or as you are approaching a turn (remember that they are to indicate intent not confirm action) then the brake light will not be on, so this would only add to the visibility of the indicators.

[maxtog]

Speaking as one who has installed this I disagree because if you have the indicators on for a lane change or as you are approaching a turn (remember that they are to indicate intent not confirm action) then the brake light will not be on, so this would only add to the visibility of the indicators.

But the tail light is on.  And one is likely to brake before turning... and it will muddy the picture at that point.  But I know what you are saying.  As long as there is ANOTHER brake light somewhere, I think it is OK.  But opinions will vary, of course.

[jonathan]

But the tail light is on.  And one is likely to brake before turning... and it will muddy the picture at that point.  But I know what you are saying.  As long as there is ANOTHER brake light somewhere, I think it is OK.  But opinions will vary, of course.

As it happens I do have another brake/tail light.

[maxtog]

As it happens I do have another brake/tail light.

Haven't seen that one before.  Looks a lot like the one I had on my ZRX.

Love the reflective striping.  I was too chicken to do something like that and ended up getting those solid panels that look black in the day and white at night.