Flashing Brakelights, Passing inspection?

[Louis F. Caplan]

I'm looking into getting Kuryakyn's "Triple Whammy" Run-Turn-Brake light kit, which would replace the lenses on my rear turn signals with red lenses, I would then plug in the module which allows the lights to act as running lights, as well as turn signals.  It also flashes all three brake lights 4 times when the brakes are applied.  However, the website and instruction guide mention this might be in violation of FMVSS #108, which I looked up and basically said that lights other than the motorcycle headlight, and school bus lights can not flash/oscillate.  There is a way to make this set so it won't flash the lights, but the flashing is something I'd like.  Does anyone have either this type of kit on their bike or any similar set up that flashes the brake lights?  Have you had any problems with the annual inspection in Virginia?  How about the one time inspection when moving into Maryland?  (which I'll be doing in a few years).  

Thanks,

Louis

 =======
"Admiral" Louis Caplan   Fairfax, VA
Baltimore Washington Ride for Kids Task Force:  http://www.firstgiving.com/louiscaplan
The Tribe MC, Vice President:   http://www.thetribemc.com
Jewish Motorcyclist Alliance, Secretary: http://www.jewishbikers.com
MSF RiderCoach:  http://www.msf-usa.org

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[Matthew Bafford]

Won't you also run into problems with the lens over the turn signals?
I had issues with bulb color here in MD.  MD inspection has been a
pain all three times I've been through it (they are sticklers for
every detail).

If installation involves cutting and installing new wires, then just
leave the old plug on as well and tap into the wires - then you can
bypass the box for inspection.  Really, I'd hope a device like that
would make the "no flash" mode just a matter of flipping a switch or
not connecting a wire (use quick disconnect).  It'd be poor
engineering to not offer such a simple feature.

--Matthew

On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:38 AM, Louis F. Caplan
<nighthawk700@...> wrote:

> I'm looking into getting Kuryakyn's "Triple Whammy" Run-Turn-Brake light kit, which would replace the lenses on my rear turn signals with red lenses, I would then plug in the module which allows the lights to act as running lights, as well as turn signals.  It also flashes all three brake lights 4 times when the brakes are applied.  However, the website and instruction guide mention this might be in violation of FMVSS #108, which I looked up and basically said that lights other than the motorcycle headlight, and school bus lights can not flash/oscillate.  There is a way to make this set so it won't flash the lights, but the flashing is something I'd like.  Does anyone have either this type of kit on their bike or any similar set up that flashes the brake lights?  Have you had any problems with the annual inspection in Virginia?  How about the one time inspection when moving into Maryland?  (which I'll be doing in a few years).
>
> Thanks,
>
> Louis
>
>  =======
> "Admiral" Louis Caplan   Fairfax, VA
> Baltimore Washington Ride for Kids Task Force:  http://www.firstgiving.com/louiscaplan
> The Tribe MC, Vice President:   http://www.thetribemc.com
> Jewish Motorcyclist Alliance, Secretary: http://www.jewishbikers.com
> MSF RiderCoach:  http://www.msf-usa.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> dc-cycles mailing list
> dc-cycles@...
> http://dc-cycles.org/mailman/cgi-bin/listinfo/dc-cycles
>

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[Danny Motorcycle]

I think i'd rather have the additional brake lights as yellow than red. I
knew a guy that had that on his zx11 and it was pretty effective at catching
attention.

I'm thinking of putting a wig wag unit on my turn lamps then have a relay
linking them to the brake lights. Either that or the stock emergency flasher
circuit..

on my ninja 250 I changed the turn signals to red ..
but i just dont' think red signals are as noticible as yellow, as they blend
in for slowing down lights...

so in our area, i'd recommend to keep the yellow.

ps i know a place or two in MD that will pass a bike without being petty.
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[Louis F. Caplan]

They say that I can switch to no flash by pulling out a tab.  However, it doesn't indicate anywhere in the instructions that once pulled, that the tab can be reinserted to go back to a flash mode.  I sent an email in to them this morning asking about it, but haven't heard back yet.

The nice thing about this kit (for my particular bike anyway) is I don't need to cut or rewire anything.  The module plugs in between an existing connection of two plugs, and I go from there.  Some of the other bikes require more wiring/connecting.  I had previously been looking at the kit from Electrical Connections, but that would have required running more wires through the bike, and didn't offer the flash option.

I didn't realize that the color of the lenses could be an issue.  I'll make sure to keep the old lenses someplace safe so I can put them back on when I need to get the bike inspected in MD.  

Louis


On Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:46:40 -0400, "Matthew Bafford" <matthew.bafford@...> said:

> Won't you also run into problems with the lens over the turn signals?
> I had issues with bulb color here in MD.  MD inspection has been a
> pain all three times I've been through it (they are sticklers for
> every detail).
>
> If installation involves cutting and installing new wires, then just
> leave the old plug on as well and tap into the wires - then you can
> bypass the box for inspection.  Really, I'd hope a device like that
> would make the "no flash" mode just a matter of flipping a switch or
> not connecting a wire (use quick disconnect).  It'd be poor
> engineering to not offer such a simple feature.
>
> --Matthew
>
> On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:38 AM, Louis F. Caplan
> <nighthawk700@...> wrote:
> > I'm looking into getting Kuryakyn's "Triple Whammy" Run-Turn-Brake light kit, which would replace the lenses on my rear turn signals with red lenses, I would then plug in the module which allows the lights to act as running lights, as well as turn signals.  It also flashes all three brake lights 4 times when the brakes are applied.  However, the website and instruction guide mention this might be in violation of FMVSS #108, which I looked up and basically said that lights other than the motorcycle headlight, and school bus lights can not flash/oscillate.  There is a way to make this set so it won't flash the lights, but the flashing is something I'd like.  Does anyone have either this type of kit on their bike or any similar set up that flashes the brake lights?  Have you had any problems with the annual inspection in Virginia?  How about the one time inspection when moving into Maryland?  (which I'll be doing in a few years).
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Louis

=======
"Admiral" Louis Caplan   Fairfax, VA
The Tribe MC, Vice President
http://www.thetribemc.com


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[Dr. Corona]

I have a hyper-lite installed on my KLR (thanks Smthng) which is constant on
and blinks (brightly)when the brake is applied. I got it inspected this past
Saturday and it was not mentioned.

The inspector at Hogan and Son's in Sterling is a rider. That may be good to
know for future reference.

-Norris

On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:46 AM, Matthew Bafford <matthew.bafford@...>
wrote:

> Won't you also run into problems with the lens over the turn signals?
> I had issues with bulb color here in MD.  MD inspection has been a
> pain all three times I've been through it (they are sticklers for
> every detail).
>
> If installation involves cutting and installing new wires, then just
> leave the old plug on as well and tap into the wires - then you can
> bypass the box for inspection.  Really, I'd hope a device like that
> would make the "no flash" mode just a matter of flipping a switch or
> not connecting a wire (use quick disconnect).  It'd be poor
> engineering to not offer such a simple feature.
>
> --Matthew
>
> On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:38 AM, Louis F. Caplan
> <nighthawk700@...> wrote:
> > I'm looking into getting Kuryakyn's "Triple Whammy" Run-Turn-Brake light
> kit, which would replace the lenses on my rear turn signals with red lenses,
> I would then plug in the module which allows the lights to act as running
> lights, as well as turn signals.  It also flashes all three brake lights 4
> times when the brakes are applied.  However, the website and instruction
> guide mention this might be in violation of FMVSS #108, which I looked up
> and basically said that lights other than the motorcycle headlight, and
> school bus lights can not flash/oscillate.  There is a way to make this set
> so it won't flash the lights, but the flashing is something I'd like.  Does
> anyone have either this type of kit on their bike or any similar set up that
> flashes the brake lights?  Have you had any problems with the annual
> inspection in Virginia?  How about the one time inspection when moving into
> Maryland?  (which I'll be doing in a few years).
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Louis
> >
> >  =======
> > "Admiral" Louis Caplan   Fairfax, VA
> > Baltimore Washington Ride for Kids Task Force:
> http://www.firstgiving.com/louiscaplan
> > The Tribe MC, Vice President:   http://www.thetribemc.com
> > Jewish Motorcyclist Alliance, Secretary: http://www.jewishbikers.com
> > MSF RiderCoach:  http://www.msf-usa.org
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > dc-cycles mailing list
> > dc-cycles@...
> > http://dc-cycles.org/mailman/cgi-bin/listinfo/dc-cycles
> >
> _______________________________________________
> dc-cycles mailing list
> dc-cycles@...
> http://dc-cycles.org/mailman/cgi-bin/listinfo/dc-cycles
>

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[smthng else]

I've currently got three sets of various "illegal" lights, including
additional flashing brake lights (continuous).  Generally, if you take
it to a regular inspector and everything looks like it should work,
they'll pass it regardless of legal technicalities.  Just don't take
it to a bike shop.

--Jonathan "smthng" Kalmes
Springfield, VA
2005 Yamaha FJR1300ABS - "Blue Bayou"
2006 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon - "Teflon"
2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 - It's here, but it hasn't earned a name yet. ;)
http://smthng.info

"If I'd known it was harmless, I would have killed it myself."

On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:46 AM, Matthew Bafford
<matthew.bafford@...> wrote:

>
> Won't you also run into problems with the lens over the turn signals?
> I had issues with bulb color here in MD.  MD inspection has been a
> pain all three times I've been through it (they are sticklers for
> every detail).
>
> If installation involves cutting and installing new wires, then just
> leave the old plug on as well and tap into the wires - then you can
> bypass the box for inspection.  Really, I'd hope a device like that
> would make the "no flash" mode just a matter of flipping a switch or
> not connecting a wire (use quick disconnect).  It'd be poor
> engineering to not offer such a simple feature.
>
> --Matthew
>
> On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:38 AM, Louis F. Caplan
> <nighthawk700@...> wrote:
> > I'm looking into getting Kuryakyn's "Triple Whammy" Run-Turn-Brake light kit, which would replace the lenses on my rear turn signals with red lenses, I would then plug in the module which allows the lights to act as running lights, as well as turn signals.  It also flashes all three brake lights 4 times when the brakes are applied.  However, the website and instruction guide mention this might be in violation of FMVSS #108, which I looked up and basically said that lights other than the motorcycle headlight, and school bus lights can not flash/oscillate.  There is a way to make this set so it won't flash the lights, but the flashing is something I'd like.  Does anyone have either this type of kit on their bike or any similar set up that flashes the brake lights?  Have you had any problems with the annual inspection in Virginia?  How about the one time inspection when moving into Maryland?  (which I'll be doing in a few years).
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Louis
> >
> >  =======
> > "Admiral" Louis Caplan   Fairfax, VA
> > Baltimore Washington Ride for Kids Task Force:  http://www.firstgiving.com/louiscaplan
> > The Tribe MC, Vice President:   http://www.thetribemc.com
> > Jewish Motorcyclist Alliance, Secretary: http://www.jewishbikers.com
> > MSF RiderCoach:  http://www.msf-usa.org
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > dc-cycles mailing list
> > dc-cycles@...
> > http://dc-cycles.org/mailman/cgi-bin/listinfo/dc-cycles
> >
> _______________________________________________
> dc-cycles mailing list
> dc-cycles@...
> http://dc-cycles.org/mailman/cgi-bin/listinfo/dc-cycles
>

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[Matthew Bafford]

On both the EX and SV those particular plugs were dead simple to get
at (under the passenger seat).  It sounds like you can once a year
just unplug from the box and replug as OEM.  I don't think this will
be an issue. :)

--Matthew

On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:55 AM, Louis F. Caplan
<nighthawk700@...> wrote:

> They say that I can switch to no flash by pulling out a tab.  However, it doesn't indicate anywhere in the instructions that once pulled, that the tab can be reinserted to go back to a flash mode.  I sent an email in to them this morning asking about it, but haven't heard back yet.
>
> The nice thing about this kit (for my particular bike anyway) is I don't need to cut or rewire anything.  The module plugs in between an existing connection of two plugs, and I go from there.  Some of the other bikes require more wiring/connecting.  I had previously been looking at the kit from Electrical Connections, but that would have required running more wires through the bike, and didn't offer the flash option.
>
> I didn't realize that the color of the lenses could be an issue.  I'll make sure to keep the old lenses someplace safe so I can put them back on when I need to get the bike inspected in MD.
>
> Louis
>
>
> On Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:46:40 -0400, "Matthew Bafford" <matthew.bafford@...> said:
>> Won't you also run into problems with the lens over the turn signals?
>> I had issues with bulb color here in MD.  MD inspection has been a
>> pain all three times I've been through it (they are sticklers for
>> every detail).
>>
>> If installation involves cutting and installing new wires, then just
>> leave the old plug on as well and tap into the wires - then you can
>> bypass the box for inspection.  Really, I'd hope a device like that
>> would make the "no flash" mode just a matter of flipping a switch or
>> not connecting a wire (use quick disconnect).  It'd be poor
>> engineering to not offer such a simple feature.
>>
>> --Matthew
>>
>> On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:38 AM, Louis F. Caplan
>> <nighthawk700@...> wrote:
>> > I'm looking into getting Kuryakyn's "Triple Whammy" Run-Turn-Brake light kit, which would replace the lenses on my rear turn signals with red lenses, I would then plug in the module which allows the lights to act as running lights, as well as turn signals.  It also flashes all three brake lights 4 times when the brakes are applied.  However, the website and instruction guide mention this might be in violation of FMVSS #108, which I looked up and basically said that lights other than the motorcycle headlight, and school bus lights can not flash/oscillate.  There is a way to make this set so it won't flash the lights, but the flashing is something I'd like.  Does anyone have either this type of kit on their bike or any similar set up that flashes the brake lights?  Have you had any problems with the annual inspection in Virginia?  How about the one time inspection when moving into Maryland?  (which I'll be doing in a few years).
>> >
>> > Thanks,
>> >
>> > Louis
>
> =======
> "Admiral" Louis Caplan   Fairfax, VA
> The Tribe MC, Vice President
> http://www.thetribemc.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> dc-cycles mailing list
> dc-cycles@...
> http://dc-cycles.org/mailman/cgi-bin/listinfo/dc-cycles
>

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[mtroutma]

I also have a hyper-light installed on the VFR, an have never had an
inspection problem.

Louis F. Caplan wrote:
> I'm looking into getting Kuryakyn's "Triple Whammy" Run-Turn-Brake light kit, which would replace the lenses on my rear turn signals with red lenses, I would then plug in the module which allows the lights to act as running lights, as well as turn signals.  It also flashes all three brake lights 4 times when the brakes are applied.  However, the website and instruction guide mention this might be in violation of FMVSS #108, which I looked up and basically said that lights other than the motorcycle headlight, and school bus lights can not flash/oscillate.  There is a way to make this set so it won't flash the lights, but the flashing is something I'd like.  Does anyone have either this type of kit on their bike or any similar set up that flashes the brake lights?  Have you had any problems with the annual inspection in Virginia?  How about the one time inspection when moving into Maryland?  (which I'll be doing in a few years).  


--
___________________________________
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    mike@...
    http://www.troutman.org/

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[mike b.-4]

Louis F. Caplan wrote:
> They say that I can switch to no flash by pulling out a tab.  However, it doesn't indicate anywhere in the instructions that once pulled, that the tab can be reinserted to go back to a flash mode.  I sent an email in to them this morning asking about it, but haven't heard back yet.

Check with the state police about what "flashing" means.  Most of the
systems I've seen just flash the lights 2 or 3 times, then they go on
steady unless you release the brake and re-apply it.  That doesn't seem
like a problem...I can do the same by pumping the rear brake a little to
get the light on and off to attract attention that I'm slowing down or
stopping.  It's the continuous flashing that is restricted when red.

-- Mike B.
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