Smoked gray lens visibility
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Joined: May 2006
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Smoked gray lens visibility
A buddy of mine recently got an 07 Black Pearl Roadglide tricked out by the dealer. One of the extras was smoked gray lenses for turn signals and the brake light. It looked so good I got them for my Vivid Black '99 Fatboy. I also got the brightest ultra red LED bulb on the market for the brake light. In the driveway it looked visible enough after I installed it but I got a reality check yesterday.
We were on a group ride and it was sunny. When I was behind my friend I noticed how hard it was to see when he applied the brakes, even in shady areas the difference was barley noticeable. The guys with stock red lenses were fine and the brake lights really stood out when they were braking in comparison.
On the last leg of the ride my friend and I switched bikes. When I was behind him it I saw how my brake light also was barley visible when he braked (I also really dug the Roadglide, smooth, strong running and handles great). The turn signals were no problem with the amber bulbs, but man-oh-man, I want cagers to know when I'm slowing down. It only takes one brown stain moment when you hear skidding behind you and the only way out is on the shoulder or open lane if you're lucky enough to have one. Happened to me once with two teenagers behind me. After they came to a stop they thought is was funny and were laughing until I got of my bike, went back and explained a few "realities" to them.
Anyway, the smoked gray lenses look awesome on a black or silver toned bike but after seeing how "invisible" they are I switched back to the stock red brake light and lens. Kept the turn signals though.
Just wondering if anyone had a similar opinion and switched back too.
Ride safe.
We were on a group ride and it was sunny. When I was behind my friend I noticed how hard it was to see when he applied the brakes, even in shady areas the difference was barley noticeable. The guys with stock red lenses were fine and the brake lights really stood out when they were braking in comparison.
On the last leg of the ride my friend and I switched bikes. When I was behind him it I saw how my brake light also was barley visible when he braked (I also really dug the Roadglide, smooth, strong running and handles great). The turn signals were no problem with the amber bulbs, but man-oh-man, I want cagers to know when I'm slowing down. It only takes one brown stain moment when you hear skidding behind you and the only way out is on the shoulder or open lane if you're lucky enough to have one. Happened to me once with two teenagers behind me. After they came to a stop they thought is was funny and were laughing until I got of my bike, went back and explained a few "realities" to them.
Anyway, the smoked gray lenses look awesome on a black or silver toned bike but after seeing how "invisible" they are I switched back to the stock red brake light and lens. Kept the turn signals though.
Just wondering if anyone had a similar opinion and switched back too.
Ride safe.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
RE: Smoked gray lens visibility
My buddy put one on his flht and oneon his wifes sportster. I thought the same thing. They light up pretty good at night but durring the day was hardly noticible. IMO the tail light is an accident waiting to happen. it sure looked cool when the bike was parked but no good in traffic.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
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RE: Smoked gray lens visibility
I put one on the back of my rk custom. After the red bulb melted the lens, I figured it was $25 bucks down the drain. Then I got creative, since it was now useless, I drilled a hole it it. Added a red die from a casino, and a LED bulb. Now, it is very bright, and the die glows bright red. Plus, I have a part you aren't likely to see again.
[IMG]local://upfiles/12433/901C5F48C73942DFAD340F7B667435EB.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/12433/901C5F48C73942DFAD340F7B667435EB.jpg[/IMG]
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