I had my RK flashed so that the rear turn signals now also act as brake lights. This gives me three brake lights instead of one. If you do this, you also must change the rear lenses from amber to red. Rear signal lights can be amber or red, but rear brake lights must be red.

 

My 01 RK has front and back amber and I like that. I just wish I had a brighter brake light.

 

A brighter brake light is easy to get, just check out Custom Dynamics and throw some $$$$ at it.
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Kuryakyn makes a run-turn-brake module for your '01. I had one on my '12 RK + loved it. The new wiring harness wouldn't permit me to transfer it to the '15 I have now. The RTB module turns your turn signals into brake lights and running lights. It also flashes your lights three times when the brakes are apllied if you want. However, you do need to change the rear lens to red to be legal and it does not change the brightness of the existing lite. I highly recommend this mod. Rear lighting is my biggest complaint on the RG, SG, and now RK Special.

 

I know I need to do something, I feel the stock rear lighting makes me very vulnerable to rear hits.

 

ih4X4, you are almost right: If yellow lights on the rear, they are only turn signals, not running lights, stock. If RTB is installed, they become t/s and brake lights and running lights and must be converted red.

 

double post

 

The Harley sold RTB is about $70 and comes with small/large red lenses. Good quality part. 5 minute install once seat is removed.

 

On each of my bikes including the 305 Scrambler, I used amber lenses instead of red as the amber stands out in the sea of red at a stop, or while moving. The HD and CL have amber running/blinker and brake illumination in addition to the OEM red lamp, and the CB750 has amber running lights and blinkers as well as the original brake lamp. It may be illegal, but I've been fortunate so far to not get ticketed. If I have to change them back, guess I'll get a hi-viz vest!

 

Here in Ontario/Canada running lights are required on the front and the rear signals are amber. I have the CD smoke tail light (withnflasher), smoke tri-bar light, and CD amber signal lights with lightly smoked lenses. Friends that ride with me say that the bike is highly visible from the rear and MUCH brighter than stock. They have no problem seeing me in all riding conditions. I agree that dark smoked lenses with standard bulbs are probably an issue, but if done properly, lightly smoked lenses can look great and function just fine.