Vololights: Enhanced Motorcycle Visibility
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
I am all about increased visibility. So anything you can do to improve your visibility to a cager is good.
That said, motorcycle crash statistics indicate that only 3% of crashes are a result of the motorcycle being struck from the rear. Sure it happens, but not very often. Over 77% of crash impacts occur from the front. So, based on the crash data, it is much more important to increase your visibility on the front of your bike if possible.
That said, motorcycle crash statistics indicate that only 3% of crashes are a result of the motorcycle being struck from the rear. Sure it happens, but not very often. Over 77% of crash impacts occur from the front. So, based on the crash data, it is much more important to increase your visibility on the front of your bike if possible.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,896
From: Oklahoma
How does the sensor differentiate between closed throttle slowing (engine braking) and closed throttle , steady speed going down a hill? I can easily think of several down hill runs that exceed a mile in length. The retarding force would be about the same in both cases.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 424
Likes: 1
Guys
This is not an innovative idea. There are many products out there that accomplish this.
http://www.freescale.com/files/micro...ote/AN3380.pdf
http://www.bikealertsystem.com/
http://safelightstore.com/motorcycle...ke-lights.html
http://gizmodo.com/5382522/clever-le...when-you-brake
This is not an innovative idea. There are many products out there that accomplish this.
http://www.freescale.com/files/micro...ote/AN3380.pdf
http://www.bikealertsystem.com/
http://safelightstore.com/motorcycle...ke-lights.html
http://gizmodo.com/5382522/clever-le...when-you-brake
Last edited by Android; Jun 7, 2013 at 02:55 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 8
From: New Jersey
Wow. I think this is a fantastic idea. Since there's a modular version that you splice in under your seat, it's perfect. I also read you can shut the flashing off to make it act as a regular brake light.
Has anyone kicked in any money yet? I almost paid for one but have never done anything on kickstarter before. Do you lose your money if they don't hit their $50,000 goal?
I want to see some more opinions.
Has anyone kicked in any money yet? I almost paid for one but have never done anything on kickstarter before. Do you lose your money if they don't hit their $50,000 goal?
I want to see some more opinions.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,422
From: USA
You can't generate enough braking force with the engine or even the rear wheel to actuate this unit using the described accelerometer. MSF did a nice study on braking and traction limits and G-forces (http://www.msf-usa.org/imsc/proceedi...otorcycles.pdf). The best achieved G-force from rear wheel braking alone is about 0.5G. That's not enough to actuate this unit. So no form of engine braking or rear wheel only braking would trigger it. You've got to use the front brakes as well in order to generate enough force to cause it to turn on and start flashing.
That's why I question this thing's actuation design and find it to be rather rube goldbergish. You've got to be using the brakes, pretty darn hard, before this unit will turn itself on using its accelerometer. Which seems pointless as you've already got an existing brake circuit to tap into. Use the existing light signal that comes with applied brakes. Which is something that is already available on the market. Just have it flash this additional licence plate frame.
That's why I question this thing's actuation design and find it to be rather rube goldbergish. You've got to be using the brakes, pretty darn hard, before this unit will turn itself on using its accelerometer. Which seems pointless as you've already got an existing brake circuit to tap into. Use the existing light signal that comes with applied brakes. Which is something that is already available on the market. Just have it flash this additional licence plate frame.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
I always flash my brake light anyway if the situation warrants it. Just habit I guess but more should do it. For example if I'm first at a light and traffic coming up behind I will grab the front brake lever enough I hear the click of the brake light switch and flash it. You gotta use some common sense here.
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General Harley Davidson Chat
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Jan 25, 2007 06:07 PM
