Stop-light flashers

[DougB]

I found this site http://www.comagination.com/
and an tempted to get one of their stop light flashers.

I have looked at past posts on this question and it seems that these and headlight modulators are not legal in NZ.
Has this changed? I had both fitted to my Moto Guzzi
about fifteen years ago and no one stoped me then.

[howdamnhard]

Yes i think they are illegal.I pump my brakes gently if I think somebody behind me hasn'nt seen me,especialy at traffic lights and stop streets if somebody is coming up fast.

I found this site http://www.comagination.com/
and an tempted to get one of their stop light flashers.

I have looked at past posts on this question and it seems that these and headlight modulators are not legal in NZ.
Has this changed? I had both fitted to my Moto Guzzi
about fifteen years ago and no one stoped me then.

[vifferman]

Yes, they are illegal. Apparently a tail-light flasher is liable to cause "target fixation".

"Oh look.. lookit that flashy red light...ooh....[CRUNCH!!]"

[Robbo]

Unfortunately they are illegal. I have discussed this with my mechanic and he can't issue a W.O.F. if they are fitted. I think they are a Great Idea.
F.1. Racing Cars use them in poor visability conditions so they must have positive benefits, pitty we can't use them on bikes.

[Ocean1]

Yes, they are illegal. Apparently a tail-light flasher is liable to cause "target fixation".

"Oh look.. lookit that flashy red light...ooh....[CRUNCH!!]"

Not convinced. There's a version that behaves normally for a couple of seconds and then makes with the flashy bit (using both brake and tail-light LEDs). That one's got some serious candlepower too. I like the idea that if you're on the picks for waht's normal for a simple brake into a corner then the light's simply saying "I'm braking" but if longer it's saying "I'm in trouble here, get the fuck off my arse".

[The Pastor]

have it installed with a switch that will by pass it for wof time?

[Tank]

Apparently if a flight flashes (on - off - on) then its illegal for NZ roads, however some manufacturers of this kit have a 'flashing; light that does not go completely out (on - almost off - on), and this apparently IS legal for NZ as it does not technically flash.

Of course - this is just what I have read - do own research - own risk - etc etc etc

[Movistar]

We have fitted to some vehicles little modules that flash the indicators when a certain level of braking is obtained www.databrake.co.nz ie. normal braking - just stop light(s) operate, under hard to severe braking the indicator lights flash as well as the brake light operating normally.
This system is standard on some European vehicles now and is legal in NZ as it is a NZ company that has produced them and we have fitted some of these to Government department vehicles.

Whether it would be as effective on a bike, probably not. I agree that a brake light that initially flashes then stays solid is a great idea. I'm with howdamnhard, I just flicker the brake light with the front brake lever when slowing in traffic or stopped at an intersection with cages pulling up behind me.

[Matt_TG]

I saw these in Jaycar yesterday...


... and laughed

[homer]

so its not ok for a vehicle to have
but is ok for a push bike to have on the front and rear

[H00dz]

I saw these in Jaycar yesterday...


... and laughed

lmfao but mite buy one just for fun LOL

[imdying]

I saw these in Jaycar yesterday...


... and laughed

Hmmmm.... if I had four of those, and they were on different frequencies... then I could have wireless tail/brake lights and indicators mounted under my muffler

[vifferman]

I agree that a brake light that initially flashes then stays solid is a great idea.

I had a brakelight flasher like this - it would still be on the bike if it hadn't gone titsup. Maybe I'll resurrect it when I can be bothered.
There's a thread about it somewhere on here. Basically, it started off flashing quickly, then the flash rate decreased until after 8 (?) flashes it stayed on.

I got my son to make it - just told him what I wanted, he got the "breadboard" out, grabbed some components, tested it, programmed a micro, and soldered up a circuit for me.
I've got several circuit diagrams from the Interdweeb of similar designs. The MarkIII version will eventually be fitted to the VFR, but will have a switch to bypass it (MarkII had to be unplugged), and will use a MOSFET instead of the ornery power transistor. Probably add some extra LEDs for extra WAKE UP!! power.

[scumdog]

Anytime I'm slowing/stopping I pump my brakes about four or five times before I REALLY brake, I like to think the flashing brake light gets a bit more attention - especially with the sun shining from the rear when the tail-lights don't show up too well.

[vifferman]

Anytime I'm slowing/stopping I pump my brakes about four or five times before I REALLY brake, I like to think the flashing brake light gets a bit more attention - especially with the sun shining from the rear when the tail-lights don't show up too well.

Yeah, that's what I do, if someone's following a bit close.
I used to have to travel over the Harbour Bridge twice a day, and got sick of being tailgated, and watching the mirrors and pumping the brakes took away too much attention from riding, hence the BrakelightFlasherDoofer (technical term).