Custom pattern 98 LED rear light array

[Tobers]

I've been helping my pal Richard Blackburn, who runs http://www.motobitz.net, with the design for an R1150GS LED rear light array. Richard specialises in custom mouldings for motorbikes, and has had great success with LED rear lights for Aprilia RSVs (examples lower down).

As you can see from the CAD pictures below, the design is flush fitting with the rear of the GS.

It incorporates 98 LEDs which uniquely, can be arranged in a design of your choice. Each LED can be a side, side/brake combined, or indicator. You can have a default pattern or design your own to include symbols, letters, numbers etc. 4 white LEDs are used for downward illumination of the number plate. The unit fixes as per the original (2 bolts into the number plate bracket) and the only wiring is plugging in connectors so no messing with crimps.

All feature a durable two piece plastic moulding with fully epoxy sealed electronics and a variable resistor so the user can set their intensity for the side lights. Brake lights are fixed at maximum brightness. A clear lense can be added as an optional extra. An integral alarm LED in blue, red, orange or white can also be included.

More info on Richard's web site here

Richard is now looking for his first orders so he can cover the tooling costs. Please contact him at enquiries@motobitz.net to get your mitts on one of these.

The R1200GS is next!

Richard sold loads of the Aprilia model - here's some examples of the designs people came up with:

 

[Greg Masters]

Erm, lovely idea and I'm sure that it'll be nicely made - but have you actually trialled it yet?

Certainly on the R1100/1150 bikes, the ABS system validates the circuit integrity of the system by checking the rear lamp resistance. God only knows what will happen if you hook this up to the flash wiring on the 1200GS. Reading this thread, you can't even change the horn easily!



Greg

 

[tonys]

Tried to fit LED rear light to my '03 ABS bike, light came from Motobins c/w resistor box to fool the ABS/rear light monitoring gubbins. It didn't work! Beware!

 

[Den]

Can I be first ont list please

 

[Spanish Bob]

oh thats nice. Can you do "the Don" or "Sex God"? "Fanny magnet" would be too long probably wouldn´t it?

Kev & Sharon

 

[Paul Young]

Andy,

I'm interested & my '00 1150GS has a bog standard rear light ie: all it does is light up when it's told to..... How much is your mate looking to sell these for?

 

[Cheesy Mike]

Tried to fit LED rear light to my '03 ABS bike, light came from Motobins c/w resistor box to fool the ABS/rear light monitoring gubbins. It didn't work! Beware!

Ditto. Definitely doesn't work. I did see somebody who had fitted a resistor to an LED unit to trick the ABS computer into thinking that the correct bulb was inserted. Can't remember who it was though.

As for these funky new lights for the BMW, if anyone is prepared to spend £164.50 on them, then go for it. You and the bulbs are made for each other.

Mike

 

[Tobers]

Ta for the comments about the ABS doo-dah.

I've let Richard know and he'll check it out.

 

[Geezer]

I've fitted nippy normans additional stop/brake LED lamps & I can only assume that they have a risistor in them as they work a treat & don't affect the ABS

 

[Roge]

Andy,

I'm interested & my '00 1150GS has a bog standard rear light ie: all it does is light up when it's told to..... How much is your mate looking to sell these for?

From the site they are £160 odd a wee bit pricy to my mind for a back light, nice though

 

[Paul Young]

From the site they are £160 odd a wee bit pricy to my mind for a back light, nice though

Hmmm......

Sounds like I'd get better VFM at Nippy Normans.

 

[rocks]

Stunning idea..

Well i can certainly say its a stunning idea?????

In both ways.. nice idea.. but Stunning (mind numbing ) costs..
£160 for a year light unit... ok so you can have it customized.. but
that is a little pricy.

Sorry Tobers.. i like it and if it was £60 ish ( for a plain unit,, no custom names etc..) i would seriously consider it. BUT £160.. is a third of my new panniers....

I hope he is able to bring the price down soon.. otherwise a nice idea going to waste..

 

[theclowncrusty]

Whos NIPPY NORMAN and what does he sell ?
The Clown :0)

 

[rocks]

HERE

http://www.nippynormans.com/Home.asp

Try this.. he sells a few bits and bobs for the BMWs.. I have had some LED bulbs and some light Buddies.. which work a treat..

Sadly one LED bulb went missing and he sent me a red one instead of a white one the first time.. but Norman corrected misshap quickly and is quick with emails and enquiries.. nice to have someone reply sharpish to emails.

Has bar risers too for the short of arm people out there..

 

[Gas'd Off]

bulb failiure

If the ABS has to monitor the rear bulb in order to function correctly, does that mean when the bulb goes the ABS won`t work?
Thanks in advance.
:helmet

 

[Cheesy Mike]

Whos NIPPY NORMAN and what does he sell ?
The Clown :0)

Bulbs etc but also brake hoses. Just got a new hose for the R80GS plus free brake fluid and a Little Bleeder to assist in the upgrade. Great service. Highly recommended.

Mike

 

[Cheesy Mike]

Re: bulb failiure

If the ABS has to monitor the rear bulb in order to function correctly, does that mean when the bulb goes the ABS won`t work?

I believe it does work.

The ABS computer monitors the brake light and tells you when it has failed by lighting the brake warning light on the dash. If it can't detect the correct resistance in the light circuit then it assumes the bulb has failed and warns you. Braking is not affected.

Mike

 

[Gas'd Off]

Thanks Mike

Mind at rest now.
Luke.
:helmet

 

[Mutley]

That looks great, I did see it on an Aprilia bike at a bikeshow last year it looked great, like afterburners on a jet when the brake was pulled, good kit IMOP.

Mutley.

 

[Tobers]

We're testing the ABS effect (or lack thereof) this Sunday. I'll let you know the result.

Bear in mind that proper bright LEDs are right expensive like, and there's 98 of them in this unit.