Poor rear profile visibility in the dark.

[GSWizz]

With mornings getting darker it has brought home to me how 'black' the rear profile of the bike is with the Vario top box in place. I have put a few reflectors on it and toyed with the idea of adding a couple of the small 'Smart' LED cycle lights on just to reduce the risk in the dark. I cannot find a way of mounting them without damaging the box so have had a go at adding them to the engine bars. They certainly stand out and set a good marker for the width of the bike for anyone coming passed. I am not convinced though yet but as a cheap way of a giving more visibility for the winter without any additional wiring they. I realise they cannot be in any form of flashing mode before I get screamed at.

 

[Wapping]

They certainly stand out and set a good marker for the width of the bike for anyone coming passed (sic)

A well ridden 1200 GS is NEVER overtaken..... by anything!

 

[stick]

A well ridden 1200 GS is NEVER overtaken..... by anything!

Me too .......... F..kin never

 

[Mutley]

Surely more of your hi viz jacket is visible from the rear?

 

[david a hall]

The cars are using headlights these days, they pick up the stuff in front of them and help to avoid collisions. Imagine!!!

 

[Gossy]

With mornings getting darker it has brought home to me how 'black' the rear profile of the bike is with the Vario top box in place. I have put a few reflectors on it and toyed with the idea of adding a couple of the small 'Smart' LED cycle lights on just to reduce the risk in the dark. I cannot find a way of mounting them without damaging the box so have had a go at adding them to the engine bars. They certainly stand out and set a good marker for the width of the bike for anyone coming passed. I am not convinced though yet but as a cheap way of a giving more visibility for the winter without any additional wiring they. I realise they cannot be in any form of flashing mode before I get screamed at.

Why not simply place your bike on a trailer and tow it

 

[GSWizz]

But that's the point the stock reflector is small and with the box on their is little apart from the reg plate for a headlight to bounce back off of. The rear light is tucked right under.

 

[DING-DONG]

Sorted ! You need this fella.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271288838957?

Post a picture when you have fitted it

 

[david a hall]

But that's the point the stock reflector is small and with the box on their is little apart from the reg plate for a headlight to bounce back off of. The rear light is tucked right under.

Are you seriously worried about being tail ended? Do you drive a car? would you tail end you on a bike?
I am not going to take the piss because phobias take all forms, I have been tail ended twice both times in good visability by drivers and riders who were picking fluff out of there naval instead of watching the road ahead. Trust me you will be fine.

 

[(RIP) Tunneruk]

Have a look at this .......

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136812&highlight=auxilary+rear+lights

 

[stever1]

Its a lot simpler to fit 3M red diamond bright tape to the bike. That will be picked out easily by following headlights.

 

[GSWizz]

Just ordered the 3M tape. Thanks for the tip. I can now sleep tonight

 

[Wapping]

Roll on summer

 

[wheelnut]

Surely more of your hi viz jacket is visible from the rear?

Hiviz doesn't work in the dark.

The retroreflective strips pick up light and reflect it but it's not always ideal high on the bike due to the fact car headlights point down.

 

[wheelnut]

The cars are using headlights these days, they pick up the stuff in front of them and help to avoid collisions. Imagine!!!

 

[stick]

Have a look at this .......

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136812&highlight=auxilary+rear+lights

Good post .... Helps him out with the issues .

 

[Wapping]

Hiviz doesn't work in the dark.

The retroreflective strips pick up light and reflect it but it's not always ideal high on the bike due to the fact car headlights point down.

Feck only knows how reflective road signs work then, at least seven foot up in the air.

Pixie magic, I can only assume.

 

[wheelnut]

Feck only knows how reflective road signs work then, at least seven foot up in the air.

Pixie magic, I can only assume.

Law of diminshing returns - yes stuff higher up is going to pick up some light scatter, but retro reflective stuff lower down, in the direct light beam of following cars, gives a much better return.

 

[Gossy]

Just ordered the 3M tape. Thanks for the tip. I can now sleep tonight

But will you really get a good nights sleep, there's more and it is a motorcycle jacket

 

[GSWizz]

Now I won't sleep again. More to worry about like the led lighting but being scared of the dark it's a waste of time .....