How do they know your slowing down

[Joanne Fiebiger]

Came across this subject on another forum that I felt worth sharing.

 I, like many others, slow down using engine braking and gearing when approaching a stop or other situations requiring slowing down. I'll generally not apply my brakes unless/until necessary. In doing so, there is no indication or warning to whoever is behind me that I am slowing down. If they're not paying attention and notice my speed change, which can be fairly rapid, I'm putting myself in danger of being rear ended. As a precaution I am now going to start activating my brake lights while I'm gearing down and engine braking. I think this is a good "preventative" practice, one that I've not heard anyone mention before nor have I thought about it before. Something I do do is when stopped and there's traffic approaching from behind, I'll flash my brakes a few times just to ensure I'm getting their attention that I'm stopped or for that matter, that I'm actually there.

[Chappy]

Thanks Joanne,

Using compression braking to conserve my brakes is something I also do.  I never thought about no brake lights for the traffic coming up on me.  I'll now at least activate my brake lights while downshifting.  Thanks for the heads up.

Chappy

[Alan]

On my last bike I had a brake light modulator that would flash the brake light five times before staying on solid.  In a stop light situation like you've described as traffic approached, I would release the brake and then reengage to flash it again to make sure that I'm as visible as possible.

I had intended to install the same modulator on my new bike.  On the same day I ordered it from Tousley, I heard from Robby, the organizer of the Southeast STAR-B-Q to add a new sponsor to the website - GearBrake.  They make a $50 brake light flasher, but I'm looking at their $70 Smart Brake Light Module that also activates the brake light when engine braking is used - just for the reasons you've described, Joanne.

My last one was dealer installed at $90 (or so) an hour.  This is supposed to be a quick clip-in install - I'm working with them to get the wiring connector for the harness.

[Jason Hare ( ROADIE )]

I have the kuryakyn run/turn/stop module on my Roadstar.
It allows my rear blinkers to be tail lights as well as blinkers my tail lights also flash when you use the brake lever..

[Pat Calkins "Corn Dog"]

Jimbo had that on his Raider and I had that on my Big Dog.  Works great. 

[Jackie Jankowski]

Great suggestions...thanks

[Alan]

I now have this installed.  The brake modulation works great (I'm told).  The deceleration adjustment I'm still working with.  Installation - with the right harness - works great!