Then two years later . . .
I came across another auxiliary brake light option earlier this year and took a chance on it, doing the install on my new 2015. So far it has seen about 10k miles with no issues and after getting a few inquiries about it at a recent NERDS gathering, thought it might be worth sharing.
As I posted earlier in this thread I've been a big fan of the Whelen LIN3/TIR3 setup documented here but, like others, discovered that due to some changes in the rear of the Gen IIIs these lights don't fit as neatly as they previously did. Specifically, on my Gen I I had them installed in the space directly under the taillights however this space no longer exists on the new bikes. Mounting them lower down on the fender below the plate is an option but it seems a bit more vulnerable to damage there. Moreover, I think the closer you can mount something like this to eye-level the more effective the light would be. Finding the
Feniex Cobra T3 not only solved these concerns but it also has a few other things going for it over the Whelens.
Feniex Cobra T3 LED Surface Mount. You can read the specs in the link but the biggest attributes for me was the smaller size allowing for higher placement, built in brake light function (eliminating the need for the additional flasher), matte black aluminum mounting plate (as opposed to Whelen's gloss black plastic bezel) and five year warranty. And what might be the best thing it's got going for it, the cost of these lights are about $30 compared to at least double that for the Whelens before buying the required flasher.
Size comparison of Feniex Cobra T3 vs Whelen LIN3:
Perfect fit under the plate lamp. What I neglected to photograph was the fairly easy wiring run from behind this light to under the seat. If I'm remembering right you only have to drill one hole on the outside and then you'll find pre-existing holes to bring the wires through. I ran mine up to the side panel where the bundle was easier to access and splice into.
If you did squeeze the Whelen in here it would block the plate lamp. The Cobra T3's smaller size leaves the lamp unobstructed. Also note the pretty close color match to the FJR's plastic.
One thing I've always liked about the Hyper Lites was how, when mounted on either side of the plate, they make the rear of the bike seem wider. At the above NERDS gathering I saw one rider went even further and mounted those on the outside of the plate reflector bracket which looked even better. With this in mind, and for the $30 price tag, I started thinking about where else I could make use of the T3s.
One on each side? Probably too much in brake mode but they can be set as tail-lamps only and also in a half-power mode. Maybe someday when I'm looking for something to do.
Speaking of the Brake mode, one downside for some may be the inability to choose different brake flash patterns. The unit only offers three quick flashes followed by a steady on. Release the brake, grab it, and it'll cycle again. If you would want four or five flashes and at maybe a slower rate, then you'd have to go with the additional flasher and set it up like the Whelen.
The link above has three videos in it with the second/middle one giving a good overview of the light. That link also advertises some places where you can buy these. I
picked mine up here, a place fairly close to me, but I suppose any local buff shop should be able to get them.
Good luck and happy flashing.
