Check this out - Blackbird Brake Light Lens - Discuss Check this out - Blackbird Brake Light Lens on CBRXX, the ultimate on-line community for Honda motorcyclists. Read it in Body / Paint / Electrical / Lights. (Discussion of Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird Bodywork, Seats, Seat Cowls, Paint, Windscreens, Electrical System, and Lights.)

gudgravy · 01-13-2007, 12:45 AM

I just bought one of these and it is in the mail. here's the link:
eBay Motors: HONDA CBR1100XX BLACKBIRD REAR LIGHT LED CLEAR LENS (item 200067992583 end time Jan-18-07 20:15:54 PST)

ConqSoft · 01-13-2007, 12:50 AM

Way too hard for the people behind you to see your signals with these type of integrated units.

I even went back to stock lenses from my clear lenses so the brake light and signals would be more visible.

gudgravy · 01-13-2007, 12:58 AM

I ALWAYS use hand and arm signals in conjunction with any signaling and turning. More show than go I guess.

TangorXX · 01-27-2007, 11:56 PM

A question on a somewhat related note:

I'm looking at changing out the tail light assembly since the one on mine had been painted with a light coat of black

(looks kinda neat, but visibility of the light is poor). Does the assembly come out with just removing the 2 mounting bolts and disconnecting the two connectors to the light sockets, or does the seat cowl need to be removed as well?

Thanks,

OZDave · 01-28-2007, 12:47 AM

I can't remember remember if you need to remove the cowling or not, but when you have brake light unit out, put a couple of pieces of shrink wrap around the locating pin at the bottom before you reasemble it. The rubber grommet it locates into spreads over time and allows the tail light to rattle around. It always anoyed the hell out me. Fixed mine like a charm.

gudgravy · 01-28-2007, 1:38 AM

In my eXXperience Tangor, you must always remove the seat and rear cowl. Otherwise you'd risk pushing against plastic parts and something may give.

Involute · 01-28-2007, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConqSoft

Way too hard for the people behind you to see your signals with these type of integrated units.

I even went back to stock lenses from my clear lenses so the brake light and signals would be more visible.

I had something similar on my FZ-1 (came with it). None of my riding buddies had any idea what I was doing when I was leading. If I had to make an abrupt stop I felt the need to do it with my clutch hand off the bars to give the "Slow Down" signal to my buddies behind me. If it wasn't a buddy behind me I was worried about getting a car rammed up my ass. I ALWAYS had to use hand signals for turning also.

I think they are cool and all.....................just not safe.

DosXX · 01-28-2007, 4:55 PM

When my bird was in the planning stages I bought one of those tail lights from Clear Alterantives withthe thought that it would look cool and I could do away with the rear turn signals.

But after painting the XX red I kinda liked the stock red lens. So now I am just going to bring the turn signals in closer as described on this forum by Conq.

TangorXX · 01-28-2007, 5:39 PM

Just planning on replacing the tail light portion and shorten the stock signals.

I'm a bit surprised that during development and testing that the limited directional issue didn't come up. Seems they could come up with a way of redirecting that light more effectively using light diffusing reflector or mount the 3 banks of LEDs (left, middle, right) that would improve the viewing angle.

gudgravy · 01-28-2007, 6:57 PM

In addition to the integrated kit, I also have replaced my stock turn signals with LED signals that mount on the tail.

SGTSkiXX · 01-29-2007, 1:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Involute

I had something similar on my FZ-1 (came with it). None of my riding buddies had any idea what I was doing when I was leading. If I had to make an abrupt stop I felt the need to do it with my clutch hand off the bars to give the "Slow Down" signal to my buddies behind me. If it wasn't a buddy behind me I was worried about getting a car rammed up my ass. I ALWAYS had to use hand signals for turning also.

I think they are cool and all.....................just not safe.

I don't think I could do the hand and arm signals not a big fan of letting the bike choose it's own path.

sv61 · 03-01-2007, 9:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gudgravy

I just bought one of these and it is in the mail. here's the link:
eBay Motors: HONDA CBR1100XX BLACKBIRD REAR LIGHT LED CLEAR LENS (item 200067992583 end time Jan-18-07 20:15:54 PST)

Howdy Gudgravy,

I am interested in this light. I looked on their website, and found it. First off, how bright is it, compared to stock? Does it flash normally, or too fast? Does it use the stock wiring, and if not, does it include any of supplies required? Finally, how long did shipping take?

Thanks, and sorry for so many questions.

flitemdic · 03-01-2007, 9:34 AM

Mine's pretty bright, but it's not one of the ones off ebay. At least not now- it was back when I bought it. In bright sunlight, it is somewhat less effective, but I'm talking bright like direct surface of the sun bright. In normal light, it's actually pretty good. Mine's flat all the way across, though, no directional issues at all.

sv61 · 03-01-2007, 9:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flitemdic

Mine's pretty bright, but it's not one of the ones off ebay. At least not now- it was back when I bought it. In bright sunlight, it is somewhat less effective, but I'm talking bright like direct surface of the sun bright. In normal light, it's actually pretty good. Mine's flat all the way across, though, no directional issues at all.

Is this the same light that GugGravy bought? Jeez, are all the Hill Country area bikes gonna have it?

Silverbird · 03-01-2007, 9:56 AM

Let us know how it works when you get it. I like the look. I am running the clear alternatives one with the led's now. I like it, but a little hard to see in the day time. Maybe I can see it in person at ROT if you are going.

John01XX · 03-01-2007, 12:18 PM

I think you will see that all the above taillights are actually from Clear Alternatives.

If you want the Clear Alternatives ones then I can save you a couple bucks over egay prices

I will sell the same LED taillight for $85.00 delivered

sv61 · 03-01-2007, 1:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John01XX

I think you will see that all the above taillights are actually from Clear Alternatives.

If you want the Clear Alternatives ones then I can save you a couple bucks over egay prices

I will sell the same LED taillight for $85.00 delivered

I found it on a sight called Fly n Cycle.

Fly N Cycle, Inc. CBR1100 XX BLACKBIRD TAIL LIGHTS

Can anybody shed light on if the flashing cadence is correct with this light? Or, are the stock bulb sockets used, or are these cut out?

sv61 · 03-01-2007, 1:16 PM

Here is the Clear Alternatives model.

Clear Alternatives: Clear.cbr1100xx

Might be the same but looks a little different.

r2t2 · 03-01-2007, 4:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John01XX

I think you will see that all the above taillights are actually from Clear Alternatives.

If you want the Clear Alternatives ones then I can save you a couple bucks over egay prices

I will sell the same LED taillight for $85.00 delivered

John... Ever feel like you're talking to the walls????

Once I figure out how badly I got screwed with my bonus, I'll be ordering one of the LED kits from ya...

John01XX · 03-01-2007, 5:21 PM

Not a problem !!

I know for a fact who is distributing Clear Alternatives lenses and which distributors are selling through Ebay. Up until about 6 months ago I was personal friends with the owner and originator of the Clear Alternatives Company. Tobin sold the business about 6 months ago and they have changed quite a bit since then.
I now get charged a drop ship fee that never was before and the QC on orders going out is not as good as it was.

Oh well, All I can do is offer up the best price available anywhere including ebay and let those that are spending their money decide who they buy it from.

I will always at least meet any and all prices for members here and usually beat their price.

sv61 · 03-01-2007, 5:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r2t2

John... Ever feel like you're talking to the walls????

Once I figure out how badly I got screwed with my bonus, I'll be ordering one of the LED kits from ya...

Thanks for the insightfulness. I feel much more educated.

What is really scary, is when the walls start answering.

Having said that, Are my two links in the previous post, in fact, the same product? IF so, why does one look clear, while the other appear white? I always thought products such as these seemed a little too, ahem, bling for me. Please forgive my ignorance to these products. This one (These ones) does interest me, however.

Again, does the flashing work as well as stock, or does the blinkers appear to blink too fast, appearing as if something is broken or shorted?

And finally, what type of shipping time might I expect?

Thanks, again.

haWHYnXX · 03-01-2007, 7:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sv61

Again, does the flashing work as well as stock, or does the blinkers appear to blink too fast, appearing as if something is broken or shorted?

If you go with the LEDs, they will blink fast. You will need to put in a resistor or heavy duty relay. If you go with the bulbs, they will blink normally.

r2t2 · 03-01-2007, 7:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sv61

Thanks for the insightfulness. I feel much more educated.

What is really scary, is when the walls start answering.

Having said that, Are my two links in the previous post, in fact, the same product? IF so, why does one look clear, while the other appear white? I always thought products such as these seemed a little too, ahem, bling for me. Please forgive my ignorance to these products. This one (These ones) does interest me, however.

Again, does the flashing work as well as stock, or does the blinkers appear to blink too fast, appearing as if something is broken or shorted?

And finally, what type of shipping time might I expect?

Thanks, again.

But the walls DO talk back!!!

Go to the C-A link that John provided... You'll get a much better idea of how the LED/incandescent versions look. Yeah, they're kinda Bling-bling, but I do like the idea of a lot of LEDs in the 99-03 version.

John01XX · 03-01-2007, 7:23 PM

When ordering Clear Alternatives LED Taillights they should blink as normal and not real fast as most LED set-ups do. The resistance of all LED is far less than a regular incandesant bulb so it then blinks very fast. Clear Alternatives does sell a plug-n-play blinker relay module that replaces the stock blinker relay module but it is suppose to come complete with the Taillight kit. Another way distributors add in extra charges !

John01XX · 03-01-2007, 7:44 PM

Ok
Now that I am home and had a chance to really look closely at the two taillights I see that the taillights from Fly n Cycle are not Clear Alternatives.

The taillight show on the Fly link is not the regular LED like the Clr.Alt one.
The Clr. Alt. one has two 45 cluster LED boards in it and the Turn signals are Not integrated in the taillight. The regular LED taillight from Clr. Alt. runs $85.00 delivered. The Clr.Alt LED taillight with rear signals integrated in runs alot more money but has over twice the LED's in it, that is easily seen if you compare them. Also there are twice the amber LED's that flash for the rear signals.
There are some funky taillights shown on the Fly site also that are claimed to be for the Bird but do not go on the Bird for any year model??? I don't know what is up with those shown. Seems the Fly site people are trying to copy Clear Alternatives but doing a poor job but are considerable cheaper in cost, but with good reason.

The complete LED Taillight with Integrated rear signals is very bright and the signals are highly visable but then they should be at a retail price of $149.99.
I can sell it here to forum members at $119.99 delivered.
That would be a $35.00 higher cost for the integrated signal/taillight but a big difference in appearance and for safety sake.

Also one other point is that the Clr. Alt. taillight for the 99 model and up is Not available in smoked. Only the 97-98 taillight has the smoked or clear option. It appears the Fly taillight is slightly smoked only, but not sure myself.

sv61 · 03-02-2007, 9:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r2t2

But the walls DO talk back!!!

Go to the C-A link that John provided... You'll get a much better idea of how the LED/incandescent versions look. Yeah, they're kinda Bling-bling, but I do like the idea of a lot of LEDs in the 99-03 version.

Actually, it was the site I provided. Perhaps I need to go and look at it more in depth.

I do see a flasher upgrade through C-A, for $15.00. Looks like it plugs right in to the Honda.

Thank you guys for your help!

Sincerely,

The Wall.

John01XX · 03-02-2007, 9:49 AM

The flasher is an option but does come complete with the LED Taillight with the integrated rear signals. It is stupid on anyones part to sell an integrated rear taillight and not include the relay module to keep the blinkers legal. But then there are alot of stupid sellers out there !!

Take a look at the Integrated taillight for the 99-03 on the Clr. Alt. website and you will see that the number of LED's and the Brightness is first rate, including the rear Blinkers.

Also just a quick thought, anyone considering getting the Bird Front signals, just remeber that you will regret not getting the chrome bulbs with them. The front signals include amber bulbs with the set for free but they look terrible in my opinion and the chrome bulbs look awesome and are only an additional $10.39 in cost

01-13-2007, 12:50 AM	#2
ConqSoft Ba-Da-Bing Join Date: Sep 15 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC Age: 37 Posts: 1,097	Re: Check this out Way too hard for the people behind you to see your signals with these type of integrated units. I even went back to stock lenses from my clear lenses so the brake light and signals would be more visible. __________________ My Blog GPS Discussion Forum

01-13-2007, 12:58 AM	#3
gudgravy Join Date: Dec 12 2006 Location: Austin, TX Age: 27 Posts: 86	Re: Check this out I ALWAYS use hand and arm signals in conjunction with any signaling and turning. More show than go I guess.

01-27-2007, 11:56 PM	#4
TangorXX Join Date: Jan 01 2007 Location: Spring, TX Age: 53 Posts: 159	Re: Check this out A question on a somewhat related note: I'm looking at changing out the tail light assembly since the one on mine had been painted with a light coat of black (looks kinda neat, but visibility of the light is poor). Does the assembly come out with just removing the 2 mounting bolts and disconnecting the two connectors to the light sockets, or does the seat cowl need to be removed as well? Thanks, __________________ - Glenn in Spring "Indecision is the key to flexibility" '00 Blackbird, '07 ZX14, '08 GL1800

01-28-2007, 12:47 AM	#5
OZDave Join Date: Oct 16 2006 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 808	Re: Check this out I can't remember remember if you need to remove the cowling or not, but when you have brake light unit out, put a couple of pieces of shrink wrap around the locating pin at the bottom before you reasemble it. The rubber grommet it locates into spreads over time and allows the tail light to rattle around. It always anoyed the hell out me. Fixed mine like a charm. __________________ Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me!

01-28-2007, 1:38 AM	#6
gudgravy Join Date: Dec 12 2006 Location: Austin, TX Age: 27 Posts: 86	Re: Check this out In my eXXperience Tangor, you must always remove the seat and rear cowl. Otherwise you'd risk pushing against plastic parts and something may give. __________________ "Pre-Pig"

01-28-2007, 4:55 PM	#8
DosXX Join Date: Nov 24 2006 Location: ABQ Posts: 71	Re: Check this out When my bird was in the planning stages I bought one of those tail lights from Clear Alterantives withthe thought that it would look cool and I could do away with the rear turn signals. But after painting the XX red I kinda liked the stock red lens. So now I am just going to bring the turn signals in closer as described on this forum by Conq.

01-28-2007, 5:39 PM	#9
TangorXX Join Date: Jan 01 2007 Location: Spring, TX Age: 53 Posts: 159	Re: Check this out Just planning on replacing the tail light portion and shorten the stock signals. I'm a bit surprised that during development and testing that the limited directional issue didn't come up. Seems they could come up with a way of redirecting that light more effectively using light diffusing reflector or mount the 3 banks of LEDs (left, middle, right) that would improve the viewing angle. __________________ - Glenn in Spring "Indecision is the key to flexibility" '00 Blackbird, '07 ZX14, '08 GL1800

01-28-2007, 6:57 PM	#10
gudgravy Join Date: Dec 12 2006 Location: Austin, TX Age: 27 Posts: 86	Re: Check this out In addition to the integrated kit, I also have replaced my stock turn signals with LED signals that mount on the tail. __________________ "Pre-Pig"

03-01-2007, 9:34 AM	#13
flitemdic Join Date: Nov 01 2006 Location: USA Posts: 361	Re: Check this out - Blackbird Brake Light Lens Mine's pretty bright, but it's not one of the ones off ebay. At least not now- it was back when I bought it. In bright sunlight, it is somewhat less effective, but I'm talking bright like direct surface of the sun bright. In normal light, it's actually pretty good. Mine's flat all the way across, though, no directional issues at all. __________________ N2YN 8/22/2004

03-01-2007, 9:56 AM	#15
Silverbird Join Date: Jan 16 2007 Location: Conroe, TX. Posts: 198	Re: Check this out - Blackbird Brake Light Lens Let us know how it works when you get it. I like the look. I am running the clear alternatives one with the led's now. I like it, but a little hard to see in the day time. Maybe I can see it in person at ROT if you are going.

03-01-2007, 12:18 PM	#16
John01XX Vendor Join Date: Oct 31 2006 Location: So. Flo-da Posts: 1,147	Re: Check this out - Blackbird Brake Light Lens I think you will see that all the above taillights are actually from Clear Alternatives. If you want the Clear Alternatives ones then I can save you a couple bucks over egay prices I will sell the same LED taillight for $85.00 delivered __________________ John Smith Proprieter of John's Bike Bits John@BikeBits.us

03-01-2007, 1:16 PM	#18
sv61 Join Date: Jan 10 2007 Location: Comfort, Texas, USA Age: 45 Posts: 364	Re: Check this out - Blackbird Brake Light Lens Here is the Clear Alternatives model. Clear Alternatives: Clear.cbr1100xx Might be the same but looks a little different.

03-01-2007, 5:21 PM	#20
John01XX Vendor Join Date: Oct 31 2006 Location: So. Flo-da Posts: 1,147	Re: Check this out - Blackbird Brake Light Lens Not a problem !! I know for a fact who is distributing Clear Alternatives lenses and which distributors are selling through Ebay. Up until about 6 months ago I was personal friends with the owner and originator of the Clear Alternatives Company. Tobin sold the business about 6 months ago and they have changed quite a bit since then. I now get charged a drop ship fee that never was before and the QC on orders going out is not as good as it was. Oh well, All I can do is offer up the best price available anywhere including ebay and let those that are spending their money decide who they buy it from. I will always at least meet any and all prices for members here and usually beat their price. __________________ John Smith Proprieter of John's Bike Bits John@BikeBits.us

03-01-2007, 7:23 PM	#24
John01XX Vendor Join Date: Oct 31 2006 Location: So. Flo-da Posts: 1,147	Re: Check this out - Blackbird Brake Light Lens When ordering Clear Alternatives LED Taillights they should blink as normal and not real fast as most LED set-ups do. The resistance of all LED is far less than a regular incandesant bulb so it then blinks very fast. Clear Alternatives does sell a plug-n-play blinker relay module that replaces the stock blinker relay module but it is suppose to come complete with the Taillight kit. Another way distributors add in extra charges ! __________________ John Smith Proprieter of John's Bike Bits John@BikeBits.us

03-01-2007, 7:44 PM	#25
John01XX Vendor Join Date: Oct 31 2006 Location: So. Flo-da Posts: 1,147	Re: Check this out - Blackbird Brake Light Lens Ok Now that I am home and had a chance to really look closely at the two taillights I see that the taillights from Fly n Cycle are not Clear Alternatives. The taillight show on the Fly link is not the regular LED like the Clr.Alt one. The Clr. Alt. one has two 45 cluster LED boards in it and the Turn signals are Not integrated in the taillight. The regular LED taillight from Clr. Alt. runs $85.00 delivered. The Clr.Alt LED taillight with rear signals integrated in runs alot more money but has over twice the LED's in it, that is easily seen if you compare them. Also there are twice the amber LED's that flash for the rear signals. There are some funky taillights shown on the Fly site also that are claimed to be for the Bird but do not go on the Bird for any year model??? I don't know what is up with those shown. Seems the Fly site people are trying to copy Clear Alternatives but doing a poor job but are considerable cheaper in cost, but with good reason. The complete LED Taillight with Integrated rear signals is very bright and the signals are highly visable but then they should be at a retail price of $149.99. I can sell it here to forum members at $119.99 delivered. That would be a $35.00 higher cost for the integrated signal/taillight but a big difference in appearance and for safety sake. Also one other point is that the Clr. Alt. taillight for the 99 model and up is Not available in smoked. Only the 97-98 taillight has the smoked or clear option. It appears the Fly taillight is slightly smoked only, but not sure myself. __________________ John Smith Proprieter of John's Bike Bits John@BikeBits.us

03-02-2007, 9:49 AM	#27
John01XX Vendor Join Date: Oct 31 2006 Location: So. Flo-da Posts: 1,147	Re: Check this out - Blackbird Brake Light Lens The flasher is an option but does come complete with the LED Taillight with the integrated rear signals. It is stupid on anyones part to sell an integrated rear taillight and not include the relay module to keep the blinkers legal. But then there are alot of stupid sellers out there !! Take a look at the Integrated taillight for the 99-03 on the Clr. Alt. website and you will see that the number of LED's and the Brightness is first rate, including the rear Blinkers. Also just a quick thought, anyone considering getting the Bird Front signals, just remeber that you will regret not getting the chrome bulbs with them. The front signals include amber bulbs with the set for free but they look terrible in my opinion and the chrome bulbs look awesome and are only an additional $10.39 in cost __________________ John Smith Proprieter of John's Bike Bits John@BikeBits.us

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
CHECK OUT THIS BIRD...	lois	General CBR XX Discussion	22	02-25-2007 9:13 PM
Spell check	swazijmw	Site Help / Suggestions / Comments	6	02-24-2007 8:48 PM
Mirror Housing/Lens	X1rider	Body / Paint / Electrical / Lights	8	01-15-2007 2:02 AM
little help please----Fi light	XXSTAR	Body / Paint / Electrical / Lights	24	01-10-2007 12:50 AM
Battery / Voltage Check	ConqSoft	Honda CBR XX Resource Center	0	09-19-2006 4:30 PM