Photos and Text By: John Devito

It is no secret that stock tail and brake lights are weak, and most riders today want more light on the rear of their motorcycles. If you ride a touring bike or one equipped with saddle bags there is normally a place to install an extra light or two. However, if your bike’s rear end is clean adding lights may present a problem. The installation of additional lights can be even more difficult when it comes to finding and splicing into an existing light circuit. Fortunately, there’s an answer, and its Bright Ass Lights to the rescue. Currently the company has started making products for Harley Davidson as most of the H-D line up uses the same tail light design. 

As a safety instructor, and a certified gadget guy I was able to receive one for testing. Upon opening the box I found a tail light, that at first look appeared stock, but closer inspection revealed that it was quite different. There are two rows of three LED’s, one on row top of the other, each serving as a tail and brake light, plus one additional light acting as a tag light. The box contained the tail light, gasket, installation instructions, warranty card, a magnet and a business card. The back of the card lists 21 programmable flash patters in the order they can be changed.

Installation is simple and this light is a true “plug and play” accessory. The only tool required is a Phillips screwdriver, which is a nice change from the days of tape, solder, sweat, and a few choice words. The first step is to remove the screws from the factory lens and unplug the stock tail light. Then place the new gasket over the light housing on the bike. Next, plug the new tail light in and replace the two factory screws...check its operation, and you’re done.

The light will now function with DOT settings, what the instructions call Level 1. To increase the brightness to level 2, 3% over DOT, run the supplied magnet across the top of the light. For Level 3, a 10% increase, repeat the magnet swipe over the top once more.

Changing the flash patterns is just as simple as you just have a friend hold the brake lever enough to turn on the brake light. Now, hold the magnet over the right rear section of the light and you can run the light through all 21 patterns. If you want to change the patterns while riding, and are a bit more ambitious, there is a white wire on the tail light. By applying 12 volts to this wire (switch not included) the pattern will change in the order shown on the card. 

Currently, Bright Ass Lights Products are available through Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley Dealerships, but additional distributors are being added. In addition to H-D tail lights this company makes a universal light that can be mounted most any place. They consist of three LED’s that act as both a running light and brake light, but only offer a strobe style flash pattern. These lights are approximately 1 ¼ inch by 4 inches, or the size of a Gold Wing’s rear reflector; which is where I have seen them mounted most frequently.

The light pictured is the one installed on my dresser, but I also installed one on my Sportster which is now much more visible while keeping its lines clean. Now, cagers, and latte sucking SUV’er’s, know when I’m stopping.

You can contact Bright Ass Lights directly at 866-364-6690 or visit them on line at www.brightasslights.com. The company business card states, “If it doesn’t hurt your eyes, it’s not a Bright Ass Light”.

It is finally nice to see that kind of truth in advertising; my light pictured is set on level 2. They do charge a premium for the product…but, how can you put a price on being seen?