Choosing the best motorcycle tail light can significantly enhance both the aesthetics and safety of your bike. Here are some insights from various discussions on popular options and considerations:
Integrated Tail Lights
Many riders seek integrated tail lights for a cleaner look, especially if they use their bikes for track days. Custom solutions, such as using LED strips inside the original housing, have been suggested for a sleek appearance [2:1]. However, finding high-quality integrated options with good reviews can be challenging, and some users resort to DIY modifications for optimal results
[2:2].
Brightness and Visibility
For those prioritizing brightness, especially during daytime rides, the Bontrager Flare R and Cygolite Hotshot Pro are frequently recommended. The Bontrager Flare R is noted for its excellent daytime visibility and features like ambient light sensors and specific day/night flash modes [4:1]. The Cygolite Hotshot Pro offers up to 150 lumens, making it another strong contender for visibility
[4:3].
Quality and Reliability
When it comes to quality, TST Industries and Custom LED Blaster X tail lights are often praised. Although they are more expensive, these brands are considered worth the investment due to their reliability and performance compared to cheaper alternatives found on platforms like Amazon [5:1]
[5:6]. Users report issues with wiring and longevity in cheaper models, which can lead to additional costs over time
[5:2].
User Experiences and Recommendations
Several users shared personal experiences with different tail lights. For instance, some have had positive feedback about the Bontrager Flare R's visibility even from a mile away during midday [4:1], while others recommend avoiding budget options due to frequent malfunctions
[5:9]. It's clear that investing in a reputable brand can save hassle and ensure better performance.
Conclusion
For the best motorcycle tail lights, consider options that balance aesthetics, brightness, and reliability. While premium brands like TST Industries and Custom LED offer high-quality products, the Bontrager Flare R and Cygolite Hotshot Pro provide excellent visibility. Avoid budget options unless you're prepared for potential issues with durability and functionality.
Which generation of (stock) taillights do u find most appealing? Ranging from 2010-2019. Me personally I like the previous gen tail lights 2016-2018 and the current gen is def growing on me but even then I might put the 2014-2015 lights above em aswell 🤔 thoughts?
Actually, I did get Oracle side lights and rear bow tie, but I wanted different tail lights than what was common at the time. I found these through a YouTube video review and had to get them. They’re made from a small San Diego company called Nori Lights.
https://youtu.be/j2B7HpnKXhM?si=uytTZ7Vrhs1rhIqf
https://norilights.com/products/infinity-mirror-style-custom-light-modification
Preface lift of both the 5th and 6th gen for me. But the 10-13 will always be favorite as it was my first love for the Camaro brand
Taillights themselves I love the 16-18’. As for Booty of the car. All other years lmao. 14-15 has some really good aftermarket taillights tho! And 10-13 is just fuckin classic. And 19+ is just baller.
Yes, my fav after market tail lights r actually the 2016-2018 6th gen style lights. They r quite the overall look for me
Got the same on my car. They really sell the look imo.
Where did you get these?
Yeah these look cool. If I remember a recent video i watched correctly, you have to drop the bumper to replace these, correct? Ive never taken off a bumper and feel id break the clips.
Also now im wondering if i should lose the silver trim and cover/replace with black trim?
Nope, no number dropping on the 2010. Just open the trunk, pop off the lid over the lights and do it from the top. The hardest part was getting your hands in there, but it was doable. I had to buy one of those flex add-ons for my drill to install the LED heat syncs. But it was pretty simple to do.
And yeah, I was blacking out the rest of my car so black bezels were part of that. Oh, and when the lights are not used they are black too.
I personally love LOVE the pre face lift 5th Gen tail lights, it looks so good. I prefer 5th Gen overall look
They are truly magnificent. Funny enough whilst retrieving these photos I discovered that the euro market had a slightly different style for the 5th gen tail lights. I do still prefer the American style but they’re def cool
100 percent on the sequential. They did it to the c8 taillights.. 🫤
Seems like all of the options have very mixed reviews and are all several years old.
Looking for something to clean up the rear on my 05' S model. It's going to be a track day bike too, so preferably something where I can just bolt the license plate back on and go.
I looked for years and ended up making my own. NAPA sells an LED-compatable trailer wiring harness that runs two separate sets of running/brake/signal lights. I (actually my dad) ran three strips of LEDs just inside each red lens and wired one as a running light and two as brake/signal lights. I can try and upload a photo when I get home tonight.
That would be awesome if you get a chance!
I won't open the assembly up (for obvious reasons) but it's pretty simple inside. As you can see I used 3 strips of LEDs, and wired the center strip in each group as running lights, and the outer strips as brake lights/turn signals. The wiring harness came from Napa. I don't recall the part number, but make sure it takes 5 wires in and sends 4? wires out. Everything fits into the original taillight housing, and it cleans up nicely.
Overall a VERY sleek look that I am very happy with.
The plastic area surrounding the license plate is terrible though. Ford should have stayed with the 2012 design and just integrated the LED lights into them.
2013/14 has body colored lower valances to give the illusion of lower vehicle.
I personally like the 10-12 look more. Agree with these taillights though.
I like 10-12 front. 13-14 tail light only. You can easily swap the rear lights out.
67-68 are the kings of all mustang taillights, in my opinion.
I prefer a little older style taillight !
Absolutely
Cygolite Hotshot Pro– 150 Lumen Bike Tail Light, yes 150 Lumen.
Bontrager Flare R 65 Lumens.
I see Cygolite has a new 200. Thanks for the suggestion.
+1 for cygolite. Best value in a truly daytime visible taillight.
I have the Bontrager Flare R. I've had a few people pull up next to me, oddly, just to tell me that they could see the light from about a mile away. I haven't tested the newer model, but the older one is great; great battery life, ambient light sensor, specific day/night flash, etc.
Edit: This was mid-day that these people told me this. The daytime visibility is superb.
The new RT thing sucks, i just returned it and bought another flare R. its the best one ive had
Running one as well, and really like it.
My biddy got it and can’t figure out how to wire the blinkers. They stay on like running lights and all the wiring is super fucky. Stay away. Spend the money on TST
That sucks to hear, thanks for letting me know
Do you plan on driving into a crowd or something?
I honestly had to check the sub name because this looked like a Mustang light of some sort
Works alright but not for long Go Tst if you are gonna be riding for longer than 6 months
That goes for all the Amazon taillights, people will say different but trust you will pay for it in the end and end up spending more
And turn signals. I've always had issues with Amazon turn signals too.
Thanks man, was hoping there was a more expensive but the same style somewhere else but oh well
TST or Custom LED blaster X taillight. They’re pricey but worth it. These Amazon lights are garbage, bought 3 because they all came with problems before I bought a quality light
Need LED flasher relay
Yea I was hoping there would be a better quality one on a different website that cost more but I guess not
This^^^^
Was riding today and a guy passed me with a super bright tail light. I tried to catch up to him to ask him, but he was going fast and I was tired. Any suggestions on popular brands/styles?? Thanks in advance
UPDATE: cygolite hotshot 150 was on sale on REI plus they have a 20% coupon, so I pulled the trigger. Thanks a lot everyone for the information!! Stay safe!
Cygolight Hotshot Pro 150 has 90 lumens. It's not going to get much brighter than that.
https://www.bikelightdatabase.com/cygolite/hotshotpro150/
Feel free to browse the database. They measure the lumens themselves
Much appreciated!!
I have that one (and the 100) - it's a good tail light.
I bought one last year and liked it so much I bought one for my daughter.
I wish they'd update with the rest of the Cygolite lights.
I have a Bontrager Flare RT, and it's pretty much as bright as you'll ever need. I don't know the exact lumens, and at ~$60usd they're not exactly cheap, but we know how important lights can be for safe riding. I would highly recommend it or its little brother the Flare R.
Much appreciated!!
I have to agree with this. I had one and a friend told me there's almost no way you couldn't see it in just about any weather. Lost the light on a ride to work one day. I hope that someone who needed a light found it!
Flare rt here too, 200 lumens but it's the smart features that are the game changer; auto starts and stops with your Garmin, changes brightness as required
I like my Cygolite, it's advertised as 100 lumens. I purchased it as part of a combo with front light (700 lumens), both have performed great and are rechargable.
x2 for the Bontrager Flare RT!
Ziet er wel goed uit 👍🏻
Your licence plate is pretty dark... 😉🤣
The lens of my phone must've been dirty 😋
Jammer, past niet bij de stijl v.d. motorfiets.
Hi everyone,
I am looking to get a tail light, and looking for recommendations. My current light works on 2 round flat batteries, which need to be replaced quite often. I thought I'd look into something rechargeable, although it had its own downsides. I usually put the light on one of the seat stays rather than the seatpost, since I'm concerned it can be obscured by clothing or the seat itself. Any recommendations? I'm located in the US.
CygoLite Hotshot Pro series tail lights are best bang for the buck. Bright, wide beam, good battery life, USB charging, affordable, made in USA, two mount options: buy as either seatpost soft mount or with seatpost/stay hard bracket.
I agree, I really like mine. I have the 50 lumen version and it’s good bang for the buck. I got my Dad the 150 lumen light and that thing is really bright and only ~$9 more.
I use knog mini blinders for my commuter. They're small (about the size of a frog light, and similar form factor) but very bright and recharge by plugging directly into a USB port.
Thanks, it's nice that they are not too bulky, and I see they come in several shapes too
If you use stay mount, be careful that you aren't pointing a highly directional light skyward. In general, I recommend wider angle lights to work with different scenarios and motorist seat heights. For example, cygolite hotrod is wider light distribution than cygolite hotshot.
Also, a wide area light is better to enable being bright enough to be highly visible without being blinding to someone close behind. Again, cygolite hotrod is a good choice.
And cygolite is a good company with a reputation for reliability without being overpriced.
Thank you, they do seem to have some nice lights, I'm definitely considering those.
Garmin Varia radar. Once your ride with it, you don’t wanna ride without it.
Oh wow, that's a great concept! I think I'll be putting this in my wishlist now...
Light and Motion VIS180 is pretty amazing. It's pretty chunky for a rear light but it's stupid bright and the battery lasts a long time (rated for 6 hours, and I believe it).
https://lightandmotion.com/collections/road-biking/products/vis-180-pro
What I've been using for years is a NiteRider Lumina headlight with Serfas Thunderbolt tail lights. The Thunderbolts in particular have been very long lasting.
Front - outbound detour, at a power bank and I can do 1200 lm for 8 hours,
Rear- mix bag but right now the raveman 250, I also have a power bank for that.
It’s worth looking into a helmet light. I’m running the Lumos. Ultra fly
I’m still happy with the Bontrager Ion Pro. I’ve got 4 since my partner and I ride mtb at night (bars+helmet) but we use them on our road and gravel bikes as well.
That model was replaced by the Commuter Pro which has a lens to focus the light down and out of peoples eyes but otherwise very similar. I think the pro has usb-c instead of micro for charging as well. Balance of weight, battery life, and single package ticks all of my boxes. I purchased my first one based on a review of the circuit design, lenses, and overall UX of the things by some former CREE engineer IIRC. It was on the shortlist for being pretty Goldilocks and then I got three more a couple years later.
I may eventually replace with some Outbound lights but for now happy with them and they’re all working as expected after a handful of years of abuse.
Lezyne if you want a bigger battery to charge less at the cost of weight.
Get the Blender mount by Bontrager (since u have a Trek) and it integrates everything real slick. I use the Ion Flare as it’s mostly so people can see me but it works with most other stuff
Outbound has been rock solid. Replaced my Lumia lights with them last fall. Wicked bright and tons of battery life.
Looking for a taillight recommendation mostly for day use.
Was considering the Bontrager Flare RT as I can sync it with my computer but I've seen a lot of praise for the Cygolite Hotshot and Hotrod, and Portland Design Works Danger Zone as well.
Curious if the Bontrager would be worth the premium over the Cygolites or PDW or if anyone has any other recommendations in the same price range? Thanks.
My recommendation too. Light is nice and bright, radar is useful info, and the light flashes increasingly faster at people coming up behind you... it's awesome and can be had for $150 if you hold out for a sale.
So in your opinion did you consider the option of the Varia w/ 20lumen lights + radar vs something like the Bontrager Flare RT w/ up to 90 lumen is the better choice?
I like that but not all the Bontrager ones have it. I’m on a 2018 Montrose and no go
One of the best things you can buy. The new one works with the connect smart phone app so you don’t even need a head unit.
I dig my cygolite hotshot
Which model do you have? There's like 6 different ones with different output levels ha
I have the 150 lumen. I’d have gotten the 200 but Amazon had a good price on the 800w headlight + 150 watt tail. The 150 is honestly plenty, and the 200 might just drain the battery faster for kinda minimal improvement.
I bought the hard mount so I could clip it to my saddlebag on one bike and to the Seatpost on my other. Make sure you determine which is best for you
Recon HL 100s. USB re-chargeable, bright but small, low weight. Love them
The varia is a total game changer. One of my best purchases in 30 years or riding.
Flare RT user here. It’s not that expensive when you consider how good it performs, the battery life, and the benefit it provides. Also looks great IMO
Same here- mine has been going strong for several years. I have to charge maybe once a week if I've doing weeknight night riding. I did not like it being connected to my Garmin, though. I just thought it was annoying- It was turn itself on and be stuck on one type of flash until I disconnected it from the computer.
I have the Bontrager Flare R City which is the cheaper, lighter, and simpler than the RT, but of course you have to manually turn it on and off.
best motorcycle tail lights
Key Considerations for Motorcycle Tail Lights
Brightness: Look for LED tail lights as they are brighter and more visible than traditional bulbs, enhancing safety, especially at night.
Durability: Choose tail lights that are weather-resistant and made from high-quality materials to withstand harsh conditions and vibrations.
Design and Style: Consider the aesthetic of the tail light. Options range from sleek and modern to classic designs, so pick one that complements your motorcycle.
Functionality: Some tail lights come with additional features like integrated turn signals, brake lights, and running lights. Multi-functional lights can enhance visibility and reduce the number of components needed.
Ease of Installation: Look for tail lights that come with clear instructions and necessary mounting hardware for straightforward installation.
Recommendations:
Custom Dynamics Magic Fob: This is a highly rated option that offers bright LED lighting and customizable features, including sequential turn signals.
Kuryakyn 5010: Known for its durability and stylish design, this tail light integrates well with various motorcycle models and provides excellent visibility.
Biker's Choice LED Tail Light: A budget-friendly option that still offers good brightness and durability, making it a solid choice for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.
When selecting a tail light, prioritize visibility and durability to ensure safety on the road.
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