Vololights: Engine Braking Made Safer!

Vololights are an easy to install, third party LED brake alert system that fits seamlessly around your motorcycle's license plate. Its core function is to make riders more visible by detecting all types of braking functions. This includes both lever-activated and engine braking!

When co-founder and CEO Faizal Ali (Vecto Labs, LLC) submitted this product for testing and review, my imagination ran wild with ideas as to how it operates. Perhaps its patented circuitry detects the most intricate and subtle shifts in voltage/wattage/amperage. There's also the possibility that recalled nanobots from Google's TiSP program are being re-purposed for motorcycle use, however unlikely.

In truth, a more sensible conclusion requires that I think on it while installing their product. Inside of its packaging I find a pre-wired, LED equipped license plate bracket, two posi-tap wire connectors and installation instructions with plainly informative "comic book" visuals. The wording is sensible enough, providing a clear mental picture of what's to be done.

The short version is that you remove your license plate, seal the Vololights product around it and reinstall everything as you would normally. Two (positive/negative) wires are then fed to a constant power source using the included posi-tap connectors. Finding that my installation initially rested on my Bandit 1200's fender, I'm using rubber washers to better separate the two.

Once in position, I'm faced with two wiring options. Either I use their pre-connected wire taps with a constant power source (license plate illumination line, for example) or I can solder in more wire/connectors for use with my auxiliary power relay. Knowing that I still have one open outlet on said relay makes the decision easy.

Knowing that a key-operated, "always on" power source is the only requirement, the electrical engineering of this Kickstarter project finally makes sense. Vololights have some form of level or piezo/pressure meter built into their circuitry that detects a predetermined amount of brake force. This requires no electrical lever signals or "spark interval" data.

Calibration and sensitivity adjustment are a breeze, though for some it might require two people. To calibrate, one person must hold the bike steady and upright (without sitting on it), bypassing the side/center stands. With the bike fully centered, another person uses a magnet to traverse through the appropriate number of blinks, balancing its performance and fine tuning to suit.

Vololights aren't without an opportunity for bettering, however. My own installation brought personal desires to light. They are as follows:

• slightly more accurate instructions (i.e. "remove" screws, not "loosen")
• longer wire for more distant/remote connection points (such as an over-battery relay)
• rubber washers to insure that their enclosure doesn't rub against the fender
• a pre-defined slot for use with the included magnet
• gummy bears ... because gummy bears

All in all, however I'm of the opinion that this is a stellar product that really hits the mark. My overall impression is that when properly adjusted, they're braking (get it?) new ground in motorcycle safety. On a scale of one to ten, I'm throwing it a simple and solid nine.

What Products Do You Incorporate For Greater Motorcycle Safety?

There are a lot of well designed inventions on the market. Which do you prefer most? What do you like about it and why? Your input is invited. Leave a comment and/or write an article!