Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1521442
VOLUME ISSUE MAY , P125 modes to choose via a small button on top of the unit. In standard mode, all LEDs are always on and brighten as you decelerate. In mode two, the left and right LED panels pulsate for added atten- tion. In mode three, the center, top and bottom LED panels are on as running lights. The LED lights are impressively bright. The brake light unit is large, which is good for be- ing seen, but not so much if you're worried about looking cool. Also, if you're sensitive about helmet weight, you might feel its presence. I did, but it wasn't an issue. I did mount it to a bicycle helmet, but I felt the weight in this application was enough only to use for certain rides—in traffic. The batteries are rechargeable and last a long time between charg- es, at least 10 hours, which is plenty for an all-day ride. I never got the opportunity to use the brake light in the wet, but the unit seems well-built, and I have no reason not to believe their waterproof claim. Brake Free Technology's Smart Brake Light is a great idea, and the technology is impressive. The unit is built well, and as far as operation, it does what it's supposed to do—in- crease your chances of being seen. List Price: $149.95 Website: brakefreetech.com Its only real drawback is that it might take away a little bit of your fancy hel- met's "cool" look and is a little pricey. Although it won't prevent someone who is looking down at their smartphone from squashing you from behind, it's nice to know you're doing everything you can to increase your odds of being seen and improve your safety, and the Brake Free Technology Smart Brake Light will undoubtedly do that. Kit Palmer • BRIGHT LED • IMPRESSIVE TECHNOLOGY • GOOD BATTERY LIFE • EASY TO ATTACH • BRIGHT LED • IMPRESSIVE • NOT NECESSARILY ATTRACTIVE • SOMEWHAT HEAVY • PRICEY TECHNOLOGY'S SMART BRAKE LIGHT RIDER ANALYSIS Brake Free Technology's Smart Brake Light is supposed to catch motor- ists' attention, but it also caught my attention at this year's AIM Show. I've always been a little (okay, a lot) nervous about being mowed over from behind while decelerating for a stop sign/light, so anything to help reduce that chance of happening, I'm all in. Most motorcycle taillights are relatively small and, on some bikes, positioned very low, so the idea of having an extra brake light positioned high up on the back of my helmet seems like a good idea to me. Brake Free Technology's Smart Brake Light is simple to install. Every- thing you need to do so comes in the box, including mounts that stick to the back of your helmets that the removable main unit snaps onto. You get two sticky mounts, which is nice if you have more than one helmet. The brake light won't fit all helmets and it's pretty obvious which helmets it won't (those with sharp angular shapes). However, the company of- fers special mounts for odd-shaped lids, so if you think yours might be one of those, check with Brake Free Technology. Thankfully, there are no apps to download or wires to con- nect to your motorcycle; you simply "slap" it on the back of your helmet, press a button to turn it on, and that is pretty much it. You do have three The Brake Free brake light might not add to your helmet's good looks but will add safety.