Modern Vespa

I've done some searching on the forum and these tailBlazer modulators seem to get mixed reviews. Many of the non-MP3 owners in the other forums swear by them, but I believe at least one person here (Rob in Denver) mentioned once that the Kisan might not be the best choice for the MP3 because of reduced light output...but I'm not sure if this comment was directed specifically at the tailBlazers or not (Rob...did you have trouble with the 100HD or the 20W all-in-one self-enclosed blub replacements?).

I'm not ready to got full-blown gonzo whopper mod-crazy on my scooter (I'm not very mechanically inclined...yet), but the plug-and-play replacement bulbs (versus the modulator block) seemed to be a good idea and an easy upgrade. Anyone have any experience with these particular items, or does the BackOff/BackOff XP modulator (with its dramatically lower cost but slightly different blinking pattern) get more endorsements?

Thanks all...as always, this forum is a GREAT place to help demystify these machines and get some sound advice from people with real "boots on ground" experience!

- WildBlue

I've had a single tailBlazer from years ago that I've carried across all my bikes where able to, i.e. not dual globes.

Mine was an earlier 10W version, but that was less than a standard brake light and useless, I don't think the product would have survived if they didn't step up to 20W out of the box. I have used a 20W globe in my 10W body for several years without problem, on the same globe. I'm sure they've at least tested it before repackaging it with a 20W bulb. Anyway the conclusion there is a testament to the product.

As far as operation, I highly recommend it. The price is a little steep to start with, especially 2 of them for the Fuoco, but considering it's plug and play for a standard socket, you can move them over to your car, next bikes, other bikes etc. etc. as I've found, so the value far outlives the purchase price. That said I only got one when I scored a cheapy on ebay, I was a poorer student then.

I used to ride social city night rides and I really loved it for those times especially. A rider can be distracted by more urgent obstacles for just a second, and they can miss the transition from tail light to brake light. The change is what gains most attention, so having it repeat was great. I rode behind my bike at a change to try a friend's new bike, and it really achieved what I thought it would.

Especially when leading a ride, it was easy to cover the brake in anticipation of a problem and know you're giving people time to slow down before you might come to an abrupt halt.

Funny timing, I recently just found out from a friend following me on a back streets cafe racers ride that my brake lights weren't coming on at all. At the cafe over coffee I couldn't believe it, tested it and found they don't light until I'm doing an emergency stop. Rear brake light switching properly nice and early.

Currently my tailBlazer is in my road racer, ironically the front brake switch is faulty with that one, and I'm also using the rear brake to trigger the light in the meantime. I have some urgent minor maintenance to "stop" me before heading off on a ride

If you find a good deal on these, I'd be keen to get a couple for the Fuoco so I can leave the other one to go between my other two bikes.

It was a couple years ago, so I am not sure if there have been changes made, but I tried a number of different units from Kisan, and all of them seemed to result in a lower light output overall. I thought it was better without them. There is something about the MP3 that does not worl with these from my experience.
I am a big fan of most of Kisans products, but these did not do it for me.

Changing to and/or adding LEDs is a better proposition. There are many products available to choose from also. I searched the internet for a product the CHP uses on their bikes to post here but could not locate it. It is expensive, around $350.00 I think but works real well. My dealer put one on a 500 for a customer.

The CHP supplemental brake light? Expensive, bright and a bit of a challenge to install (RTFM 1st!) but awesome in all of its brightness.

Or something like the stuff these guys sell.

Check with the packaging to ensure that the bulbs and lights are DOT legal if you're going to use them while on public roads.

In CA read this for more info