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STS Brake Light Module detects engine braking

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STS brake light module box and contents — Rahoul Ghose

STS has come up with another new and smart solution to make riding safer.

In October 2017, with the help of A&J Cycles, we installed the Slovenian company’s Smart Turn System module, a device which auto cancels your turn signals after recognized maneuvers are completed – lane changes, right or left turns, overtaking vehicles, and even after exiting roundabouts (on the rare occasion when you encounter them in the states). (Servicing the Moto Enthusiast Niche | October 23, 2017)

Just before 2017 closed its books NYC Motorcyclist received one of STS’s new brake light modules for install and testing.

While there are current solutions to blink the tail light when a bike is physically braking, this easy-to-install addition allows riders to indicate engine braking and downshifting for greater visibility on the road with either a flashing or steady brake light as well.

The system, warrantied for two years, is compatible with LED, halogen and HID bulbs in both 12V and 6V varieties. Its proprietary algorithm and motion sensor detects all forms of deacceleration.

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STS marketing image

While there are current solutions to blink the tail light when a bike is physically braking, this easy-to-install addition allows riders to indicate engine braking and downshifting for greater visibility on the road with either a flashing or steady brake light as well.

NYC Motorcyclist

Included in the small product packaging are:

  • The smart Brake Light Module with a three-wire loom (power supply, signal and ground) and male connectors
  • TAB connectors (with built in female plugs) to attach to the bike’s ground, brake light and position light wires
  • Instructions
  • The now requisite product sticker

Install, if you are familiar with your bike’s wiring, is dead easy. But make sure you have some zip ties on hand.

Find the current wires that go to your brake light and follow them back to a location where you can safely mount the STS Brake Light Module (approx. 2”x1”x1”) under the seat. You have about 21 inches of wiring loom, which allows some leeway for you to find a completely level surface for mounting.

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STS marketing image

Install, if you are familiar with your bike’s wiring, is dead easy. But make sure you have some zip ties on hand.

NYC Motorcyclist

Once you have that location marked, snap the TAB connectors (which surround the wires and cut into them) onto the bike’s ground, brake light and position light (or other ignition-switched power source) wires at the appropriate distance from the module location. The company suggests consulting your bike’s service/repair manual to identify the correct wires by color as each manufacturer has a different setup.

Plug the module into the connectors (power: red & blue wires; signal: yellow wire; ground: green wire). On the module the STS logo must be positioned either facing up or down – with the logo up you’ll get the steady brake light option. With the logo down, you get the flashing brake light option.

Attach the module using zip ties or industrial-strength Velcro to secure, and avoid placing it near any heat sources. That’s pretty much it.

All that’s left to do is put your seat back on and turn on the bike. The Brake Light Module will calibrate itself after each start-up, producing a short flash on the brake light once complete.

The STS Brake Light Module retails for $149 on the STS website, though the company currently has a 33-per-cent holiday discount on if you use the code 'BATCH33', bringing it down to $99.

More information is available here: https://www.safer-turn.com/us/smart-brake-module/

As to testing the device on NYC roads, that will have to wait until our current snow and frigid temperatures subside. Stay warm, stay safe and stay tuned.

You can find out more about STS on their website and social media at:       

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