Rearward Visibility

General discussion of the BMW R1200RT/R1250RT
Post Reply
Excellence
Posts: 66
Joined: Fri Oct 14, 2022 8:19 am
Location: Aberdeenshire
Bike Model and Year: R1250RT 2021
Has liked: 25 times
Been liked: 29 times
Great Britain

Rearward Visibility

Post by Excellence »

Hi
Having been hit from behind by a current police class 1 rider on a motorcycle and on another occasion by an ex police class 1 traffic officer/driver in a Jag, I'm pretty keen on being visible - it also explains the permanent front and rear video recording setup!
So, using some 3M reflective sheet (hex style for intensity of reflection) I made and fitted the decals in the photos. The ones under the topbox aren't really seen until being at a driver's eye level while the lower ones are but I believe they don't look too yucky. Even if they do, I'm happy that the bike will be more easily seen from a fair old distance away.
Attachments
5B6E1818-8D23-49CC-8F6F-68C5593AE07A.jpeg
5B6E1818-8D23-49CC-8F6F-68C5593AE07A.jpeg (531.29 KiB) Viewed 341 times
BB73870B-8372-4558-A4B7-1F1B9A56FA7F.jpeg
BB73870B-8372-4558-A4B7-1F1B9A56FA7F.jpeg (624.81 KiB) Viewed 341 times
User avatar
Doctor T
Posts: 1660
Joined: Tue Dec 21, 2021 10:21 pm
Location: west sussex
Bike Model and Year: 2007 R1200RT SE
Has liked: 901 times
Been liked: 239 times
Great Britain

Re: Rearward Visibility

Post by Doctor T »

I have the same M3 Hex strips on my panniers but nothing as professional as yours. My thoughts with bikes that have top boxes fitted is with the trend of SUV cars, bike rear lamps are not at eye level anymore if they travel close. BMW and other manufacturers know people fit top boxes to certain touring models. So why don't they design the rear lamp to protrude out more or be mounted lower?
I followed a little 125cc bike the other day. It was fitted with what i would guess was a one helmet sized box. Approx five feet away i couldn't see the rear lamp.
Trust me I am a retired Doctor and lecturer at Oxford University of Structural and Mechanical/Electrical engineering.
Motor32
Posts: 91
Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:26 pm
Bike Model and Year: R1250RT '23
Has liked: 2 times
Been liked: 11 times
United States of America

Re: Rearward Visibility

Post by Motor32 »

I added reflective tape and extra brake lights to the saddlebags and the top case.

Steve

Attachments
IMG_1443 (1).jpg
IMG_1443 (1).jpg (283.43 KiB) Viewed 327 times
Glenn
Posts: 271
Joined: Sat Jan 15, 2022 7:49 pm
Location: Shropshire
Bike Model and Year: R1250RT LE 2018
Has liked: 28 times
Been liked: 87 times
Great Britain

Re: Rearward Visibility

Post by Glenn »

I have pre cut black reflective tape on the on the way at the moment.
Excellence
Posts: 66
Joined: Fri Oct 14, 2022 8:19 am
Location: Aberdeenshire
Bike Model and Year: R1250RT 2021
Has liked: 25 times
Been liked: 29 times
Great Britain

Re: Rearward Visibility

Post by Excellence »

Hi Glenn
I previously owned a HONDA ST1300 and originally I put on black reflective sheet at the rear too because it blended really well into the black plastic and the grey painted areas as well as being almost invisible until illuminated.
The problem was that I was advised that the black reflects white which is not permitted at the back - 'gotta' be red. So I changed it for the stuff in the photos above - everyone was happy!!
Just saying. 👍 😄
Glenn
Posts: 271
Joined: Sat Jan 15, 2022 7:49 pm
Location: Shropshire
Bike Model and Year: R1250RT LE 2018
Has liked: 28 times
Been liked: 87 times
Great Britain

Re: Rearward Visibility

Post by Glenn »

Opps, maybe I need to revise the tape panels
Post Reply