Reflective Tape Help, Please

[Sadlsor]

Is this the part where I get to show off my installs??

Why, yes, John.
Yes it is.
(But even if it weren't the part where you get to show off your installs, ...well, it's too late now. You done gone and done it.)

 

[CYYJ]

I use 3M Diamond Grade...

3M Diamond Grade prismatic film (otherwise known as Railroad spec reflective film, or SOLAS spec film) reflects significantly more light than the 680 spec film, but it is very difficult to work with unless you are applying it to a perfectly flat surface (for example, the side of a railway locomotive).

It is a very thick film that does not respond well to any attempts to heat it to make it conform to a surface with compound curves. For that reason, I don't think it is the best choice for our motorcycles unless the rider puts a very high priority on conspicuity, and even then it is only suitable for use on the rear face of ST 1300 saddlebags (it's not suitable for anywhere on the ST 1100). If you elect to use Diamond Grade film, be sure to purchase the 4090 specification, which adheres to plastic, and not the 4080 specification, which is intended for use on aluminum or plywood only.

Michael

 

[GGely]

So, for a moment of chest puffing…

Wait…

Wait for it…

Nope, can’t do it. Oxygen please…

 

[Obo]

Reflective tape is good, but it's passive.
Extra lighting is better as it's active. It shows even if there are no lights on a vehicle to shine on you.

I'm not saying don't have reflective stuff, just don't overlook the possible more beneficial alternatives.

 

[SMSW]

Is this the part where I get to show off my installs??

Are all those extra lights Whelen M7's? With the photon push, you can probably move the bike at 60 mph w the engine off.

 

[RichKat]

3M Diamond Grade prismatic film (otherwise known as Railroad spec reflective film, or SOLAS spec film) reflects significantly more light than the 680 spec film, but it is very difficult to work with unless you are applying it to a perfectly flat surface (for example, the side of a railway locomotive).

It is a very thick film that does not respond well to any attempts to heat it to make it conform to a surface with compound curves. For that reason, I don't think it is the best choice for our motorcycles unless the rider puts a very high priority on conspicuity, and even then it is only suitable for use on the rear face of ST 1300 saddlebags (it's not suitable for anywhere on the ST 1100). If you elect to use Diamond Grade film, be sure to purchase the 4090 specification, which adheres to plastic, and not the 4080 specification, which is intended for use on aluminum or plywood only.

Michael

That what I used on my rear rim, VERY bright, but thick, and no, won't go around curves

 

[Hound]

Yeah, I mean the red and yellow stripes don't even line up between the tail and bag sections. How do you even take that out of your garage?

Well, they sorta line up when viewed at a different angle - like being sat behind it in a car.

I don't have a garage, so the whole world gets to enjoy its subtlety, LOL.

 

[DeanR]

I have some SOLAS tape on those plastic fork protector things and on my helmet. I like it a lot. Yep, very bright.

 

[aniwack]

That what I used on my rear rim, VERY bright, but thick, and no, won't go around curves

That’s why you need a good installer.

 

[RichKat]

That’s why you need a good installer.

I'm a sign builder and installer

 

[ukfan4sure!]

I have pics of mine somewhere, but basically mine is only red with clear gaps, forming a chevron pattern on the back of the panniers.


I'm curious, ever a member of "The Org?" If you know, you know, and if you don't, well the answer is no.

No.

 

[ukfan4sure!]

You would really hate mine then!

That bike's rear could be used as a road crew's "Move Over" sign.... Alone!

 

[nicksacco]

This is excellent information - thank you all!