System Case Reflector Stickers

[pietervn]

Hi,

I have a set of standard BMW system cases on my 'R. I ride in the dark on a daily basis and are looking for some options and opinions on reflective stickers / tape to put on the system cases.

I found that Wunderlich has a Bag Reflector set which looks rather good. http://www.wunderlichamerica.com/motorc ... 50228.html

I like the fact that it is rather unobtrusive in daytime but reflective at night. I would like some comments and possibly a picture or two from owners of these or any other options would be welcome.

Cheers,

Pete

[scootrr]

I got mine from A&S BMW a while back. Motoequip sells them as well and go for le$$ than Wunderlich.

http://www.motoequip.com/RK.htm

I don't know the quality of the Wunderlich ones (maybe they are bullet proof) but the motoequip ones are great, easy to put on and once they are on - they stay on. They really do work as their photos show - they blend in with the case during the day (unless the sun shines directly on it) and are highly reflective in the dark. They really do what their pictures show. If you still need pictures, I'll take some tomorrow.

-scootrr

[pietervn]

G'Day Scootrr,

Thanks for the reply. I saw these on the 'auction site' for the same price as on their website. I've place an order for a set and should have it in 2 week's time. Did you clean the cases with something like mentholated spirits?

Thank you for the picture offer, the ones on the website are good enough.

Cheers,

Pete

[scootrr]

Just mild soap and water was good enough to clean the cases before putting the reflectors on. The wet mounting method that they suggest is easy and forgiving, you can keep moving the position of the reflectors before finalizing. Oh, and give yourself a day or two to let the stickers dry.
-scootrr

[MIXR]

Black 3M Scotchlite decal kits are available at most bigger bike shops in the US. I've had two sets, from two different shops. You can hardly see the stuff in daylight, but they light up really well at night. This is just the camera flash reflection. Same effect from following vehicle headlights. Mick.

[pietervn]

G'Day Mick,

That was the picture I was looking for. They really reflects very well.

The kit I ordered will only be enough for the side cases, I might get some additional for the top box, however it is not on the bike very often.

I'm also planning some for the sides, but are not sure what yet. I'm playing with the idea of yellow and blue reflective tape to mirror the "blocks" on the side of the tank as I have a yellow bike. Just scale it down but have the same line.

Cheers,

Pieter

[MIXR]

Pieter,

The reflective panels are often debated for legality here. Rear reflectors are supposed to only be red. However, the Scotchlite is not a true reflective prism type. So we get away with it as a 'visibility aid'.

Our side reflectors must be orange, and front reflectors must be white (hence the problem with the rear panels).

Anyway, the places that sell the bike-specific pannier kits also (usually) sell plain sheets of the stuff, or you can go to a scotchlite re-seller direct.

A bloke in the UK has a shop called HumVee Graphics. He sells a lot of reflective decals (especially BMW ones) to ADVRIDER inmates. Have a look at his site. I got a set of GS decals for my sidecar and thay are brilliant (literally). You wouldn't know it in daylight. I don't have a night shot, but I wanted something to assist in lighting up the side of the chair at night. Not sure how they would go on the rough side cases though.

Anyway, worth a look. Cheers, Mick.

[pietervn]

Hi Mick,

Once again thank you for the very informative reply. I might just have a good enough reason now to "upgrade" to a GS after looking at the Humvee site

The legal side is definitely a little grey here. I was concerned with the "white" on the rear of the cases, I will use orange on the side. I opted not to buy the BMW badge and reflector for the side cases as the prices quoted was bordering on theft for 4 items. I put some aluminium tread plate in the space where these items were supposed to be stuck. They also add a little reflection, however it is the wrong colour. I am now busy putting the tank blocks in an electronic format to play around with the size and number of blocks I want to use. I am not sure how well the 3M will stick to the rougher side panels. I have some left over from South Africa and will test it on a small area for adhesion and durability.

Cheers,

Pieter
PS that GS is VERY nice!!!

[CRazyCam]

Pieter,

The reflective panels are often debated for legality here. Rear reflectors are supposed to only be red. However, the Scotchlite is not a true reflective prism type. So we get away with it as a 'visibility aid'.

Our side reflectors must be orange, and front reflectors must be white (hence the problem with the rear panels).

Hi Mick.

I've had "remarks" but no ticket, from a cop over my Ulysses Club sticker on the back of my bike, so you must be doing well getting away with "visibility aid".

(The U.C. sticker is a fairly reflective white sticker.)

Love the GS rig.

regards,CrazyCam

[MIXR]

I think the fact that the scotchlite is so 'black' in daylight allows us to get away with it. It's effectively invisible on the Beemer cases. It also just 'glows' when it lights up at night, and doesn't really send a blinding reflection back to the other drivers behind you.

I chose a full set of reflective red and black GSA decals for the outfit as I have one on the nose, one on the rear of the mudguard, and the larger side one. That plus my LED running lights. If they hit me, they meant it!

And yes, the GSA outfit is a beast. Lots of issues surrounding the build, but it's a bit like an Alpha Romeo - Great fun when it's all working!


Cheers guys, Mick.

[awagnon]

Here are some pictures of reflectors on my RT. They were the same on my 1150R which I sold (sigh). I used 3M reflective tape in red since white reflectors are illegal in some states on the back of a motor vehicle.