Weiser Technik’s blindingly bright indicator lights | Walking the line between subtlety and safety

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Weiser is based in both California and the UK and made their appearance on the market in 2007 with bright LED indicator lights to increase visibility for bikers on the road. From there, they have a whole range of indicators, installation guides and Weiser Wizards.

Is the kit easy to install?

I had the chaps from Weiser Technik along to install the indicators to my long-term test bike – the BMW R12 NineT. I wasn’t there for all the installation as I had other jobs to do, but it did take a few hours and a couple of phone calls to ensure everything was connected properly.

But the chaps were more than happy with the result and it’s worth mentioning that these indicators don’t require drilling or brackets or clamping so they should be super easy to install at home.

Later, I had to move the rear indicators further back along the bike to install pannier mounts and I came across a few problems as the wires were slightly too short for purpose. I worked around this by bypassing one of the tunnels the wires were meant to sit in, but for a bodge job, it worked great, and I’m sure if you’re installing yourself you’ll have a think about whether you’ll need a longer length for the future.

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After all, most consumers will go it alone, and I’m happy to say that there are installation instructions on the website which are quite involved, complete with both instructions, pictures and diagrams. There is also technical support and a four-year warranty so you’re covered too.

Although on the website it mentions the products are for BMWs up to 2014, I got in touch, and they said “the upgrade kit you have is essentially the same design for most BMW bikes. The electronics vary for some part numbers, so if customers are not sure which part to purchase after checking our website, email us at info@weisertechnik.com or phone +44 (0)203 649 7524.”

But, in all fairness, on the product page, it says that these indicators are ‘designed specifically for newer Aprilia, KTM, Triumph, BMW and Zero motorcycles (and more)’ so even if you’re not a BMW rider, you may be able to take advantage of the product.

Are these lights safe and effective?

A lot of times as a bike rider, there is the question in the back of your head ‘have they seen me coming?’ And this is something that Weiser Technik want to abolish. Although you can’t really get out of the habit of a lifetime, people who I have ridden with have all mentioned how bright the indicators are.

I left it turned on and walked away to give them a proper look and they are blindingly bright. I used them at nighttime and could see the reflection on the road even while sitting in place, so they do certainly illuminate better than the bog-standard BMW tickers. Plus they’re not likely to break any time soon as the stalks are tough, moveable and bounce back easily from an accidental shove.

For a short time, I had a small issue with the top layer of LEDs not illuminating as running lights (they worked when the indicator was on). But before I could have a proper look the issue seemed to rectify itself and hasn’t been a problem since.

Do they look good on my bike?

When you compare to the OE BMW indicators, these EXTREME EVO indicators can look a little brash. They’re chunkier and wider so it does take a bit of getting used to, especially since the trend has been to minimise the size of indicators, but as a piece of safety equipment they are no more bother than the original and I think they give the bike a bit more pizzazz if that’s what you’re after.

As a generic piece of kit built for multiple bikes and not just the R12 nineT I think they hit the brief and can blend in with most bikes on the market they serve. But if it was a bespoke piece of kit, I personally think I’d want something a little more understated.

Are they good value?

At £399 for both sets of indicators, they are not the cheapest aftermarket tickers. But they do have a four-year warranty; don’t require alterations to your bike (there are no brackets or drilling involved); and there is tech support to help you out when needed. With how bright they are and the safety aspect, they are more than just a pair of indicators.

They are marketed as riding lights, brake lights and indicators, and overall are really good quality. But when you look on the market, competitors seem to be under the price point (but don’t have the support to back you up) with some as cheap as £20 from Oxford for example, or around the £100 from Rizoma.

My verdict

If you’re looking for a motorcycle accessory that not only helps with vision as well as keep you safe by being more obvious to other road users, then these indicators/running lights/brake lights are worth their weight in gold. Installation is marketed as easy (although I did have some help) and the installation guides are included in the kit as well as online. You don’t have to invasively clamp, cut or do anything to your bike that’ll cause a mark.

Sure, at £399 for all four indicators, they are on the pricey side. But they come with a four-year warranty, technical support should you need it and everything you need to install. They are also hard-wearing and the bounce in the stalks are durable and can take a bash or two which I’ve already put to the test with my careless luggage arrangements on occasion.

For after market indicators, they are on the larger side, but as a product that can fit several different makes and models, they aren’t too in-your-face and as they are focused on safety rather than subtlety, they walk the line perfectly.