Video není dostupné.
Omlouváme se.
ST2 Brake Module - Buyer Beware
Vložit
- čas přidán 21. 07. 2023
- I purchased and installed an ST2 Brake Module on my Benelli TRK502X. My experience and testing indicate that the device does not perform, nor is is constructed as expected or described. The module is supposed to sense the motorcycle decelerating from engine braking and cause your brake light to illuminate giving motorists behind you a warning that you are slowing. As shown in this video, the device is merely a tilt switch that is very susceptible to vibration and varying roadway surfaces and conditions. My experience shows that is randomly causes the brake light to flash and does not provide any additional margin of safety.
8/11/23 Update
This seems to be a bit confusing as some folks have stated that it works properly for them. There is another video ( • Royal Enfield Intercep... ) where he found the same thing and got a replacement that he said works properly. I also purchased their brake flasher and was going to install when I found bad crimps - they literally fell apart. I sent ST2 an email weeks ago and have gotten zero response. The big issue with the flasher is that it is installed directly in the brake circuit so any failure (connection or electronics) is going to cause total loss of your brake light creating a major safety issue. Based on what I have found with two of their products I am not going to install anything - I just do not trust them. I will make sure I apply my brake light and early when stopping rather than depending on a device to do it for me. Their products are nice ideas but it seems that the execution and proven reliability just are not there - especially for a safety device.
Now I thought mine was broken, turns out after watching your video I'm not the only one having this issue... thanks for posting this... I'm removing mine.
I'm glad it helped and that you are removing it - safety is #1. They also sold a "Strober" that I purchased and tested. It does work, but mine had bad electrical connector crimps that could have been a disaster if I had installed it without detecting the crimping issue. The Strober is installed directly in the brake light circuit, so failure of a connection (crimp) or of the device itself will tonally disable the brake light. Consequently I never installed it and even if I were to correct the bad crimps I do not trust anything they make enough to put something of theirs directly in the brake light circuit.
Thanks so much. You've just saved me a fair bit of money!
The road surfaces are so bad around here, my brakes would be constantly flashing.
Glad I could help!
Mine does the same. The new design doesn’t allow for flip-over and have a 3-flash warning. My buddies kept telling me my rear light flickers, now I understand why, THANK YOU!
Great video. Really misleading not having an accelerometer and just a basic mechanical tilt switch. Good job ! Rob -UK
Glad you did this review… I added the helmet version of a gyrometer brake warning thing called brake free and that works great. No electrical to mess around with… easy solution.
I have that as well. Just got the st2. Ordered before I saw this video. Opened it up and same board and tilt sensor and it rattles when shook. Not going to install it.
I’ve had the strobe module for months sitting on my bench waiting for me to install. Went to install this morning but am thinking of skipping it because of this review.
Definitely something to think about. I think the strober installs directly in the brake circuit such that if it fails you will lose your brake light completely. If you do go ahead and install it, double check the lug crimps. On mine the lugs were crimped with the wrong die and were over compressed/crushed. A small amount of movement and the few remaining strands of wire broke clean off. If I had not caught that and installed it, probably would have broken and lost my brake light completely.
Mine did not work either, I had them send me another one and it didn't work either. It's good that you put this video out
Thanks for posting this. I am having the same issue as you - it randomly flashes the brake light while driving instead of during deceleration. If anything, this makes my bike LESS SAFE!! Sending back to Slovenia for a refund. BUYER BEWARE!!
I'm glad there's guys like you Safety Dave because I was thinking about getting one of these. Seems like a great idea but if it's just flashing randomly it's not going to do much good.
I literally have one of these arriving within 48 hours and after watching this I am pissed. I thank you so much for taking time to point this out. If this is indeed what is in those st2 units then we as bikers need to sound off on a grand scale.
Just got mine today and it's the same board with the tilt switch. Rattles when I shake it. I'm not installing it
Thank you for warning us ! Thank you !
I suppose an inclined mercury switch / tilt switch can indicate acceleration , however I agree it’s also so susceptible to vibration as well it’s pretty much useless. My dashcam has accelerometers I believe , and those values are all over the place so I suspect anything actually attached to the bike itself is unlikely to give any meaningful results 😞 Also thanks for convincing me that anything to do with motorbikes advertised on Facebook is likely to be a scam . Thanks for making this video. 😃🍻
Thanks buddy....you've already made my decision!!!
Such a great video and analysis! Thanks Safety Dave! 😊
My pleasure!
Don't waste your money! I installed one on my KTM 390 Adventure and it flickers constantly from the vibration of the engine and flashes with any bump. Just reving my engine or bouncing on the seat IN MY GARAGE sets it off. I even removed the module from my bike and held it in my hand to isolate it from the vibration through the frame and it did the same thing. I pulled mine out almost as soon as I installed it.
I appreciate your taking the time to post this. I was going to order two modules for my motorcycles today. Now I can save myself the headache. Thanks!
Glad I could help
Hey Dave - Thanks very much for your analysis and explanation in posting this. I had asked my adult kids for this unit for a gift occasion and they came through for me. However, I'm not very mechancial minded and have had it for a while without installing it. I was just about to pay a HD dealer to install it but cancelled that appt due to the cost (they wanted to charge me an hour's labor at $110 / hour) - decided to give it a try myself but only after researching the wiring schematic for my bike (HD not listed on their little sheet). I traced my brake and brake switch wires on the wiring diagram and identified which color wires to tap into, and watched a few CZcams videos on installation. Thought I was all set to try it out tomorrow but then watched your excellent video, and now won't bother. One of the videos I watched showed the brake light flickering while the bike idled and the author thought that would be good while sitting at a light - BUT she didn't seem to monitor it while actually driving on the road.
I'm glad this was helpful. I'm sad that it was not as expected/advertised as it is a good idea, just poor execution.
Wow, thanks for posting this. I'm glad I watched this video before throwing away money on essentially snake oil.
Agree, had the same experience with this device. I wanted it to work but found it to be garbage.
Appreciate the time/effort to share this video…helped me decide.
Thanks for your post, I was going to install mine today,now I won't waste my day like I did my money!
Sorry you didn't see this sooner. Better a little waited money than lowering your safety margin...
Thanks for the heads up, was thinking of buying one but that test made my mind up. Not be putting one on my bike. Old finger over front brake does a better job. Safer too
I'm a new rider, that's what I thought and what I do👍
Great point and response - cover that brake and use it....
Totally agree, tried it on my Harley road king, not possible to get it to work, they say to adjust by tilting, but either did not work at all, or as in most cases, brake light flashed all the time even when staionary, caused by the vibration of the bike, and as you say, a tilt switch is not an "accelerometer". Great idea, needs perfecting.
It's a bit confusing as some folks have stated that it works properly for them. There is another video (czcams.com/video/-cGhPIqdwng/video.html) where he found the same thing and got a replacement that he said works properly. I also purchased the brake flasher and was going to install when I found bad crimps - they literally fell apart. I sent ST2 an email weeks ago and have gotten zero response. The big issue with the flasher is that it is in the brake circuit so any failure (connection or electronics) is going to cause total loss of your brake light. Based on what I have found with two of their products I am not going to install anything - I just do not trust them. I will make sure I apply my brake light and early when stopping.
Thanks this has saved me buying. I am going with the BrakeFree rear helmet mount.
Sorry you had to pay for this but thank you for sharing, thought these were for engine braking !!!
Thanks was just putting in an order for 3 wont bother now, great work x
Great review, only thing is how it’s being mounted, if it’s tilted too much forward, this could happen. I’m not saying I know anything, but just thinking. I was thinking about buying one, but I won’t do it now 😃 thanks for the advice.
Well that's just saved me a few quid! Well done and thanks for posting this👍🏻
This video was quite helpfull. Thank you for posting this.
Glad it was helpful!
I have had the original one on my bike for over 5 years and I loved it. It use to be if you flip the unit over it would either flash or provide constant power. I bought a new bike and put the newer model on and it is absolute a downgrade from the original. Same issue as you are having, and not worth it.
Thanks for the advice, Dave!
I bought a new old stock early version which can be flipped over and that has been working flawlessly. This one appears to be a step backwards in it's operation.
Matches my experience. I bought one and it's useless. Flashes my light all the time on even the slightest bump in the road. And for the money back guarantee, they require you to ship it back to Slovenia. That costs $50 or more from the US.
I zip tied a 12 volt bulb to my handlebar and wired it to the brake light. Mounted level it did light steady on deceleration but flickered the entire time. I gradually raised the front of the unit hoping to eliminate the flicker. When it reached 6 degrees off level the flicker over bumps was gone but the brake light only came on whew I hit the brakes. 8 months later the only thing I have received from ST-2, "A ticket has been generated". $90 worth of trash!
Wow, that's terrible... it only confirms what we are all realizing about ST2...
Same issues here… asked for return/refund several times … no luck! POS.
Heads up to anyone thinking of buying the latest V3 version of the ST2 brake module.
Its advertised as...
"ST2 Brake Module uses an accelerometer and motion detection sensors combined with a proprietary algorithm to detect engine-braking or down-shifting.
It’s an intelligent system that doesn’t interfere with the actual brake light operation."
That sounds like it has a 6 axis IMU doesnt it? It does not... it has a simple tilt switch.
I could have cobbled one using a tilt switch for less than £5. This corner cutting simplicity of a cheap tilt switch provides no frame of reference for the attitude of the bike which means that it could also activate going down a hill even when not slowing.
Also... and I quote directly...
"FLASHES YOUR BRAKE LIGHT WHEN SPEED DECREASES DUE TO ENGINE
BRAKING OR DOWN-SHIFTING"
This is false... it flashes once on initial power up but in normal functioning use it only activates the brake light on de-acceleration with no flashing. Misleading advertising.
Earlier version/s used to also have the flashing option if mounted upside down but they have done away with that in the V3.... and if you want that capability you now have to buy their new brake flasher seperately.... its called the ST2 Strober and its not advertised to the general public... (maybe to hide the fact that the V3 doesn't have this functionality any longer?) You are only informed about its existance by email after you have bought the ST2 brake module... and its an extra £34.39 posted just to have the same functionality of the previous versions of the brake module... obviously to make more money.
To have only half the functionality of the previous version and not making their customers aware is as low as it comes.I wouldn't have bought it if I'd known and I feel ripped off. Not a good way to do business ST2 but don't worry I'm going to post this on every video site I can find so that prospective buyers can make fully informed decisions, they deserve to know what they are really buying and not to be deceived.
Well said my friend! I just posted a review on Amazon, so we will see if they accept it as it is not favorable at all. Eventually they will either make it right or go out of business as long as we keep the truth in our fellow bikes line of sight....
So you need the strober and the v2 separately to get the best out of features?
@@tcoomer1989 Yep
What happens if you get a v3? Still add the strober? I'm getting a KLX450R 2023 new. And want to be safe as possible. So just trying to work out exactly what to buy. :) thanks for your fast reply.
@tcoomer1989 Looks like the very Latest one is the gyro type with strobe and sensitivity adj options but its a lot more expensive.
Thanks Dave, your video confirmed what I was experiencing. It seems I got one from the same batch (ver 3) and on a bmw R1200RT have exactly the same result. Thought the first was faulty and they sent out another but same weird unexpected flashes even on acceleration or just revving stationary would cause it to turn on.. I give up, going to ask for a refund but don't like my chance..
Please let me know how it turns out. I don't know that they are as honest and reputable as the portray being but you never know - can't hurt to try...
THIS DOES NOT WORK AS DESCRIBED, FLASHES brake light when accelerating , going over road bumps etc, no good. I had 2nd unit sent to me but it was the same, had to claim through paypal as they will not reply to my emails after 2nd module ws posted, AVOID ITS GARBAGE
UPDATE: Had no response from them and had to go through PayPal, got refunded full amount even though no response from seller ..
buyers beware .
@@safety_dave
Thanks @PaulRetrofits for your confirmation of exactly the same experience.
Bugger. Mine just arrived. I will open it up and look, but if it’s erratic that is not useful to me.
Bang on, it's just a case of false advertising. It kinda works for some but it's not what they say it is. I opened mine before installing it and then just didn't bother.
Just bought one of these modules., Wish I had seen this video first! Not holding out much hope that it will work,...
Some folks have had good luck with it - it seems like there are a few different versions of the device and some are better than others. Hopefully it will work for you. At least you can go into it with a more reasonable expectation and install it with the ability to reverse it if it's not working to your satisfaction....
Interesting. I bought 3 many years ago. My son and I have used two of them successfully since. My son engine brakes a lot and the ST2 works perfectly and is IMO an important safety device for him. Getting the angle right was critical. We do have older units that look different, so maybe a change? I'll try to open the unused 3rd unit as I'm prepping to install it on a new bike.
I'm glad it's working for you. Some folks had reported success, but most have not. I image that under heavy engine braking it may work as intended. Unfortunately in my case there was just too much flicker under normal riding.
Thanks for saving me some money. Almost bought one a moment ago until I found this video. I’ll pass…
Wow, that seems like a real con - it is a genuine unit? I presume due to the orientation of the tilt switch, the box has to be mounted flat and facing a particular direction or it won't do anything at all?
I have to confess I've always doubted the value of these anyway, even working as intended the prospect of everyone having flash operating brakes would just be confusing (especially at night!)
I believe a couple of Honda's latest models flash both rear indicators under only ABS operation (which, of course, should be rare if braking correctly).
Thats why my wife reported my brake light flashes all the time. Bad roads here. I think I'll just remove it.
Same issue here. Apparently, this model is their new v3. Not sure if the older one does the same. Just emailed them. Appears to be a case of false advertising as well as there is no accelerometer.
It's a bit confusing as some folks have stated that it works properly for them. There is another video (czcams.com/video/-cGhPIqdwng/video.html) where he found the same thing and got a replacement that he said works properly. I also purchased the brake flasher and was going to install when I found bad crimps - they literally fell apart. I sent ST2 an email weeks ago and have gotten zero response. The big issue with the flasher is that it is in the brake circuit so any failure (connection or electronics) is going to cause total loss of your brake light. Based on what I have found with two of their products I am not going to install anything - I just do not trust them. I will make sure I apply my brake light and early when stopping.
You could make the argument that under certain, ideal circumstances, the tilt switch would perform as an accelerometer.
I suppose, but when they say: "ST2 Brake Module uses an accelerometer and motion detection sensors combined with a proprietary algorithm to detect engine-braking or down-shifting." I think that's an exaggeration if not a complete falsification - IMO
I don’t quite get it, if decelerating tap your brakes to flash your lights. Better still install a unit that gives three flashes when you tap your brakes, and three flashes and then solid when you go on the brakes.
Tilt and whirl isn’t necessary.
I agree with you - just hit your brake when you start slowing down. They did make a "flasher" that does what you describe. I don't know if it's still on the market. I bought one also but never installed it. It had defective connections that would have failed (broken) over time. The really scary part is that it was installed directly in the brake light circuit. In that configuration any failure of a connection or the device would render your brake light completely non-functional.
My first unit did this as well, random and not helpful. It was the latest generation in the plastic case. I was sent a replacement and it's the older generation that was supposed to have the flash feature. But it does not do that either. It does work as advertised otherwise but I really wanted the flash before brake engagement but I guess that was not to be. I may eventually uninstall.
I bought one as well, but have not yet mounted it. I was wondering if where you have yours mounted, does it sit level with the ground when you are astride your bike? I have heard people saying that if not, then it will do this as well.
I did try varying the mounting position but still had the same issue. There are apparently at least 2 different versions of this out there. From what I have read, the older one seemed to work ok. But fundamentally, the tilt switch in mine (basically a BB in a metal can) is very susceptible to vibration and any forces from bumps, etc. Based on that, I don't think is would ever work properly. If you do install it, I would be interested in hearing your results....
I would also guess that steep descents or ascents (depending on how you mount it) would trigger the light almost continuously.
Yes, I thing so as well. Not a good design and not as advertised.
I am seeing the same issue with mine. I have an e-mail in to tech support to see if they can help. With the type of system you have shown, this is not going to be reliable and in my opinion could be more of a hazard than a safety device. I am hoping that ST2 tech support can help me out here.
It's a bit confusing as some folks have stated that it works properly for them. There is another video (czcams.com/video/-cGhPIqdwng/video.html) where he found the same thing and got a replacement that he said works properly. I also purchased the brake flasher and was going to install when I found bad crimps - they literally fell apart. I sent ST2 an email weeks ago and have gotten zero response. The big issue with the flasher is that it is in the brake circuit so any failure (connection or electronics) is going to cause total loss of your brake light. Based on what I have found with two of their products I am not going to install anything - I just do not trust them. I will make sure I apply my brake light and early when stopping.
Mine is crap too it doesn’t work properly.
Ditched mine - it was flashing more than a Vegas str1pper on m3th.
LOL!
I'm guessing you didn't read the instructions. It says you can manually adjust the sensitivity of the unit by tilting the device. Try this and see if it didn't work. I had to play around with the position of the module before I got the proper sensitivity dialed in.
I'm glad you were able to get it working satisfactorily. Yes, increasing the tilt angle will affect how the metal BB will respond to deceleration. Sadly it still does not work as truly intended, nor is it constructed as advertised. Since it is a safety device, I just cannot trust it based on my experience and findings...
Exact same experience for me. It simply does not work. Their customer service was actually good and sent me a second one, but it fails in the exact same way. No amount of tilting backwards or forwards when mounting will correct the issues. It is flat out dangerous to install this on your bike.
😂now I read those comments and think how dangerous it is if the guy behind thinks you are braking but not braking I would not have one in a million years. Another con to be ignored. August 2024.
I almost always do some research before buying something... and i was seriously thinking about buying this device because i'm a new rider and where i live, there are many trucks driving faster than they should (62mph in a 50mph zone) which makes it unsafe and even dangerous for folks like me driving and/or riding at 50mph. When i slow down to enter my driveway, i always fear a truck might rear end me. Some follow so close behind it's crazy!!!
I've learned during my riding lessons that we must "tap" our rear brake in order to signal to whoever is behind that we're slowing down BUT the reality is : i don't always think about doing it. Besides, for my motorcycle, i have to tap hard to make the light come on. Could it be that it just needs to be adjusted !? 🤔
Anyways, thanks for this info you shared. Won't be buying this.
But gotta ask : is there something out there that actually does work well ??
Maybe checkout the Brakefree helmet light. It appears to provide a braking protective function and being up higher it might be a better location for others to see. I have not researched it yet, so I cannot comment on how well the braking/deceleration function works. There appears to be quite a few videos on it to check out. If I decide to try one I may post a video down the road....
@@safety_dave yeah i checked it out already and personally, i don't like that system. Anyways, since my original reply above, i found how to adjust the brake light on my kawasaki and now, my brake light comes on with only a slight tap on my rear brake lever.
So instead of buying a gadget, i will learn to do it the proper way.
The video is relatively current, but are you testing an older version? The product description by ST2 is as follows:
ST2 Brake Module uses an accelerometer and motion detection sensors combined with a proprietary algorithm to detect engine braking or down-shifting. It’s an intelligent system that doesn’t interfere with the actual brake light operation. It simply senses when the bike is slowing down and operates the brake light in situations when you’re not actually applying the brake.
I tested two, and so did other people who posted here. "Intelligent system" it is not - and there is just one simple tip switch and a relay. No advanced logic of any kind, let alone any effin' "algorithm". There is no "new version", just the same crap in a slightly different package.
Mine doesn't work at all anymore.
What are your thoughts on the Skene Lights
IQ-260-D Rear Visibility Controller with Decelerometer ?
Im thinking about going with this one after seeing your video
I'm not familiar with that unit. It looks like a more complete device (all in one for turn signals and engine braking) for a fair price. I would look for any review on trust pilot, CZcams, etc. before pulling the trigger. After my experience with ST2 I plan to just develop good skills and practices at this point and not depend on any additional electronics.
Well I have to say I saw this advertised and thought wow what a great idea and so I spent a lot of money with this company buying four of them for my different bikes. Well not one of them work.
The principal is good but the execution is extremely poor and so I share your frustration.
Whatever you do - keep your money in your pocket and if you have just bought one - send it back for a refund because I will put money on it that no amount of time - and I have spent hours - changing its angle of inclination, repositioning it and they just don’t work!
Thanks for your good explication. I try to refund.
Glad it was helpful!
I confirm the erratic flashing, I thought that angular adjustments would help, but now that I see what's inside, I will deinstall it. Nice scam 🙄
I though so too, but after seeing how it worked, there's no way it's going to do what they claimed. Definitely a scam with false advertising on the design of how it's supposed to be made and work.
I just ordered one today and now im seeing this...
Maybe you will save yourself the time and frustration of installation and finding out it doesn't work? I did contact ST2 about returning the three products I purchased (this brake unit, their turn signal unit and a brake strober) and I can return all 3 back to Slovenia, so I am looking into that.
Good luck returning it! I gave up and just trashed it.
I was a sucker and bought one. Goes off with every bump on the road. Worthless and customer service does not respond.
Good Test - almost bought this - piece of junk
Same problem with mine, no accelerometer.
It's a bit confusing as some folks have stated that it works properly for them. There is another video (czcams.com/video/-cGhPIqdwng/video.html) where he found the same thing and got a replacement that he said works properly. I also purchased the brake flasher and was going to install when I found bad crimps - they literally fell apart. I sent ST2 an email weeks ago and have gotten zero response. The big issue with the flasher is that it is in the brake circuit so any failure (connection or electronics) is going to cause total loss of your brake light. Based on what I have found with two of their products I am not going to install anything - I just do not trust them. I will make sure I apply my brake light and early when stopping.
My wife had this added to her Triumph Street Cup 2017. 2024 now. Bike has only 4k miles on it, heated garage stored in winter and at the end of 2023 it became unreliable. I'm going to rip it out. Garbage that can be deadly.
I agree with you as it can be dangerous - just hit your brake when you start slowing down. They also make/made a "flasher" that is/was supposed to flashed the brake 3 times and then stay on. I don't know if it's still on the market. I bought one also but never installed it. It had defective connections that would have failed (broken) over time. The really scary part is that it would be installed directly in the brake light circuit. In that configuration any failure of a connection or the device would render your brake light completely non-functional.
I came to the same conclusions!
It seems that the early generations are much smaller form factor than the newer generations. Every video I watch where a smaller ST2 brake module is used, the riders are very satisfied. But every video i watch when the larger (newest generation) module is installed, the tilt switch mechanism is unreliable and disappointing. Why did they change from good tech, to bad tech?
I wish I knew. They have not responded to any of my emails so at this point I will just right it off as lesson learned. I also purchased their Brake Strober module that I got an email invite for purchase ($29). I found defective connector crimps and sent an email - crickets.... Interestingly, the Strober is not on their website so??? I did test it and it seems to work but I have no confidence in any of their products. The Strober is directly in the brake circuit so any fault or failure will render you brake light non functional. I think I will just work on applying my brake early and consistently.
Yes this module doesn't work. I ended up removing it and installed a better product
Hi there! Please name the better product. Thanks!
I found this video late, 😢 I Google st2 brake module because I installed mine and it didn't work, I placed the module under the pillion seat and since it's titled the lights are always on and barley flashes unless the road is rough... What a waste of money and really false advertising.
Yeah, I'm in the same boat as you. At least you are not alone and know that you didn't install it wrong. Some have been able to adjust the angle of the box and get a better response with it. For me, after seeing how it was made I didn't bother trying to make it work better - I just don't trust it as a "safety device"....
Mine works perfect on a Honda Valkyrie 1500
I'm glad you are happy with it and it is working properly for you.
In uk was about to purchase for my first 125cc scooter...will avoid doesn't look a good product
Wish I’d seen this before purchasing one. Absolutely useless. Flashes even with engine vibration. No amount of adjustment cures the problem . They did replace it, with the second one just as bad. Beware!!
Far too many of these 'aides', or 'assists' being sold and placed on all manner of vehicles. The single best upgrade you can make to your bike, is yourself. Take a few kg off that spare tyre. Take an advanced riding course.Maintain yourself & your bike.
Thanks,,,, guess I will save some $$ also.... no need for this item..
This item is not as described, and I, for one, will not be installing this heap of crap on my bike, gyro and accelerometer bullshit.
Amen!
THIS DOES NOT WORK AS DESCRIBED, FLASHES brake light when accelerating =, going over road bumps etc, no good. I had 2nd unit sent to me but it was the same, had to claim through paypal as they will not reply to my emails after 2nd module ws posted, AVOID ITS GARBAGE
I wish I saw this before I ordered one...
Same...
I just tested it and confirmed myself that it doesn't and cannot work as advertised. Let's see if they will honor their 60 day money back guarantee.
They were responsive and kind enough to send me a replacement free of charge, but the new one doesn't work any better. I even made a test rig so I can see exactly how/when it works and be able to finely adjust its position. I'm now stuck with two devices that are completely useless for their original purpose and I can't even fathom what else I would use them for. Steer clear, way clear.