I went out for a quick ride Wednesday evening about dusk, fortunately some nice guy in a Escalade Flashed his lights and yelled at me that my tail light was out. I shouted "thanks" and headed home. I will add a garage door light check to my getting ready to ride routine.
Turns out to be just a failed bulb.

I read the LED threads revealed by the the search function and still have a few questions.
Does the red LED 1157 replacement have enough side light to illuminate the license plate? (Auto Zone did not have a white LED 1157)
Do these replacement LEDs survive in the higher vibration application of a motorcycle?
Thanks
Mark