What Are the Best Motorcycle External Lights?
When you ride a motorcycle, having good motorcycle external lights is crucial for your safety. They help ensure you are visible on the road, especially in low-light conditions. Various types of motorcycle external lights, such as headlights and taillights, serve specific purposes. Choosing the right motorcycle external lights involves considering their brightness, durability, and ease of installation.
Key Takeaways
Good motorcycle lights are very important for safety. They help you see better on the road, especially when it's dark.
LED lights are the best for headlights, taillights, and turn signals. They shine brighter, last longer, and use less power than halogen bulbs.
Extra LED lights improve visibility and safety. They are strong, save energy, and can be put in different spots on your motorcycle.
Motorcycle Headlights
Headlights are very important for motorcycle safety. They light up your way and help other drivers see you. Good visibility at night is key for staying safe on highways. Did you know that almost half of traffic deaths happen in low light? This shows how important it is to have a good headlight system.
Here are some important things to think about when picking motorcycle headlights:
IIHS tests show big differences in headlight performance. In 2016, only 1 out of 80 headlight systems got a good score.
For model year 2024, 44% of tested headlight systems got a good score. But 23% were rated low because they didn’t provide enough light or caused too much glare.
Motorcycles with good-rated headlights have 19% fewer nighttime crashes and 23% fewer nighttime accidents with pedestrians compared to those with bad headlights.
You might ask what kind of bulbs to use. Xenon bulbs, which use high-intensity discharge (HID) technology, are very bright and help you see well. They cost more than halogen and LED bulbs, but many riders think they are worth the price for safety.
The market for motorcycle headlights has both OEM and aftermarket choices. OEMs often use advanced tech like LEDs and xenons to give better performance and looks. If you want a street motorcycle LED light, think about these things to improve your ride.
Motorcycle Taillights
When you ride your motorcycle, taillights are very important for your safety. They show other drivers that you are there. They also let them know when you are slowing down or stopping. This visibility is very important, especially in busy traffic or when it's dark.
Here are some important things to think about when picking taillights for your motorcycle:
Brightness: Find taillights that are bright enough for drivers behind you to see. LED lights are usually the best choice. They shine brighter and last longer than regular bulbs.
Brake Functionality: Make sure your taillights have a good brake feature. When you press the brake, the lights should get brighter. This warns others that you are slowing down. This simple feature can help avoid crashes.
Design: Pick a design that matches your motorcycle. Some riders like modern styles, while others prefer classic looks.
Durability: Your taillights should handle bad weather. Look for options that are weather-resistant and made to last.
Buying good taillights makes your motorcycle easier to see and keeps you safer on the road. Remember, being seen is just as important as seeing!
Motorcycle Turn Signals
Motorcycle turn signals are very important for your safety. They show other drivers what you plan to do, like turning or changing lanes. If you don’t signal clearly, it can cause confusion and accidents. Let’s look at what makes a good turn signal for your motorcycle.
Here are some important things to think about when picking turn signals:
Brightness: Choose turn signals that are bright enough for drivers to see. LED signals are usually the best. They shine brightly and last longer than regular bulbs.
Visibility: Find signals that are easy to see from different angles. This helps other drivers notice you, especially in busy traffic or low light.
Design: Pick a design that matches your motorcycle's look. Whether you like modern styles or classic ones, there are many choices.
Ease of Installation: Make sure the turn signals you choose are easy to put on. Some models have plug-and-play features, which make it simple.
Remember, good turn signals help you be seen and stay safe. They are not just required by law; they are a key part of your motorcycle's safety. So, don’t ignore them!
Auxiliary LED Lights
Auxiliary LED lights are a great add-on for your motorcycle. They help you be seen better and keep you safe, especially at night or in bad weather. These lights brighten the road ahead. This makes it easier for you to see obstacles and for others to see you.
Here are some important benefits of using auxiliary LED lights:
Energy Efficiency: LED lights use 75% less energy than regular bulbs. This means you can keep them on longer without using up your battery. If you ride at night, this is very helpful!
Brightness: LED driving lights give off more light with less energy. They turn most energy into light and make little heat. This makes them brighter, which is important for seeing on dark roads.
Durability: LED lights are made to last. They can handle tough weather and bumps from the road. This means you won’t need to replace them as often as regular bulbs.
Versatility: You can put auxiliary LED lights in many places on your motorcycle. Whether you want them on your handlebars or under your fairing, they can match your style and needs.
Adding auxiliary LED lights to your motorcycle not only helps you be seen but also makes your ride better. So, if you want to ride safer and smarter, think about getting these lights!
LED vs. Halogen Motorcycle Lights
When choosing motorcycle lights, you often pick between LED and halogen. Each type has good and bad points. Knowing their differences helps you decide what’s best for your ride.
First, let’s look at energy use. LEDs are the best here. They use 50-75% less energy than halogen bulbs. This means you get brighter lights without using up your battery. Here’s a quick comparison:
Type of Light | Energy Use | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
LED | 50-75% less energy | Higher |
Halogen | More energy needed | Lower |
You’ll see that LED lights use much less power. This helps your motorcycle's battery last longer. In contrast, halogen lights need more power, which can shorten battery life.
Next, let’s think about how long they last. LED lights can shine for 25,000 to 50,000 hours. Halogen bulbs usually last only 500 to 1,000 hours. This means you won’t need to change your LED lights as often. This saves you time and money on upkeep. Check out this table for a clearer view:
Light Type | Lifespan (hours) | Maintenance Costs |
|---|---|---|
LED | 25,000 - 50,000 | Lower (5-7 years without issues) |
Halogen | 500 - 1,000 | Higher (needs frequent changes) |
Motorcycle Light Mounts
When picking motorcycle light mounts, make sure they are strong and dependable. These mounts keep your lights steady, so they need to work well. Here are some important things to think about when choosing motorcycle light mounts:
Material Variety: Mounts can be made from aluminum, steel, or composites. Each type has its benefits. Aluminum is light, while steel is tough. Composites can mix both features.
Performance Characteristics: New designs focus on making mounts lighter and stronger. Many now include LED lighting, which many riders like.
Regulatory Compliance: In developed areas, rules require strong designs. Look for mounts that follow safety guidelines.
Customization Options: Many riders enjoy making their bikes unique. You can find light mounts made for specific motorcycles that match your style. Whether you want something sleek or tough, there’s a mount for you.
Market Trends: More electric motorcycles are changing the market. As more riders choose electric, the need for stylish and efficient light mounts increases.
Choosing the right motorcycle light mounts not only makes your bike look better but also keeps your lights safe. So, take your time and choose the best options for your ride!
To sum up, think about different motorcycle lights: headlights, taillights, turn signals, and extra lights. Picking the right lights helps you be seen and stay safe. Always choose bright and high-quality lights for your motorcycle!
FAQ
What type of motorcycle lights are best for night riding?
LED lights are the best choice for night riding. They shine brightly and last longer than halogen bulbs.
How do I install motorcycle external lights?
Most motorcycle lights include installation kits. Just follow the instructions from the manufacturer for easy setup.
Are auxiliary lights worth the investment?
Yes! Auxiliary lights improve visibility and safety, especially when it's dark. They are a smart addition to any motorcycle.