While there are many vital and important parts in a motorcycle, every part of your vehicle is important and plays an important role. One mistake many people make when caring for their motorcycles is only focusing on upgrading performance parts, like the tires. While this is important, you can’t forget the other parts that help in different ways, such as lighting. To understand more about motorcycle lighting, here’s everything you need to know.
Why Lighting Is Important
Lighting on motorcycles serves many purposes, from lighting your way in the dark or helping other people see you when you drive. Lighting is very important for your own safety, as well as for the safety of others around you. However, there are many different types of lighting for motorcycles, and here’s a look at them.
Motorcycle Headlights
Every motorcycle needs a good set of headlights, though not every motorcycle uses the same style or design for its lights. Headlights sit at the front of the motorcycle and are the most useful lights on a motorcycle. That is why most owners will focus their attention on replacing their headlights when looking for a way to upgrade their lights.
Their Purpose
The main purpose of the motorcycle’s headlights is to provide light in front of the motorcycle so the driver can see in darker driving conditions. Headlights cover the area in front of a motorcycle so the driver can see the ground and safely adjust them while driving. Additionally, these headlights provide additional lights to other vehicles and help other drivers see the motorcyclist when driving at night.
LED Headlights
There are many different lighting styles, but there are only a few types of sources that are useful for motorcycle headlights. LED lights are quickly on the rise in popularity as a great option for headlights. They provide a great source of light and can last thousands of hours longer than traditional halogen lights. They generally give off a different intensity of light and color temperature as well, making them very unique and useful. Additionally, you can easily buy installation kits for LED headlights, like these 7-inch LED motorcycle headlight kits.
Halogen Headlights
Halogen lights are the traditional option you’ll see with most motorcycles, as they work exactly as you need and have a lower cost. Most motorcycle designs feature halogen headlights to provide great visibility in the dark. However, halogen headlights don’t last nearly as long as LED lights, so you’ll need to replace them regularly to have functioning headlights.
HID Xenon Headlights
These lights are very useful as headlights, as they improve upon the already great LED headlights you can find in a lot of motorcycles. Just like the LED lights, HID Xenon lights have a longer lifespan, but they improve upon the common bright lights issue that comes with LED lights by producing a cooler temperature color. This makes them less harsh on the eyes, both for you as a driver and for others in vehicles around you.
Motorcycle Taillights
Another light that every motorcycle needs is a good set of taillights. These lights sit on the back or tail of the vehicle and are typically a different color than the headlights. These lights aren’t as powerful as headlights, as they serve a completely different main purpose, but they’re still important and are a legal requirement in most places.
Their Purpose
The main purpose of taillights is to help other drivers see the motorcycle on the road. This is useful in preventing others from driving into you because they don’t see you. Additionally, these lights often double as brake lights, so they indicate when you’re slowing down and using your brakes. Yet again, taillights inform other drivers about what you’re doing.
LED Taillights
Just as it is with headlights, the taillights and brake lights can use LED lights. This means they’re a lot more intense, so other drivers can see you easily. Additionally, LED taillights can last thousands of hours longer than halogen lights, saving you a lot of money in the long run, as you don’t need to replace them nearly as often as regular taillights.
Turn Signals
There are many different lighting designs for turn signals, as each motorcycle has different looks. However, turn signals all have the same purpose: informing other drives of your intentions to turn. The signals won’t turn on until you flip them in, and then they blink on and off, so others know that you want to turn. Just as with other lights, you have many options when it comes to the types of bulbs you utilize. However, LED is quickly becoming the popular option, as you get so much use from them, and they’re also quite bright.
Spot Lighting
Depending on the model and design, a motorcycle may or may not come with spot lighting; but spot lighting is important for your safety. While taillights may make you visible to those behind you, there are still plenty of angles that make it difficult to see a motorcyclist. That’s why installing some extra small lights around your vehicle can help others see your bike at night when they might otherwise miss you. This can mean a lot for protecting yourself when it’s dark, and you’re out on the road.
Installing New Lights
When it comes to motorcycle lights, it can be a good idea to switch up your lights or install completely new ones to see the best results. While installation isn’t easy, it’s necessary if you want to put new lights onto your vehicle. It’s best if you can leave this to a professional, as these lights and their wiring can be difficult to understand if you don’t have the proper training.
Light Maintenance
The things you should know about motorcycle lights don’t just end with the types of lights. You also need to learn about the maintenance of lights as well. While you don’t need to do much once your lights are on the motorcycle, you still need to clean your lights regularly. Invest in a weak abrasive glass cleaner for your lights to help clean them quickly and thoroughly when you notice the lights dimming or blurring. If your lights are still foggy or dim, it may be time for a replacement.
If you can fully understand these things about motorcycles and their lights, then you can improve your safety. Additionally, you can save money on the future care and maintenance of your vehicle with good light investments. That’s why it’s important to understand motorcycle lights for your own bike.
