All You Need To Know About Motorcycle Auxiliary Lights

As the infamous two-wheeled beast that dominates speedy and efficient land travel, motorcycles feature utility in virtually all parts of the world.

However, despite its allure and notoriety, riding a motorbike fitted with only its stock light can be quite demanding.

Stock lights typically deliver low to moderate light outputs. Plus, they perform badly on wet roads, especially in stormy weather. Here’s where auxiliary lights come into play.

Auxiliary lights are primarily designed to complement stock light output. So depending on what you want extra lighting for, say better visibility in the dark, it is important that you sufficiently understand what you want to do and how to go about it.

Auxiliary Lights: How Are They Relevant?

First and foremost, these extra duties are not for every rider. You should understand that you don’t have to fit an auxiliary light just because it is vogue or trending. For instance, you might not need extra lights if you usually ride in the city, and during daylight, you might not need extra lights.

That being said, auxiliary lights are quite relevant and can be very helpful. The least relevance of auxiliary lights is featured in the physical appearance of the bike. Outfitting them makes your bike look good and appealing.

However, the most significant relevance is the additional illumination they offer. Auxiliary lights fill in the illumination gap that your stock headlight leaves. And they are very handy add-ons for long-distance riders and adventures.

Auxiliary lights complement and supplement your headlight. For instance, if you are an off-road riding enthusiast or like riding for sport, especially early in the morning, you want to have as much light as efficiently possible at the front and sides of your bike to ensure maximum visibility.

Types of Auxiliary Lights

Auxiliary lights come in different makes and models; some might be standard issue while some can be considered as heavy duties.

• Driving lights

Driving lights are standard issues on all bikes. A driving light is designed in such a way that it tees up with your stock light beam to focus illumination farther and wider. 

They serve as an extra boost to your stock headlight illumination. Adding just a single lamp to your bike could make all the difference in your bike visibility.

• Floodlights

Floodlights have a very wide range of illumination. Their projection beams can spread up to 120 degrees ahead of the motorbike.

Floodlights emphasize more on spread than focus; equipping one means that you dazzle incoming vehicles less while maintaining optimal visibility all around you.

Some bikes like BMWs have floodlights from the factory, and by modding certain add-ons, say BMW accessories, you can boost the overall efficiency of these bikes. 

• Spotlights

Spotlights stand directly opposite from floodlights based on their working principle. Their beams are designed to focus far ahead without much spread, usually not more than 45 degrees.

Equiping a spotlight means you can see very far ahead. If you are riding in flat terrains, these guys will allow you to see farther into the distance and give you buffer time for preparation.