Motorcycle driving lights are not something you will need to check regularly. Here’s what you need to know when handling your motorcycle lights.
Motorcycle Driving Lights Introduction
Getting to lights can be difficult. Just realize you get at motorcycle
driving lights from the front (by removing the lens) or via the back (by
removing the bulb fitting from the lens). The design will quickly tell
you which method to use. For brake lights and turn signals you will
often need to remove the plastic lens cover (that’s when you often lose
one of the screws – which I always manage to do)
High
beam bulbs are expensive and fragile and should be handled with great
care. Side lights, brake lights and instrument bulbs are often a simple
bayonet type, which is easy to replace. Try not to touch the glass of
the bulb you are inserting since it will shorten its lifespan
(especially on halogen bulbs).
Adjustment of headlights is easy, park 25 feet / 8 mtrs in-front of a
wall. Sit on the bike and shine the headlight. It should be about 35
inches / 1 mtr above the ground. For brakes you can adjust the brake
light switch for when the brake pedal moves.
Motorcycle Driving Lights Buying Tips
Upgrading
A lot of motorcycle manufacturers are using low output headlight bulbs on their bikes to keep costs down. Luckily, it’s simple and inexpensive to change these out for brighter bulbs that will really make a difference in your ability to see the road clearly in the dark.
Affects
There are all kinds of motorcycle lights to create every kind of look and affect for your bike. You’re sure to find just the right one for your tastes, but the price range may vary widely.
Halogen
Most stock bikes use halogen motorcycle bulbs because they’re cheap and dependable. These bulbs create light by passing an electric current through a thin wire filament, which causes it to glow white hot. This can turn out a lot of light, but also a high amount of heat. This makes halogen bulbs very inefficient because so much of the electrical energy they consume is lost as heat.
HID
HID motorcycle lights put out a whiter light than the yellow light of halogen lamps. And since this whiter light is more similar to natural daylight, this can make HID’s seem brighter. But of course you’re going to pay a higher price for extra performance and efficiency, HID’s can get pretty pricey. And keep in mind that HID’s are also more fragile than halogen.
Replacements
Be sure to check that you have the right replacement bulbs before you buy. Each motorcycle make and model has its own bulb specifications.
Other Lights
Another way to get added brightness on your bike is to install additional lights. These can be any type and number you want, provided you have room to mount them and sufficient electrical output from your motorcycle’s stator. That way you can make sure you use a light for which the replacement bulbs are readily available—so you know just where to get them when the time comes.