Considering buying motorcycle under lights for your ride? We have listed 10 things every rider should know about motorcycle under lights or colored motorcycle LED lights.
With a little research, you'll be able to make better buying decisions when it comes to motorcycle LED accent lighting. let's start!
1. All motorcycle LED backlights are not the same
green motorcycle led light
There is no doubt that today's motorcycle enthusiast or casual rider has many options when it comes to selecting LED accent lighting for their motorcycle. There are many different types of motorcycle LED lights such as pendant lights, strip lights, motorcycle lights that can change colors and even have some lighting effects.
Here's something you might not know: Each of these options is completely different. Many of these "cheap lights" and even some of the so-called "premium", high priced motorcycle LED lights come from the same factory as the cheap specials and are identical.
We believe the most cost-effective and highest quality motorcycle underside lighting comes from strip lights. These lights have an adhesive backing that comes off and sticks securely to your motorcycle. Plus, most of these LED light kits for motorcycles come with a simple switch to turn them off and on. The key fob is no frills and there is virtually no chance of any malfunction. This is important, especially when you are riding a motorcycle.
2. Motorcycle LED Lights: Dim and Bright
There are a lot of really cheap lights out there that can't match the brightness of a good motorcycle LED light. What makes a "good" light? Well, it all starts with the brightness and color accuracy of the LEDs themselves.
See the picture below. You can quickly tell the difference between good and cheap motorcycle LED lights. In this photo, both lights have the same voltage applied (common motorcycle battery).
3. Will it stick? Motorcycle LED Lighting Back Adhesive
Another divider between quality and junk is adhesive backing. Having purchased about 30 different light kits from different companies for comparison testing, you won't believe how cheap some of these lights are with adhesive backing.
Some peeled off the moto within 15 minutes, even after thoroughly cleaning the surface area before applying. Some adhesives will not fall off after being properly bonded.
4. Not all motorcycle underlights are waterproof
This is the area you need to get right. No matter what motorcycle accent lighting kit you buy, you should make sure that the lights you buy are actually waterproof. If water gets into your motorcycle's bottom light, it could short circuit your motorcycle and possibly cause a fire. This is very dangerous.
5. Flexible motorcycle LED lights are better
How do you think the accent lighting on the bike could be better covered? Fixed position pendant lights or flexible LED strips? Naturally flexible motorcycle LED lights bend to fit the unique contours of your motorcycle, allowing you to shine light exactly where you want it.
6. Make sure you have a fuse
Some motorcycle LED light kit companies don't even include fuses in their accent lighting kits. That is both wrong and dangerous.
Although most motorcycle LED accent lights use very little power, they can still get too hot and even cause a fire if they short out. Always make sure that the motorcycle LED light kit you purchase has the correct rated fuse.
7. It is illegal to use accent lighting while riding a motorcycle in some states
So go out and check to make sure you can actually ride with the lights on without getting in trouble. Some states only allow certain colors, while others completely ban accent lighting on motorcycles.
Regardless of your state's laws, most states allow you to mount them on your motorcycle. It is perfectly legal to have your motorcycle's bottom lights on while parked.
8. Need to install
Remember, the light you buy will not install itself! The best kits will require you to do some soldering to join the wires together for the best and safest installation. You can also use butt connectors to connect the wires, but soldering is preferred.
9. Stick to a monochromatic light kit for your motorcycle
While the idea of changing the color of a motorcycle's bottom light looks good, it's not reliable enough to make it happen. Most people who own a multi-color motorcycle light kit use only one color for their entire ride.
10. Motorcycle underlights and lighting are game changers
You probably love your motorcycle right now. Imagine how much better it would be with some super bright motorcycle LED lighting. Once you hit that switch to turn on the accent lights, it's like an automatic smile to most people.
