External Lights – As a motorcycle rider, there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years: visibility is everything. Whether you’re cruising down a sunny highway or riding home during a dark, rainy night, staying visible to other drivers can literally mean the difference between life and death. And that’s where external lights come in. Now, I’m not just talking about the standard headlamp you’re already using—I’m talking about those extra lights, the ones you might not think you need, but will seriously up your game when it comes to safety.
I’ll admit, I was pretty skeptical about adding extra lights to my bike at first. I mean, I already had the basics covered, right? But after a few close calls—like that one time a car almost rear-ended me because they didn’t see me on a foggy morning—I started to see the real value of external lights. They aren’t just for decoration; they’re about making sure that everyone else on the road sees you clearly, no matter the conditions. Here’s how external lights can actually make a big difference in motorcycle safety.
5 Ways External Lights Can Improve Your Motorcycle Safety
1. Increased Visibility to Other Drivers
This might seem like the obvious reason to add extra lights to your motorcycle, but I can’t stress it enough. The more visible you are to other drivers, the safer you are. It’s easy to think that just because you’re on the road, other drivers will see you. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, especially when you’re sharing the road with bigger vehicles that can easily block your view.
I remember one particularly sketchy night when I was riding through a busy intersection, and I swear the car coming from the side didn’t even see me until the last second. My headlight was on, but it was just a standard beam. I didn’t have anything extra, and frankly, I didn’t stand out much. If I had added some auxiliary lights—like a set of LED spotlights or even a light bar—I probably would’ve been noticed sooner. These lights aren’t just for looks; they make sure other vehicles see you, especially when you’re trying to make yourself visible in traffic or when it’s dark and rainy.
I’ve since installed a pair of LED lights on my bike that shine a bit wider and brighter than my main headlight. The difference is night and day (pun intended). If you ride in areas with heavy traffic, extra lighting can help make sure cars notice you early enough, giving you the time you need to react.
2. Better Night Riding Visibility
This one was a game-changer for me. I’m not exactly a night owl, but sometimes my rides go longer than expected, and before I know it, I’m cruising home in the dark. Standard motorcycle headlights don’t really give you the best visibility on dark, poorly-lit roads, and I can’t even count how many times I’ve been caught off-guard by potholes, debris, or sharp turns I didn’t see until it was almost too late.
Since I added additional lights to my bike—specifically, a pair of wide-angle fog lights—riding at night has been way less stressful. These lights are designed to spread out and give you a broader view of the road. I no longer have to squint to see road signs or worry about missing a small but potentially dangerous obstacle. And I’m not just talking about the benefit for myself—those lights also help other drivers see me better, too, so it’s a win-win.
Whether you’re taking a longer night ride or just commuting after sunset, having more light will give you better reaction time and reduce the chances of an accident because of poor road conditions.
3. Enhanced Cornering and Turn Visibility
Here’s something I never thought of until it happened: cornering with proper lighting can drastically improve your safety. You might not realize it, but turning sharply on a motorcycle when there’s low visibility can be risky. I once nearly lost control of my bike because I couldn’t see the turn ahead of me due to limited lighting.
That was my wake-up call, and I quickly researched how I could improve my cornering visibility. A set of lights installed on the front of my bike made a world of difference. These aren’t your regular headlights—they’re often designed to cast a wider, more focused beam that helps illuminate the sides of the road as you lean into turns. They give you that extra confidence when making sharp turns or entering curves, especially on twisty country roads or unfamiliar routes.
I’ll admit, I didn’t think I needed extra cornering lights at first. But after adding them, I realized just how much easier it is to spot potential hazards on the side of the road, from debris to animals. So, if you often ride through winding roads or unfamiliar areas, consider installing these additional lights—they make turns a lot less nerve-wracking.
4. Increased Road Presence During Bad Weather
Rain, fog, and snow. Not only does riding in bad weather suck the fun out of the experience, but it also decreases your visibility, which is a huge safety concern. When I first started riding in the rain, I didn’t think much about how weather conditions could affect my ability to see and be seen. That changed quickly after a scary incident where I could barely see the tail lights of the car in front of me through thick fog.
This is where having external lights like fog lights or high-beam running lights really come in handy. They cut through rain, fog, or snow better than a regular headlight, and make you stand out more against the grey, misty background. These extra lights help others on the road see you even when conditions are less than ideal, and they also help you spot potential hazards sooner.
I’ve added a set of fog lights to my bike, and it’s made all the difference. I can still navigate through heavy rain or fog, knowing that other drivers will be able to see me much more clearly. It’s worth the investment if you ride in less-than-ideal weather frequently.
5. Highlighting Your Motorcycle for Aesthetic and Safety Purposes
Now, this is more of a bonus benefit, but hear me out. While safety is the top priority, let’s not forget that adding some stylish external lights can make your motorcycle stand out in a crowd—and not just for the aesthetics. For example, adding accent lights along your frame can make your bike more visible, especially at night or in low-light conditions. I know, I know—it sounds a little flashy, but in reality, it’s another layer of safety.
I added a set of LED strips under my bike for a bit of flair, and while I admit it looks cool, I also noticed that my bike stands out more when I park in busy areas. This makes it easier for other vehicles to spot me from a distance, especially in parking lots or on poorly-lit streets. Some people even use LED lights as part of their overall safety system to increase their bike’s visibility from every angle.
And hey, if you can add some flair while improving safety, why not?
To wrap it up, external lights aren’t just a luxury—they’re a safety investment. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend rider, these extra lights can help keep you safe in ways you might not even realize until you need them. From increased visibility to better cornering and night riding, these lights make a real difference. It’s all about making sure other drivers see you, helping you see the road better, and improving your overall riding experience. If you’re not already using additional lights on your motorcycle, I highly recommend considering them. It’s one of the easiest ways to improve your safety and give yourself peace of mind when you hit the road.
