How to Use LED Lighting on Motorcycles

There are three basic types of LED lighting available for your motorcycle: accent lights that can be mounted anywhere, pre-formed accent lights that correspond to particular makes and models of motorcycles, and LEDs that replace stock lighting.
When it comes to universal LEDs that can be mounted anywhere on your motorcycle, there are many options available. You can choose pods, small clusters of LEDs available with varying numbers of LEDs; light bars, strips of LEDs for mounting in long, narrow areas; flexible arrays, similar to light bars but flexible for mounting to curved surfaces; and single LED bulbs. And LED lighting comes in every primary color.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tie wraps
• Load equalizers for turn signals

Replacement Lighting

1. Replace your stock headlight, taillight and turn signals with LEDs. Because LED bulbs are small, you'll need to purchase an "LED cluster," a group of lights fitted on one housing. Check with your supplier to make sure the cluster you buy fits the make and model of your motorcycle.

2. If needed, install a load equalizer for your turn signals. Turn signals may need a load equalizer to function properly with LEDs. To verify if you need one, check to see if your bulbs are flashing quicker than normal once the LEDs are installed.

3. To install a load equalizer, mount its two connectors to your turn signal wires, and connect the ground wire. One connector snaps onto the right turn signal wire, and the second connector snaps onto the left turn signal wire. In addition, the ground wire must be connected. Mount the equalizer under your seat, near the battery, and use tie wraps to secure it.

Accent Lighting

4. Place LEDs underneath your motorcycle. You can use LED bars, long plastic strips with multiple LEDs, to line the bottom of your motorcycle. These usually have an extremely sticky backing so you can stick them onto your bodywork and plug them in. Position the lights so they face straight down, and the ground beneath your motorcycle will be illuminated.

5. Place LEDs inside your bodywork for added glow. To make your motorcycle look like it's glowing from the inside, place LEDs inside your bodywork. You can put them under your front fairing, inside holes on your side bodywork, or underneath the tailpiece. One of the most useful styles of LED products for this is flexible arrays, which bend to conform to curvy bodywork.

6. Utilize LEDs with effects. If you plan to turn on LED accent lights when parked or at a motorcycle show, consider LED products that have effects like strobe or fade. These functions are not recommended for use while riding.

7. Use pre-formed LED products to bolt onto your motorcycle. You can add LED license plate frames, wheel lights that mount directly to your wheels, exhaust tip lights that snap into place over your exhaust, and more. Be sure you buy the part that corresponds to your make and model of motorcycle, or the model of your aftermarket part such as wheels and the exhaust.

8. Add LED accents to your headlights. Even if you have stock headlights, you can add LEDs for better visibility and style. Angel eyes, sometimes called demon eyes, line the headlight casings. When you buy them, make sure you get the part that correctly fits your make and model of motorcycle.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the LEDs you buy are universal or molded to fit the specific make and model of your motorcycle. Otherwise, they won't fit. When it comes to accent LEDs that are intended to create a glow, position the lights so the bulbs are not visible.
• Don't use LEDs with strobe, fade or other light effects when riding. Use them only when your motorcycle is stationary. Use caution when working with wires that connect to your wiring harness and battery.

Resources

• A diagram illustrating load equalizer installation.