Ever see a motorcycle cruise by at night, glowing with cool colors? It looks amazing, right? That awesome light show comes from a motorcycle underglow kit. These kits can make your bike stand out in a big way. But when you start looking, it’s easy to get lost. So many brands, so many colors, so many things to worry about! You want the best look without any headaches later on.
Choosing the perfect underglow kit can feel like a puzzle. You worry about if it will fit your bike, if the lights will last, and if installing it will be super hard. We get it! That’s why we put this guide together. We cut through all the confusion.
Keep reading, and you will learn exactly what to look for in a great kit. We will cover the must-have features and help you pick one that shines bright for a long time. Get ready to transform your ride’s nighttime presence!
Top Motorcycle Underglow Kit Recommendations
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Choosing the Brightest Ride: Your Motorcycle Underglow Kit Buying Guide
Adding underglow lighting to your motorcycle makes it look cool and helps others see you at night. Picking the right kit can be tricky. This guide will help you choose the best lights for your bike.
Key Features to Look For
Good underglow kits offer more than just light. Think about what you need your lights to do.
Brightness and Visibility
- Lumens: Higher lumens mean brighter lights. You want lights bright enough to see, but not so bright they annoy other drivers.
- Light Spread: Look for kits that spread light evenly under the bike, not just in one spot.
Color Options and Control
- RGB vs. Single Color: RGB (Red, Green, Blue) kits let you change colors. Single-color kits are simpler and often cheaper.
- Remote Control: A wireless remote lets you change colors and modes easily while riding or parked. Some use smartphone apps instead.
Durability and Weatherproofing
- Water Resistance (IP Rating): Motorcycles ride in all weather. Look for an IP67 or higher rating. This means the lights resist dust and water well.
- Shock Resistance: Bike vibrations can break cheap lights. Strong mounting and good wire insulation are important.
Important Materials for Long Life
The parts used in the kit decide how long it lasts.
LED Type
Most good kits use SMD (Surface Mounted Device) LEDs. These are small, bright, and use less power than older bulbs. Always choose high-quality LEDs. Cheap LEDs burn out fast.
Wiring and Connectors
The wires should be thick enough to handle the power. Connectors must be weatherproof. Poor quality connections cause flickering or failure when they get wet.
Mounting Strips
Most underglow strips use strong adhesive tape. Make sure the tape is 3M VHB or another strong automotive-grade adhesive. This keeps the lights stuck even when you ride fast.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is not just about the look; it is about reliability.
What Makes Quality Better?
- Heat Sinks: LEDs create heat. Kits with small metal heat sinks around the LEDs keep them cool, which makes them last longer.
- Voltage Protection: Good kits have built-in protection against power surges from the motorcycle battery.
What Lowers Quality?
- Thin Wires: Very thin, flimsy wires often break under the bike or short circuit.
- Plastic Housings: If the light strips are encased in cheap, brittle plastic, they will crack quickly from road vibrations and temperature changes.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your lights affects your choice.
Show Use vs. Daily Riding
If you only use the lights at bike shows, you might choose more complex, multi-color patterns. If you ride every day, focus on simple, bright, white or amber lights for safety visibility. Remember, some areas have laws about using certain colors while riding.
Installation Difficulty
Some kits come pre-wired for easy plug-and-play installation. Others require you to tap into your bike’s existing electrical system. If you are new to wiring, choose an easy-to-install kit that connects directly to the battery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Motorcycle Underglow Kits
Q: Is motorcycle underglow legal?
A: Legality changes based on where you live. Many places restrict the use of flashing or bright colors (like blue or red) while riding. Always check your local traffic laws before installing and using them on public roads.
Q: How hard is it to install these kits?
A: Installation difficulty varies. Simple kits connect directly to the battery with an inline fuse and use adhesive strips. More complex kits need you to route wires neatly and connect them to your bike’s existing wiring harness.
Q: Will this drain my motorcycle battery?
A: Quality LED kits use very little power. If you only run them for a short time when the engine is off, it should be fine. However, always turn off the lights when the engine is not running to avoid draining the battery completely.
Q: What is the best color for safety visibility?
A: White, amber (yellow), or a bright blue are often chosen for visibility. Choose a color that contrasts well with streetlights and traffic lights in your area.
Q: Do I need to buy extra fuses?
A: Most good kits come with an inline fuse holder already installed. You should always use the fuse provided. If you buy a bulk light kit, you must add a correctly rated fuse yourself.
Q: Can I control the lights while riding?
A: Yes, if your kit includes a wireless remote control. Avoid using kits that require you to stop and manually switch wires or use a complicated app while moving.
Q: How do I clean the lights if they get dirty?
A: Since good kits are waterproof, you can usually wash them gently with mild soap and water during your regular bike wash. Avoid using high-pressure washers directly on the light strips or connectors.
Q: What if the adhesive tape fails?
A: If the provided adhesive fails, you can replace it with high-quality automotive double-sided tape (like 3M VHB). Clean the bike frame thoroughly with rubbing alcohol before applying the new tape for the best bond.
Q: Are there different brightness levels?
A: Yes. Many RGB controllers let you cycle through preset brightness levels. For daily riding, use medium brightness; save the brightest setting for parked displays.
Q: Will this void my motorcycle warranty?
A: Tapping into factory wiring can sometimes void warranties related to the electrical system. If you connect the lights directly to the battery terminals using a dedicated switch or fuse, the risk is generally lower.