Other Lighting & Lamps
About Other Lighting & Lamps
Some lighting does not fit under headlights, taillights or turn signals, and it ends up on this page: strut lights, spotlight bars, accent lights, trailer light kits, headlight shells and small electrical parts. Riders shop here to add visibility, to change the look of the front or rear of a cruiser, or to replace a one-off part such as a headlight switch or adapter.
Begin with what the light is meant to do. A spotlight bar or auxiliary lamp helps you see, a strut light or marker light helps others see you, accent and color-changing lights are mainly for style, and a headlight shell or adapter changes the housing. Check the power draw before you buy. Extra lights should be wired through their own fuse and, for anything that draws real current, a relay, and the switch should be tied to ignition so they cannot drain the battery. Pick a mounting spot that does not block the existing lamps or aim into oncoming drivers. Some products come with plug-and-play harnesses for a specific light or model, while universal ones need splicing.
Brands listed here include COBRA, PATHFINDER, HardDrive, Drag Specialties and Custom Dynamics. For other lighting, see Accessory Lighting, Headlight Assemblies, Light Bulbs & LEDs and Sockets, Connectors & Wiring. The full group is Lighting & Lamps.
FAQs on other motorcycle lighting
How should I wire extra lights so they do not drain the battery?
Run them through a fuse and, for lights that draw real current, a relay, and connect the switch to an ignition-controlled circuit so they turn off with the bike. Follow the wiring diagram in the kit and use wire thick enough for the load.
Where can I mount spotlights or accent lights?
Choose a rigid mount that does not cover the headlight, signals or plate light, and aim spotlights low enough not to dazzle oncoming drivers. Many places restrict colored, flashing or extra forward lights, so check your local rules.
What size headlight shell do I need?
Headlight shells come in set sizes, and a round 5-3/4 inch style is one common size. The shell must also fit your mounting points and the headlight unit or adapter ring you plan to use, so check the listing against your model.
What does plug and play mean on a lighting harness?
It means the connectors are made to match the light or the motorcycle, so you can install without cutting factory wires. The listing says which light or model it is for. A universal harness usually needs splicing, so follow its instructions.
Which lights does a motorcycle trailer need?
A trailer normally needs tail lights, brake lights and turn signals that follow the tow vehicle, wired through a connector. Many places also require a plate light. Follow the instructions in the trailer light kit and check your local requirements.
