Motorcycle Auxiliary Lights Explained | What They Are & Why Riders Use Them
Whether you're navigating dark country roads, battling urban traffic, or building a custom touring rig, visibility is everything. That’s where motorcycle auxiliary lights come in.
These versatile lights are mounted in addition to your main headlight and provide enhanced forward, side, or even rear illumination. If you're looking to upgrade your safety, visibility, and style, auxiliary lights are one of the smartest additions you can make.
This guide explains what motorcycle auxiliary lights are, how they work, the different types available, and why they’re a top upgrade for Harley-Davidson, Indian, and metric motorcycles.
What Are Auxiliary Lights on a Motorcycle?
Auxiliary lights are supplemental lighting systems that augment your primary headlight. They improve visibility in low-light conditions and make your bike more visible to other drivers.
Unlike headlights or turn signals, auxiliary lights are often:
- Mounted on forks, crash bars, or engine guards
- Focused on wide or long-range illumination
- Wired to run with low or high beam, or on a separate switch
They are especially common on touring bikes, adventure motorcycles, and custom cruisers.
Benefits of Motorcycle Auxiliary Lights
- ✅ Improved Night Riding: Add long-distance beam throw or wide peripheral visibility.
- ✅ Enhanced Daytime Visibility: Running bright auxiliary lights during the day helps other drivers see you sooner.
- ✅ Safety in Bad Weather: Fog lights and low-position LEDs cut through rain, fog, and glare.
- ✅ Custom Aesthetic: Give your bike a touring, aggressive, or premium appearance with visible front-end lighting.
- ✅ Flexible Mounting: Install where you want—forks, fairings, engine guards, crash bars, or saddlebag guards.
Types of Auxiliary Lights
🔦 Spotlights (Driving Lights)
- Focused beam aimed far down the road
- Best for highway or rural night riding
- Often wired to high beam circuit
🔅 Fog Lights
- Wide, low beam pattern for close-range visibility
- Helps in fog, rain, and snow
- Often mounted low on forks or crash bars
💡 DRLs (Daytime Running Auxiliary Lights)
- Low-power lights that run during daytime
- Improve visibility to other drivers
- Often included in halo rings or lower light bars
🌙 Accent / Underglow Auxiliary Lighting
- Installed for visibility and style
- Includes LED strips under tank, frame, or saddlebags
- Primarily used at night or while parked
Projector vs. Reflector Auxiliary Lights
Just like headlights, auxiliary lights come in both projector and reflector beam styles.
| Type | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Projector | Sharp cutoff line, long beam throw, premium look |
| Reflector | Wider beam spread, better for fog or close-range lighting |
💡 Eagle Lights auxiliary lighting is available in both projector and reflector styles to match your build and riding needs.
Where to Mount Motorcycle Auxiliary Lights
- 📍 Forks: Common location for fog or DRL strips
- 📍 Crash bars / Engine guards: Great for low fog lights or corner lighting
- 📍 Fairings: Road Glide, Street Glide, or batwing-mounted spots
- 📍 Lower fairing vents: Indian Pursuit / Harley Touring lower lights
- 📍 Saddlebag guards: Adds rear-side visibility on touring bikes
Most Eagle Lights auxiliary lights come with universal mounting brackets or model-specific fitment kits for easy install.
How to Power Auxiliary Lights
Common wiring methods:
- ✔️ Tap into low or high beam circuit
- ✔️ Connect to auxiliary switch (if equipped)
- ✔️ Use a handlebar switch or relay with fuse
- ✔️ Install with a CANBUS-compatible harness
Eagle Lights auxiliary lighting kits include simple instructions, waterproof connectors, and optional plug-and-play harnesses for Harley, Indian, and metric bikes.
When to Use Auxiliary Lights
| Situation | Recommended Light |
|---|---|
| Night Highway Riding | Projector spotlights |
| Fog or Rain | Low-mounted fog lights |
| Urban Daytime Commuting | White DRL bar or fork lights |
| Custom Styling | Accent underglow or multi-color LEDs |
FAQs
Q: Are auxiliary lights legal?
Yes—when installed properly. They must emit white or amber light in the front and be steady (no flashing) unless used as turn signals or hazards.
Q: Can I install them myself?
Yes! Most kits are plug-and-play or come with a fused wiring harness. You’ll need basic tools and possibly a relay for high-powered lights.
Q: Do I need a switch?
Optional. Many riders wire auxiliary lights to come on with the low or high beam. Adding a switch gives you control.
Q: Do they drain the battery?
No—LED auxiliary lights are very efficient. Just be sure to turn them off when the engine isn’t running if they’re wired to constant power.
