LED Lights

Let's hear it for LEDs. They last longer and draw less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, so you can add auxiliary lighting without worrying about overloading your motorcycle's charging system. And as long as the most common phrase after a car-motorcycle crash is, "But officer, I never saw the motorcycle," we all have good reason to add additional lighting for increased visibility. That's in addition to the benefits to our own ability to see the road when riding after dark.

Adventure Designs' selection of LED lights include the incredibly bright Clearwater DARLA light kit that puts out an impressively bright 2000-plus lumens, even though the light housing is just 2 inches in diameter. Their small size and multiple mounting options mean they're easy to install, and we even have a special kit designed to work with the CANBUS electrical system found on newer BMWs, which is not compatible with all aftermarket lights. For a slightly less expensive option, the Clearwater Glenda light set puts out almost as much light, comes with the same dimmer control and offers you a choice of five bezel colors to complement your ride. Clearwater also offers the Krista High Powered LED Lights that plug in simply and replace the optional fog lights on BMW R1200GSAs. Like the other Clearwater lights, they're also dimmable and the housings are made of the same aircraft-grade aluminum.

Here's another clever idea. Upgrade your turn signals to LEDs without having to modify the wiring or housing with the Weiser Ultra Bright LED Blinker Inserts. They plug right in place of those incandescent lights that burn out from vibration or just ordinary use. They're available for several BMW models.

Your BMW isn't the only one who can benefit from LED technology. Also see our LED flashlights, LED safety flare and even a tiny light that fits on the end of a 9-volt battery for the ultimate in portable lighting.