Extra lights on handlebars

[Euro2018]

I'm planning to add some LED lights to my bike to supplement the pitiful headlight.

I've found I can easily mount them to the handlebars, which seems like a good idea because hopefully the light will follow where I'm facing.

My question is, is it legal to mount lights on the handlebars instead of the bike frame ?
Specifically, any issue with the direction the lights are pointing ?

[nzspokes]

Specifically, any issue with the direction the lights are pointing ?

Well have them facing you would be counter productive.

[rastuscat]

Well have them facing you would be counter productive.

Yes, but think how much better your selfies would be.

[awayatc]

Make sure your extension lead is long enough though.....

[Scubbo]

mount is fine, just makesure it's on a separate circuit / can be switched off with their own switch to class as either DRLs or foglamps/auxiliaries

[Banditbandit]

I'm planning to add some LED lights to my bike to supplement the pitiful headlight.

I've found I can easily mount them to the handlebars, which seems like a good idea because hopefully the light will follow where I'm facing.

My question is, is it legal to mount lights on the handlebars instead of the bike frame ?
Specifically, any issue with the direction the lights are pointing ?

Two things -

On the bars will not mean they are facing were you are going - no rider turns the bars to turn the bike (unless At low speed or want to fall off)

And if you mount them on the underside of the bar will that leave room to clear the tank on a full lock? Or above the bars are they in the way?

[neels]

Depends on if you call them headlamps

http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/motorcycles/lighting/headlamps

or daytime running lamps.....

http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/motorcycles/lighting/daytime-running-lamps

[F5 Dave]

Maybe if you just get a truck to follow you around. They have some great coverage. If you plan your journey sensibly and with a light (see what I did there?) to main distribution routes this should be achievable.

[Paulo]

do it! 332565

[Banditbandit]

do it! 332565

New upgraded batteries and alternators needed to power those candles ..

[Old Steve]

Banditbandit is right, on a bike above 15 km/hr or so you use countersteering, you turn your bars out of the turn to lean the bike into the turn, push on the left grip to turn left. So at road speed you'd be turning your lights into the paddocks outside the curve or into the windscreens of oncoming traffic.

Mount them on the frame!

[FJRider]

Living in Hamilton ... you'll be more in need of fog lights ... :shifty:

An upgrade of your existing headlight with a brighter bulb would be a better idea.

[Oakie]

Yes, but think how much better your selfies would be.

My old boss was concerned about her teenage boys talking about 'taking a selfie'. She thought is was a euphamism for having a wank.

[GazzaH]

Wot, it isn't?

And as for a selfie stick, well ...

[eldog]

there is a limit to the number of lights on a mbike

I mounted some widish beam LEDs with adjustable output

They go high on Hi beam and Low on low beam

I have adjusted them so they don't blind people when on low.

They fill in the gaps created by the main headlight, which is a std triangular pattern.

Esp helpful on slow/tight corners

I fitted a supply direct to the battery and used a relay to power them once the bike has started.
(yes starting a bike with a dead battery on flat ground or the bottom of a gully can be draining)

[F5 Dave]

do it! 332565

1960s Vespas weren`t magic.

It was all smoke and mirrors.

[R650R]

I'm planning to add some LED lights to my bike to supplement the pitiful headlight.

I've found I can easily mount them to the handlebars, which seems like a good idea because hopefully the light will follow where I'm facing.

My question is, is it legal to mount lights on the handlebars instead of the bike frame ?
Specifically, any issue with the direction the lights are pointing ?

Only illegal if mounted ABOVE the main headlight..... which IS most motorbikes.... Depends how friendly your local WOF and cops are.....