LED lights are an essential addition to any dirt bike since they help improve your visibility during a ride. With so many LED light bars available on the market, you must consider various factors to determine the best option.
Here are some essential factors you must consider:
Shape
Choosing a shape when shopping for a light bar is based on your preference. There are two common shapes you find on the market, which are the straight LED light bars and curved LED light bars.
What shape do you prefer? Which of these shapes goes with the design of your bike? These are questions you will need to answer since there is no noticeable benefit of choosing one over the other.
Number of Rows
There are two options you can select from when choosing the number of rows on your LED light bars. The lightbars are available in a single and double row design. The double row light bars produce brighter lights than the single row designs.
The only downside is that the double row lightbars are available at a higher price. Due to the size of your dirt bike, a single row light bar may be a suitable option. Also, it is an excellent choice if you want to maintain a low profile.
Beam Pattern
The beam pattern is one of the most critical factors in choosing a light bar. The beam pattern refers to the width of the beam the light bar will produce. When shopping for the perfect light bar, you will come across these options:
- Flood beam pattern
- Spot beam pattern
- Combination beam pattern
The flood beam pattern produces a light with a wide beam but covers a short distance. On the other hand, a spot beam pattern will create a narrow light that covers a large range. Finally, the combination beam pattern gives you the option of both the flood beam and spot beam patterns.
Since it offers both patterns, light bars with the combination beam pattern are available at a higher price. If you have to pick between the flood beam and spot beam patterns, then how you intend to use the light bars will determine the option you select. For off-road use, a flood beam pattern is a suitable option, while the spot beam pattern is excellent for on-road riding.
LED Color
LED light bars are available in different colors, and this feature allows you to customize the appearance of your dirt bike. Choosing an LED color can be fun, but remember, some colors have an advantage over others. Where and how you intend to use the light are things you must consider when selecting a color.
If you want a multipurpose light bar, then go for one with white light – they are usually the brightest. If you’re going to use your dirt bike for emergency purposes or to get the attention of others quickly, then choose a green, blue, or red LED light bar. For anyone that will be riding in low visibility conditions such as in a fog, then the amber lights are the best option.
Now you have to decide if you want to be the center of attraction, or you want to ride below the radar.
Size
When you decide to add an LED light bar to your dirt bike, the size of the bar is a factor you must consider. A larger light bar usually offers more illumination, but at a higher cost.
On the other hand, most of the smaller light bars usually offer a lower illumination. Regardless, there are a few high-quality light bars with a small size that offer as much as 10,000 lumens.
The size of light bars you can find on the market varies from 4 – 50 inches, but you may not need any light bar above 15 inches on your dirt bike.
Durability
Dirt biking is usually more of an off-road activity, so you need a light bar that can withstand the off-road conditions. Choosing a very durable light bar is crucial when you need one for your dirt bike. These light bars usually offer wind, water, and dirt resistance to remain useful in these environments.
Having a light bar that is water-resistant is crucial since you don’t know if or when you will get wet. This feature can protect the light bar from any electrical issue when it does get wet. Some bars offer a high protection rating, while others come fully waterproof.
Lifespan
If you buy a cheap light bar, then you should be ready to replace it earlier than the lifespan indicated on the package. For other high-quality light bars, there are other factors that you need to consider, such as the availability of heatsinks.
For most of the popular LED light bars, you can get a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours.
Connector Type
Choosing an LED light bar with the right connector can make your task easier during set up. Having the appropriate connector will eliminate the need for manually wiring the LED light bar.
The LED light bars you will find on the market usually feature either a DT or ATP connector. Check for the connector type that matches the wires on your dirt bike before making your purchase.
Mounting
Knowing where you will mount the light bar on a dirt bike may not be as important as that on an ATV when you start looking for the perfect light. For dirt bikes, you usually have limited options when choosing the position to mount the light bar.
It may be above the handlebar, or directly in front of the handlebar. There is usually no reason to mount a light bar on the side of the bike. The size of your dirt bike is a factor to consider at this point.
Power draw
The power draw is the wattage of the LED light bar. The charging system of your bike has a limit, so you don’t want to install any light bar that drains too much power.
LED light bars draw low power, and the wattage is usually indicated on the spec sheet or product package. The owner’s manual can tell you more about the charging system of the bike and how much power it delivers.
Heatsinks
Any light you place on your bike will generate heat. To dissipate this heat, there must be a heatsink on the light bar. This will help increase the lifespan of the light bar.
By taking a look at these factors, you can identify and select the best high-quality LED light bar for your dirt bike.
