Part – 1
Headlights – probably one of the least cared about equipment on most Indian motorcycles. Have you noticed the headlights throw, spread and potency on some of the 200-400cc bikes on sale today? Some of the phone torchlights will work better than the stock headlights on those motorcycles. 

Compromising on the aspect of vision, basically means compromising safety. No two ways about it. Can you ride your motorcycle down the grocery store blindfolded? Exactly.
So if you cannot see properly where you are headed, its simply a disaster waiting to happen. Especially if you are travelling over unknown roads and unseen places. So a good pair of auxiliary lights is essential, especially if you are into touring or offroading. For the city-mongers, the stock lights should suffice more or less. As the speeds within city limits are relatively low.

The need for better illumination arises once we head out on the highways or on those unmarked trails in the forest. Now depending upon where and what speeds you will be doing, should determine your choice of auxiliary lights. You can get the traditional flood lights with a good spread but limited range or you can get the spot-lights for long throw and clean visibility at high speeds on the highways.

Either way which ever option you prefer, most of these lights will be illegal for city use and it’s advisable to buy a cover for the lights when traveling within the city. Avoid using the auxiliary lights when riding in city limits. These lights are fairly powerful and can cause glare for on-coming vehicles which can have fatal repercussions.

Coming to the right kind of lights for your bike – most of the lights today in the market are LED units that take up very little power but provide very high illuminance. You can get the LED lights in warm yellow tint or the white-blue shades. Yellow ones are prone to attract less attention and might help in case you end up flashing at a police check point.

While a host of after-market auxiliary lights are available in the motorcycle stores across every city, a well-endowed unit with warranty and after-sales support is recommended for your trusty steed. So instead of skimping on budget, understand the importance of vision and how auxiliary lights play a key role towards rider safety – and invest in a good set of lights that will keep things under control even when the sun sets or the rain comes down. 

And while a lot of us avoid riding at night, most of us do leave our homes way before sun rise, which means we have to deal with lowlight conditions right from the start of the ride.Also, many a times the ride could also get pushed post sunset due to unforeseen circumstances or delays in reaching the destination. It is always best to be well-prepared for possibility of such incidents than finding yourself in a tight spot and then trying to fire-fight it. Because when you see better, you ride better.

About the Author:- Varad More

Having built a reputation as one of the quickest and most talented motorcycle journalists in the business, Varad is a dyed in the wool biker. On the pulse of everything on two wheels, nationally and internationally, Varad dedicates his weekends to honing his motorcycle riding skills.