BMW Auxiliary Driving Lights Review
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- Опубликовано: 21 дек 2014
- Just had the final optional extra fitted to my BMW R1200GS - More for safety than seeing better (although they're good at that too), here's my look at the BMW Auxiliary riding lights.....
Since I made this video I also installed a set of these for only £17.99! amzn.to/2mss8et 
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Whatever you had the GoPro set on, it showed the bike lights really well. Best I've seen.
Wow. I never imagined that they would light up the road that well. I have to get them now. I live in Chicago so seeing at night in the city isn't a problem. I wouldn't want to drive in the country without them after seeing how well they performed. Thanks for the the video. All the best. Safe travels.
Hi Bill - Glad you found my video of use, the lights are actually better than they seem in my review, I don't think you'll be disappointed with their performance. Ride safe - TMF
I agree with you. I had them put on from the day I bought it. Many people say the Denali are better but I would not know. I am very happy with them and always have them on.
Thanks for watching and for stopping by! All the best - TMF
Thanks! I'm having the lights installed next weekend on my 2013 GSW. You're video helped.
+Bob Wietrzny Hi Bob - you'll love 'em (just try not to think about the price!) - Allthe best - TMF
I ordered my 14 GSA with the aux LED lights and i have to say, i never turned them off. I recon they double the distance, sideways and forward covered by the normal LED (which is is also pretty brite). I was riding on a canadian backroad the other night, where the forest was quite dense, and i could see at least 25 ft pass the tree line, animals are easier to spot this way…! Nice review.
Completely agree Philippe, mine haven't been switched off since I had them installed, a great bit of kit and much better than my video makes them look. Sounds like you have some great riding near you, enjoy and ride safe! Thanks for the kind words and all the best for 2015 - TMF
wow, Im impressed, so not only added safety but they really make a difference! cheers for the video mate
...yes the video looks rubbish compared to reality - the LED lights on the GS are great anyway, with these aux lights they're as good as a modern car....thanks for watching and commenting - TMF
I never thought those small lights could be that effective, I will add them to my list of extras ! this list is going to be expensive, great video as usual, worth doing though, at least you can see the difference when they are on, a good safety feature, we had a good amount of dry weather over the weekend so I had a ride out on Sunday, done about sixty miles, the only problem was the wind which was strong at times, anyway here is wishing you and yours a very happy xmas and a prosperous 2015, looking forward to your touring videos next year, Regards, Colin.
Cheers Colin - yes these little lights are excellent, a worthwhile add-on. Best wishes to you too, here's to another great biking year!
Hi i know this old thread, i hope you answer on my question, did you had to perform software update to "activate" auxiliary led lights? I have 2015 gs1200 lc an iv just ordered this oem lights, but i'v read in installation manual that you have to perform software update via ista/p regards
Epic at 1:45! Didn't know those tiny lights would lid up so much of the road. That's the only thing that was missing on the GS. It makes is such an aggressive look on the highway if you see them driving by, love it!
Hi Seger - thanks for watching and commenting. Yes, these little lights are far better than I imagined they would be - the video really doesn't do them justice as they chuck out loads of light, and the stock lights on their own are pretty good! I've owned cars with much worse lights....excellent bits of kit (if a bit pricey). All the best - TMF
Agree completely about the lights, have a great Christmas and kind regards Beans
Cheers Beans - you too my friend....
Hey nice video! It's a bit off topic but... I'm about to buy one GS and I'm not sure if the LED Headlights are worth the price (around 600 euros here in germany). Have you had the chance of comparing between the LED and the standard lights?
Great clip to show how good those aux lights really are. I would have just assumed they'd be good for aiding visibility but they improve the lighting so much you'd think they'd be a standard part of the lighting after watching your clip.
A must have purchase when I eventually get my GS.
Cheers.
Richard
...yes they really do light up the road ahead, this video doesn't actually do them justice!
Good review TMF! I just ordered them for my GS and look forward to use them.
Remco Verkerke Thanks Remco, they are a great addition to the bike, you'll love 'em!
TheMissendenFlyer I will let you know!
Is that lights genuine BMW or 3rd party accessories?
I want to install one of these, but I've some fear to damage the electrical system of the bike.
TMF, I will have these aux lights installed this Saturday when I have the bike (2015 R1200GS) in for its first service. I consider the GS a "skinny bike," compared to other bikes with wide fairings, and figure the extra lights will help with conspicuity and compensate for smaller amount of frontal area. I am loving this bike...
Harold Clark Hi Harold - nice to hear from you again, glad you're getting on well with the bike - I told you you would love it! The Aux lights are great, you won't be disappointed - all the best for now - TMF
thanks another superb video can you do a video on what to do if you get a punture please thanks
....if I get one, I'll do one! ;0) Thanks Anthony....
Hi TMF, Great Vloggs btw, I have bought the Hex EZCan after watching your vloggs also same lights i noticed on your other Vlogg it looks like you wired both lights into one channel also what amp did you set your lights at? keep up the videos there really informative cheers
No I didn't wire both into one channel, if you do that you lose the "out on indicate" function...think I left the fuse ratings as standard for the lights (as it comes configured)....
Great honest videos on your page. Thumbs up!
Thanks Andrew....
Oh yes, works very well, and a good review!
Cheers Joppie B - thanks for your kind words as ever...all the best - TMF
one more Q TMF, what way did BMW guys connect them up, have you some extra switch or is the on/off somewhere within the menu now?
Good question - I did intend to film that but forgot!!! You get a new button on the base of the mirror on the left (matches the others) so it all looks very integrated and "factory" plus of course everything works correctly, right indications on the instruments, etc so it feels like an original part - which of course it is, just fitted later! The lights themselves are very solidly built, feel bullet proof....
The width and range of these lights is impressive. How much did they cost ?
I would not say my motorbike is old, but for a night ride I open a glass case at the front, and then light two wax candles inside with a match.....
Hi HartfordHD125 - £479 + VAT but don't tell the missus! ;0) All the best - TMF
Yes, a bit delayed in seeing this video but another fine production. Did you look at any other manufacture before you made the installation
?
Yep - but went for these....
Hi mate can you please tell me how much yours were fitted. My BMW dealer has quoted £490.00 does this sound right.
+BRICKWEAVE yes, that sounds about right (effin' expensive aren't they!)
I'll put these on my wish list. Its surprising that the thousand dollar LED headlight option doesn't do a better job on it's own. Adjusting the headlight for different load and suspension settings has been frustrating here, I'd be interested if you find the beam pattern on the aux lights more universal.
Thanks for the video, great job as always.
Thanks Andrew - actually I think the LED headlights do a great job on their own (better than any other bike I've ever ridden) - just that I want the max light and conspicuity available and these aux lights are available and conspicuous ;0) The beam pattern on the aux lights are similar to the dipped LED light, just with a much wider and further throw - this video doesn't do a good job of showing them in their best "light" (see what I did there??).....
Ok, I'm convinced. I've just added them to the order for my new bike. I hope I get as much pleasure out of mine as you appear to do out of yours.
Alan Briggs Yeah, you'll love 'em - don't forget the Gear shift assist Pro too!
Ordered that too. In fact I think I might have let you spec my bike for me :-)
Alan Briggs Exciting times ahead!! :0)
+Alan Briggs I wouldn't be without mine (R1200GSA LC)
hi there
i see you are using rst is that the adventure suit if so how are you rating it
cheers
lee
Hi Lee - Yes well spotted, it is the adventure suit, last year's model (I think it had a revamp in 2014). I've said it before on some of my videos, the RST kit is brilliant, without doubt the best textiles I have ever worn and really reasonably priced for quality gear - highly recommended. Thanks for watching - TMF
Hi TMF, i am hoping to be getting myself a GS for this summer, having test rode one towards the end of last year i decided it is definitely the one for me (aided by your videos!)...i have a question, whilst watching this video i noticed that the switch gear doesn't light up in darkness. Do you have any issues with this? or do you soon become accustomed to where all switches etc are? Not a big issue i suppose, but thought i would ask none the less!! Cheers.
Yes it is a bit odd that isn't it - though to be fair none of my other bikes light up the switches either....you do get used to it, no issue at all (especially if you don't ride at night!) :0) You'll love the bike, it's a fantastic bit of kit - all the best - TMF
TheMissendenFlyer many thanks for the response! I agree that none of my previous bikes have had this either come to think of it! I just think would have been a nice touch on a premium bike like this! Takes nothing away from the machine though! Looking at a 2014 one at the mo, red like yours!.....by the way I took the CRF out today, she's been neglected lately unfortunately! Still £ per fun a brilliant bike!
Agreed 100%!
Got these too👍
Good man!
Thanks for vid. What type of windshield is that?
greeneking77 It's an MRA Vario screen - great bit of kit - see my video for more >> ruclips.net/video/Da-jSnWaw3w/видео.html
Hi there Missenden Flyer! Don't know whether you will see this post, but I have bought a R1250RS two days back (ofcourse I have watched your review of the R1250RS), and it will be ready in one or two weeks. I might install this, though it may not be the prettiest thing for a RS.. The salesman said the lights itself aren't that expensive, but the labour is. Do you still remember the cost of the lights upgrade? Greetings and best wishes from the Netherlands!
Yes they were expensive - around £400 when I had mine done IIRC, far better to DIY! Congratulations on the new bike!
Hi MF. Just interested why you did not consider fitting Denali Lights (which have terrific reviews) they are half the price of the BMW ones. On another subject, how do you find the degree of heat from the grips? mine are nowhere near as good as the Tiger 1050SE I had before! anyway I love your videos, keep em coming. Steve / Bristol
Hi Steve - I did consider the Denali lights but I was keen on the installation being integrated on the bike (i.e. switch gear on the bars, indications in the instrument panel, etc) - the BMW lights look and feel "factory" rather than bolted on. On the grips front I find mine fine, rarely use them on the highest setting as they get a little too warm! Maybe worth getting yours checked out? I find my BMer grips hotter than the ol' Triumph Tiger ones. Cheers and thanks for watching - TMF
I pick up my brand new 2017 GS in a couple of weeks. I have added the Sat Nav, following your video. How much do these lights cost?
They are pricey - around £400 fitted - have you seen my HexEZcan alternative? >> ruclips.net/video/2uIgB0kqyPM/видео.html
Are they worth that amount of money? I still have time to add them to have them added to my new bike?
The non-BMW ones are (the HexEZcan etc per the link) - IMO they are better than the BMW aux lights....which aren't worth the money in hind-sight
Link?
what camera are using to record at night time??
Just my GoPro Hero 4
Super addition! i need some better lights for mine!
Hey Lukas, I can certainly recommend these babies, amazing amount of extra light once you have them adjusted just right....
awesome Thanks!!! :D
nice weedburners
hi tmf
thanks a lot for replying will be purchasing my rst sat now i appreciate your feedback
i see you fly too i fly out of old sarum have a little twp seater ikarus c42
keep up the good work on the vids they are highly motivating
lee
Thanks Lee and sorry for the delay in replying - you'll love the RST gear, go for it! TMF
how much installed? if I may ask
£479 + VAT but don't tell the missus! ;0)
TheMissendenFlyer every1 deserves xmas present :)
:0)
I want a gs sooosooooooo BBBBAAAADDD
+Thallium RC Rightly so :0)
Even on the video it is clear that these lights are doing a good job. I wondered though -- and this is a serious question -- what the law is concerning beam height and spread etc? As you say in the film you were not being flashed by oncoming drivers so I imagine that they are not a problem in that regard but does the law have anything to say on the subject? I assume that have to be correctly adjusted to avoid blinding on coming drivers.
I ask because if you are au fait with lighting law in relation to bikes you may know the answer to another question. A teenage biker in my area, a couple of years ago, fitted some pulsating red LED's to the windscreen of his bike that came on in sequence as he rode. They were certainly not over bright as I saw them in action. He was stopped twice during one journey by the police who told him the lights were illegal and warned him to take them off. How LEGALLY accurate that warning was I do not know. He asked the police officers if it was because he could be in any way mistaken for an emergency service vehicle and was told no, it was because the lights flashed. (In fact, they did not, they were sequential, not flashing). He fitted them precisely because he wanted to be more visible to other drivers. Do you have any idea TMS?
+InTheNameOfJustice Hi ITNOJ, I'm no legal expert but the highway code, on lights, just says you must not "use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders" - I have heard that the police don't like motorcyclists using lights like cyclists do (those flashing strobing things) and that you can't display flashing blue lights (for obvious reasons) but I have no idea what the letter of the law is on all this stuff.....I'm pretty sure I'm not breaking any laws but don't know about the other scenario you describe - sorry about that.....
+InTheNameOfJustice Not knowing where you live I can only tell you what a policeman told a friend of mine when asked if it was ok to have green lights in the grill of his car.....The policeman replied as long as they are NOT red and flashing it's ok....Therefore I must assume that since the lights on the bike in question were red and "pulsating" they were indeed illegal...I know that different countries the police use different colored lights here in the states it's red...but they are also using blue which I believe is used in most European countries
Sam Rowland
Thanks Sam. The lights were tiny red LEDs from before the days when they started to get really bright. There were around twenty or so and they came on one after another fairly slowly, giving the impression of a light slowly moving across the outside edge of the windscreen which was big and high. This was in the UK.
I always thought that the police assessment was harsh and not really logical. Keep in my mind I saw the lights myself.
I do take your point on board though. Thanks.
+InTheNameOfJustice The only law I could find is "Rule 114" Rule 114You MUST NOTuse any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to
other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders
Having read through the laws concerning vehicle lights they use the word "dazzle" quite a bit...
Sam Rowland
Thanks Sam, That's great work and good of you to do it. In that case, what I suspected is true. The lights in question were tiny and dimmer than an average Christmas tree light and could not in any way be construed as "dazzling" or likely to dazzle. The LEDs in question were the kind found on the front of electrical equipment today to indicate a power on status.
The lad in question had wired them up to a separate low voltage battery box and used a timer chip to cause the lights to go on and off in sequence, simply as a decorative device. His turn signals were bigger and brighter than those little lights. He was very pissed off about it as you can imagine because he had done all that work to design the circuit, put it together, waterproof the whole thing and install it, only to be ordered to remove them in what he described as an intimidating way.
After having removed them, he then had to buy a new windscreen because he had drilled holes in the other one in order to fit the lights. That was a huge expense for a young lad earning a living as a Pizza delivery boy.
Thanks again Sam. If I see that lad again I will let him know. He has now grown up and moved away but his parents still live close by so I see him once or twice a year when he visits them.
Nice review. Must say full beam light is catastrophic as same as on my R 1250 R. Shame on you BMW.
I wouldn't say it was that bad!
Try to measure how far full beam reaches. Mine on R1250R is unusable. Worst front ever. BMW says it is all normal.
Hey nice video! It's a bit off topic but... I'm about to buy one GS and I'm not sure if the LED Headlights are worth the price (around 600 euros here in germany). Have you had the chance of comparing between the LED and the standard lights?
+André Herculano Hi Andre - I've never ridden with the "standard" lights (in fact this video is the only time I have ever ridden in the dark!!) so I'm afraid I can't comment on that, all I can say is the LED lights look brilliant in the day......sorry I'm not much help!!!
+TheMissendenFlyer no worries, thank you anyway. In fact on other videos you answered a lot of questions I had in mind. For example, how much difference does it feel regarding the riding modes (not much as I could understand). Also the Arai Tour X4 review was particularly helpful, like you I was also concerned if the peak wouldn't be noisy and cause some head drag on cruise speed.
+André Herculano Great stuff, I'm glad I have been able to help - stay tuned for more soon! All the best - TMF