Adding a set of high performance auxiliary driving lights (spot lights) is generally a rather simple and affordable upgrade that can significantly enhance your ability to see and to be seen.

Spot lights are typically available in two varieties — lights that project a somewhat short but wide light pattern (a 30 to 35 degree spread is common) and lights that project a longer and narrower light pattern (20 degrees).

Lighting options are divided into three categories:

1. Halogen bulbs: This system has been around for many years and comprises a bulb with a filament. These type of systems consume the most power and relative to their modern counterparts (HID or LED) they remain inefficient.

2. Hid/Xenon: A newer technology that delivers 3 times the light of conventional halogen headlamps while consuming considerably less power.

The HID (High Intensity Discharge) Xenon bulb does not use a filament commonly found in normal halogen motorcycle light bulbs. Instead, the bulb is filled with Xenon gas (ignited via a high voltage ballast) to create a white arc of light.

The type of light that you may want to add to your bike will be dependent upon the capacity of its electrical system. If it has the extra capacity to support an additional 110 to 150 watts of power, using conventional halogen lights are a cost effective solution. They will however not be as bright as the HID or LED options.

A typical set of halogen driving lights, each drawing 55 watts of power, will need an additional 110 watts of power to operate properly. However, if your bike’s electrical system output is limited, you may be forced to consider using a more energy efficient lighting system such as LED lights (which only draw 10 Watts each) or HID (Xeon lights which draw 35 watts each).

Every motorcycle has a rated amount of electrical power that the bike’s system can generate to keep it running and to power various items like the headlights, tail lights, turn signals, fan motor, instrument lights, and various electrical sensors located throughout the bike.

Beyond that, most bikes can support another 100-200 watts of power to run miscellaneous electrical items such as a GPS unit, a radio or a set of spot/fog lights. The amount of extra power is going to vary from bike model to model, so it’s best to either check your owner’s manual for “Generator Charging Capacity” or “Alternator Output”. Alternatively consult your dealer.

LED spot lights represent the pinnacle of current light technology. Their light output is unrivaled relative to the unit’s size and low power consumption. Consuming a meager 10 watts per unit, the new Raptors produce an outstanding bright output of pure white light equivalent to a 100 W halogen unit!

All this is achieved by using only the highest quality components including industry leading Cree LED’s and a robust laser cut lens.

Furthermore these units have been designed specifically for motorcycle use.

Features of the Desert Fox Raptor spot light kit:

• A proprietary dual reflector technology that provides an ultimate focus in a wide 40 degree arc of light.
• A 40 degree pattern ensures that the road ahead is lit in a wider arc than a conventional 20 degree beam angle.

Why?  A broader beam arc allows a rider to quickly react to any road hazards ( animals from the side of the road, pot holes etc ) while not blinding oncoming traffic. The lumen flux is consistent across the entire 40 degree arc and does not taper off as it does in a 20 degree beam pattern.

• All circuitry is shock resistant and resin encased, important for motorcycle use.
• A unique Aluminium PCB board for rugged off road use- other manufacturers do not use aluminium resulting in a cracked circuit when used off road.
• Weather proof connectors, silicone wiring and stainless steel fittings.
• Rugged aluminium housing for optimal durability and heat dissipation.
• High power latest generation Cree Led with a light output of 1100 Lumens.
• Consumes only 10 W of power, the lowest of any unit.
• Reverse voltage protected.
• Thermally protected with over-sized cooling fins. Many spot lights have inadequate cooling resulting in the LED loosing output power.
• Extremely robust laser cut lens with a light transmittance of greater than 93%
• A kit comprises 2 spotlights, full wiring harness including inline fuse and relay and a waterproof handle bar switch which enables you to operate the system without removing your hand from the handle bar.
• Plug and play. No cutting of existing wiring is required. Simply connect to your battery with the supplied wiring kit.
• Service life of 50 000 hours with no filaments for total peace of mind.
• Full range of model specific mounts available

A Raptor kit Includes: 

• 2 spotlights.
• Full wiring harness including inline fuse and relay.
• Waterproof handle bar switch which enables you to operate the system without removing your hand from the handle bar.

There are most certainly cheaper LED alternatives. These cost less as a result of their components, performance and will be a disappointment, assuming that they can withstand the rigors of motorcycle use.

LED spot lights only (no headlamp) with subject at a distance of 30M

Motorcycle headlamp only (no LED spot lights) with subject at a distance of 30M