New to bike customization?
No problem.
This guide covers everything you need to know about underglow kits.
We’ll talk about what things like they are, how they work.
And what to look for when buying your first one.
What Is a Motorcycle Underglow Kit?
Think of underglow as colored lights that attach under your motorcycle. They shine down and light up the road around your bike. The effect looks like your motorcycle is floating on colored light.
Most riders add them to make their bikes look cooler. And they work.
Today’s underglow uses LED strips instead of old neon tubes. LEDs use 70% less power and last much longer. They’re also tougher – road debris won’t crack them like it would glass neon tubes.
Here’s what comes in a basic kit:
- LED strips (usually 4-12 pieces, each 4″ to 12″ long)
- Wiring and connectors
- Power connection for your battery
- Mounting hardware
- Remote control or smartphone app
How Motorcycle Underglow Works
Your underglow plugs into your bike’s 12V electrical system. The LED strips use very little power – less than your headlight. A small control box manages everything.
- Good kits include a fuse and on/off switch for safety.
- Fancy ones connect to your phone via Bluetooth so you can change colors instantly.
The LED strips stick to your bike’s frame using strong automotive tape.
Since they’re flexible, they wrap around curved parts easily.
Types of Underglow Strips
Single-Color LED Strips
These strips show one color the whole time you ride.
- Popular colors are white, blue, red, and green.
Single-color strips look brighter because all the LEDs work on the same color.
They’re easier to install and cost less than multi-color options.
RGB Multi-Color Strips
RGB strips mix red, green, and blue LEDs to make millions of colors.
- You can switch colors using a remote or phone app.
These “million color” kits let you customize your lighting however you want.
Advanced Programmable Systems
High-end kits let each LED section show different colors at the same time. Cool features include:
- Different zones with different colors
- Brake light sync (flashes red when you brake)
- Turn signal sync (flashes amber with your blinkers)
These systems use thin, flexible strips wrapped in silicone.
App-Controlled Kits
Bluetooth kits connect to your smartphone for total control. Change colors with a color wheel, adjust brightness, or pick preset patterns.
Many apps let you control different sections of your bike separately. Want blue on the front and red on the back? Easy.
Why Install Underglow Lights?
Better Visibility
Underglow makes your bike easier to spot at night. Other drivers notice you sooner in dark conditions. This extra visibility can help keep you safer on the road.
Make It Yours
Underglow lets you customize how your bike looks. Pick colors that match your paint job or show off your style. Create a look that’s totally unique to you.
Group Rides Look Cool
Underglow is popular at bike meetups and group rides. When everyone has matching colors, it creates an awesome effect. You’ll fit right in with other riders who have similar setups.
Perfect for Shows
Planning to enter bike shows or nighttime events?
Underglow makes your motorcycle stand out from the crowd. The lighting effect looks amazing in photos and draws people over to check out your ride.
Installing Your Underglow Kit
Installing underglow takes 2-4 hours if you know basic electrical work. Most kits come with clear instructions for DIY installation. But if you’re not comfortable with wiring, a shop can do it for you.
Where the Lights Go
You’ll mount LED strips in these spots:
- Under fairings and frame rails
- Around the engine and radiator
- Under fuel tank edges
- Back section and swingarm
The strips stick on using strong automotive tape (like 3M tape).
You’ll need to route wires carefully to avoid hot exhaust parts and moving chains or suspension.
Main Steps
Here’s what the installation looks like:
- Clean where you’ll stick the strips (use rubbing alcohol)
- Disconnect your battery’s negative cable first
- Connect the positive wire to your battery (with the included fuse)
- Mount the control box somewhere protected from road spray
- Test everything before putting panels back on
Good placement gives you the best light spread while keeping strips safe from road debris.
Quality kits have weatherproof parts rated IP65 or IP67 for rain protection.
Safety Tips for Underglow
Don’t Distract Other Drivers
Skip the flashing or strobing patterns when riding on public roads. Steady lighting is safer and won’t distract other drivers. Save the crazy patterns for bike shows or private events.
Pick the Right Colors
Some colors work better than others for visibility. White and blue are easy for other drivers to see. Red might confuse people since it looks like brake lights.
Watch Your Brightness
Super bright underglow can blind other drivers or people walking.
Use moderate brightness when riding on streets. Save the full brightness for special occasions.
Legal Stuff You Need to Know
Underglow laws are different everywhere. Some places don’t allow certain colors, especially red and blue. Those colors are usually saved for police and emergency vehicles.
Flashing or strobing lights might be illegal on public roads where you live. Check your local rules before you buy any underglow system.
Some areas only allow underglow when you’re parked or at events. Others let you use steady lighting while riding but ban the flashy effects. Look up your area’s specific rules before you purchase anything.
Picking the Right Kit
Think About How You Ride
Daily commuters might want simple, steady lighting for better visibility. Weekend riders or show enthusiasts may want full RGB systems with all the effects.
Match Your Skill Level
Basic kits with simple wiring work well if you’re new to this stuff. Advanced systems with apps and multiple features need more technical know-how.
Consider Maintenance
LED strips under your bike face tough conditions. Look for waterproof or weather-resistant options. Quality parts last longer and need less fixing.
Plan for Later
Some kits let you add more strips or accessories later. Think about whether you might want to expand your lighting setup down the road.
Common Questions About Underglow
Will underglow kill my battery?
No, modern LED systems use very little power – much less than your headlight. They won’t hurt your battery during normal riding. But don’t leave them on while parked for hours. That could drain your battery. Always use the fuse and switch that come with the kit.
Can I install this myself?
Basic kits are pretty DIY-friendly if you’re comfortable with simple wiring. Most people can do it in 2-4 hours. You just connect to your bike’s 12V battery system. Complex systems with brake light connections might need a pro for best results.
How long do LED strips last?
Good LED strips can run for 25,000 to 50,000 hours. That’s many years of normal riding. LEDs are solid-state so they handle vibration well, unlike fragile neon tubes that can break.
Are these kits waterproof?
Many kits are rated IP65 or IP67 for water resistance and handle rain fine. But being completely waterproof depends on how well you install them. Make sure to seal all electrical connections with heat-shrink tubing or good electrical tape.
Ready to Light Up Your Bike?
Have questions about choosing the right motorcycle underglow strip for your bike?
Contact DITRIO for personalized advice and recommendations.
We’re here to help you find the perfect lighting solution for your riding style and needs.