Motorcycle Indicator – A Complete Guide

Motorcyle Safety is based on Visibility and Motorcycle Indicators are one of the most critical components to help you remain visible (and provide road awareness). Indicators are small lights attached to the motorcycle, and they communicate your movement to others on the road. By communicating your movement to other road users, this improves your safety by minimising the chance of having an accident while riding. Whether you're in a busy city riding through the traffic, riding a long distance on a highway, or going around corners and up hill terrains, it is important that you use your indicator to indicate which way you plan to go.

Indicators have advanced from being a simple bulb to now being LED (light-emitting diode), sequential, and smart indicators; all of these have benefited from technological advances that have made each of these more bright, energy-efficient, and stylish. In fact, while motorcycle indicators are important for safety reasons, today motorcycle owners also place significant emphasis on improving the aesthetic aspect of their motorcycles when choosing the indicators they will use. This blog contains everything you need to learn about motorcycle indicators prior to buying one.

Market Dynamics

Factors Driving Growth of the Motorcycle Indicator Market

• Increased urbanisation increasing preference of motorcycles as they are affordable and accessible.
• Government regulations regarding vehicle safety are establishing new regulatory standards requiring both OEMs and aftermarket suppliers to produce indicators with high-quality componentry.
• Development of Technological Advances such as LED indicators, Sequential Indicators, IoT (Smart), etc.
• Increase in Motorcycle Customisation Culture is continuing to drive Upward Aftermarket Indicator Sales.
• In Owners’ Eyes Safety has now become an extension of Style; therefore, Premium Designer Manufacturers are Emerging as a Significant Segment in the Aftermarket Sale of Indicators.

Market Size

The worldwide motorcycle lighting market (including signals and/or indicators) has grown considerably over the past few years. Signals alone account for a substantial portion of the overall market due to the requirement that all motorcycles have them installed. The Asia Pacific region dominates the market because it has the highest number of motorcycles per capita and is home to some of the largest manufacturers in the world. India and China produce and consume more motorcycles than any other country; however, both Europe and North America show strong growth rates with respect to high-end motorcycles and advanced lighting systems such as LED (light-emitting diode) and sequential signals. Based on the number of motorcycle components sold each year, it is likely that the after-market segment is about 3 times as large as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) segment. As the complexity and number of features on motorcycles increase, so too does the demand for stylish, modern, and energy-efficient signal systems.

Growth Trends

The motorcycle indicator industry has been impacted by various trends, including:

1. Increased Use of LED Technology: LEDs are brighter, last longer and use less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they've become the accepted standard in the industry.

2. Popularity in Sequential Indicators: The use of sequential indicators has increased due to their association with luxury vehicles; therefore, they're becoming more popular on motorcycles as well.

3. Compatibility with Smart Devices: Smart technology is being integrated into many different products; including brake control modules, hazard lights and smartphone applications for use on motorcycles.

4. Customization of Motorcycles via Riders: Many motorcycle riders customize their motorcycle(s) by changing out things such as the headlight/taillight and indicator lights (i.e., adding new designs).

5. More Stringent Regulations Regarding Safety: Recent Government regulations have required motorcycle manufacturers to create new effective lighting products.

Know More About the Motorcycle Indicator

The motorcycle indicator is used to communicate the rider's intention of turning to the left or right by using a signal light on the front and rear of the motorcycle. The indicators blink at an interval that consistently occurs in order for a person to be able to see them (daytime or nighttime) and stay safe. Modern motorcycle indicators are built to be shockproof, weatherproof, and energy-efficient. Quality indicators utilize an LED or halogen light source enclosed in durable plastic or metal housings. The speed of the blinking is controlled by the flasher relay, which may need to be upgraded when installing LED lights on your motorcycle. In addition to providing safety for riders, motorcycle indicators provide riders the opportunity to create a unique look to their motorcycle, while meeting legal requirements.

Types of Motorcycle Indicator

1. Halogen Indicators
2. LED Indicators
3. Sequential Indicators
4. Integrated Indicators
5. Bar-end Indicators
6. Smart Indicators

Advantages of Motorcycle Indicator

• Better road safety by providing clear signals indicating direction when turning

• Improves Visibility at Night; overcast days; poor weather conditions

• Enhance Rider Safety; increase ability to see each other on the road, avoid accidents and injuries

• Reduce Battery Consumption; longer lifespan than standard incandescent bulb indicators

• Add Style to Motorcycles; customize bikes

• Help Fulfill Legal Safety Requirements

• Available in Various Styles and Materials; use different technologies to create unique look and feel.

Applications of Motorcycle Indicator

• Standard Motorcycles
• Sport Bikes
• Cruisers and Touring Bikes
• Off-road/Adventure Bikes
• Custom Bikes
• Electric Motorcycles/Scooters

Latest Types of Motorcycle Indicator

1. Ultra-Bright Micro LED Indicators
2. Dynamic Flow Sequential Indicators
3. App-Controlled Smart Indicators
4. Multifunction Indicators
5. Carbon Fiber Indicators
6. Auto-Cancel Indicators

Features of Motorcycle Indicator

• High-intensity LED or halogen bulbs
• Weatherproof and dustproof housing (IP65/IP67 rated)
• Shock-resistant materials for durability
• Low power consumption
• Universal fitment or model-specific design
• Easy installation with plug-and-play connectors
• Consistent flash rate (may require LED relay)
• Vibration-resistant mounting brackets
• Multiple color options (amber being the legal standard)

Pros and Cons of Motorcycle Indicator

Pros of Motorcycle Indicator

• Improves road safety significantly
• Enhances visibility in all riding conditions
• Cost-effective and easy to replace
• Adds aesthetic value to the motorcycle
• LED options offer long life and energy efficiency
• Available in many styles and designs

Cons of Motorcycle Indicator

• Low-quality indicators may fail in rain or vibrations
• Some aftermarket indicators may not be street-legal
• LED indicators may require additional relays
• Cheap products may lack brightness
• Installation errors can lead to irregular blinking

Your Essential Buyer’s Guide: Things to Keep in Mind While Buying Motorcycle Indicator

Upon purchasing motorcycle indicators, take into consideration the most important attributes listed below:

• Brightness and Visibility: The indicators should be bright enough to be seen whilst driving during the day and in poor weather conditions (fog).
• Manufacture Quality and Materials: Indicators made from high-quality materials such as ABS plastic, aluminium or carbon fibre are recommended.
• Halogen vs LED: LED indicators are more energy-efficient, brighter and last longer.
• Compatibility and Fitment: The indicator should either fit your motorcycle perfectly or come with universal mounting hardware.
• Legal Compliance: In most states it is legally required to use amber colour indicators. Do not use any colour that is not classed as legally compliant.
• IP Rating: Water resistant and Dust resistant indicators should meet or exceed IP65 rating.
• Relay Requirements: LED indicators typically require an LED Flasher Relay in order to maintain correct blinking rates.
• Indicator Types and Styles: Choose from selectable sequential, bar-end, mini led or standard indicators based on your personal preference.
• Wires and Connectors: Ensure indicator wires are thick, durable and come with appropriate connectors to prevent shorting.
• Purchase Only From Trusted Manufacturers: Always purchase from well-known, reputable brands whose products have been thoroughly tested for safety and durability.