How to Add Lights, Horn and Accessories to Your Motorcycle the Right Way

Modern motorcycles are brilliant machines, but adding accessories like auxiliary lights, a louder horn or heated gear isn’t as simple as it used to be. With CAN bus systems controlling the bike’s electronics, wiring things in the wrong way can quickly lead to problems.

The good news is, there is a right way to do it. Once you’ve got the right foundation in place, adding accessories becomes straightforward and works exactly as it should.

Why Adding Motorcycle Accessories Isn’t Straightforward Anymore

Over the last decade, motorcycles have changed a lot. Most modern bikes now use what’s called a CAN bus system, which means the bike’s electronics are controlled by a central network rather than simple wiring.

In the past, adding lights or a horn was simple. Today, wiring directly to the battery or tapping into the wrong circuit can confuse the system or trigger faults.

We see this regularly in installs where accessories have been added without the right setup.

That’s why adding accessories today isn’t just about connecting a few wires. It’s about doing it in a way that works properly with your bike’s electronics.

Your Options and Which One to Choose

There isn’t just one way to add accessories to a modern motorcycle. The right solution depends on your bike.

Option 1: Bike-Specific CAN Bus Accessory Controllers (Best Where Available)

For some bikes there are dedicated CAN bus accessory controllers, designed specifically for that model.

These plug directly into the bike and integrate more deeply with its electronics. In most cases, this is the best and cleanest solution.

• If your bike has a dedicated controller available, we always recommend going with that first.
• You can see all bike-specific controller options we offer here.

Option 2: Universal Solution – HEX ezCAN PURE

If there isn’t a bike-specific option for your motorcycle, the HEX ezCAN PURE is a proven universal solution.

It’s a plug-and-play system that allows you to safely add and control multiple accessories without cutting into your bike’s wiring.

This makes it ideal for:

• bikes without dedicated accessory controllers
• riders who want a simple, flexible setup
• transferring your setup to a future bike

Not Sure What’s Right for Your Bike?

That’s completely normal. Choosing the right setup depends on your bike model and what you want to add.

See our recommended setups or get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.

What You Can Add to Your Motorcycle

Once you’re using the right setup, adding accessories to your bike becomes straightforward and reliable. Most riders start with one upgrade, but quickly realise how much more is possible.

Here are the most common additions:

Auxiliary Front Lights

Improve visibility at night and making yourself more noticeable to other roadusers. One of the most popular upgrades for safety and long-distance riding.

Auxiliary Brake Lights

Make sure you’re seen when slowing down or stopping, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions.

Horn Upgrade

A louder, more effective horn can make a real difference in critical situations where you need to make our presence known immediately.

Heated Gear

Stay comfortable on colder rides with heated gloves, jackets or grips, all powered and managed safely through your setup.

USB Chargers & Power Outputs

Keep your phone, GPS or other devices charged while riding, without overloading your bike’s electrical system.

With the right foundation in place, all of these can be managed cleanly, without interfering with your bike’s electronics.

A Typical Setup (What Most Riders Choose)

Example: BMW GS Models – Visibility & Safety Upgrade

• Bike-specific CAN bus controller
• Auxiliary front lights
• Horn upgrade

This setup focuses on two things: being seen and being heard.

On bikes like the BMW GS Series, where a dedicated CAN bus accessory controller is available, we always recommend using that as the foundation. It integrates cleanly with the bike and makes adding accessories straightforward.

The additional lights improve visibility in all conditions, while the upgraded horn gives you a much stronger presence in traffic. Both are among the most common upgrades riders ask us for, and for good reason.

Now - If your bike doesn’t have a dedicated controller available, a setup using the HEX ezCAN PURE achieves the same result in a clean and safe way.

Every bike is slightly different, and the best setup always depends on what you want to achieve. Some riders keep it simple with one or two upgrades, while others build a more complete system over time.

What Should You Do Next?

If you take one thing away from this guide, it’s this:

Get the foundation right, and everything else becomes easy.

1. Start by finding the right controller for your bike

• If a bike-specific CAN bus controller is available, that’s your best option
• If not, a universal solution like the HEX ezCAN PURE gives you the perfect alternative

2. Then build your setup around what you actually need

Most riders start with:

• auxiliary front lights
• a horn upgrade

…and expand from there over time.