The last rescue: reflector on the motorcycle

Even if it is very unlikely today: a total failure of the lighting system on the motorcycle is never excluded. In theory, in this case you would have to leave the bike stand and continue on foot. In practice, however, this is not always possible. What if the motorcycle on the highway fails? What if you stand in the middle of the forest and have to reach the next town? In this case, the reflector on the motorcycle is the last rescue. He ensures that the vital signaling system can maintain a rest of the functionality.

How many reflectors can a motorcycle have?

The motor vehicle approval regulations are that motorcycles must be equipped with reflectors at the rear. After all, bikes are freed from the duty of assembled cat eyes in pairs. However, a reflector on the motorcycle is mandatory. Two reflectors are possible, but these must be arranged exactly symmetrically. The license plate holders are particularly suitable for this. Together with the license plate, which also reflects, a few reflections on the motorcycle form an excellent reflection area. Another good placement is on the Side Cases. The widely apart reflectors give a particularly strong signal effect.
As soon as a side car is installed, the second reflector becomes mandatory.

How big does the reflector have to be in the motorcycle?

Admittedly capable reflectors for the motorcycle are equipped with an "e-stamp". This ensures that all legal requirements are met. You must have a length of at least 150 mm. All forms are permitted except triangles. These are reserved for followers. The usual designs for reflectors on the motorcycle are round, rectangular or square. The reflector must be installed at a height of between 250 and 900 millimeters. This ensures that it can be recorded by the light cone of other vehicles.

Motorcycle reflector also at the front since 2017

The reflectors at the rear have gained growth from the legislator since 2017. Since then, motorcycles have also had to be equipped with cat eyes on the front axle. Here the color is prescribed orange. They come to the side holm at the level of the brake disc. This ensures that even a matt black bike in the dark is recognized in good time by vehicles approaching to the side. This function is very important, for example, in city traffic. We also recommend equipping older bikes with the side beams. The security is worth it in any case.

Bigger is better, also applies to the reflector

In contrast to the actively glowing LED signal lamps in turn signals, rear light and brake light, reflectors rely on the incident lighting of other road users. That is why the desire for a particularly compact design for these components is forbidden. Reflectors must have a sufficiently large rear -wheel surface, so that they can be illuminated by other vehicles and their drivers can be perceived. Therefore: Even if it is difficult, you shouldn't save on the size of the reflector.

Only a clean reflector can work

Active signal lamps can also fight dirt with a layer of dirt. Passive reflecting reflectors are much more sensitive on this point. A reflector on the motorcycle must therefore always be kept clean. We recommend wiping these components with a cloth at the latest at the latest. In addition, you should check the cleanliness of the reflectors before starting every drive. That can save life at the crucial moment.