If you ride a CFMoto 800 MT and spend time on roads that stretch well beyond the reach of your stock headlight, auxiliary lighting is one of the most practical upgrades you can make. Whether you’re navigating dark forest trails, mountain passes at dusk, or long overnight stretches on unfamiliar roads, the right setup can transform your visibility and confidence. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about auxiliary lighting for the CFMoto 800 MT, from choosing the right type of light to getting the wiring right.
What is auxiliary lighting on a motorcycle?
Auxiliary lighting on a motorcycle refers to any supplemental lighting system added beyond the factory-fitted headlight. These are additional lights, typically mounted on the front of the bike, that improve visibility in low-light conditions or extend the rider’s field of vision beyond what the standard headlight provides.
The term covers a broad range of products, including LED light bars, driving lights, fog lights, and spot or flood beam units. What they all share is a common purpose: giving the rider more usable light in conditions where the stock setup falls short.
For adventure and dual-sport riders on bikes like the CFMoto 800 MT, auxiliary lighting is especially relevant. Factory headlights are designed to meet general road-legal standards, not to illuminate a rutted trail at speed or light up a wide bend on an unlit mountain road. Auxiliary lights fill that gap, and when chosen and installed correctly, they make a meaningful difference to both safety and riding enjoyment.
What auxiliary lighting options are compatible with the CFMoto 800 MT?
The CFMoto 800 MT is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket auxiliary lighting options, including LED driving lights, light bars, and compact spot or flood beam units. Most riders choose LED-based products due to their low power draw, durability, and high light output relative to their size.
Here are the main categories worth considering for the 800 MT:
- LED driving lights: Compact, round or rectangular units that mount on crash bars or handlebar risers. Brands such as Denali, Clearwater, and Touratech offer models that pair well with adventure bikes in this class.
- Light bars: Wider units that produce a broad beam. These suit riders who want maximum illumination across a wide field, though they require more mounting real estate.
- Fog lights: Lower-mounted lights with a wide, flat beam pattern designed to cut through rain, mist, and low-lying fog without causing glare.
- Auxiliary high beams: Focused spot lights that extend the range of your main beam significantly, useful for fast road riding at night.
When selecting a product, pay attention to the wattage. The CFMoto 800 MT’s electrical system can handle auxiliary lighting, but adding high-draw units without a relay-based wiring setup can stress the stock wiring. LED lights, which typically draw far less current than halogen equivalents, are the safest and most practical choice for most riders.
Where can you mount auxiliary lights on the CFMoto 800 MT?
The most common mounting locations on the CFMoto 800 MT are the crash bars, the lower fork legs, and the handlebar area. Each location has its own advantages depending on the type of light and the riding you do.
Crash bar mounting
If your 800 MT is fitted with aftermarket crash bars or engine guards, these are often the most convenient and structurally solid mounting points. Crash bar mounts keep lights low and wide, which works well for flood beams that illuminate the road surface ahead and to the sides.
Fork leg mounting
Clamp-style mounts that attach to the lower fork legs are popular for compact LED driving lights. This position keeps the lights close to the bike’s centerline and at a height that suits forward projection. It also keeps the handlebar area uncluttered.
Handlebar and riser mounting
For smaller auxiliary lights or supplemental indicators, handlebar mounts offer flexibility and ease of adjustment. However, lights mounted here can be more exposed in a fall, so this position works better for secondary lighting rather than primary auxiliary units.
Touratech, SW-Motech, and a number of other adventure bike accessory manufacturers produce mounting brackets specifically designed for the CFMoto 800 MT or compatible with its frame dimensions, which simplifies the installation process considerably.
What’s the difference between spot and flood auxiliary lights for adventure riding?
Spot lights produce a narrow, long-range beam that projects light far ahead of the bike, while flood lights produce a wide, shorter-range beam that illuminates a broad area close to the bike. For adventure riding, the choice between them depends on the terrain and speed you’re riding at.
Here’s how each performs in typical adventure riding scenarios:
- Spot beams are best for fast road riding and open tracks where you need to see far ahead. They cut through darkness at distance and give you more reaction time at higher speeds.
- Flood beams are better suited to slow technical terrain, tight trails, and low-speed off-road sections where you need to see what’s immediately around and in front of you, not just straight ahead.
- Combo beams offer a middle ground, providing both a central spot and a surrounding flood. Many riders on adventure bikes choose combo units as an all-round solution.
For a bike like the CFMoto 800 MT, which is built for both road and off-road use, a combination setup works particularly well. Running one spot and one flood on either side of the bike gives you the flexibility to handle varied conditions without swapping equipment. Some riders also run a dedicated spot and flood on the same unit using a dual-output controller, allowing them to switch beam patterns depending on the terrain.
How do you wire auxiliary lights on the CFMoto 800 MT?
The correct way to wire auxiliary lights on the CFMoto 800 MT is through a relay and fuse setup connected to the battery, with the trigger wire running to a switched power source so the lights only operate when the ignition is on. This approach protects the stock wiring and ensures a reliable, safe installation.
The basic wiring process involves the following steps:
- Choose a switched power source: Find a circuit on the 800 MT that activates with the ignition. The accessory socket, if fitted, is a common choice. Alternatively, tap into the fuse box using a fuse tap.
- Install a relay: The relay allows the auxiliary lights to draw power directly from the battery rather than through the bike’s existing wiring, which keeps the load off the stock harness.
- Add an inline fuse: Fit a fuse appropriate to the total wattage of your lights on the positive feed from the battery. This protects against short circuits.
- Route wiring cleanly: Use split loom tubing and zip ties to secure and protect the wiring away from heat sources and moving parts.
- Connect the trigger wire: Run the relay trigger wire to your chosen switched source so the lights activate with the ignition or via a handlebar-mounted switch.
Many riders add a dedicated handlebar switch to control auxiliary lights independently from the main headlight, which is useful when you only need extra light in specific situations. Wiring harness kits from brands like Denali or Clearwater include a relay, switch, and all necessary connectors, which simplifies the process significantly for those who are not experienced with motorcycle electrics.
What should you consider before buying auxiliary lights for the CFMoto 800 MT?
Before purchasing auxiliary lights for the CFMoto 800 MT, you should consider beam type, total power draw, mounting compatibility, build quality, and local road regulations. Getting these factors right upfront saves time and avoids the frustration of buying equipment that doesn’t suit your riding or your bike.
Here are the key considerations in more detail:
- Beam type and purpose: Decide whether you primarily ride fast roads, technical trails, or a mix of both. Your answer should guide whether you choose spot, flood, or combo units.
- Power draw: Add up the wattage of your planned lights and check that your wiring setup can handle it safely. LED units are strongly preferred for their efficiency.
- Mounting hardware: Check whether the brand offers mounts designed for the 800 MT or for bikes with similar frame dimensions. Universal clamps work but purpose-built brackets are more secure and look cleaner.
- Build quality and waterproofing: Look for an IP67 or IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Adventure riding exposes lights to mud, rain, and vibration, so cheap housings will not last.
- Road legality: In many European countries, auxiliary lights must meet specific approval standards to be road legal. Check the regulations in the countries you ride in before buying, particularly if you plan to use the lights on public roads.
- Budget vs. longevity: Quality LED auxiliary lights represent a meaningful investment, but they last significantly longer and perform more reliably than budget alternatives. Spending more upfront typically means fewer problems over time.
It also helps to read feedback from other CFMoto 800 MT owners who have already fitted auxiliary lighting, as they can flag any bike-specific quirks around mounting or wiring that general product reviews won’t cover.
How TFX Suspension Supports Your CFMoto 800 MT Setup
Auxiliary lighting improves what you see on the road. But what you feel through the bike, especially when riding loaded or on mixed terrain, comes down to your suspension. At TFX Suspension, we build custom suspension systems specifically tuned to your weight, riding style, and the conditions you ride in. For CFMoto 800 MT riders who take their setup seriously, this makes a real difference.
Here is what we offer:
- Custom-tuned rear shocks and front fork upgrades matched to your specific bike and rider profile
- Load-specific tuning for riders who carry luggage, a passenger, or both
- Maintenance and rebuild services to keep your suspension performing at its best over the long term
- Expert advice from people who ride and understand adventure bikes
If you want to explore what a proper suspension upgrade can do for your CFMoto 800 MT, visit the TFX Suspension shop to browse our range, or head to our service page to learn about custom tuning and maintenance options. You can also contact us directly if you want to talk through your specific setup. For more riding tips and technical guides, explore the TFX blog, or visit the TFX Suspension homepage to learn more about who we are and what we build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install auxiliary lights on my CFMoto 800 MT without any mechanical or electrical experience?
It’s possible for a confident beginner to install auxiliary lights using a pre-wired harness kit from brands like Denali or Clearwater, which include a relay, switch, and all connectors with clear instructions. However, if you’re unfamiliar with motorcycle electrics, it’s worth having a qualified mechanic check your wiring before the first ride. Incorrect wiring can damage the bike’s electrical system or create a fire risk, so when in doubt, professional installation is the safer choice.
Will adding auxiliary lights void the warranty on my CFMoto 800 MT?
Adding auxiliary lights won’t automatically void your warranty, but any damage directly caused by a poor installation — such as wiring faults that affect the bike’s ECU or charging system — may not be covered. To protect your warranty, use a relay-based wiring setup that draws power directly from the battery rather than overloading the stock harness, and avoid splicing into critical electrical circuits. Keeping a record of the installation and using quality branded components also helps if a warranty dispute ever arises.
How many watts of auxiliary lighting can the CFMoto 800 MT's electrical system handle?
The CFMoto 800 MT’s alternator produces enough output to support auxiliary lighting, but you should aim to keep your total auxiliary light draw well within a safe margin — typically no more than 50–80 watts of additional load when accounting for other accessories already running. LED auxiliary lights are the smart choice here, as a pair of quality LED driving lights often draws only 20–40 watts combined, leaving plenty of headroom. Always calculate your total electrical load across all accessories before adding new lights, and use a relay to keep the extra draw off the stock wiring harness.
What's the best way to aim and adjust auxiliary lights on the CFMoto 800 MT after installation?
The easiest method is to park your bike on level ground facing a wall or garage door at a distance of around 5–7 metres, then adjust each light so the beam centre sits slightly below the horizontal line at that distance — this avoids dazzling oncoming traffic while still projecting light well ahead of the bike. Do this adjustment at night or in low light so you can clearly see the beam pattern. After your first night ride, fine-tune the aim based on real-world performance, as small adjustments can make a noticeable difference to how usable the light is on the road.
Are there any auxiliary lighting setups that work well for both on-road and off-road riding on the CFMoto 800 MT?
A combination setup using one spot beam and one flood beam — either as separate units or as dual-output combo lights — is widely regarded as the most versatile solution for mixed riding on the 800 MT. Mounting them on the crash bars or lower fork legs keeps them protected during off-road sections while maintaining a useful beam height for road riding. Adding a handlebar-mounted switch that lets you toggle between flood-only, spot-only, or both gives you the flexibility to adapt to whatever terrain you’re riding without stopping to make changes.
Can auxiliary lights affect the handling or balance of the CFMoto 800 MT?
A quality pair of compact LED auxiliary lights typically weighs between 300–600 grams in total, which has a negligible effect on the bike’s handling under normal conditions. However, if you’re adding heavier light bars or multiple units, mounting position matters — keeping weight low and symmetrical on crash bars minimises any impact on the bike’s centre of gravity. If you’re also carrying luggage or riding two-up, the cumulative effect of added weight at the front is worth factoring into your suspension setup to maintain balanced handling.
What are the most common mistakes riders make when installing auxiliary lights on an adventure bike?
The most frequent mistakes are skipping the relay (which puts excessive load on the stock wiring), failing to fuse the positive feed from the battery (which creates a short-circuit risk), and routing wiring too close to exhaust heat or moving parts. Another common error is mounting lights too high, which can dazzle oncoming drivers and attract legal attention. Taking time to plan the wiring route, use proper split loom protection, and test the setup thoroughly before riding will help you avoid the most costly and frustrating problems.
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