Looking to upgrade the auxiliary lighting on your BMW R1200GS without spending a fortune on OEM replacement headlights?
In this first look at the new Colight Apex 4.5-inch motorcycle auxiliary lights, we teamed up with UK urban and off-road riding expert Pinnacle_Moto for a real-world test on a classic 2011 BMW R1200GS.
The test covers the Apex lights in detail, including the upgraded lighting functions, installation, beam performance, and a direct comparison with the factory lighting.
If you want more usable light for ADV riding, night rides, and long-distance travel without paying premium OEM prices, the Colight Apex Series is built to be a serious alternative.
What Makes the Colight Apex 4.5-Inch Auxiliary Lights Different?
The new Apex Series combines TIR optics with a Bi-beam high/low beam setup, giving riders more flexibility across different riding conditions.
The lights also feature a distinctive white sequential DRL, adding a modern look to the front end of the R1200GS while improving daytime visibility.
A dedicated 4-button switch gives you independent control over:
- DRL
- Strobe mode
- High/low beam switching
- Four-level main beam dimming
That means you can adjust the lighting setup depending on whether you're riding through town, hitting the backroads, or pushing into the night.
Compared with premium auxiliary lighting systems such as Denali, Apex delivers a similar style of lighting upgrade at a significantly lower price point.
How to Install the Apex Auxiliary Lights on a BMW R1200GS
The installation is straightforward and can be completed with basic workshop tools.
Tools & Parts You'll Need
Before starting, prepare:
- Colight mounting hardware and bolts
- T25 Torx wrench
- 17 mm wrench
- Wire cutters
- Zip ties
Step 1: Remove the Side Fairing
Remove the side fairing to give yourself enough working room around the crash bars.
This makes it easier to position and secure the Apex auxiliary lights directly to the crash bars.
Step 2: Install the Wiring
The Apex wiring harness follows the proven setup used with the Colight D-Series motorcycle auxiliary lights.
The harness includes:
- ACC connection
- Horn connection
- Passing/high-beam trigger (optional)
The ACC connection is required and should be connected to the ignition circuit.
Connect the positive and negative power leads directly to the battery.
Step 3: Secure and Route the Wiring
Route the wiring along the crash bars and secure it with zip ties.
Keep the wiring away from:
- Exhaust and other heat sources
- Moving components
- Areas where the harness could be pinched or damaged
Once everything is secured and connected, the installation is essentially complete.
A relatively simple lighting upgrade can give your BMW R1200GS a completely refreshed front-end look and a major boost in usable lighting.
Real-World Night Ride: How Does the Apex Perform?
Installation is only half the story.
We put the Apex auxiliary lights through a real-world first-person riding test to see how the beam performs on the road at night.
The test focuses on the actual riding experience, including beam reach, road coverage, brightness, and how the Apex setup compares with the factory BMW headlight.
First-Person Riding Test
The adjustable output also gives you more control over how much light you actually need.
For urban riding or situations where other road users are nearby, the lower brightness settings can help reduce unnecessary glare.
Apex Low Beam
Apex High Beam
Apex Combo Beam
When you're heading onto darker roads or remote routes, the output can be increased to take full advantage of the auxiliary lighting.
Static Road Test vs. Factory BMW Headlight
The static comparison with the factory headlight highlights the difference in forward illumination and road coverage.
BMW Stock Light
For ADV riders who regularly ride after dark, auxiliary lights can provide additional lighting where the stock headlight setup leaves you wanting more.
Apex Low Beam Test
Apex High Beam Test
Apex Combo Beam Test
Final Verdict: A Practical BMW R1200GS Lighting Upgrade
If you're looking to add auxiliary lights to a BMW R1200GS but don't want to spend big money replacing the factory headlight, the Colight Apex 4.5-inch motorcycle auxiliary lights are worth considering.
The Bi-beam high/low beam combination gives you flexibility for different weather and riding conditions—particularly useful for UK ADV riders dealing with rain, fog, and dark country roads.
For night riding, the Apex can be dimmed to 20% or 40% when you want a lower output, while 80% or 100% output is available when maximum illumination is needed.
4-level dimming
The Apex setup is designed to work with its dedicated wiring harness and switch. Direct connection to the BMW factory CANbus is not recommended.
Ready to upgrade your R1200GS?
Click here to get the Colight Apex 4.5-inch auxiliary lights and use PIN15 for an exclusive 15% off—the same setup tested by Pinnacle_Moto.