Dashboard lights and symbols

This is a green light, sometimes there is an N in it or beside it. It indicates that the motorcycle is in neutral. On older motorcycles, it is often the only way to see where you are in terms of gears. More modern motorcycles have the dashboard showing in which gear the motorcycle is.

This light indicates that the lights are turned on, at least on side lights. In case of a lack of a ‘dipped headlight’ dashboard light, check whether you are running the dipped headlight. Riding with only side lights is irresponsible.

This light indicates that you have turned on the dipped headlight.

This light is on all motorcycles and indicates that you have turned on the full-beam headlight. Mind that you do not blind anyone with the full-beam headlight.

These lights can be installed either combined or separately. They indicate that your indicator is on. With a combined light, you will have to check yourself whether you have turned on the correct indicator.

This light must be present when the motorcycle is fitted with a rear fog light. This light indicates that the rear fog light is turned on. You are only allowed to turn on the rear fog light when the visibility is 50 metres or less due to fog or snowfall.

This light indicates that the fuel tank is almost empty. On some motorcycles, it is then possible to switch to a spare tank.

This light indicates that there is a problem with the cooling system. In that case, usually the engine is too hot. Stop immediately and let the engine cool down before you check the coolant level.

There are two telltale lights that indicate a problem with the engine oil. The orange light indicates that you need to check the oil level because it is starting to get too low.

The red light indicates that you must stop immediately. In that case, there is an acute problem with the engine oil, and you then run the risk of the engine braking down because of a too low oil pressure and therefore insufficient lubrication and cooling.

This light indicates a problem with the battery. It is supposed to light up the moment you turn on the ignition but must turn off as soon as you start the motorcycle. If it stays on, or turns on while riding, then the battery will no longer charge sufficiently. This often means that the battery needs replacing.

This light can start flashing while braking, to indicate that the ABS takes effect. But if it just turns on it indicates a malfunction with the ABS. Get this checked out by someone with expert knowledge.