The Lumina OLED 1100 Boost is a product targeted at the on-road bicyclist, so why field test it on an all-terrain motorcycle? Having personal experience with some of the world’s poorest driving conditions, anything that improves our conspicuity has to be a shining positive. And, undeniably, the Lumina OLED 1100 Boost—small in size but beefy in its offering—may just save our lives one day.

Due to lack of available space, Jason positioned his unit atop his engine crash bar on the F800GS, whereas I’ve situated mine on the steel base tube of the cruiser pegs (my DR650 doesn’t have crash bars). Clipping the light on with the handlebar strap mount was as effortless as it is to remove with a quick release tab. Alternatively, it can be worn on a helmet with an additional accessory (not included).

Perhaps the most user-friendly aspect is the OLED multi-featured interface, removing the guesswork of the light level in operation and battery usage. With the run time shown as a percentage, it’s easy to monitor the remaining battery life. And the actual time given for the nine light levels ensures I never lose sight of the power available against each setting.

Two of the salient features are a CREE LED at 6,000 kelvins and a bespoke reflector, which give rise to a spotlight with ample coverage and wide flood beam pattern respectively. There is a well-seated rubber cover over the charging port, providing good sealed protection against the elements when the weather changes.

The USB port makes it easy to recharge even on the fly while riding. Better still, it comes with Intellicharge—a smart technology that cuts the charging time in half. Namely, six hours at 500 milliamps or less, or three hours at more than 500 milliamps.

Built to an FL1 standard with an IP64 water resistance rating, rather than technically deemed as 100 percent waterproof, there was still no ingress of water in the unit upon wet weather, nor condensation during temperature fluctuations despite hours of use in the saddle under a deluge of rain.

In the event of a malfunction, the unit is backed by a lifetime warranty on all the mechanical components, which covers any defects in materials such as the housings, covers, mounts and fasteners, LEDs and workmanship. There’s also a two-year warranty on electrical components and a one-year warranty on the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

There’s a lock mode that prevents accidentally turning the lamp on—enabling safe passage should it get stowed in luggage while in transit, for example. And, durable materials are used throughout: DuPont fiberglass-reinforced plastic and an aluminum heat sink, keeping operational temperatures at optimal performance.

The OLED screen is user friendly, navigation is simple through all nine modes, and the unit gives a lucid read-out to battery life. Its innovative functions provide peace of mind while on the road, day or night. To me, it’s worth the investment to be in possession of a fully featured front light with powerful output. Fulfilling a safety requirement, it’s nigh on a necessity among today’s road users and I wouldn’t ride without one. MSRP: $149.99 NiteRider.com

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