Law Abiding Biker Podcast

Upgrading the rear lighting on your Harley-Davidson is one of the smartest moves you can make for both safety and style. In this article, we’re walking through the Ciro Bag Blades Install on a Harley-Davidson, specifically the redesigned Bag Blades for 2024 and newer Touring models with the updated electrical architecture and fairing design. However, we also have Ciro Bag Blades for pre 2024 Harley Models. (see video below)

These aren’t just lights—they’re attention-getting safety upgrades designed to help distracted drivers notice you sooner. We recently installed them in the Law Abiding Biker shop, and below you’ll find a clear overview of the options, what’s involved, and why this is such a solid upgrade.

👉 For the full step-by-step install and detailed review, be sure to watch the video at the bottom of this article.

What Are Ciro Bag Blades?

The Ciro Bag Blades are sleek LED light strips that mount cleanly along the top edge of your Harley-Davidson saddlebags. Designed by Ciro 3D, these lights dramatically increase rear visibility while maintaining a factory-clean, OEM-style appearance.

For 2024 and newer Harley-Davidson Touring models, the Bag Blades have been redesigned to work seamlessly with the updated electrical system—so you get modern functionality without cutting or splicing any factory wiring.

Compatibility: 2014 To Present Harley-Davidson Touring Models

The redesigned Bag Blades are specifically engineered for 2024+ Harley-Davidson Touring bikes with the updated fairing and electrical architecture. If you’re riding a newer Street Glide, Road Glide, or other Touring model, this version is built for your bike.

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Choosing the Right Bag Blades for Your 2024+ Harley

When shopping for Bag Blades, there are two key decisions you’ll need to make:

1. Lens Color Options

• Smoked Lens – A darker, stealthy look when off with a clean modern appearance

• Red Lens – A more traditional, highly visible OEM-style look

Both options deliver excellent brightness once illuminated—this choice is all about personal preference.

2. Standard vs. Lightstrike™ Compatible

You can select between two functionality levels depending on how much customization you want:

• Standard Version

  • Run / Turn / Brake functionality

  • Fully plug-and-play

  • No programming via smartphone app required

• Lightstrike™ Compatible Version

  • All standard lighting functions plus animated flash patterns

  • Customizable behavior using the Lightstrike smartphone app (IOS or Android)

  • Requires the Ciro Lightstrike Commander (only needed once, even if you add more Ciro lights later)

For our install, we chose the Lightstrike-compatible version to maximize visibility and customization.

Overview of the Installation Process

We won’t get overly detailed here—the full install is covered step by step in the video below—but here’s a broad overview so you know what to expect.

Bike Setup & Access

The seat is removed to access the main wiring harness and battery area.

Installing the Lightstrike Commander (If Applicable)

If you choose the Lightstrike version:

• The Commander mounts cleanly under the seat using pre-applied 3M adhesive

• It plugs inline with the factory harness—no cutting or splicing

• Power leads connect directly to the battery with an inline fuse

If you go with the standard Bag Blades, this step is skipped entirely.

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Test Before Final Mounting

Before sticking anything permanently:

• Bag Blades are temporarily plugged in

• The bike is powered on

• Run, turn, and brake functions are verified

This ensures everything works perfectly before final placement.

Mounting the Bag Blades

• Saddlebag surfaces are cleaned with alcohol

• The Bag Blades mount using high-quality 3M adhesive

• Proper spacing is checked so saddlebag lids open and close fully

Once positioned, firm pressure is applied to lock them in place.

Wire Routing Outside the Saddlebags

• Saddlebags are briefly removed

• Wiring is routed cleanly along the outer portion of the inside section (side facing the rear wheel) of the saddlebags using the included adhesive mounts and zip ties

• Everything stays hidden, protected, and factory-looking

The bags are then reinstalled and secured.

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Lightstrike App & Customization (High-Level Overview)

With the Lightstrike Commander installed, you unlock full control through the Lightstrike app (available on iOS and Android), including:

• Multiple brake-light flash patterns

• Adjustable brightness levels

• Custom turn signal behavior

• Boot-up animations

• Control over red and amber outputs

We don’t dive deep into app programming in this article—but we do show it in detail in our video content so you can confidently dial everything in.

Why the Ciro Bag Blades Upgrade Is Worth It

• ✅ Massive increase in rear visibility

• ✅ Plug-and-play installation

• ✅ No permanent bike modifications

• ✅ Clean, factory-style appearance

• ✅ Optional advanced safety animations

If you ride in traffic—or anywhere distracted drivers exist—this is one of the best safety-to-effort upgrades you can make on a Harley-Davidson.

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Support Free Biker Content 🤘

If you appreciate all the free videos, podcasts, and in-depth articles we put out, please consider supporting us by purchasing directly from the Law Abiding Biker Store.

When you shop with us, you’re not just buying parts—you’re supporting a bootstrap company of bikers helping bikers. We actually ride, test, install, and stand behind the products we sell, and we’ll take care of you every step of the way.

You can purchase Ciro Bag Blades and a full lineup of other Ciro products directly in our store with confidence, knowing you’re getting proven gear and real-world support.

Bikers helping bikers—always.

Watch the Full Install & Review Video 🎥