Quick Answer
Your Q5 Pro spotlights need a controller to work. You have two options:
RLC3 Universal Controller — works with any motorcycle
RLC-CAN BMW Controller — for compatible BMW models, integrates with your Wonder Wheel
If you don't ride a BMW, choose the RLC3. If you ride a BMW, check the compatibility list below to see which controller fits your bike.
Why Q5 Pro Needs a Controller
The Q5 Pro is designed as a modular lighting system. The spotlights themselves focus on what they do best — delivering 22,000 lumens of precisely engineered light output. Everything else — power management, dimming, dual-color switching, thermal protection, hazard flash, high-beam sync — lives inside the controller.
This modular approach gives you two advantages:
You only pay for the interface that fits your bike. BMW riders get native Wonder Wheel integration. Everyone else gets a dedicated handlebar dial designed for gloved use.
You get more advanced features. By separating light and control, we can offer capabilities that all-in-one spotlights simply cannot — like intelligent thermal management and BMW CAN bus integration.
Because of this design, the spotlights will not power on without a controller connected. Make sure your order includes one before checkout.
Option 1 — RLC3 Universal Controller
Best for: Any motorcycle, including non-BMW bikes and BMW models not on our CAN compatibility list.
The RLC3 is a handlebar-mounted controller with a tactile dial and dedicated button. It gives you complete control over both spotlights through:
Infinite Glow Dial — smooth, gloved-friendly brightness adjustment
Color-Shift LED Indicator — a visual glow that shifts from green to blue as brightness increases, so you can read your setting at a glance
Dual-Beam Toggle — instantly switch between white and yellow modes
Hazard Flash · High-Beam Sync · Horn-Triggered Strobe — three safety modes built in
Installation: Wired setup. You'll connect power, ground, an ACC line, and optional sync lines (high-beam, horn) to your bike's electrical system. Most riders complete the install in under an hour with our step-by-step guide.
Option 2 — RLC-CAN BMW Controller
Best for: BMW riders on compatible models who want a factory-integrated feel.
The RLC-CAN talks directly to your BMW's CAN bus, letting you control Q5 Pro through the Multi-Controller you already use — the one riders call the "Wonder Wheel." No extra switches on your handlebars. No additional wiring.
Wonder Wheel Dimming — 4 brightness levels controlled by your existing thumb wheel
Memory On/Off — remembers your last brightness setting
Turn Signal Sync · Hazard Light Sync — spotlights follow your bike's signals automatically
One-Press Strobe Alert — press the Wonder Wheel center for immediate high-visibility warning
Independent Light Control — control each spotlight separately when needed
Installation: Plug-and-play through a CAN adapter cable. No cutting, splicing, or tapping into your bike's wiring. The adapter connects to an existing CAN port on your motorcycle.
Important: You'll need to select the correct CAN adapter cable for your specific BMW model. See the compatibility table below.
BMW CAN Adapter Compatibility
Adapter Type | Compatible BMW Models |
4PIN RDC | R1200GS · R1200GS Adventure · R1250GS · R1250GS Adventure · R1200R · R1200RT · R1250RT |
6PIN DWA | R1300GS · R1300GS Adventure |
8PIN RDC | K1600 · F750GS · F850GS · F900 series · R18 · S1000XR · C400X · C400GT |
Not sure which one fits your bike? Contact our support team with your model and year, and we'll confirm before you order.
BMW rider but your model isn't listed? No problem — the RLC3 Universal Controller works perfectly on your bike. You'll get the same lighting performance through a dedicated handlebar dial instead of Wonder Wheel integration.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | RLC3 Universal | RLC-CAN BMW |
Motorcycle compatibility | Any bike | Selected BMW models |
Installation type | Wired | Plug-and-play (via CAN adapter) |
Control interface | Handlebar dial + button | Native Wonder Wheel |
Brightness levels | Infinite (dial-controlled) | 4 preset levels |
Dual-color switching | Yes | Yes |
Hazard flash mode | Yes | Yes (synced with bike hazards) |
High-beam sync | Yes (wired) | Yes (via CAN) |
Horn-triggered strobe | Yes | Yes |
Memory function | — | Yes |
Turn signal sync | — | Yes |
Requires extra cable | No | Yes (CAN adapter) |
Lighting performance | Identical | Identical |
Both controllers deliver the exact same lighting output. The difference is entirely in how you interact with your lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Q5 Pro without a controller?
The spotlights are sold with a controller as part of a system. If you already own a compatible controller from a previous purchase, contact our support team before ordering.
Can I use the RLC-CAN on a non-BMW motorcycle?
No. The RLC-CAN communicates with BMW's proprietary CAN bus and won't work on other motorcycle electronics. Choose the RLC3 Universal instead.
Can I switch between controllers later?
Yes, but each controller has its own installation. If you plan to change bikes or setups, contact support and we'll help you plan the transition.
Which controller performs better?
Neither. Both deliver identical brightness, beam patterns, and dual-color modes. Choose based on your bike and how you prefer to control your lights.
What if my BMW model isn't on the compatibility list?
The RLC3 Universal Controller is your answer. Same lighting experience, tactile dial control on your handlebar.
Do I need any tools I don't already have?
For the RLC3, standard motorcycle wiring tools (crimpers, heat shrink, basic hand tools). For the RLC-CAN, no wiring tools are needed — just the ability to locate your bike's CAN port and connect the adapter.