Headlamps: HID's

[criminaldesign]

I purchased an HID kit at the cleveland autoshow this past weekend to put on the Airhead.

I've been looking for extra lights to throw on the bike, which I eventually upgraded the the charging system with the Omega kit.

A few people said to check out the HID's saying that they are well worth it.

Currently riding at night I find myself using the lights of the vehicles in front of me for extra measure, just seems that the current H4 isn't doing enough. That is the only light as well.

Now with installing the HID am I going to notice the big of improvement? Will there be a need to add spot lights anymore?

thanks ahead, Houston

[keelerb]

Well, you own it now...one way to find out! And we'll all look forward to a full installation and results report!

One thing to be aware of is you should install a new HID-specific reflector too - otherwise, you are going to find those HID beams sending light to all the wrong places - dazzling oncoming drivers while failing to provide you with the benefit of all that extra light.

Properly done, I suspect they'll be great. I have thought about them myself, but find that the combination of Enduralast alternator, Eastern Beaver relay setup, and Osram 80/85W bulb provides plenty of light (which the stock system could never have been accused of).

Good luck - BrianK

[criminaldesign]

Thanks Brian, I'll keep you posted. I hope to get the lights in the mail this week. They were only taking orders at the show. Later, h

[JHGilbert]

I was in the same situation. I ride home after dark almost daily and the original H4 (Osram bulb) was lousy. I changed it to a Sylvania Ultra Star ($19, stock wattage), which made it better. Then I upgraded the light wiring with a relay system from Eastern Beaver (about $50), which made it great. I ride on low-beams regularly.

The relay system is configured so that when the high-beams are switched on, both high and low beams run at the same time. The lighting is fantastic. However, the relay system doesn't reduce the load on your charging system like the HID system will. HID's are very efficient. I just took a route that was cheaper at the time.

[Manfred]

I installed an HID on my previous bike and found that it lit up the night roads like nothing else. I transferred it to my BMW. I had extra driving lights on my Yamaha - no need for them once I installed the HID kit.

Bonus is my HID draws only 35 watts, freeing up 20 watts for the charging system.

[criminaldesign]

I installed an HID on my previous bike and found that it lit up the night roads like nothing else. I transferred it to my BMW. I had extra driving lights on my Yamaha - no need for them once I installed the HID kit.

Bonus is my HID draws only 35 watts, freeing up 20 watts for the charging system.


Manfred, did you have to change anything to your existing headlamp set up (besides the bulb of course) along the lines of what Keelerb mentioned?

Thanks guys. h

[Manfred]

Houston,

I've not installed any HID-specific reflector, although I've read on several forums that some folks' bikes require them. I've not had my boxer our on a country road at night so I don't yet know what the high beam looks like. Low beam has a flat light in the right spot on the left side, sloping up on the right side to give better visibility on the side of the road.

You have to find a place for the ballast - it's a water-proof box, so it can sit outside. Mine fits inside my RT fairing, next to the headlight bucket.

[535is]

The problem is ... [Read this] (http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/Hid/conversions/conversions.html)