Xenon HID Lights

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

I am interested in installing some Xenon HID conversions into my GS to replace the rather dismal H1 candles that are OEM. Anyone have any suggestions as to successes? I have found from research that buying a car conversion kit is much cheaper since it comes with 2 sets rather than 1 and for less money too, and it looks as though the ballasts are the same sizes.

E-Bay has them for approx $290.00 for an H1 pair of 4300K does anyone have any other recommendations please?

Thanks,
Andy :wow

[Luckies]

I bought the HID bulb + kit for my RT, it replaced the low beam and does a wonderful job of pissing people off. WAY TOO BRIGHT for the low beam and I have to keep it cranked down so I don't blind everyone. I think that in my application it was a total waste of money and I really wish I hadn't done it. I plan to change back, but haven't yet. It was pretty straight forward installation, the only part on the RT that I had to modify was the cover to the low beam bulb, I drilled a 1 1/8 inch hole to admit the wiring and the kit had a gasket required for sealing. The kit had a ballast, relay, bulb, and wiring. Really easy, one wire for power and a chassis ground, the rest was plug and play. I'll look around and see if I can locate the receipt with the vendors name on it and I'll get back to you.

Dave

[Jim Shaw]

I installed the Touratech HID hi beam conversion for the 1150GS on my bike last fall, and I have maybe three tours on it. It is basically a legal conversion under the DOT rules, because it employs a specially redesigned reflector to maintain a legal hi beam pattern with the HID lamp. As I understand the rules (if one cares about the rules - YMMV), any HID lo beam light isn't allowed unless it is 'auto-leveling.' The OEM car lo beam HIDs all use this featuree to avoid blinding oncomers. I have never seen an auto-leveling kit for sale.

As to the Touratech kit, it installs very easily, and works very well - maybe too well. It is very bright, and is wonderful for the back roads at night, where seeing Bambi, or judging a tight corner is life-saving. That said, it is so bright that it's not useful with any oncoming or nearby traffic - unless you really want to make some folks mad. This limits its usefulness on Interstates, etc.

Right now, I have a Silver Star in the lo beam, HID hi beam, and two PIAA 1100s on a separate switch. I aim them low at the center line and right side of the road. They seem to bother no one, and I leave them on most of the time, day or night. They do an excellent job of allowing oncoming traffic to judge my position and speed - which I consider a big asset. I also get recognition, as the triangular pattern of headlight and two PIAAs doesn't look like any car.

The Touratech kit costs about $480. I'm unsure if I'd do it again - unless I rode a lot at night on back roads.

At this moment, I wish I'd spent the money on a GPS.

Just one man's view,
Jim

[JerryWilson724]

I just purchased the Touratech HID and Fog light. I had a lengthy discussion with Kimmo at Touratech (THANKS, very helpful) and he guided me to this solution based on the specific type of riding I do. I have a dark morning, 1 hour commute, 1/2 twisties and 1/2 highway. I can use the whole package on the twisties when there’s no oncoming traffic. The HID and Hi Beam always work together. The fog has a switch which will either act as an auto on with the low beam, or an on and off.


Jerry