HID Conversion for a R1200 GS

[arturo@digit5.com]

Can somebody help me on the pros and cons of doing a HID upgrade to a 2012 R1200GS?

Any good kits on the market?

Thanks

[f14rio]

might help some

http://www.r1200gs.info/forum/14-mai...pictorial.html

[kthutchinson]

The biggest con to any HID conversion is the light pattern. Your headlamp reflectors are designed for bulbs with filaments in certain locations and with certain orientations. When an H4 or H7 bulb is replaced by an HID bulb, the change in filament position means the light isn't going where intended. That's why the Feds can fine any company selling HID conversion kits up to $5000 per kit sold, and why some kit providers are no longer in business.

[t6pilot]

I did the one-off motorsports conversing on my 1200 they are super, went with the 4500 bulbs. Oneoff now out of business but several other good brands out their

[arturo@digit5.com]

The biggest con to any HID conversion is the light pattern. Your headlamp reflectors are designed for bulbs with filaments in certain locations and with certain orientations. When an H4 or H7 bulb is replaced by an HID bulb, the change in filament position means the light isn't going where intended. That's why the Feds can fine any company selling HID conversion kits up to $5000 per kit sold, and why some kit providers are no longer in business.

Does this mean is not an adviceable upgrade? i would love to have better light performance not just the looks...

[PGlaves]

I think the best bet is HID auxiliary lights with reflectors designed for the specific capsules installed in the lights.

One issue is warm up time. Well aimed lights on full time but not as high beams that blind oncoming drivers would be my choice.

[lkchris]

In fact the warmup time issue is the reason auto makers at least retain a halogen bulb for the "flasher" as HIDs aren't much use for this.

No, the really best way to own a GS with HID lighting may be to wait for the waterboxer. Of course it may have LED lighting instead.

[arturo@digit5.com]

I think the best bet is HID auxiliary lights with reflectors designed for the specific capsules installed in the lights.

One issue is warm up time. Well aimed lights on full time but not as high beams that blind oncoming drivers would be my choice.

Thanks Paul, sounds reasonable....

[kthutchinson]

Does this mean is not an adviceable upgrade? i would love to have better light performance not just the looks...

I agree that better lighting is necessary. However, many of the conversions I've seen on the road give the same effect as having the high beam on all the time. It's very annoying and somewhat unsafe for approaching drivers. I like Paul's idea to fit auxiliary lights.

[arturo@digit5.com]

I agree that better lighting is necessary. However, many of the conversions I've seen on the road give the same effect as having the high beam on all the time. It's very annoying and somewhat unsafe for approaching drivers. I like Paul's idea to fit auxiliary lights.

Will do so..., do any bulb upgrade works?... any experience with the PIAA extreme white?

Regards