HID for motorcycles.

[itsbob]

I converted my three H7 headlights to HID.

I did the lowbeams first about 2 months ago, LOVED the light, and had no issues, so I decided to do the high beam too.

I went through XenonRider.com and couldn't be happier, VERY good quality and GREAT customer service.

First I put 6500k into my lowbeams, and they were bright.. Got the standard ballasts, which are fairly big but the install was still straight forward and NOT complicated at all.

This time I went with the 4300k, less blue and more usable light and wanted the slim ballast, and convert one of the original standard ballasts to slim too.. I can mount two slim ballasts in the same space that I installed one standard ballast.

I went online and placed my order for a single 4300k light kit with a slim ballast upgrade, AND an additional slim ballast. I get an e-mail the next day. We saw your order and we noticed if you get a two light HID kit with slim ballasts you'd not only save $25 but get an extra 4300k lamp. Your two light kit will be there in three days or less, and your credit card has been credited for $25.

I installed it tonight, took the bike outside and pointed the nose towards the wood.. YIKES.. the two low beams are bright, but the high beam is like the SUN!! I don't think I'll be running my high beam during the day.

ANyways, if anyone on here is contemplating HID for their bike I can vouch for the H7 lights, and give a great review for XenonRider.

XenonRider is a LITTLE more expensive than others, but there is a noticable difference in quality of their lights and hardware.

 

[ylexot]

I would upgrade to HID, but it wouldn't work with the headlight modulators. I'm planning to add some driving lights and possibly convert them to HID.

 

[itsbob]

I would upgrade to HID, but it wouldn't work with the headlight modulators. I'm planning to add some driving lights and possibly convert them to HID.

From what others have said that have seen me on the road, I don't think the modulator would make me anymore noticable.

Of course having two low beams helps a lot too.

 

[GWguy]

From what others have said that have seen me on the road, I don't think the modulator would make me anymore noticable.

Of course having two low beams helps a lot too.

Just think, Bob.... if you add a few more lights, you might have half as many as me.

I'd need a bigger alternator if I switched to Halogen or HIDs.

 

[itsbob]

Just think, Bob.... if you add a few more lights, you might have half as many as me.

I'd need a bigger alternator if I switched to Halogen or HIDs.

HID's are less of a draw then Halogen or 'normal' headlights..

 

[itsbob]

I would upgrade to HID, but it wouldn't work with the headlight modulators. I'm planning to add some driving lights and possibly convert them to HID.

Touratech sells HID driving lights, but the way the mount on the RT was kind of obnoxious..

 

[Softballkid]

Question...

Would the kit you got, be the same one I need for a Victory

 

[itsbob]

Question...

Would the kit you got, be the same one I need for a Victory

Depends on the type of bulb, not bike.

I'd guess more than 90% are one for one replacements using stock wiring. You remove your current bulb, put the HID in its place, and find a place to mount the ballast/ igniter.

I've seen cruisers with the HID ballast inside the headlight housing. The slim ballasts are VERY small.. maybe the size of a deck of cards, but half the thickness.

H4 (single bulb for high and low beam) are a little harder to find, a little more expensive, but most say they don't use their high beam anymore with the HID installed. You can get a single H4, or one that mechanically switches from Low to High (baffle that travels up and down the bulb) or get a bi-xenon which I understand, is actually two bulbs packed together. Low you light one, high you light both.

 

[ylexot]

From what others have said that have seen me on the road, I don't think the modulator would make me anymore noticable.

Of course having two low beams helps a lot too.

You should know by now that modulators make you noticeable because the light is not constant. I'd be willing to bet that modulators make you more noticeable than HID...unless the HID is so bright that it is blinding...which isn't good either.

 

[ylexot]

Touratech sells HID driving lights, but the way the mount on the RT was kind of obnoxious..

And I'm sure they cost between $1k and $2k.

 

[itsbob]

And I'm sure they cost between $1k and $2k.

One set of PIAA's is right around $1000, I found another around $500.

But if you can find a driving light that takes a 'standard' bulb you chould be able to convert them, the hardest part would be routing the extra wires, and finding a place to mount the ballasts.

I know both my wifes Toyota, and my LandRover foglights can all be converted.

PIAA Cross Country HID Motorcycle Driving Lights

 

[ylexot]

One set of PIAA's is right around $1000, I found another around $500.

But if you can find a driving light that takes a 'standard' bulb you chould be able to convert them, the hardest part would be routing the extra wires, and finding a place to mount the ballasts.

I know both my wifes Toyota, and my LandRover foglights can all be converted.

PIAA Cross Country HID Motorcycle Driving Lights

The PIAAs are just re-badged Trail Tech SCMR16 lights...
Single HID SCMR16 at Trail Tech Home

 

[Softballkid]

Depends on the type of bulb, not bike.

I'd guess more than 90% are one for one replacements using stock wiring. You remove your current bulb, put the HID in its place, and find a place to mount the ballast/ igniter.

I've seen cruisers with the HID ballast inside the headlight housing. The slim ballasts are VERY small.. maybe the size of a deck of cards, but half the thickness.

H4 (single bulb for high and low beam) are a little harder to find, a little more expensive, but most say they don't use their high beam anymore with the HID installed. You can get a single H4, or one that mechanically switches from Low to High (baffle that travels up and down the bulb) or get a bi-xenon which I understand, is actually two bulbs packed together. Low you light one, high you light both.

Good deal

I've been toying with the idea of changing out my bulbs for a while now, so I figure it may be something I do this fall/winter

 

[Go G-Men]

And I'm sure they cost between $1k and $2k.

Most kits cost between $110 to about $270.00 depending on the type of lightbulb your bike uses.. H4/H7/H3 etc...

Most come with a life time warranty.

As stated earlier there is less draw with HID's than with normal bulbs and certainly less than halogens.

 

[ylexot]

Most kits cost between $110 to about $270.00 depending on the type of lightbulb your bike uses.. H4/H7/H3 etc...

Most come with a life time warranty.

As stated earlier there is less draw with HID's than with normal bulbs and certainly less than halogens.

I was specifically referring to Touratech HID driving lights. TT is known for three things:
Extremely rugged gear
Nothing is ever in stock
Extremely high prices.

If anyone is looking for HID, lots of people on ADV rider have kits from here:
VVME.COM, Car Parts, HID KIT, Tattoo Kit, Ballast, Bulbs