HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlight upgrade

[xgnr]

I do a bit of night riding and was interested in getting as much light out front as possible. Trouble was that the bright lights generally mean a load on the electrical system and all sorts of dodgy relays and soldering effort.

Since the K75 was no more and the new R1150 was the favourite steed I new that it was time to upspec the lights.

Out of the box you get the usual H4 65/55watt candle which is useless for any sort of long runs (Grand Challenge etc). I wanted light that could melt a possum at 200 metres!

Options are to upgrade the Bulb to a 100w or 90w high beam then fit a relay. downside is that you have to start cutting wires and know what you are doing. Oh and also you need to understand how much your alternator puts out to make sure you don;t flatten your battery in the middle of nowhere when checking the map (don't ask how I know this).

Anyway, spotted a Motor bike HID hi/lo kit on Trademe for a buy now of 115.00. Seemed like a good deal and the seller was a company with good rep. Now, this seemed like a reasonable option as it was a "plug and play" install i.e. not cutting wires and it was the 6000k/35watt option designed specially for bikes.

Buy now was done, on the phone , great response, they talked kiwi and the goods were in my hand the next day... yay.

Fitting was quite straight forward, the kit seems to be good quality with waterproofing on the connections and a good solid build quality. Cables were a good length.

Instructions were in chinglish which gave us a bit of a larf (WTF does Circumvulate mean?) but had pictures and lets face it if you couldn't work it out you should not be doing this yourself. (instructions suggest a Careerman should do the install)

The bulb has a sleeve which you fit into the H4 "hole' in the headlight. The standard locking mechanism holds it in place. The Bulb and base then fits inside this and with a twist you lock it in. There is a ballast and connections to the existing Bulb connector, "controller" and battery.

The kit has hi/lo controller which essentially means that (magnetically) it dips the light using some magnet thing that is switched using your normal hi/lo switch on the bike. Don't know all the details but seems to work ok.

OK so after pulling the fairing off and some head scratching I had the ballast mounted and connected up to the battery. Took the opportunity to mount the radar detector and check the battery fluid (it was bloody low, thought this had had a service before I bought it?)

All good, put it back together and turned everything on. Holy shit this is bright.

Got up early this morning and rode to work to check it out for flickering or bad illumination etc and all is good so far. A crisp white blue light that is so much better than the old yellow 65/55w and it uses bugger all current.
Looks very cool and should be a delight on the next GC.

18 months guarantee and the bulb has 2500 hrs life (around 200,000km at average speed I thought). If it poos itself you can put the H4 65/55 back in although it would be an arse, it is possible to get going again (carry a torch on the bike).

So, in summary I would recommend looking at the HID Kit as a low cost upgrade that seems to be a good buy. See how it goes in the next few months.

Cheers
Stu


Details: (from tardme)
One Brand new HID Xenon Light bulb , ( H.I.D ) stands for High Intensity Discharge ...of a plasma arc in Xenon gas , a lot of so called HID lamps sold on trade me are just tungsten filament type so ask if it comes with or needs an electronic ballast !!!) ) Hi intensity light , 3 times brighter watt for watt than Halogen , 6000k colour, I have only H4 fitting bulbs, negative earth , new in box with wiring instructions Ballast , inverter and bulb . These lights are magnetically dipped HI/Lo beam ( you may see cheaper units around but can you dip them hi/lo beam ? check first) only 3 wires to connect picture shows the same contents of box , power cables under red plastic, when running draws 4 amps at 12v total wieght of all components, 0.8 Kg manufacturer describes as 35W bulb ,
, ballast 110mm by 70 mm by 30mm in size
these are bright and so nice to ride with at night ... you can see!! and be seen and more importantly during the day you will stand out !!
sale is for one magnetically dipped light only

Web Site

http://www,amalgamate2000.com/sales

[Horney1]

Hi, I'm wondering about the amount of heat the HID produces compared with conventional halogens. I've heard they run quite cool. I bought one a while back but haven't fitted it yet. I bench tested it and noted it got really hot.

Have you checked your reflector for heat damage at all? Do you have a plastic or metal reflector?

Don't worry about the possums, they're easy. It's the wallabies, black cows and (over here in Aus) the roos & camels you've got to be warey of :laugh:

[nallac]

I've seen those on T/ME and thought they'd be great..only prob is i'd need two kits,the bugger of twin headlights.
Its good to know they are an easyish install and work like they say.

Oh,and how long do they take to dip go back to high beam?.

[BMWST?]

I've seen those on T/ME and thought they'd be great..only prob is i'd need two kits,the bugger of twin headlights.
Its good to know they are an easyish install and work like they say.

Oh,and how long do they take to dip go back to high beam?.

you would prolly be best to have just a low beam HID and keep the std High beam.When you go onto high beam does the low stay on?The HID the other guy is one bulb with some sort of moveable sheild which gives the hi lo.Hids dont like turning on and off...and you cant flash a hid,they take too long to ignite.the moveable sheild will allow flashing.

A hid headlight MAY be illegall

[CookMySock]

Hi, I'm wondering about the amount of heat the HID produces compared with conventional halogens. I've heard they run quite cool. I bought one a while back but haven't fitted it yet. I bench tested it and noted it got really hot.Is it a proper HID with inverter? Some pricks sell "HID" lights that are just a halogen bulb with xenon gas in them.

This is a HID lamp.
<img src="http://image.ecplaza.com/offer/b/belinda530/5690813.jpg">

This, is not.
<img src="http://www.motorcycleworldl-spa.co.uk/images/uploads/H1_and_H3_Bulbs.jpg">

My HID runs cold, like a fluoro tube - certainly not remotely as hot as a quartz halogen, and it uses 35 watts, not 55 watts, making three times the amount of light. The only thing that might be a consideration - if the HID bulb is not UV cut, there is some problem (I'm not a chemist) with the creation of ozone gas, and the combined effect of ozone and UV wrecks plastic housings. Or something like that, so your tubes should be UV-cut.

Steve

[nallac]

Mine(99 R1) has 2x high/low bulbs,so can't run seperate HID for low and keep
standard high beam.

could always only do one side....

[CookMySock]

so can't run seperate HID for low and keep standard high beam.Why would you not want HID on highbeam?

Steve

[BMWST?]

Why would you not want HID on highbeam?

Steve
you need the moving sheild types ones or be prepared to wait when you switch on high beam,they dont fire up to full intensity immediately,so obviuosly low beam must remain on when high gets turned on

[CookMySock]

you need the moving sheild types ones or be prepared to wait when you switch on high beam,they dont fire up to full intensity immediately,so obviuosly low beam must remain on when high gets turned onOk I had this problem. You can preheat them with the flasher. But yes, there is a full second where there is minimal light. It would be worse going from full to dip(HID), especially if you were cornering on a dark slippery night and you were forced to dip suddenly while you were cornering - you would have NO light for a very frightening second.

Steve

[xgnr]

Hi, I'm wondering about the amount of heat the HID produces compared with conventional halogens. I've heard they run quite cool. I bought one a while back but haven't fitted it yet. I bench tested it and noted it got really hot.

Have you checked your reflector for heat damage at all? Do you have a plastic or metal reflector?

Havn't noticed any heat. I think they run cooler than halogens anyway as the wattage is lower ? I have used 95 Watt H4 in teh old K bike and that poked out a Lot of hweat but not enough to damage the Bosch headlight.

These really stand out on the road as well, as can be attested to by my riding mate.

Cheers

Stu

[LBD]

Try the search function, there is a lot of good discussion here about HID's...Including the value of the hella + 90% globes as an upgrade instead of HIDs

[xgnr]

Try the search function, there is a lot of good discussion here about HID's...Including the value of the hella + 90% globes as an upgrade instead of HIDs

FWIW I was considering the option (as I had with the K Bike) of upgrading the bulb but the cost of the bulb + Relay plus hacking around the wiring + the drain on the Alternator compared to the plug and play nature of the HID kit for $120.00 it really was a no brainer.

Stu

[The Stranger]

The bulb has a sleeve which you fit into the H4 "hole' in the headlight. The standard locking mechanism holds it in place. The Bulb and base then fits inside this and with a twist you lock it in. There is a ballast and connections to the existing Bulb connector, "controller" and battery.



As noted from LTNZ (http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/vehicles/get-your-lights-right.html)

"The law says your lights must not dazzle, confuse or distract other road users and sets out how and when you can use some types of vehicle lights."

and

"High intensity discharge (HID) conversion kits

HID conversion kits (an HID bulb with a high voltage power unit or ‘ballast’ which fits into the original headlamp unit in place of the original bulb with no change to the headlamp lens, reflector or housing) are illegal on any vehicle being used on New Zealand roads."


Just because some numb nuts breaks the law and gets away with it due to living in a backward one horse town doesn't mean you will.

A Philips or Narva +50% H4 bulb is a legal upgrade and makes a significant difference. You can even get a +80% bulb (though I haven't seen one in NZ yet) and it is still legal.

[CookMySock]

So is a fucking loud exhaust pipe. Call someone who cares.

Steve

[Katman]

But yes, there is a full second where there is minimal light. It would be worse going from full to dip(HID), especially if you were cornering on a dark slippery night and you were forced to dip suddenly while you were cornering - you would have NO light for a very frightening second.



I fail to see how you can state this on one hand and still expound the virtue of HID bulbs in standard housings on the other. That type of set up is illegal for a reason.



A Philips or Narva +50% H4 bulb is a legal upgrade and makes a significant difference. You can even get a +80% bulb (though I haven't seen one in NZ yet) and it is still legal.

The +80% bulbs are now readily available in NZ and retail for about $50.

[The Stranger]

So is a fucking loud exhaust pipe. Call someone who cares.

Steve


Yeah, this is KB accurate information isn't wanted here is it?
So long as you get to spout shit all day who cares.
How is that starter motor going?

[xgnr]

As noted from LTNZ (http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/vehicles/get-your-lights-right.html)

"The law says your lights must not dazzle, confuse or distract other road users and sets out how and when you can use some types of vehicle lights."

and

"High intensity discharge (HID) conversion kits

HID conversion kits (an HID bulb with a high voltage power unit or ‘ballast’ which fits into the original headlamp unit in place of the original bulb with no change to the headlamp lens, reflector or housing) are illegal on any vehicle being used on New Zealand roads."


Just because some numb nuts breaks the law and gets away with it due to living in a backward one horse town doesn't mean you will.

A Philips or Narva +50% H4 bulb is a legal upgrade and makes a significant difference. You can even get a +80% bulb (though I haven't seen one in NZ yet) and it is still legal.

Oh dear and so is having more than one extra headlamp (unless factory fitted) so I am used to being a lawbreaker.

The local testing station always gave me a warrant with my extra two riding lamps.

If my WOF guy gets antsy about it it will be a 15min job to replace with the H4.

[The Stranger]

Oh dear and so is having more than one extra headlamp (unless factory fitted) so I am used to being a lawbreaker.

The local testing station always gave me a warrant with my extra two riding lamps.

If my WOF guy gets antsy about it it will be a 15min job to replace with the H4.

Of course there are 3 components to my post.
One is the law, which you have addressed.

This is 2009, so I don't really expect you to get the other 2, but I can hope.

[HungusMaximist]

With so many kits on the market these days, what the hell do you buy???

[BMWST?]

Havn't noticed any heat. I think they run cooler than halogens anyway as the wattage is lower ? I have used 95 Watt H4 in teh old K bike and that poked out a Lot of hweat but not enough to damage the Bosch headlight.

These really stand out on the road as well, as can be attested to by my riding mate.

Cheers

Stu
so what system are you running in the R bike?Is it a h4 moving sheild type bulb?.Or does the r bike have two seperate lamps for low and high and low stays on all the time?

[xgnr]

so what system are you running in the R bike?Is it a h4 moving sheild type bulb?.Or does the r bike have two seperate lamps for low and high and low stays on all the time?

One lamp, the HID has a magnetic shield which allows you to dip using your normal dip switch. The bulb itself does not turn off. (check the first original post for more details)

[CookMySock]

With so many kits on the market these days, what the hell do you buy???If anyone is having trouble figuring this out, post the make and model of the bike in question, and we will do our best to steer you in the correct direction.


Oh dear and so is having more than one extra headlamp (unless factory fitted) so I am used to being a lawbreaker. If my WOF guy gets antsy about it it will be a 15min job to replace with the H4.Yeah, boo hoo hoo ay. Gawd its gunna keep me awake at night! :cry:

Oh oh oh, and I am going to have to weld up the holes I drilled in my muffler.. not legal!! :cry:

LOL
Steve

[xgnr]

Of course there are 3 components to my post.
One is the law, which you have addressed.

This is 2009, so I don't really expect you to get the other 2, but I can hope.

Ok there is hope.

1. I have adjusted the lamp to the "legal" height. I have never been "flashed" so I assume that this is not dazzling other drivers/riders. In the research I have done 35W HID is accepted as being safe in this regard unlike the 55W versions.

2. The bulb is a magnetically dipping type arrangement which means that it is on all the time. (read the original post)

3. Yes I am breaking the law.

I admit that I break it every day by riding between 51-60km/hr on the way to/from work but I consider myself safe and considerate (and I am nice to animals and growl at people who park in Disabled zones so that might cancel out this sin)

Hopefully this clears up the confusion if not, sorry, go see the Padre.

Cheers and have a good day

Stu

[BMWST?]

One lamp, the HID has a magnetic shield which allows you to dip using your normal dip switch. The bulb itself does not turn off. (check the first original post for more details)

thanks :niceone:

[LBD]

FWIW I was considering the option (as I had with the K Bike) of upgrading the bulb but the cost of the bulb + Relay plus hacking around the wiring + the drain on the Alternator compared to the plug and play nature of the HID kit for $120.00 it really was a no brainer.

Stu

I have a hella plus 90% on my duc....and still have a new HID in a box that I do not need....The hella globes a 55W so no wiring to alter at all. It is legal and the colour is great for night riding and it was $37...that is a no brainer....

[xgnr]

I have a hella plus 90% on my duc....and still have a new HID in a box that I do not need....The hella globes a 55W so no wiring to alter at all. It is legal and the colour is great for night riding and it was $37...that is a no brainer....

Whats the specs/price on the HID, I could have a buyer.

Cheers
Stu

[ynot slow]

Just finished putting H7 55w/(90) bulbs in,they're similar to plus 80,haven't seen any on shelves here though,same voltage use according to blurb etc.

[Owl]

Free worldwide shipping and free sidelight bulbs. Legal and work pretty well too.

http://www.powerbulbs.com/product_detail.asp?prod=43

[Subike]

Ok you lot, lol
I have an after market twin headlight system, steel bodies, metal reflectors.
I use the lights as , one dip, one high. thus keeping the wattage pull to 55/65w
per lamp,which is the max for my charging system.
My Q?
Would running one of these HD lamps increase the wattage pull on my alternator? or reduce it.

[Ixion]

So is a fucking loud exhaust pipe. Call someone who cares.

Steve

So is fucking goats, but it's not an issue unless the goat complains. If it were 36% of KBers would be inside.

[Squiggles]

To get the most out of HID's you need a housing setup for them. Standard halogen housings are not

[CookMySock]

I have an after market twin headlight system, steel bodies, metal reflectors. I use the lights as , one dip, one high. thus keeping the wattage pull to 55/65w per lamp,which is the max for my charging system.

My Q? Would running one of these HD lamps increase the wattage pull on my alternator? or reduce it.Depends what you do ;

Lets assume they are H4 units - your best bet is the 6,000k magnetically-dipped single HID lamp. But this uses only one headlamp unit, and draws 35 watts.

If you install two H4 magnetically-dipped HID units you will get about 70watts of current draw continuously. ie, quite a lot. If I was in your situation, I would do two HID units (one for each lamp) and I would put an auxilliary switch somewhere to activate the second unit as-required (SCARY FOOKIN BRIGHT!) The headlamps operate dip/full with the conventional dip switch.

You have other options - you could install a 6,000k unit in one headlamp and an 8,000k lamp in the other headlamp unit. This is just for the bling factor - you can swap between headlight colours.


To get the most out of HID's you need a housing setup for them. Standard halogen housings are notNup, they are so damn bright, it hardly matters. At least three times the light of a quartz-halogen.

Steve

[Squiggles]

Nup, they are so damn bright, it hardly matters. At least three times the light of a quartz-halogen.

Steve

And im sure they'll be brighter, and better focused, with the correct reflectors and lenses. "Hardly matters", pah, when you've done it you'll be able to make such claims with some accuracy... :msn-wink:

[xgnr]

I'm in Meadowbank so if you want to check out the HID's by comparing to mine then let me know.

(You would be associating with a law breaker tho')

[The Stranger]

(You would be associating with a law breaker tho')

I expected you would miss points 2 and 3.

2) When dispensing advice, it is good form to give complete and accurate information. Apparently you either were ignorant of the law or intentionally withheld that information. You appear to be the ignorant type so I'll run with that excuse, however either way it was a glaring omission.

3) Asside from being against the law to do so, I do seriously question the logic of antagonising an already dazed and confused enemy.

[Gremlin]

I've run an HID setup on a previous bike, and yes, while cool and powerful, it was illegal (already pointed out).

New bike has a good headlight surround, and running a Hella +90% bulb (fully legal) which has the same draw as a normal bulb I would say its still offers exceptional performance. Good visibility of the road ahead for a couple of hundred metres, and reflectors in the distance are visible for probably well over 500m. Very difficult to outride the high beam.

I think it will be quite satisfactory for the GC later this year :niceone:

[LBD]

I've run an HID setup on a previous bike, and yes, while cool and powerful, it was illegal (already pointed out).

New bike has a good headlight surround, and running a Hella +90% bulb (fully legal) which has the same draw as a normal bulb I would say its still offers exceptional performance. Good visibility of the road ahead for a couple of hundred metres, and reflectors in the distance are visible for probably well over 500m. Very difficult to outride the high beam.

I think it will be quite satisfactory for the GC later this year :niceone:

Me too, happy with mine and ride nights on country roads quite often...

[xgnr]

I expected you would miss points 2 and 3.

2) When dispensing advice, it is good form to give complete and accurate information. Apparently you either were ignorant of the law or intentionally withheld that information. You appear to be the ignorant type so I'll run with that excuse, however either way it was a glaring omission.

3) Asside from being against the law to do so, I do seriously question the logic of antagonising an already dazed and confused enemy.

2.) Read the original post before getting your tits in a tangle.

3. Its good sport what can one say...

TBH i wonder about the "illegality" as the headlight is actually "modified" with the sleeve to handle the dipping of the HID bulb. Is this is the the intention of ensuring some modification is done to avoid problems like this?

If so bad just ban them as a restricted import

[BMWST?]

fwiw i beleive the "focal point" of the HID bulb is much longer than the original Halo bulb so there is exra light being scattered around which has the potential to dazzleand distract other drivers.Its fine if the roads are always straight and flat,but they are not so there will be situations where an oncoming drivers is momentarily looking straigh at a full intensity HID....instant loss of night vision.The proper HID setups in cars have headlight washers for the headlight and a self adjusting system and they are constantly adjusting to keep them dipped(well the BMW car ones do).

[The Stranger]

2.) Read the original post before getting your tits in a tangle.



Hmm, I just re-read the original post and nowhere did I note you informing people that it was illegal. Did I miss something in your original post?

The legality of a modification you are advocating is not in my view a minor oversight. Indeed in many cases you may be held legally and/or financially responsible for your advice.

It does no harm to inform people before they spend thier money on this mod and perhaps have it knocked back at warrant time - or worse are held responsible for an accident. It helps them make an informed decision.
Should they then decide to do it - so beit, they do so knowing it may cost them money down the track, just as with speeding etc.

It also does not hurt to offer an acceptable and legal alternative, as I did.
Except it seems that hard arse bikers from the bad lands, like you and DB, apparently would rather everyone show contempt for the law - unless of course DB needs the laws changed, in which case he moans and wails until they are - but that's another story.

[vifferman]

New bike has a good headlight surround, and running a Hella +90% bulb (fully legal) which has the same draw as a normal bulb I would say its still offers exceptional performance.
Mr Gremlin, Sir - what is a +90% bulb?
Not one of those stupid, annoying and overpriced blue-tinted ones?

[imdying]

No, they're a legitimate bulb... generally the manufacturers (Philips, Narva, Hella) also make a blue tinge wank wank bulb as well. Basically it's up to 90% more lumen output for the same wattage in. To achieve that it's a change in filament, internal gas, or just by using a thinner (thus more delicate, shorter life) filament, or a combination of all of them. They do work well, but they're not cheap, and don't last as long.

[xgnr]

Hmm, I just re-read the original post and nowhere did I note you informing people that it was illegal. Did I miss something in your original post?

The legality of a modification you are advocating is not in my view a minor oversight. Indeed in many cases you may be held legally and/or financially responsible for your advice.

It does no harm to inform people before they spend thier money on this mod and perhaps have it knocked back at warrant time - or worse are held responsible for an accident. It helps them make an informed decision.
Should they then decide to do it - so beit, they do so knowing it may cost them money down the track, just as with speeding etc.

It also does not hurt to offer an acceptable and legal alternative, as I did.
Except it seems that hard arse bikers from the bad lands, like you and DB, apparently would rather everyone show contempt for the law - unless of course DB needs the laws changed, in which case he moans and wails until they are - but that's another story.


ahhhh the joys of miscommunication.

you are serious... now I am going to get sued FFS.

I havn't "advocated" anything just providing some input into the wonderful KB world....

Chill out... life goes on.

Bored... off to fit an illegal muffler

[Gremlin]

Mr Gremlin, Sir - what is a +90% bulb?
Not one of those stupid, annoying and overpriced blue-tinted ones?


No, they're a legitimate bulb... generally the manufacturers (Philips, Narva, Hella) also make a blue tinge wank wank bulb as well. Basically it's up to 90% more lumen output for the same wattage in. To achieve that it's a change in filament, internal gas, or just by using a thinner (thus more delicate, shorter life) filament, or a combination of all of them. They do work well, but they're not cheap, and don't last as long.
Pretty much as imdying has said Mr Vifferman.

I've used the +50% for quite a while, life has been quite suitable, but I have only had the +90% for a couple of months.

I ride a lot at night, on gravel too, so I'm happy to pay more for the bulbs, and a little more frequently, as the extra range/warning given by them is fantastic.