HID lights, Anyone actually using them?

[Neosophist]

FFS! I just wrote a big reply and it didn't post.

Having checked, the bulbs I have are Philps Rally H4 90/100watt bulbs.

You didn't post out how you worked that the generator wouldn't cope (even with 130's it should be ok).

The relay mod is recommended for ALL jap bikes that originally ran 35watt low beam bulbs, even an HID kit is likely to melt the switch over-time, which is what this relay mod is for, so this is a moot point.

You completely side-stepped the issue of these kits being hacks that produce the wrong kind of light. Regardless of if they are brighter or produce less heat, even if you adjust them so they don't blind anyone else, the light will be in the wrong places at the wrong intensity, this comprimises your vision and is the biggest reason why these kits are rubbish. They don't work.

The original manufactureres don't make kits themselves becuase HID work is complex and every model of vehicle requires a specific set-up, which is why they only sell to OEM's. Instead chinese companies have assembled their own kits based on bits of parts strung together with a custom made loom and a hacked bulb.

Originally Hi-low kits were two bulbs glued together! newer kits work by a little solenoid opening a metal flap to allow more light from the bulb.

The HID kits also use ballasts, what happens when a ballst fails, or a bulb fails. Where do you get replacements? The bulbs are hacked so you can't just buy one from halfords.

If you use a projector housing kit you can just re-fit a standard HID bulb. But even these kits are made up by chiense people so spares might not be readily available.

You can find plenty of stories on HID forums where people have brought kits that have failed and not been able to get replacement parts.

Even the higher-wattage H4 bulbs are not ideal, they have a shorter life, many are not uv cut so damage plastic lenses but the main point is they shine light where it is supposed to go at the right intensity.

I found good results with the NC35 to ouput decent light with a good set of H4's (osram nightbreakers / philips extreme) providing the lamp unit is in good condition and not worn out.

[tanto]

I am here in Thailand and the roads are poorly lit and after living in the US and having a moto with them they are by far the best for overall visibility and assessing the horizon on dark roads.

Thanks in advance

Hi JAFO! An NC30 and living in sunny Thailand - welcome to Paradise! Judging by all the legalise quoted by Neosophist, living in the UK's no fun.

I'm very short of time, and two previous versions of this message have failed to "Save". Here's the precis:

First off, I bought a HID kit for my NC30 last month. I haven't had time to fit it yet, but I can offer the following by way of a guide. I did alot of research.

- Yes, H4.

- Projector lens. Fit a Bi-xenon Morimoto Mini D2S 2.0, $110.00 from Retrofitsource.com. If you join their HIDPlanet Forum you can get a lower price, and an even lower price if you're okay with a "second". Excellent reputation, good price, and excellent customer service when I asked some technical questions and about shipping to Thailand. The contact is Matt@. The package arrived in Chiang Mai around one week after the order was placed (ships from the US).

- HID kit. I would recommend the "Digital Slim H4-3(9003) Bi-Xenon HID Kit" from VVME.com, usually $70.99. Good price and reputation, and they gave excellent customer service when I asked about shipping to Thailand. FWIW, they ship from China, and declare the lights at $25 for customs purposes. The contact is Jessie (oddly, jonna@vvme.com), and she gave me a price of $78 inc shipping. The package turned up in Chiang Mai four days later.

- Fitting. I'm not using a standard fairing so the hardware side of my bi-xenon fittings will be different to yours. At a guess though, I'd say fitting the kit above to the original light mounts will be easier. You might want to shorten the various leads for bike use, in which case allow some time for soldering (make sure you solder!).

There's plenty of discussion about HID on the Adventure Riders' Forum, and bi-xenon and LED lighting systems in particular.

When I get a bit of time, I hope in a couple of weeks time, I'll fit the lights and post details of the experience on "Tanto's New Redhead". Before that, perhaps some of the above will help.

[Man_Named_Dave]

Hi JAFO! An NC30 and living in sunny Thailand - welcome to Paradise! Judging by all the legalise quoted by Neosophist, living in the UK's no fun.

Living here's ok.

You know what's NOT fun? Getting twatted off your bike because you've got crappy lights, or dazzling other motorists and putting them in danger.