Re: HID lights, Anyone actually using them?
Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2011 4:48 am
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.
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.