| Author | Message | ||
     Lightningstrikes |
I'm seriously contemplating purchasing a HID kit for the Buell. I have been disappointed with the light output of the low beams and always feel i'm over driving the headlights when I'm riding the speed limit. I installed HID on my truck and I'm very pleased with the results. I took the flyscreen off my XB9S today to look at the set up and it doesn't look like there is enough room to mount a ballast under there let alone 2 ballasts. Has anyone installed HID lights on the lightning and where did you mount the ballasts? | ||
| Ccryder |
Some ballasts are smaller than others but most can be wired-tied in a convienent location up behind/ around the flyscreen. Depending on your model XB will depend on how much realestate you have available. Plus the length of the HV wire is a limiting factor. I know some don't like after market HID kits but, I have used 4 different sets and REALLY like them! My one issue with running an HID capsule on a dedicated high beam is that HID's take a few seconds to reach full illumination. If you are flicking it on for a 5-20 second glimpse down the road, most of that time will be spent warming up. Some of the GEN III ballasts are much better but I don't have personal experience. If you can find one of the kits that has a shutter to open/ close for hi/ low then the warm up is not an issue. Hella makes a REAL nice set up but pricey. Josh has a really nice pair (of lights) on his BMW cage but one would expect nothing less! Time2Roll Neil S. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Here ya go! http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?tpc=3842&post=802603#POST802603 The rest of that thread has great info as well. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I will be moving mine to the location inside the airbox void space. | ||
| Ccryder |
Bill: Great write up! On my ST1300 I just used a switch since I'm not electrically inclined. I did find some relays that have a delay to them which would do what you did but, I ran out of time in my ST instal so just took the "easy" way out. Neil S. | ||
| Reepicheep |
The delay was useful and fun to put together, but is by no means necessary. | ||
| Littlefield |
Some of the HID's are coming with 2 separate, smaller boxes now. I got mine from Aerostitch and it's like that. The relay and one box goes under the seat or where ever and only the small ignitor box has to go fairly close to the bulb. Easier to install. | ||
| Ccryder |
All of the HID instructions I have seen caution you about low voltage or multiple starts. Both can be detrimental to the ballasts. ie: lights cut out for starting, DRL's or, lights that come on when you remotely unlock your vehicle. On my ST1300 I installed a switch to control a relay that sent power to the HID system. Through habit, I turn it off during my shut down procedure. In 50,000+ miles I have maybe erred a handful of times. They are still running GREAT! Since that relay also controls power to my GPS, XM and, radar detector I'm quickly reminded if I forget to turn it on (What happened to my Stevie Ray???). FWIW, what type bulb (H4, H3, H7) are the 1125r's running for hi/ low beams? Time2Work Neil S. |
