G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile


Buell Motorcycle Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » Archive through June 03, 2009 » Hi - Low Beams « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Drkside79
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 12:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Just curious is there a way to turn the Buells High Low beams to more like a cars high low beams. i.e. both on when low and when you turn on the brights they both get bright.
Thanks in advance
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Union_man
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 01:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I found this on the BadWeb and did the farkle myself...very easy...and free!!!

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/377314.html?1232150797

Have fun!!! It does mak a difference.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Darthane
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 01:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yes, you could do it, but it would require some wiring work, potentially some fabbing to make things fit, and you might end up melting something if you're not careful.

In my opinion, if that operation is something you really, really desire, would be to go with an HID kit. HIDs do not have a 'high' and 'low' filament, they simply have a shutter to allow the full range of the light to operate on high versus only the lower half for low.

HID kits can be had fairly cheap and there is several really good threads for how to do it (for various XB bikes) buried in the archives.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Sleez
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 09:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

the problem with our lights, is the reflectors in them are focused for single operation, you would need to find reflectors to replace the ones in the housing to do it "right", otherwise you would have one heck of a time getting them aimed right without one always being brighter/higher!!

i planned on doing this myself, real easy, but the reflector thing is the issue. i decided to just add a full time HID in the low, and i run a pair of aux lights with the high beam, works great so far.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ochoa0042
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 09:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

'cuse me, but for non-XBR-lights, only one light is on at a time?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Darthane
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 10:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yes, for the S and Uly, the only way that both lights are on at the same time is when FTP is pressed. Toggling between hi and lo beams actually turns one off as it switches to the other. I'm not sure how the 1125 lights work.

There are a variety of things people do to get them both on at once, ranging from simple (and probably not the best idea) to complex modifications, or complete replacements.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Circusninja
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 10:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

So doing this mod with HIDs would be uber-bright?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Darthane
Posted on Saturday, May 30, 2009 - 09:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

HIDs are generally brighter that normal halogen headlights, yes. They are also 'whiter', though you an find them with a variety of slight shading. Many higher-end cars that you see have slight bluish cast to their headlights - those are often HID systems.

There was a company from China selling slimline HID kits that several people here on the board bought and added to their XBs. As far as I know, most of them were satisfied with the product and the installation wasn't too much of a bear. I think the biggest issue was that some modification to the headlamp bracket itself was necessary.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Union_man
Posted on Saturday, May 30, 2009 - 11:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

+1 Sleez... many threads address this it is well documented.
"the problem with our lights, is the reflectors in them are focused for single operation, you would need to find reflectors to replace the ones in the housing to do it "right""

The reflectors are designed for the lumen output of the stock bulbs. HID lights paired with the incorrect reflectors can "Dazzle" the oncoming drivers.

My advice is to try the mod listed above first; it is FREE and does help out quite a bit. The wiring is EASY! If you follow the directions in the link above you should not "melt" anything.

If this is still not enough light the installation of auxiliary HID lights are the way to go. The reflectors are designed for the HID bulbs and you can shut them off when you are in congested areas or when you don't need them. Another benefit is that you can aim the auxiliary lights slightly outward to light up the ditches.

My $.02
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Phazernut
Posted on Saturday, May 30, 2009 - 09:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I did the mod with mine and also put in 2 PIAA Xtreme white lights. Loads of light now.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ourdee
Posted on Saturday, May 30, 2009 - 10:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

On my 08xt I can balance the headlight switch in the middle to run high and low at the same time. I know it is not what you were asking for, but it gives 2 lights at once.
« Previous Next »

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and custodians may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Post as "Anonymous" (Valid reason required. Abusers will be exposed. If unsure, ask.)
Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration