| Author | Message | ||
     Longshot |
About 6000 miles ago, I installed a DDM 35w kit in place of the stock low beam on my 2010 Long. This weekend, I noticed that there are patches on the reflector where the chrome plating is simply gone - mostly right around the base of the bulb, but also directly above the portion of the bulb that actually illuminates. I'm guessing the HID bulb just runs too hot, but then again, I've seen on BadWeb that the stock bulb can do a number on the reflectors as well. I'll try running just the stock high beam for the next while and see if it causes similar damage to its reflector. | ||
| Reepicheep |
If the HID is running right, it runs cooler than the original bulb. I measured it. Did you change the wiring so you run both high beam and low beam at the same time? I was measuring the HID and normal beam temps to decide if I wanted to do that or not. I decided not too once I saw how hot things were. For what that's worth... | ||
| Longshot |
....and I come back here to find my reply never got posted. No, Reepicheep, I only have one beam on at a time. I wanted to preserve the high-flash ability. Do you recall what the measured operating temps were for the HID vs stock? If the HID really is cooler, then perhaps the damage I'm seeing is due to the fact that the low beam (HID) is on way more often than the high (stock). | ||
| Reepicheep |
I don't recall. But I can try and remember to check it when I get home. I'll fire up both the HID and the high beam cold, run them for 60 seconds, then read both temps. It's an infrared thermometer though, not the best, but probably fine if I do it after the lights are back off. Feel free to remind me if I forget.  | ||
| Buford |
Had the same issue on my XB12S. Replaced the headlight assembly and wow, what a difference. Installed the newer version (not sure if it has upgraded reflective material..)and it has made one heck of a difference. | ||
| Kevmean |
The reason Hid are brighter than halogen is because they convert more of the energy to light rather than heat output. I have heard that the type of light can sometimes be more damaging to reflectors though but don't know if that is fact or fiction. | ||
| Longshot |
Buford, how much run time do you have on the new unit? My bike is a 2010, so unless somebody can show me otherwise, I have to assume I have the latest version of the headlight assembly. A bunch of online digging reveals that HID lamps put out a lot of UV. The high-quality lamps are made of quartz or are specially coated to block the UV as it leaves the bulb. The cheaper ones don't filter out the UV, which then damages the reflector and lens. I'm looking at replacing the assembly and just switching back to the stock bulb. I've been running just the halogen high beam for weeks now with no apparent damage to that reflector or lens. | ||
| Froggy |
I've seen stock bulbs damage the reflectors, the HID bulbs are no worse. | ||
| Buford |
Well, about 2mo on the 07 XB12. Not an everyday driver, but so far the new housing has made a bunch of difference. | ||
| Longshot |
Buford, are you still using an HID in the new housing? My Buell is now put away for the winter - no road salt for me. I'll replace the housing before it comes back out in the spring. No, fellow BadWebbers, I am not bikeless for the winter. I've got a beater of an '04 Vulcan 500, and except for maintenance downtime, it's a daily driver. | ||
| Buford |
Just came across this..sorry.. Yes, am using HID lamps and they are still VERY bright! | ||
| Mesozoic |
I've got an '08 Long with stock housing and DDM 35W 6000K; reflector is starting to discolor from heat. Do I have the most up to date housing? | ||
| Froggy |
Mesozoic, only 2009/2010 models came with the newest headlamp assembly which improves the light output. I haven't heard anything that states the reflectors in those last longer either, but given that those bikes are newer I haven't really heard of failures with them yet. | ||
| Mesozoic |
Thanks. Got a part number for the headlamp assembly? If it's got better materials in use it ought to outperform mine in the discoloration department. |
