HID HEADLIGHT

[NEMESIS]

Now i know theres been enough talk about them,
but i wanted one on my bike,because standard,
the busa headlight is shithouse.

After talking to a reputable shop,
he was telling me he doesnt recommend them
because it burns out the lense.

How much truth is there to this?

Cuz i really dont wanna be riding round with that
shit night vision again.

[big kev]

Now i know theres been enough talk about them,
but i wanted one on my bike,because standard,
the busa headlight is shithouse.

After talking to a reputable shop,
he was telling me he doesnt recommend them
because it burns out the lense.

How much truth is there to this?

Cuz i really dont wanna be riding round with that
shit night vision again.

i never heard of them burning out the lense ??

[NEMESIS]

Yeh thats what he was tryin to tell me :S

I wasnt buyin it though.
But i thought, a few on this board have them so il
see what they have to say.

[steventh]

Hi Nemisis,

My opinion and experience;

I had HID on my K7 for 8 months or more prior to selling it and I did not notice any "burning" of the lens. In that time I used the bike everyday (probably did at least 30,000km) so the lights were on for long periods of time (say 30,000km at ave speed of 60km = 500 hrs) with no discolouration.

Why would they burn the lens? They are brighter but generate less heat than a filament bulb (I think). I have heard that the plastic lens have some UV protective coating but again dont know why this would be affected.

If it does affect the lens it would do so over a long period of time - probably longer than you would keep the bike. If you noticed discolouration you can always change back to normal.

I am currently installing HID on my K8 and have no concerns about damaging the lens.

Steventh

[NEMESIS]

Hi Nemisis,

My opinion and experience;

I had HID on my K7 for 8 months or more prior to selling it and I did not notice any "burning" of the lens. In that time I used the bike everyday (probably did at least 30,000km) so the lights were on for long periods of time (say 30,000km at ave speed of 60km = 500 hrs) with no discolouration.

Why would they burn the lens? They are brighter but generate less heat than a filament bulb (I think). I have heard that the plastic lens have some UV protective coating but again dont know why this would be affected.

If it does affect the lens it would do so over a long period of time - probably longer than you would keep the bike. If you noticed discolouration you can always change back to normal.

I am currently installing HID on my K8 and have no concerns about damaging the lens.

Steventh

Oh ok cool
Which kit did you buy,or use for your k7!?

[Gnarbunkle99]

All bullshift about burning polycarbonate lenses reflectors. Yes the globe gets hot but no hotter than a normal globe. I put my infrared thermometer up against my HID and normal high beam and the high beam gives off heaps of infrared which heats the lenses. In comparison the hid gives off very little infrared so I'd hazard to guess and say that the opposite is true. Just do the low beam don't waste money on a high beam hid.

[steventh]

Nemisi,

I bought an HID car kit from eBay. It was a car kit so I got two lights and ballasts for about $120-150.

The car HIDs are 50 or 55w but may be too strong as they are annoying to other dirvers- even in the middle of the day with correctly aimed lights.

I have a snother bike and I have installed the 35w HIDs (also a car kit and cheaper than the 55w) which I am happy with and I get less grief from other drivers. Even the 35w gvie much more light than the best "normal" globe.

I agree with Gnarbunkle, dont worry about the high beam. I am only putting the low beam HID in my K8. The low beam is so good you wont need a high beam. Also as these lights take a few seconds to warm up you cannot "flash" your lights. Handy for indicating that you dont have your HIDs on high beam or to indicate you want to pass or the driver in from is an idiot etc.

If you are only going to use the one light get both lamps the same so that you have a spare set. IF you wnat to use both Hi and Lo and you are buying from ebay specify that the vendor will give differnet globes in the one kit (Gen 1 and Gen 2 use an H7 globe for low beam, Hi Beam Gen 1 = HB3 and Gen 2 = H9). The supplier I used was happy to do this at no extra cost. The ballasts are the same irrespective of the globe.

You also dont need the more expensive slim line ballasts as there is enough room for the stndard (cig pack size) ballasts.

Hope this helps.

Steventh

[cheeky]

my auto electrician quoted me top of the line hid's $500 with electrical box..

decided against it as we dont do a real lot of night riding..

got on order instead pair of phillips bulbs $80 for the pair..

should light up easily 25 metres in front.

keno showed me how to remove the front end so hoping they turn up soon

[NEMESIS]

Thank you everyone,
Which ones are you running gnarbs?
Off who?
An you as well steventh!

[Gnarbunkle99]

Mine is ancient history, Mculloch brand from the States, still going strong after at least 6 years of service. Too pricy by todays standards.

[simmo]

All bullshift about burning polycarbonate lenses reflectors. Yes the globe gets hot but no hotter than a normal globe. I put my infrared thermometer up against my HID and normal high beam and the high beam gives off heaps of infrared which heats the lenses. In comparison the hid gives off very little infrared so I'd hazard to guess and say that the opposite is true. Just do the low beam don't waste money on a high beam hid.

Yep I put my high beam back to a normal bulb/set up but a brighter one.

[steventh]

Hi Nemesis,

I looked for the details but could not find who I bought them from on ebay

If you are concerned about the supplier look at their Feedback Score. If it is around 99% positive you should have no trouble. You can see the detailed responses as well which may have comments about the particular product.

Cheers

Steven

[NEMESIS]

Cool, im just dissapointed how the store wanted to steer me in the other
direction an advise not to get one.
Busa headlight is shit, why the F should i put up with it ya know?
An its not like you can say oh maybe this or that,i bought the damn bike
brand new!!!!
I ride alot at night so i would prefer the better vision.

Il keep yous posted on how i go.
Thanks to all.

[Gnarbunkle99]

I do believe that in NSW at least it is illegal to upgrade to HID with vehicles not fitted with hid as standard. Personally never had any hassles, IMO it's safer to see and be seen.

[steventh]

I do believe that in NSW at least it is illegal to upgrade to HID with vehicles not fitted with hid as standard. Personally never had any hassles, IMO it's safer to see and be seen.

gnarbunkle,
I belive that is correct but nationally not just in NSW. Apparently HIDs as original equipment (ie most euro cars) are OK bc the vehicles comply with ADRs but aftermarket HIDs are not ADR compliant.

Similiar to you I have had no issues especially if they are aimed properly not to distracting to others or dangerous. I have created a post in the How to section on aiming HIDs with is worth a look if installing new lights.

Cheers