21 replies to this topic

[Atesz792]

I've been wondering about HID ugrades for the 9er.
Seems like the general consensus is that stock headlights don't do much as is, but work OK with an HID set.
Sooo, I'm a bit lost here, never needed HID before so no experience.
First, 35 or 55 watt? Some sites (that don't sell 55w) suggest the latter can melt plastics, a big no-no. Would be nice to have all the light output possible though.
Next, H7R bulbs. Think they would be the way to go for low beam, but what about high beam? Seems counter-productive to me.
Would also be interested in opinions about colour temp, I ubderstand 5000K would put out the most light, but 6000K just looks so cool.
Also fast start ballasts. One site (don't want to advertise) promises 0.1 second start up for high beam use, is that even possible?
Thank you.

[steve27bha]

HID lamps are now a FAIL on MOT tests, so don't fit one.

 

I removed my own (dip only) for the last MOT.

 

Find a good conventional bulb - RiDE magazine did tests late last year and peeps here have commented on their experiences - do a Search. Note that higher power bulbs tend to have a shorter life.

[TKH]

Mine failed MOT last year for quick start(almost instant)  high beam HID.

 

Colour temp wise, when I had HIDs I tried 6000k and got one that was blue and another that was cold white so from my experience depends on who's selling it!

 

I'm with steve27bha. Nightbreakers are a popular option. Some people on here have supplemented there standard lights with spots, etc.

[dapleb]

You might consider it an "upgrade" whilst oncoming traffics eyeballs may not agree!!

[Atesz792]

Hence the mention of H7R, I don't want to blind anyone. Those should reduce glare significantly.
I also live in Hungary, have just ridden an hour or two and a couple oncoming cars obviously had HID kits installed, so I think it should not be an issue.

[divvxj]

You might consider it an "upgrade" whilst oncoming traffics eyeballs may not agree!!

 

+1 . but at least they couldn't SMIDSY me 

[Studley Ramrod]

Welcome to Carpe.

 

In answer to yer question, yes, you can get fast starting HID kits these days.  Personally, I'd just fit some high power halogen bulbs like the nightbreakers,  some hid kits seem to be impossibly bright over here, leave you looking at floaters when you've passed someone using them.

[ramo]

Led are instant, no lag

[Atesz792]

Thanks for the welcome and the answers!
Also considering LED, that's what I originally wanted TBH, but reviews are not very reassuring. Started to read through the threads on this site, and a lot of them contained info about HID kits.
Must have been old threads.
Anyway, I posted an introduction in the appropriate thread yesterday!
Had a lovely ride this afternoon, this bike is great.

[steve27bha]

If you do not have the worry of failing a roadworthyness test like the UK's MOT then H7R are required (mainly to produce the correct shape of light spread in a Reflector lamp unit rather than a projector lens, not just to shield the glare) plus a resetting of the headlight aim downwards. Even after I had adjusted mine to the same level as the standard bulbs a friend I was following said he could not see my indicators working. I dropped the aim lower and overcame that problem.

 

I never had anyone flash me for blinding them but I did spend some time doing the adjustments carefully.

 

I contributed a "how to" post on here with pictures of my HID install - do a Search if you are still interested.

 

You should also edit your own personal details to show where you live since we will otherwise assume you are in the UK.

[chrisr]

I fitted an hid to my 2004 on low beam, much better than standard, I understand it passed the mot after I sold it to AliG with no comment from the tester.......

[TKH]

 

+1 . but at least they couldn't SMIDSY me 

 

I agree but tell the muppet that banned HIDs for bikes.

[jiff]

........if that’s the choice, I’d rather refrain from blinding others (or indeed being blinded by them)
and proceed a little more cautiously...

....got Nightbreakers myself, and find them perfectly adequate, but then I’m a ‘city boy’(not! not!)
v.little nadgery night time running along muddy paths strewn with tree roots and dead foxes

I imagine that fitting spots,carefully placed and adjusted, would be a logical next step up

Jiff

[Atesz792]

Thanks for the info, keep it coming please.
Tell me more about the Nightbreakers, how do they compare to HID?
As previously mentioned I don't have experience with the latter, but have an H4 Night Breaker Unlimited in the GS500F and I'm satisfied with it, but that's a completely different application.

 

@Edit: tried to edit profile but haven't found the space for location data.

Edited by Atesz792, 19 March 2019 - 11:23 am.

[LewisBlackburn]

I got the night breakers in mine years ago and they certainly give out more light. Problem with my TDM headlights is the pattern is useless. 

I just got some driving lights and use them when I need too. They are angled down so shouldn't blind oncoming cars. 

 

I would imagine the headlight pattern on the 900 is better?  

 

Also, good to see another previous GS500F rider ! Same as what I came from to the TDM

Edited by LewisBlackburn, 19 March 2019 - 11:42 am.

[jiff]

I agree but tell the muppet that banned HIDs for bikes.

.....not sure how that happened, but presumably it is either a consequence of badly adjusted hids,
or maybe hids are inherrently blinding, wherever they are sited or however adjusted... don’t know
but would be interested in INFORMED opinion.

Jiff

[steves100uk]

Hi all.
Just after jumping in and asking a question. I know hid are a fail on mot. What about if you do the full protector mod on the headlight. Would that be a fail.
Thanks
Steve.

[ramo]

.....not sure how that happened, but presumably it is either a consequence of badly adjusted hids,
or maybe hids are inherrently blinding, wherever they are sited or however adjusted... don’t know
but would be interested in INFORMED opinion.

Jiff

 My Blackbird has had the same HID fitted for 7 years, pattern is spot on(told by 3 different  MOT testers I always asked)

but  now told not acceptable because its HID?

Section 4.1.4

 

"Some motorcycles may be fitted with high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps. Existing halogen headlamp units shouldn’t be converted to be used with HID bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp."

 

here's the MOT manual

 

https://www.mot-test...tml#section_4.1

[Favs]

And here's the culprit from HM Govt. site............. (so it's all about the money then?).

 

Why the changes were made

The changes were introduced as part of EU Directive 2014/45, which came into effect on 20 May 2018.

The UK voted to leave the EU in the 23 June 2016 EU referendum. The government is now preparing to leave the EU in the best possible way for the UK’s national interest.

However, the UK was still an EU member on 20 May 2018 when the directive came into force. The UK government could have faced ongoing substantial fines if it didn’t introduce the changes.

There’s also a risk that vehicles without a compliant EU MOT would not be allowed into other EU countries.

 

 

And another interesting bit...............

 

A headlamp or a daytime running lamp (DRL) can function as a front position lamp. The DRL must switch off when the headlamp(s) are switched on and the engine is running.

 

 

Does that mean no DRLs allowed on headlight always on bikes?

Edited by Favs, 19 March 2019 - 07:17 pm.

[dablik]

Looks like Al, i think much will depend on how anal yer mot man wants to be re drl's, hid's appear a definitive no no.