HID Headlight Question?

[CdnVffer]

My question is has anyone converted their headlights to HID, if so did you find any power problems or installation problems. Also how is the difference with the HID as I have ordered a HID set for my 99' 5th Gen Vffer for better lighting of course. Any thoughts on this question would be greatly appreciated such as where is the best place to put the ballast component?

[VFRShorty]

I have a HID kit on my bike and experienced no problems from it. The stock light on my bike was SO bad at night the reflective stripes on my fiance's jacket wouldn't light up unless I was right on his tail.... The HID light was SO much better, didn't even need high beams but at the same time it wasn't blinding to others. I liked the light so much I made sure to get a care with HIDs when I bought a new (to me) one.

[Fizz]

The lamps themselves are a direct swap, what youhave to worry about is the wiring.

Did you get a hi/lo kit or just lo-beams only?

[CdnVffer]

No problem with powering the HID's with the R/R, you know causing any problems by adding the HID's? That's my only concern that the new lighting might overload the R/R? You haven't experienced any problems like that?

[CdnVffer]

I got Hi/Lo

[Fizz]

Originally Posted by CdnVffer

No problem with powering the HID's with the R/R, you know causing any problems by adding the HID's? That's my only concern that the new lighting might overload the R/R? You haven't experienced any problems like that?

HIDs draw less current than standard halogens after starting. It's only the initial arc and a few seconds after that draw more juice.

[bakchizhai]

I Also understand it's lower operating current but high start up, but I'd assume the wiring from the HID package are designed to handle this?

Could you do a picture write-up of how you hooked things up? I might do this in the future.

[Fizz]

Originally Posted by bakchizhai

I Also understand it's lower operating current but high start up, but I'd assume the wiring from the HID package are designed to handle this?

Could you do a picture write-up of how you hooked things up? I might do this in the future.

I'll see if I can find the diagram I had.... I've been out of the industry for a while.

[julianivfr]

I recommend using a relay harness which will draw power directly from the battery.

I did promise to do a write-up. Please bear with me. On my day off later this week, I will post a complete write up with vendor info and installation. I will only be able to describe the wiring process without close-up pics of the ballasts and wires, though. I have close-up pics of the kits being installed on my bike, but not of the kits themselves. I have a couple of unused kits I can take pics of when I make it back home in a couple of weeks.

The start-up draw shouldn't be a problem on the battery at all. The ballasts act as coils, so there'll be nothing to worry about. I have used HID kits for years, and they have never caused me battery problems.

[SilverSurfer800]

My understanding is a lot of states have made the aftermarket HID light kits illegal. It seems the reflector patern of most vehicles are made for the halogen lamps from the factory. The HID dispurse light differently and at a higher intensity so the reflector amplifies the light and in some cases causes glare to on-coming vehicle operators eyes. The suggestion is if the kit doesn't come with the reflectors then you should look for one that does for the best effect. Check your local laws before installing to save yourself a ticket.

[FJ12rydertoo]

Motorcyclist magazine talks about aftermarket HID and the problem with reflectors in this month's issue. They say the light scatters a lot and it's an iffy proposition.

[BenzTech]

V-LEDS.COM High Power, SMT, Super Bright LEDs, HID Headlight Kits, Automotive Interior & Exterior LED Bulbs sells a great kit for our bikes with a few choices of reflectors, they are very knowledgeable about the setup of the systems, the first bike set they put together was on my bike, best upgrade for lighting and visibility.