Upgrade to HID: worth the dosh?

Hi Chaps,

I'm considering fitting HID lights to my GSX750F. Now and again I'm riding
on unlit roads at night and I decided a bit more light coming out of the
front would be quite nice. Anyone retrofit HIDs to a bike? And are you
pleased with them? I've just sort of taken it for granted that it's not all
hype and that they really are noticeably brighter than halogen bulbs.

One concern is that one Web site I looked at said be careful because HID
lights used lenses to aim the beam rather than reflectors and so fitting
them to existing headlamp units may be illegal. Other sites like
http://www.novablue.co.uk/ seem to be selling them without any suggestion
this might be the case. I wouldn't like to spend £150 and then fail my next
MoT.

 

Sucking his keyboard for inspiration, Rudy Lacchin typed:

For cars, type approval means that HID lamps can only be fitted where the
car has self-levelling suspension. Not sure if this applies to a retro-fit,
or if it applies to bikes (I would doubt it), but it does indicate that
there are issues beyond just having brighter lights. Headlight aim on a
bike is much more sensitive to load conditions than on a car. For much
less, you can get the standard bulbs marketed as 50% brighter (Philips
Vision?) - these really are a significant improvement on standard, and
because they draw the same current have no wiring or legal issues. And they
are a **** of a sight cheaper.

 

Rich B submitted this idea :

That is what I have done to both car (6x lamps) and bike (2x lamps).
They definitely provide a worth while improvement.

 

Yes it's worthwhile.

No, I don't think it would pass an MOT.

But... and here's the tricky bit... maybe you could put the normal bulb
back in for the MOT.

Car drivers *will* flash lights at you and attempt to blind you with
their full beam. You *will* need even brighter main beam, can I
recommend PIAA spots. Just the fucking job.

 

Wrong.

They need a self levelling headlamp unit, not self levelling suspension.

 

Sucking his keyboard for inspiration, SteveH typed:

I sit extremely corrected.

 

Sucking his keyboard for inspiration, Nige typed:

As in other reply, I *meant* self-levelling lights. You are right. What I
mean and what I write are often entirely different, depending on time of
day, tiredness, blood-alcohol level, phase of moon and many other variables.

 

Sucking his keyboard for inspiration, Nige typed:

It had to happen, Nige. Law of averages and all that.

 

Sucking his keyboard for inspiration, Nige typed:

I was agreeing with you, you silly trollop.

 

Sucking his keyboard for inspiration, Nige typed:

There are some insults that are just too much to bear, especially for an
exiled Leeds lad. I'm very very upset. I shall have to go and seduce a
sheep, soonest.

Bum fluff.

 

Although even if they don't have them, I know of at least 4 people (one is
my brother) who have retro-fitted HIDs and have never failed an MOT on
them...

 

Hrt is the answer ;o)

--
Greybeard

FLHR -03 UK (95 cu-in Stg 2. Big Boy2!)
Trumpet Trophy 1200-03
Garmin Zumo 550, To get me home!

ukrm@foxtails[dot]co[dot]uk

 

Technically, it shouldn't, but IME it probably will...

 

Sucking his keyboard for inspiration, Greybeard typed:

It may be, but I have forgotten the fucking question.

 

Sucking his keyboard for inspiration, Nige typed:

Necessity.

 

Accompanied by the sound of a chisel on slate Rich

Type approval means that Xenon headlights have to be self-levelling. Bugger
all to do with the car having self-levelling suspension.


--
Pete M - OMF#9
"Save your breath for cooling your porridge!
W&P Range Rover V8 Turbo
Scorpio Ultima 24v
Tatra 805

 

Oki doki, thanks everyone, I've ordered a couple of Philips X-Treme - I'll
give them a go before thinking about HID.

 

No, but I can't see it being that hard.

Hmm... "one careful owner".

 

Blimey that takes me back.

Back to when I had 100/90 bulbs in my BX.

Plus a pair of Cibie Oscar driving lights with 100 watt bulbs.

Plus a pair of Cibie Oscar spot lights with 100 watt bulbs.

I just recall coming up behind a Volvo that was sat at 60 in the middle
lane of the M5... Click on relay one... click on relay two... Flash!

Beautiful!

 

Position is everything. Bog standard 55w H3 bulbs will render the majority
your bitch if they're high enough and far enough apart.