Put in a HID headlight kit

[socalrob]

Yesterday had the dealer put in a HID headlight kit. Its the one that uses a single bulb for high & low beam, a solenoid wiggles the bulb position to create the high beam.

Went riding last night about 10 to 11:30 pm. Was a bit chilly, but wanted to check out the light.

This is the light BMW should have put in. Its much brighter on both low & high beam. I think they claim 4 time brighter, I'd guess thats at least right. The light is very white, I even noticed it during the day at about 4 pm reflecting back off of stuff. I think the HID white light will be better visible to cagers during the day. It actually kind of hurts to look directly at it (kind of like an arc welder). At night the reflective signs & lane reflectors are way brighter that before. I'm still fine tuning the aim, if I aim it on low beam to maximize distance light, then on high beam the lights a bit high (leaves the road a bit darker right in front.). Of course I thought the same thing with the standard headlight. I'm actually intending to put on Motolights, which I understand give good light close to the bike. That would work very well in conjunction with the high beams.

On low beam the HID is very bright, but the pattern did not disturb other drivers, at least I didn't get flashed. I was running on a dark freeway at 85mph indicated with total comfort at not overdriving the lights. Have not really had it out on a deserted freeway to try highbeams & 100mph runs at night yet. I work till 3 or 4 am from time to time, so one of those nights I'll try it out.

The high/low toggle switch works just as well as it did with the standard bulb. To give an idea of how effective the HID light is, I'd say that my bike is now lighting the road at least as well as my cars do. Always before I thought the bike light was a bit weak.


All in all, pretty expensive ($400 plus $150 installation), but as I do ride at night I think its worth it. IMHO, lights are just as important as say suspension parts or comfort seats. Now if I just get the Motolights I'll be set.

Rob

[DJ Downunder]

Nice...thanks for the report...it sounds great...what mods are needed to be done to the bike and light..I don't know much about HID...are the globes expencive..do they last long..does it look any different to look at.

DJ

[hotzuk]

Hey Socialrob,

What HID kit did you purchase for the install? Any weblinks and pricing are greatly appreciated

[beemerphile]

I got my bixenon HID light at http://www.gothid.com It was part number:

HID- XP6024-CC (Chrome)

It retails for $578 but they sold it to me for $400. This same outfit operates http://www.suvlights.com I started there looking at an Osram/Sylvania light that cost $400 and he led me to the XP6024 as a better light. I asked him how it was $178 better and he said he'd sell it to me for the same $400 so I bit on it. Very nice item. As far as installation, it is a direct replacement as the ballast is contained within the unit. Just hook up the same three wires to it. I am putting this in the nose of a Hannigan fairing but I am not sure whether it will fit the R1150R stock headlight shell. The Hannigan is a 7" light but I don't know what the BMW has. If you call the contact number at the web site they may be able to talk you through it.

Regarding run life, the HID's last much longer than halogens and they are nearly immune to vibration, which is nice on a bike.

[socalrob]

Beemerphile, yours looks like a better solution than mine. I got a kit that my dealer, Brown's Motor Works in Pomona CA had. Its Japanese, sorry but I didn't pay to close attention. It does have a seperate ballast that they zip tied to the frame under the tank. I was always looking for a one peice switchout, yours sounds perfect.

Mine was $400 plus $150 instaled. The HID light is supposed to last forever unles smashed. I figure the balast is what whould go out.

I was skeptical of the bulb wiggle thing to get a high beam, but I will say it works just the same as a standard high beam, no perceptible delay at all.

By the way, NippyNorman.com, the web site linked in DJ's post on horns, also has HID kits.

[beemerphile]

I was skeptical of the bulb wiggle thing to get a high beam, but I will say it works just the same as a standard high beam, no perceptible delay at all.

This is the only way to do a bi-xenon because it takes too long to get the bulb up to temperature to switch beams like a halogen or incandescent. Most of the lights on the market use a HID low beam and a Halogen high beam. They leave the low beam (HID) element on during high beam use. Bi-xenons rule.

[bimrluvr]

http://www.coolbulbs.com/HIDKits_body.asp

HID for motorcycle with H4 Hi/Lo for $315.
Hi/Lo achieved by reflector that moves, rather than bulb that moves.

[boxermania]

beemerphile......that looks like a neat and very helpful upgrade. I'm still undecided since I don't do much night riding.

However, my interest got peaked again, I have a friend that approached me with two landing lights from a 737. I think I'm going to need a larger alternator.........and a fire extinguisher........

[beemerphile]

beemerphile......that looks like a neat and very helpful upgrade. I'm still undecided since I don't do much night riding.

However, my interest got peaked again, I have a friend that approached me with two landing lights from a 737. I think I'm going to need a larger alternator.........and a fire extinguisher........

Not to mention a higher voltage alternator. The 737 has 28 volt DC systems and 115 volt AC systems. I believe the landing lights are on the 115vAC power. - Lee

[boxermania]

Oops,,,,well, that goes to show you how much I know about airplane power systems.

I'll have to forgo that option, I would be most embarrision having to reel out a power cord all the way to the house.....yes, I know after a few hundred feet the voltage drop would be significant........