HID Self Buy

[slapnpop]

After a little further research, the horror stories I'd heard of seem to have been thier first generation ballasts and ignitors. The newer designs are reportedly trouble free.

Count me in.

 

[GunMD]

Nighttime driving can be quite stressful to me...this will help big time.

I'm in.

 

[BrunDog]

Hey YT--You filibustering up there?  :bleh:

WC: Anticipate any install issues w/regard to the actual lamp? Should be drop in, no? Then mount/install the ballast?

This is a direct plug-n-play kit. No mods of any kind are needed.

This will be even easier than the PHIDs install... the McCulloch ballasts are pretty small, about 3" x3" x1.4":

Hurry up WC!!

I am all over this thing like shrink-wrap!

-BD

 

[FatNakedGuy]

Hey YT--You filibustering up there?  :bleh:

WC: Anticipate any install issues w/regard to the actual lamp? Should be drop in, no? Then mount/install the ballast?

This is a direct plug-n-play kit. No mods of any kind are needed.

This will be even easier than the PHIDs install... the McCulloch ballasts are pretty small, about 3" x3" x1.4":

I'm all in more light but does anyone know if this product will play nice with the Kisan Headlight modulators?

Can't give up the modulator cause it has saved my life more than once.

 

[yanktar]

Hey YT--You filibustering up there? :bleh:

WC: Anticipate any install issues w/regard to the actual lamp? Should be drop in, no? Then mount/install the ballast?

No, just trying to convince myself :bigeyes: :dribble:

 

[XJRGUY]

Questions:

Will we have a choice in what color temperature the bulbs are. From what I've been reading the products in the 3000k to 5300k are the most effective. The higher temperature lights are more bling, but lighting wise bring diminishing returns.

Additionally, at the time of our order, can we make it more of a group buy to open up the kits to not just H4, but also 9005, 9006, etc so we can "group buy" for our cars too?

If so, please pencil me in for:

(1) Bi xenon H4 kit for the FJR

(1) 9005 kit for my XJR

(1) H3 kit (for my Jag's Foglights)

(1) 9007 Bi xenon kit for my Mustang (if available)

Thanks mang!

 

[Toecutter]

The price is going to be astronomically low.... well under $200 for the low-beam only kit (and thats for a PAIR (2) HID lamps!!!!)... The new "Bi-Xenon" moving capsule is what is truly interesting to me....

I am confuse-ed. Does the Bi-Xenon moving capsule provide high and low beam capability to the stock assemblies? And, if so, why would anybody want a low-beam only setup? I'm constantly flipping back and forth at night, due to the fact that the OEM setup doesn't provide enough light (especially in corners) for my liking except on high beam, which oncoming vehicles don't appreciate at all.

 

[exskibum]

Questions:
Will we have a choice in what color temperature the bulbs are. From what I've been reading the products in the 3000k to 5300k are the most effective. The higher temperature lights are more bling, but lighting wise bring diminishing returns.

Additionally, at the time of our order, can we make it more of a group buy to open up the kits to not just H4, but also 9005, 9006, etc so we can "group buy" for our cars too?

If so, please pencil me in for:

(1) Bi xenon H4 kit for the FJR

(1) 9005 kit

(1) 9006 Kit

(1) 9007 kit (if available)

Thanks mang!

Not WC, but I have a suspicion that he'll be hooking up with the same supplier that has been supplying HIDs in a group buy over on the Blackbird site (cbr1100xxforums.org) AFTER adding his own research to the equation to assist us in what to install on the Feejer.

FWIW, the XX uses two single filament H7 bulbs. Initially, the seller was offering 5,300k, 6,000k, 8,000k and 10,000k kits, at least in the single filament H7s. Toward the end, he made the 4,300k kits available, and WC and I were among those who bought those kits. That seller was also offering other kits that some patrons were buying for their cars, trucks, etc., but I don't recall what the k ratings were that were available in them.

I learned a lot from the discussion attending that group buy, much of it from WC. The higher the k rating, the bluer (more bling) the light, but the less useable light. As I understand (haven't mounted mine yet), the 5300k has more useable light than a 6000k but still has some blue, while the 4300k is the most white (sometimes described as more yellow), and is effectively the brightest.

Note that without DOT approval of a specific HID in the bike/vehicle (effectively means: if it wasn't imported with HID), aftermarket HIDs are illegal in the U.S. However, with the whiter lights, it's not easy for the LEO to know what you're running, so it isn't often enforced. On the XX with two single filament bulbs, WC advised that by adjusting the low beam from the standard 31" height to 28.5", no one will be blinded, but that there's no responsible way to use the high beam with someone approaching from the opposite direction. From the google search I did about legality, glare, etc., getting stopped for HIDs appears not to be that common, but the bluer your light (the higher the k rating), the better the chance that a LEO will know that you're running something that is not DOT approved. That was good enough for me -- I ride in forest rat haven, and I intend to ride responsibly with my new HIDs. If I'm coming home at night through the Sierras with no one else on the road, you can bet I'll appreciate the induced daylight lighting up all the lurking forest rats contemplating suicide missions.

I'll await WC's research, because from what I've read, it seems that the ones he's contemplating here have the kind of caps or deflectors that are used to address most of the glare issues that cars (like BMW) that are imported with HIDs have (sans the auto leveler and auto washer required by DOT).

 

[FJRPierre]

Not clear how this works with each H4 having low/high beams. Is this a stock bulb replacement which gives low beam only or ...? Maybe I didn't read the info clearly?

 

[Rogue]

Not clear how this works with each H4 having low/high beams. Is this a stock bulb replacement which gives low beam only or ...? Maybe I didn't read the info clearly?

I think there are two different units.

One is low beam only.

The second is more expensive, It has a motor(?) that moves the lamp back and forth to change from low beam to high beam.

 

[slapnpop]

Rogue is correct, there are two different kits.

#1 is low beam only, just bulbs and balasts and wiring and such.

#2 uses the same bulb part, but has an electrical selenoid that move the bulb in and out of the base slightly, so it moves the HID arc between the positions of the two different H4 filaments. This throws the light onto the two different sections of the stock reflector. There is still only one light source.

I don't think modulators will work at all with this setup. The arc isn't going to respond to voltage fluctuations like a halogen will, and rapidly cutting xenons on and off can damage the electronics and shorten the bulb lifespan.

As for color tempurature.

4500k is the most light. This is what ALL FACTORY HID systems run. If amount of light is your primary concern, DO NOT use any other color spectrum.

~6000k is still very bright, but 5-10% less lumens than 4500k.

8000k+ light gets to be a cool looking color, but starts falling off in intensity much quicker. Also the color will start to fatigue your eyes more easily in long night rides.

 

[Rogue]

I wonder if someone could make a modulator for HID's that switched the solinoid back and forth? What is the life of the solinoid?

 

[Woodstock]

I wonder if someone could make a modulator for HID's that switched the solinoid back and forth? What is the life of the solinoid?

I would think that would wear out the mechanical mechanism pretty quickly.

 

[Toecutter]

As for color tempurature. 4500k is the most light. This is what ALL FACTORY HID systems run. If amount of light is your primary concern, DO NOT use any other color spectrum.

~6000k is still very bright, but 5-10% less lumens than 4500k.

8000k+ light gets to be a cool looking color, but starts falling off in intensity much quicker...

Blue = Cool

Cool = Bling

Bling = Gay

Function over form.

Speed kills. Live forever, ride a Harley. Oops, that kinda slipped out. No offense intended, so please don't go postal. It's a joke, get it?

 

[Warchild]

Damn, I go on a 7 hour flight to a conference in SoCal, wrestle for a couple hours trying to get my wireless laptop to connect with the hotels network, and log in to see you'all have turned this into a 2 page thread already! :lol:

OK, let me see if I can answer some of these questions...

I'm guessing headlight modulators wouldn't work too well with either.

If you *have* to have the modulators, you don't have to worry about scraping pennies together for this group buy, because you CAN NOT use headlight modulators with these HID kits!

Based on this description, how does one test for the longevity of such a system?

My first generation HID setup has been in my Blackbird's low beam since 2001. It is still going strong. Average HID bulb life is reported to be in excess of 3500 hours. One reason is that HID bulb's extreme longevity is that they do not contain traditional filaments like halogen bulbs, so they aren't subject to vibration issues, etc.

Got to figure these would work on the '06 also. Please say it is so.

It is so.

Hurry up WC!!

Guys... you MUST exercise patience here, for several reasons.

Firstly, I don't have the H4 system in my hands yet.... you gotta let me check them out first before I can honestly recommend them to you!

Y'all know how I work this **** by now... I get the components in my hands, I examine them, I install them, I test them, etc, etc, all *BEFORE* I go ahead with the Group Buy!

Will we have a choice in what color temperature the bulbs are. From what I've been reading the products in the 3000k to 5300k are the most effective.

Trust me - BELIEVE ME - if you want the maximum ability to see deer early enough for a controlled panic braking exercise, YOU WANT TO OBTAIN THE 4300K kit!!!!. The 5000K kit would also be acceptable in a pinch, although you'll start to show the first hints of blue tinge.

6000K and above, and you're entering "cop magnet" territory. Avoid these higher Kelvin temperature HID capsules. Trust me, fellas.

(1) Bi xenon H4 kit for the FJR(1) 9005 kit for my XJR

(1) H3 kit (for my Jag's Foglights)

(1) 9007 Bi xenon kit for my Mustang (if available)

All of these will be available on this GB.

Does the Bi-Xenon moving capsule provide high and low beam capability to the stock assemblies?

Yes.

And, if so, why would anybody want a low-beam only setup?

There are several reasons to go with an low-beam setup only. I may end up going this route myself.

First off, we don't have a history trend on these "moving capsules" to any significant degree. They might just perform as advertised for a long, long time. Or, maybe they won't. If the latter proves to be the case, imagine the solenoid failing in the "hi-beam" position.... no good.

I'm not saying that is going to happen, I'm just saying, "what if.."

One reason I may stay with the "low-beam only" bulbs is that I already have a set of PHIDs if I want to turn night into day for a 1/4 mile in front of me. The "low-beam only" has no solenoid to (potentially) fail, and the brutal truth of the matter is.... when I have my stock low-beam adjusted to my satisfaction, the high-beam is kinda useless..... **** lights up the owls in the high trees! I don't need to see the tree-tops, I need the lumens on the roadway.

I can already tell that when I install true HID in the exceptional low-beam reflector housing, I bet I won't give hi-beam a second thought.

The above having been said....

A "hi-beam/lo-beam" Bi-Xenon moving capsule kit should be at my house when I return at the end of the week. We'll know something shortly thereafter.

Nov 10 edit: As it turns out, this capsule does NOT physically relocate to achieve the proper focal point high-beam application. The "Low-Beam Only" is awesome, but the Hi/Lo Kit is not recommended.

 

[Toecutter]

I can already tell that when I install true HID in the exceptional low-beam reflector housing, I bet I won't give hi-beam a second thought.

Hmm, then the switch could be plumbed to fire up the aux lights. Interesting. Looking forward to those test results!

 

[FatNakedGuy]

Damn, I go on a 7 hour flight to a conference in SoCal, wrestle for a couple hours trying to get my wireless laptop to connect with the hotels network, and log in to see you'all have turned this into a 2 page thread already! :lol:
OK, let me see if I can answer some of these questions...

I'm guessing headlight modulators wouldn't work too well with either.

If you *have* to have the modulators, you don't have to worry about scraping pennies together for this group buy, because you CAN NOT use headlight modulators with these HID kits!

Based on this description, how does one test for the longevity of such a system?

My first generation HID setup has been in my Blackbird's low beam since 2001. It is still going strong. Average HID bulb life is reported to be in excess of 3500 hours. One reason is that HID bulb's extreme longevity is that they do not contain traditional filaments like halogen bulbs, so they aren't subject to vibration issues, etc.

Got to figure these would work on the '06 also. Please say it is so.

It is so.

Hurry up WC!!

Guys... you MUST exercise patience here, for several reasons.

Firstly, I don't have the H4 system in my hands yet.... you gotta let me check them out first before I can honestly recommend them to you!

Y'all know how I work this **** by now... I get the components in my hands, I examine them, I install them, I test them, etc, etc, all *BEFORE* I go ahead with the Group Buy!

Will we have a choice in what color temperature the bulbs are. From what I've been reading the products in the 3000k to 5300k are the most effective.

Trust me - BELIEVE ME - if you want the maximum ability to see deer early enough for a controlled panic braking exercise, YOU WANT TO OBTAIN THE 4300K kit!!!!. The 5000K kit would also be acceptable in a pinch, although you'll start to show the first hints of blue tinge.

6000K and above, and you're entering "cop magnet" territory. Avoid these higher Kelvin temperature HID capsules. Trust me, fellas.

(1) Bi xenon H4 kit for the FJR(1) 9005 kit for my XJR

(1) H3 kit (for my Jag's Foglights)

(1) 9007 Bi xenon kit for my Mustang (if available)

All of these will be available on this GB.

Does the Bi-Xenon moving capsule provide high and low beam capability to the stock assemblies?

Yes.

And, if so, why would anybody want a low-beam only setup?

There are several reasons to go with an low-beam setup only. I may end up going this route myself.

First off, we don't have a history trend on these "moving capsules" to any significant degree. They might just perform as advertised for a long, long time. Or, maybe they won't. If the latter proves to be the case, imagine the solenoid failing in the "hi-beam" position.... no good.

I'm not saying that is going to happen, I'm just saying, "what if.."

One reason I may stay with the "low-beam only" bulbs is that I already have a set of PHIDs if I want to turn night into day for a 1/4 mile in front of me. The "low-beam only" has no solenoid to (potentially) fail, and the brutal truth of the matter is.... when I have my stock low-beam adjusted to my satisfaction, the high-beam is kinda useless..... **** lights up the owls in the high trees! I don't need to see the tree-tops, ineed the lumens on the roadway.

I can already tell that when I install true HID in the exceptional low-beam reflector housing, I bet I won't give hi-beam a second thought.

The above having been said....

A "hi-beam/lo-beam" Bi-Xenon moving capsule kit should be at my house when I return at the end of the week. We'll know something shortly thereafter.

You should have PM'ed bro. My bike was sitting in the garage with nothing to do and you know you'd be welcome to it.

 

[XJRGUY]

By the way, I don't believe it has been said yet, but THANK YOU.

 

[BrunDog]

End of the week!?!

I can't wait that long. Let's go, WC!! Chop chop!

-BD

 

[XJRGUY]

End of the week!?!
I can't wait that long. Let's go, WC!! Chop chop!

-BD

Are you waiting for new lights to put more miles on your bike?

Do you live in a bubble of darkness?

1350 miles since May of 05???

Man up Dawg!