R1 headlights

[jestal]

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[Warchild]

They do not.

The '04 and later R1's come with four (4) 55-watt H7 bulbs.

The inboard two lamps are low-beam (and have exquisite projector lens housings!) The outboard two lamps are high-beam, and are "free-form" reflector housings somewhat similar to the FJR's

Thus, two (2) of the H7 HID kits would be needed to fully outfit the new R1s with HID.

 

[jestal]

del

 

[Warchild]

I really don't want to cut and splice the high voltage leads but may end up doing that anyway.

Yeah, slicing into this high-voltage leads would make me nervous, for sure. I would counsel against it personally, though I share your concern about the aesthetic aspects. OTOH, these weatherproof, triple-seal connectors, if packed with dielectric grease and taped shut with professional-grade electrician's tape, should stand up to some pretty adverse weather.

I know the life expectancy of the HID bulbs is much longer than anything else but do you consider the possiblity of one burning out?

I would anticipate an issue with the ballast or ignitor before I would expect an issue with the HID capsule itself. HID capsules do not contain filaments, so they can't "burn out" in the traditional way we think of a halogen bulb burning out. The HID low-beam I installed in my Blackbird over five years (and 75,000 miles!) ago is still going strong, which is an encouraging indicator.

...to be able to use one then the other side by side is absolutely astouding.... Those lights are pretty amazing.

Most definitely concur; nothing else approaches HID. They turn the front of the FJR into a rolling stadium light. :bigeyes: :lol: