Topic: HID headlight install (now with pics)

[johnyvilla]

Yesterday I installed v-leads 35w 5000k HID headlight on my K5. Here are the details:

HID light 100$

EBay H4 lens 16$

blue white and green 16g wire 12$

The whole installation took 3 hours, and was pretty straight forward. The only issue I had was finding a spot for the ballast to hang out. It just fit, above the left coil underneath the tank.

Previously, my turn signals would dim the headlight at idle. With this new set up not only does the light seem 3x brighter, but my signals function properly without dimming the light- even with the motor off.
I would highly recommend this light to anyone looking to improve their night vision, and current draw. I just need to figure out how to aim it properly, as to not blind other drivers!

Here is a link:

http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-HID-FREE-SHIPPING/H4-9003-HB2/V-HID-35W-SLIM-BALLAST-p4961321.html

[JeyLux]

what is the current draw of this over the stock?

[J.Webster Designs]

pics?

JeyLux... I think starting draw is about the same as a stock headlight but once the buld is up to operating temps its less than stock.

[HavocTurbo]

rofl leave it to Johny to post a neat set-up without pics. 

I'll second the need for pics. Also a link to the ebay auction for the h4 lens? Maybe he has more?

[Bamboozler]

Just measured the current draw from my Chinese Ebay kit last night and posted results at the bottom of this thread http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=56854.0.  Turns out that for my kit it was a wash for the low beam and around a half of amp savings for the high over the stock incandescent bulb (if you have a hi/low HID kit).  I would think other brands should be in the ball park in terms of current draw/power consumption.

[J.Webster Designs]

im with Havoc, need a link to the H4 replacement lens.

[JeyLux]

Any round h4 7"  will fit into the bucket.

just do a quick ebay search for H4, 7"  plenty on there.

[HavocTurbo]

Any round h4 7"  will fit into the bucket.

just do a quick ebay search for H4, 7"  plenty on there.

Well I was looking to be as lazy as possible and jab a fellow member with my smartassedness at the same time.

Way to ruin what little fun I might have had today. 

[SanDogDewey]

Any round h4 7"  will fit into the bucket.

just do a quick ebay search for H4, 7"  plenty on there.

423 results found for H4, 7"

Yeah, plenty of sealed beams, headlight bulbs and a couple of headlight assemblies. How about some pics? Show us how you made it work.

[Dave-and-his-550]

would love to see a night shot of ur bike with the new setup.

[wannabridin]

would love to see a night shot of ur bike with the new setup.

x2!!!  and a link to the actual housing you used please, share the wealth!!

[Bamboozler]

If it helps anyone the housing here http://www.classicgarage.com/autbran7roun.html is sold here http://www.motorcyclesolutionsllc.com/ for the CB750 (but it isn't currently listed at this time because he's out of stock, but ordering more, I think I got the last one).  That headlight is a H4 bulb 178mm/7" housing and is the same size as the sealed CB750 light.  The housing in the first link is a bit less expensive, but the later supports a CB vendor.   There are other 7" H4 housings out there that may give a better/worse/different beam patterns, this is just one option.

[wannabridin]

i just bought one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330356834691&viewitem=

i wanted to maintain the period correct look of the convex glass face, so i got that instead of the flat faced front.  you can't go wrong for $25 shipped!  hell, it even comes with a bulb, albeit a crappy one i'm sure!  oh well, hope to get it mounted and tested soon!

[wannabridin]

well heres the light i bought late last week.  it shipped really fast!  well it was just a hair over $25 shipped!  here's the pictures for anyone that's interested.  it should make a good candidate for an HID conversion, but even a regular silverstar H4 bulb will make a huge difference, especially when a relay is added!!  hope this helps anyone!

[johnyvilla]

I still stand by my V-leads HID conversion. I am not sure about the Chinese HID mentioned, but I can assure you my set-up uses less power. I would have taken a voltmeter to my system before and after, but I was pressed for time.

[wannabridin]

v-led's make a great kit, i wont disagree with you on that.  if you want the BEST light pattern and output, you need to adopt a real projector lens, like from an acura, to your headlight.  i understand this wont work with a reflector housing, but i found some other housings on e-bay that had "angel eyes" and a projector which would make it easier for an HID setup w/ less glare. 

johnny,  do you have any pictures of the light output?  one from behind the bike looking out and one looking at the headlight would be awesome!  share the wealth, i'm extremely interested in doing this eventually!!!

[Staggerlee]

If you want the BEST light pattern and output, you need to adopt a real projector lens...

What you can do though is use a D2R bulb, which is shielded to block some of the light output; they're made specifically for use in reflector housings:


As opposed to the D2S bulb, which is designed for projector beam headlamps:


I can't tell from the pic what the kit comes with, but it looks like it might be a D2R.

[johnyvilla]

I will post pics in a day or two. I tried to post pics with my new camera a while back, and the picture was two heavy or something, so  I need to find a better way to post. I haven't put images up in a while.

I do realize a projector would be the ideal way to go, but believe me, its a huge improvement over stock.

[wannabridin]

fair enough!  i'm waiting to see this improvement and see if it's REALLY worth it over installing a relay and using a silverstar.  i'm sure it is, but i need PROOF!!  haha, can't wait to see those pics!!

[HavocTurbo]

Just got a reply from my distributor today...

I miraculously carry a 7" H4 housing designed for a motorcycle.

If anyone's interested I'll get you price and shipping. & try to post pictures asap.

[johnyvilla]

Wanabridin, that's the same lens I bought and it worked with HID bulb. I just had to pull the three headlight wires out outside of the shell to make room.

[wannabridin]

sweet!!  well at least i know it'll work whatever option i go with.  i can see the main hurdle for me would be the cost.  i can see HID as a good improvement once the bike is back on the road, haha!!  but i can't wait to see some pics!! 

[johnyvilla]

Sorry no pics. I worked the last two evenings.

[johnyvilla]

Here are some pics of low and high beam HID I installed.



                                       


                                       


                                       

[wannabridin]

looks pretty good!  i take it it looks a lot better in person?  pictures never do lighting any justice...  what bulb is it?  DR2?  either way, looks good, nice white color.  6000K?

[david 750f]

That looks a lot brighter than my H4 halogen headlight. Thanks for posting the pictures. I will have to try one of those HID kits.

[johnyvilla]

I bought the 5000k light David.

Your right, pictures do not do this light justice. What we really need is a before and after comparison.

[eurban]

Ok I guess I'll add a different angle here . . .HID kits provide you with a potent light source that you are now placing in a cheap low tech housing that is not designed to focus the powerful light source.  You may well find that you have a nice bright view of that oncoming car as it comes straight at you because the driver has been blinded.   . . . Yes please do a before and after comparison, one that includes both the view from the seat of the motorcycle and from the seat of a car coming in the opposite direction.  You might be surprised.  Perhaps you can adjust your headlight aim to help somewhat. . . .Projector Hid housings aren't cheap.  However, they are purpose designed to aim the light properly and do can a spectacular job of safely lighting the way.  On the other hand, installing a HID kit in a reflector housing can easily make you nuisance.  Something to think about . . .or ignore . . . .

[j squared]

Ok I guess I'll add a different angle here . . .HID kits provide you with a potent light source that you are now placing in a cheap low tech housing that is not deigned to focus the powerful light source.  You may well find that you have a nice bright view of that oncoming car as it comes straight at you because the driver has been blinded.   . . . Yes please do a before and after comparison, one that includes both the view from the seat of the motorcycle and from the seat of a car coming in the opposite direction.  You might be surprised.  Perhaps you can adjust your headlight aim to help somewhat. . . .Projector Hid housings aren't cheap.  However, they are purpose designed to aim the light properly and do can a spectacular job of safely lighting the way.  On the other hand, installing a HID kit in a reflector housing can easily make you nuisance.  Something to think about . . .or ignore . . . .

This.

I think we can all appreciate better lighting, unless you are coming the other way. Putting an HID bulb in a non-projector housing is just inconsiderate IMO.

[johnyvilla]

Yes, a projector housing would be ideal. The way I aimed my light initially was blinding on-comers, as my wife will attest to; but with some adjusting I found an angle that did not blind her. If there was an affordable aftermarket projector available, I would buy it. But since there isn't, I think this is a good alternative. I no longer feel like I am over-driving my headlight now. I am convinced I am not blinding anyone, and I am skeptic that if I was, someone would focus on the light and swerve towards it or something. We all have shared two lane roads with obnoxious KC/HID festooned cars, but how many of you have hit them because of the distraction?

I am not trying to start an argument. Just my 2 cents.

[j squared]

Oh no I dont think anyone would wander over because you are giving them an eye-full, just more of an annoyance thing. I know there are 7" projector lenses available for under $20, but honestly it would probably only be marginally better than a reflective housing. The biggest thing with HIDs is cutoff of the beam, which you dont get without an HID-specific housing.  Maybe a cheap projector housing and an HID bulb with a halo would be the best bet, I might try that out (be ready for some install questions!  hahaha).

[johnyvilla]

I'm pissed that I threw away my Acura RSX light- that projector might have worked..

[bistromath]

Oh no I dont think anyone would wander over because you are giving them an eye-full, just more of an annoyance thing. I know there are 7" projector lenses available for under $20, but honestly it would probably only be marginally better than a reflective housing. The biggest thing with HIDs is cutoff of the beam, which you dont get without an HID-specific housing.  Maybe a cheap projector housing and an HID bulb with a halo would be the best bet, I might try that out (be ready for some install questions!  hahaha).

Hey, if you got a link to that sub-$20 7" projector lens, don't be afraid to post it.   

[j squared]

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/__?_from=R40&_trksid=m39&_nkw=7%22+projector+heAdlight

1200+ results