Author Topic: DDM HID  (Read 34531 times)

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Offline Classof77

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #125 on: May 24, 2010, 08:32:12 PM »
On the projector lens- I got the glass one with the halo you pictured above.  One of them came cracked but I found it was easy to work with the seller on that, espescially since I only needed 1.

The H4 bulb mounting was pretty straigforward, but I had to add a screw to hold the extra weight of the Hi/Lo HID bulb and rubber cover it came with wouldn't fit.  I found that the reflector didn't exactly square with the lens either- it's a little bit crooked but not extemely obvious.  The LED halo is not like the high end LED halo- it's 2-4 leds following the outside rim of the lens.  It looks cool, but is totally washed out by the HID brilliance.  Same with the little city light.  Wire them seperately so you can enjoy the look when the headlight is off.

As far as fitting it goes: I strongly doubt I would have fit the lens and longer HID bulb into the stock CB550F housing, but I have a somewhat deeper chromed shell (I can't recall what it was from, another model 550, I think), so it just made it.  The circumference of the projector lens was a bit smaller than the stock bulb, so I made up the difference with slices of fuel hose.  It was a bit of a process but, since the thicknes of the bulb seam (where the retaining ring clamps on) was right, it was just a matter of centering it, so the rubber worked nicely and everything is tight.

Overall, I'm pleased with the look and the brightness of the DDM kit, but I'm not done tweaking the light output and not entirely thrilled with the projector lens I got.  There aren't a lot of choices though, so I'm going to try to make this work without blinding oncoming traffic.

One thing I was glad I did was putting in a relay and a switch to turn off the headlight.  Starting is much easier now.

'77 CB550F
'80 CB650C
'81 CB650C
'75 GL1000

Offline jaguar

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #126 on: May 24, 2010, 08:44:49 PM »
any pics of the install?


i would love to know for sure if it would fit cleanly in my stock housing using th DDM kit and one of the Ebay lens
« Last Edit: May 24, 2010, 08:48:39 PM by jaguar »

Offline ev0lve

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #127 on: May 24, 2010, 11:37:45 PM »
On the projector lens- I got the glass one with the halo you pictured above.  One of them came cracked but I found it was easy to work with the seller on that, espescially since I only needed 1.

The H4 bulb mounting was pretty straigforward, but I had to add a screw to hold the extra weight of the Hi/Lo HID bulb and rubber cover it came with wouldn't fit.  I found that the reflector didn't exactly square with the lens either- it's a little bit crooked but not extemely obvious.  The LED halo is not like the high end LED halo- it's 2-4 leds following the outside rim of the lens.  It looks cool, but is totally washed out by the HID brilliance.  Same with the little city light.  Wire them seperately so you can enjoy the look when the headlight is off.

As far as fitting it goes: I strongly doubt I would have fit the lens and longer HID bulb into the stock CB550F housing, but I have a somewhat deeper chromed shell (I can't recall what it was from, another model 550, I think), so it just made it.  The circumference of the projector lens was a bit smaller than the stock bulb, so I made up the difference with slices of fuel hose.  It was a bit of a process but, since the thicknes of the bulb seam (where the retaining ring clamps on) was right, it was just a matter of centering it, so the rubber worked nicely and everything is tight.

Overall, I'm pleased with the look and the brightness of the DDM kit, but I'm not done tweaking the light output and not entirely thrilled with the projector lens I got.  There aren't a lot of choices though, so I'm going to try to make this work without blinding oncoming traffic.

One thing I was glad I did was putting in a relay and a switch to turn off the headlight.  Starting is much easier now.



Thanks for that info! On the last bit, not possible to use the stock on/off on the control?

Just trying to work it all out prior to actually doing it.

Offline Classof77

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #128 on: May 25, 2010, 10:45:22 AM »
No stock on off with this model.  I wired a relay in the electrics panel.  Bottom left, above the chain guard.  I tucked the included fuse up and over so it rests between the turn signal relay and just below the regular fuse box.
'77 CB550F
'80 CB650C
'81 CB650C
'75 GL1000

Offline Classof77

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #129 on: May 25, 2010, 10:47:58 AM »
I ran the ballast up next to the left hand coil.  The transformer is zip tied onto a set of wires up behind the headlight ear.
'77 CB550F
'80 CB650C
'81 CB650C
'75 GL1000

Offline Classof77

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #130 on: May 25, 2010, 10:49:20 AM »
The rest of the wiring, the junction/starter relay, is on the right side.  zip ties are awesome.
'77 CB550F
'80 CB650C
'81 CB650C
'75 GL1000

Offline Classof77

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #131 on: May 25, 2010, 10:59:05 AM »
Here is a shot of the halo in action.  Also, the beam pattern at 14 feet away from the garage.  Sorry there's so much debris, I have a few projects going.

You'll notice that the headlight kind of scatters the beam.  Please note, I've removed the guards DDM included with the bulb for this shot.  I haven't tried it yet with them installed.  Today, I cut a hole in a piece of cardboard to isolate the projector lens and see what it is actually doing.  Turns out, not too much.  It just sort of scatters the light in a weird way instead of focusing it.

All in all, I can't really recommend the cheapie projector lens with the 35w Hi/Lo kit from DDM.  I chalk it up to the fact that DDM designed their light to work with a parabolic reflector and not the multi mirrored one I'm using.  I'm considering getting a standard halogen headlamp to use with the HID until I figure out a more effective preojector set-up.  The one LAMINAR used in his install on page 2 looks to be of higher quality.
« Last Edit: May 25, 2010, 11:01:39 AM by Classof77 »
'77 CB550F
'80 CB650C
'81 CB650C
'75 GL1000

Offline wannabridin

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #132 on: May 25, 2010, 05:04:31 PM »
the halo looks kind of cool, but i'm going to go with a big time HELL NO to that lens!!!  at least you were our guinea pig!  sorry for the bad luck, but hey, it happens!  much knowledge to be gained now!  i picked up my regular reflector housing for around $15 on ebay, and the quality looks very top notch!

nice job tucking everything away, and clean install on the electrical panel!  how'd everything fit into the headlight bucket?  are you afraid of the ballast getting too hot at all being that close to the coils?  (forgive my ignorance as i don't know how hot the coils get...)
« Last Edit: May 25, 2010, 05:06:11 PM by wannabridin »
1976 CB750K, currently under construction:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=64468.0

-And if you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do...

Offline jaguar

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #133 on: May 25, 2010, 07:47:23 PM »
its odd.

i have DDM kits mounted in a set of hella 500FF lights that i use for open road rallies.  CRAZY light comes from them.
would have thought the HIDs would work as well in any free form(diamand cut) lens

Offline axehole54

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #134 on: May 25, 2010, 08:02:26 PM »
Somewhat off topic, but I just finished wiring in two relays so I could run an 90w/100w H4 off the stock switch and wow what a difference! even with a stock bulb the relays made it far brighter and it's almost uncalled for with the 90/100 (had to point the light down a bit). I ran 12gauge wire from the battery to the relays with a 30amp inline fuse tucked below the fuse panel, zip tied the wire to the frame as I went and mounted the relays to the headlight ears behind the bucket (putting a viper fairing on so you won't see them ;D )
I ended up using bullet connectors to make everything easy later... Also should mention that if you want your relay harnesses to not pull out hot glue the wires into the plugs.  DDM kit is next  :D
73 750k, 78 750k, 69 c10, 87 r1500 (c10), 94 fzr1000


Offline ev0lve

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #136 on: July 01, 2010, 11:27:40 AM »
Just wanted to consult the collective brain on some headlight choices.

So I'm going with the DDM Kit 35w, H4Hi/Lo, 4500K
http://www.ddmtuning.com/product.php?II=106

Now the weirdness is in picking the pseudo projector
Here's the one I'm leaning towards


Which looks to be similiar to classof77's?

and I'd like to avoid this output if so


Another in black which could be cool when I get the whole bike done

Super cheap closeout - looks like a reflector only
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Headlights-projector-7-JEEP-MIATA-BEETLE-CABRIOLET-/220624435842?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item335e3dba82#ht_500wt_1182

and finally a standard Bosch H4 reflector

http://store.candlepower.com/ca53mohe.html
This premium genuine Bosch 7" (180mm) headlamp lens-reflector unit - Heat-compensating aluminum bulb seat, steel reflector, and hard glass lens.

I'm basically just being a pussy here but, for you guys that have done it, any reason not to get the first one over, say, the standard bosch?

Thanks!
« Last Edit: July 01, 2010, 11:34:23 AM by Iggy »

Offline wannabridin

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #137 on: July 01, 2010, 02:08:32 PM »
that black one might be cool, and from the beam pattern thrown out on the wall, looks like it would help block that out and just use the projector beam pattern.  this is assuming that the black paint is quite thick and good at blocking ALL light, otherwise i'll look like doo-doo!  i'd say if you wanna give it a shot, go for it as it's untested grounds.  unless you could get classof77 to give his housing a shot by taping over it all with electrical tape?  class, would you be willing to try it out for the sake of the forums??   ;D ;D  i'm just going to use the reflector housing i have and a 55w HID kit, i'll get the 6K temp as it'll wash out to around 4500-5k which is a great usable temperature. 

oh i can't wait to get more work done on the bike!!!!!!!
1976 CB750K, currently under construction:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=64468.0

-And if you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do...

Offline ev0lve

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #138 on: July 01, 2010, 02:34:50 PM »
Guess I'll take one for the team  ;D

Black pseudo projector it is!

chasanova

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #139 on: July 11, 2010, 09:22:10 PM »
forgive noob ignorance if necessary-
I have the 83 550 nighthawk (I know its DOHC, not material to the question)
Accrding to the book this takes a 60/55w H4 lamp into a square reflector & lens housing. Can I simply us the 35w H4 if I don't care about Hi/low?
TIA
-C

Offline wannabridin

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #140 on: July 12, 2010, 06:44:22 AM »
ya, you can do that, or you can get one of the bi-xenon kits that uses a little electro-mechanical switch to aim the beam up or down to get a high-low pattern when the switch is thrown.  this is what i'd recommend, as it's still nice to be able to flash the brights sometimes.
1976 CB750K, currently under construction:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=64468.0

-And if you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do...

Offline Laminar

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #141 on: July 12, 2010, 06:50:22 AM »
Yeah, and the Nighthawk's stock beam pattern is surprisingly good. It's the main reason I haven't converted to a round headlight yet.

Offline john_matrix

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #142 on: September 07, 2010, 09:50:26 PM »
Ok just so I'm clear...

I have a '77 CB750K, all stock headlight.

If I want to run the DDM kit, the Bosch housing is all I need to get?

http://store.candlepower.com/fco7h4mohebd.html

Thanks, think I will order this soon, just wanted to make sure this is all I need.
1977 CB 750K

Offline ev0lve

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #143 on: September 07, 2010, 10:50:21 PM »
Ok just so I'm clear...

I have a '77 CB750K, all stock headlight.

If I want to run the DDM kit, the Bosch housing is all I need to get?

http://store.candlepower.com/fco7h4mohebd.html


Yep, any H4 housing will bolt up the DDM kit. I'm just not wanting to install mine till the weather gets crappier and the sun starts going down a 4pm ;D
« Last Edit: September 07, 2010, 10:52:26 PM by Iggy »

Offline john_matrix

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #144 on: October 04, 2010, 12:28:05 PM »
Installed Friday.

I still haven't ridden at night yet, though.

It is stupid bright.

I used the Bosch 7" lens linked in this thread. Seems to be high quality.

I got the 55W hi/low kit.

It was all plug and play, and the hi/low does work fine on this bike, although I should have just gotten the low beam, the highs aren't needed. I'll try and get some pics at night.

Much better than the mag lite brightness of the stocker, that's for sure.  :)


1977 CB 750K

Offline john_matrix

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #145 on: October 06, 2010, 08:32:18 AM »
Went for a night ride last night to test it out.

It's very bright. Cutoff is non existent. It's all over the place. I have it aimed down pretty low so it's not shining into other driver's faces, though.

Low beam:



High beam:


Low beam:


1977 CB 750K

Offline famoussas1

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #146 on: February 18, 2011, 09:52:18 PM »
ok, having a moron moment and want to make sure i do this right. want a brighter light like most on this thread. the ddm link isnt coming up for me, saying item isnt available.  what ddm kit do i need and i can buy the bosch housing/bulb on candlepower?  i ride a cb550.  1974.  sorry im having a blonde moment ???

Offline jaguar

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #147 on: February 19, 2011, 08:12:57 AM »
DDM just stopped making the slim HID kits and the motorcycle set up.
not sure if they are coming out with a new kit or not

Offline wannabridin

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #148 on: February 19, 2011, 12:01:04 PM »
ya, i just ordered the raptor kit.  i'm really hoping i can find a spot for the ballast under the tank, and if not, it's going to have to be moved to under the seat cowl...

i got the 55W kit, so i'm hoping the housing i have will offer a decent cutoff.  i might have to experiment with offsetting the bulb to get it where i want.  if the housing won't work, i'll have to just find a nice one from Hella or something
1976 CB750K, currently under construction:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=64468.0

-And if you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do...

Offline famoussas1

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Re: DDM HID
« Reply #149 on: February 19, 2011, 01:31:09 PM »
prob. why i could find that one. lookin at the raptor kit, kinda what im looking for.  is the stock 550 a 40w draw?  the 35w HID kit would be brighter and draw a little less correct? im an electric moron.  i just want a little brighter light cuz riding a few times at night i felt like i couldnt see anything in front of me.

anyone heard of this kit?
http://www.xtralights.com/xetroniclightingsystem-h1typesingle.aspx
« Last Edit: February 19, 2011, 01:47:07 PM by famoussas1 »