Topic: HID headlight conversion

[WiredForStereo]

Ok, so this CB650 I bought came with a High Intensity Discharge headlight conversion (the redneck way I think).  They used a plastic spray can lid as a spacer behind the bulb and reflector and a ring of 3/8 Lexan as a spacer behind a 3/8 Lexan lense.  This all works tolerably, except that the HID bulb causes the Lexan lense to bubble in a trippy little half moon shape.

Anyone have any suggestions, I really like the HID bulb but it would be nice to have a better quality setup.

Thanks
Sol

[82CB650SC]

Ebay has the upgrade kits like this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/7-HID-MOTORCYCLE-HEADLIGHT-HARLEY-HONDA-YAMAHA-KAWASKI_W0QQitemZ4612417325QQcategoryZ35621QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[mikeb4]

I have that eBay kit on my bike with a "A" model bucket, its works really well, very bright and fits well except for a little shimming needed where it sandwiches into the bezel.

[Bob Wessner]

When I looked at the eBay listing, I noticed it said HID-like and blue color. It reminded me of a report I read recently about these HID-like conversions being pushed in the after-market for cars. This does not include halogen by the way. The conclusion was it was a waste of money (bulb replacement costs) and in some instances, detrimental because of the change in the color of the light. It had the affect of narrowing the field of view at night, more intense, but narrower also.

[mikeb4]

I have owned a few cars with factory HID and this is definitely not as strong as those setups.  That being said I was really looking for a much higher than normal output headlight for my Cafe' conversion and this setup serves the purpose very well.  Strong light output with a clean bright white beam, not yellow like typical headlights and not really blue like the aftermarket car kits.

In fact most cars with factory HID have variences in light color and output, my RX-8 with Xenon lighting was very cool and almost laser like with the spread pattern down low and a break in the light output at oncoming driver vision levels to prevent oncoming traffic blinding.

[supersport_CB400F]

H4 and Xenon bulbs are not HID systems, that system is very expensive indeed.

[eldar]

convert to led tail and signal and then you can get a higher power headlamp.

[Tim2005]

There's other threads on here somewhere about genuine HID set ups, they are pretty expensive & there were doubts about getting dual filament bulbs for them & also whether they put up with bike vibration too well. They are very bright though, and only use around 35w. Have a search about the site, could be well worthwhile.

[Raul CB750K1]

I don't think it's worth the effort. In my opinion, a well adjusted H4 headlight is enough for night riding at moderate speeds.

FWIW, Audi cars with HID lamps have a motorized system, in such a way that there is only one lamp for both high and low beam -as it takes a while for the lamp to get hot and give the maximum power-. When you turn to high beam, the lamp moves inside the reflector to modify the beam. For flashes, they have a regular halogen lamp.

Raul

[mylittleho]

Yeah HID, isn't really HID unless it has a Discharge balast (black box) to entergize the bulb.. if you get a "HID light" and it is just a bulb.. it ain't real HID.. It just gives the HID look which means it emits a pure white or purple-blue light...

also 90% of HID kits are low beam only and they will have a regular projection style high beam within the same housing... Only high end cars have dual beam HID and that is $$$$$$$$$$

Also mentioned is that HID does NOT like vibrations and when the bulbs can cost $100 a pop it might not be the best option..

best bet (unless you want to buy a HID system) is to get a diamond clear or projection stlye housing with a Sylvania "Silverstar" H4 bulb.. talk about BRIGHT.. plus you will still have lowbeam/highbeam

[n9viw]

I've not had luck with the Sylvania Silverstars, and I don't know why they get such good press. Granted, the light they provide is AWESOME, very bright, very clean... but I only got 2 months out of one, and 6 months out of the other! And this was in my '95 Jeep Cherokee! I can't imagine how it would handle the vibes of a bike. Any bulb that's that 'fragile' is more problem than solution, especially at the price they're charging!
I went back to standard Sylvania halogens, and they're still going strong, 2 years later. I'll stick with H3, thanks.

[eldar]

Some vehicles burn out certain bulbs. chrysler products are known for that. One example is the neon. headlights lasted about 6mo then burned out, no matter what you used. This problem may have been cleared up but it hashappened on other chrysler cars and probably other makes as well. Now I dont use sylvania for any bulb not even household.  I use bosch bulbs or ge. I still say if you want a brighter light, just move up in wattage. Get led tail and signal to compensate for wattage changes. I dont worry about having 1 brite bulb too much since we ony HAVE 1 bulb and it hasto cover everything. It is not as narrow as a car headlight.

[mylittleho]

I've had many discussions about the Sylvania Siverstars.. the more you use the bulbs the quicker they burn out.. I don't do too much night driving and I have had the Silverstars in my Mustang for 3 years now... in my Infiniti for over a year.. some people have had them last as little as 6 months (which BTW they are guaranteed.. Sylvania will replace them if they fail early..) but most Silverstar bulbs last an average of about 1 year under normal use... excessive vibration, excessive moisture, and excessive use will cut down their life exponentially... 

[eldar]

Guess I never had luck with sylvania bulbs in anything. They just have no durability. We get hard winters here and roads die quickly and pot holes abound.  But some vehicles just eat bulbs anyways.
But there is no one brand everyone can agree on because somewhere along the line, someone will have had bad luck with them.
Gotta use what works for you. However, never touch the buld with your fingers, if you do, clean the bulb very well. The oil can heat up and cause the bulb to burn out faster.

[supersport_CB400F]

NEVER! Touch the glass on a Halogen bulb with your fingers, the grease and #$%* off your skin will kill it….. Pick it up and fit with a zip freezer bag over your hand, when you open the packet it keeps all the #$%* off the glass and then they last.

[n9viw]

some people have had them last as little as 6 months (which BTW they are guaranteed.. Sylvania will replace them if they fail early..)   

Well, crap! Wish I'd paid closer attention to the box... boy was I pissed! Good to note. Not that I'll be getting them again, but good to note anyway.
Eldar, what was it about Chrysler products (in your estimation) that's hard on the bulbs? Why can I get reasonable life out of a standard Halogen and not a Silverstar in the same application? (note, these are full light assemblies, not just 9004 bulbs fit to the back of a reflector, and I know about greasy fingers on delicate halogen bulbs, I love halogen lights in my house)

[bistromath]

I've run a Silverstar in my '75 550F for almost 2 years now. In that time I've put more than 10000 miles on the bike. It hasn't failed on me yet. 'Nuff said.

[eldar]

I think it has to do with the way the lights turn on. There may be small power surges when turning the lights on.
I am sure this has probably happened on other makes but it is a well known issue on dodge and plymouth neons.

[WiredForStereo]

Ok, so I got that 7" replacement headlight, and it is a little big for my headlight bucket.  Now for some reason this does not surprise me since the headlight ears I have also are not from a CB650. 

Just to confirm, it should fit right?  I have the wrong bucket right?

[Bodi]

Some Chrysler models/years use a reduced voltage on the main headlights for daytime running lights. This is fine for normal tungsten bulbs but burns out halogen bulbs quickly. Halogen bulbs should run at full voltage most of the time, they have to be very hot to last their full lifetime.