Headlight - HID Conversion for 1200GS?

[Gonzo]

Before I take the plunge and add aux lights (and some excellent set-ups installed by BigTrailBikeRider have very recently been profiled here) I want to investigate the (simpler?) set-up of converting one or both of the beams to HID bulbs and power.

Much has been previously said about these systems for the 1100 and 1150, but does anyone know of a reputable conversion for the 12GS? And better still, has anyone installed a conversion?

Cheers

G

 

[Mouse]

At the risk of answering the wrong question ... the disadvantage with converting the lamps to HID is that you'll keep the same beam pattern, which is a ok but not ideal. If you add some extra lights, it will probably be cheaper (HID kits are expensive) and you can pick some lights that have a beam to illuminate the entire road.

Hellas are popular but I got some cheap Ring lamps from Halfords (40 quid) which I have no complaints about.

 

[Jimb]

As Mouse says if the reflector isn't designed for a HID lamp then it won't improve the beam pattern, if you look at HID headlights they all tend to be the projector type.
The 1200 has a good headlight but some aux lights would improve things greatly, see Alan ( BTBR ) and get his fitted, FF50's or similar, I have a pair of fogs and a pair of driving but then I have an 1150 with the pitifull headlight.

HTH

 

[BTBR]

Before I take the plunge and add aux lights (and some excellent set-ups installed by BigTrailBikeRider have very recently been profiled here) I want to investigate the (simpler?) set-up of converting one or both of the beams to HID bulbs and power.

Much has been previously said about these systems for the 1100 and 1150, but does anyone know of a reputable conversion for the 12GS? And better still, has anyone installed a conversion?

Cheers

G

Hi Gonzo,

With great regret, and as much as I would like to help you, I do not fit lights to the 1200.

I know that others have fitted aux lights and have had no problems ....yet. But to be honest, I am not happy in doing them for fear of maybe causing eletrical problems in the future and thus voiding any warranty claims.

The KanBus system on the 1200 needs treating with the care and attention that it deserves. It is simply not designed to have aux equipment connected to it, even direct from the battery.

Sorry!

BTBR

 

[TheJoker]

BTBR, you need to post more often... I've been wasting 10 minutes staring at your post... not really, your avatar...

mezmerising to say the least... Makes you wonder how man kind ever made it into space..

 

[Gonzo]

So, no easy answer then!

Thanks for the feedback chaps.

I guess the reason for asking about the HID option was that I wanted to avoid the issue of screwing up the "hi-tech" wiring system, and also craftily avoid the fact that I have very little mechanical/electrical dexterity.

I guess the easiest two options are..............follow a VFR or catch up with BTBR (or one of your many very happy customers) and follow you!!

Seriously, any ham-fisted 1200 owners with decent light setups on the south-east who can share installation advice?

 

[Mouse]

If you want to see what I've done with the lights on my bike, search for a thread called "cheap ass light bar mark 2"

 

[Gonzo]

Mouse, nice. But I fear that your mechanical and electrical dexterity far exceeds mine (the respective limits of which are reached when fitting a Givi rack and charging the battery!).

More food for thought, and it looks like there are good aux lights that seem to work in the 12 without problems.

Cheers

 

[Justin Tyme]

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