HID... again... (Balast size)

[rodskogj]

Many post here about HIDs and how to install, but not much on the balast themself. First, is there any real difference in balast quality? Second what is the smallest balast on the market nowadays??? (preferably with integrated igniter). Surely someone has been able to create a 'mini balast' by now? If not, who has the thinest balasts? No one give any dimensions on thier websites!

 

[Les Wassall]

This one is S/S and waterproof, about the size of a fag packet (give or take), just plug the two cables in and hay presto, no extra relays.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

I think I read that the latest units have ballast in the lamp, but are extra pricey.

 

[rodskogj]

I think I read that the latest units have ballast in the lamp, but are extra pricey.

TrailTech has some models with integrated ballast in the housing (accessory lights), but I want a small ballast for a high beam conversion. Surly if TrialTech can fit a ballast, igniter and bulb in their small housings then someone could make just a ballast that is no bigger than an iPod mini? Anybody have any names?

I am not keen on hanging big bulky ballasts under the beak as I do a lot of offroading, but most other hiding places on the bike are (or will be) taken up by gadgets such as intercom (Baehr - bulky), GPS, Centech fusebox, decent set of tools etc, etc. A small ballast would be brilliant - and I would be willing to pay $$$ for it.

 

[footloose]

I upgraded from a R1150Gs Adventure to a R1200GS. I had a Touratech Xenon Auxiliary Headlight as they call it that needed a bracket for the ballast to fit the 1200. Barry Maas of Touratech helped me out with a part number, 05-040-1527-1 which is the part number for the right side (offside) ballast mounting bracket. This bracket carries the ballast under the right hand side of the beak where it meets the black trim carrying the BMW roundel. Although the bracket is for the Touratech ballast, it would be no trouble at all mounting a different sized ballast to it.
Touratech make the brackets for both sides of the bike, the only difference is one is the mirror image of the other so, if one was to buy one bracket, with a few tools it would not be difficult to make the other side bracket with one as a pattern.

You might like to send an email to Touratech AG Germany attention Barry Maas just to confirm the part number but you may need to order the part via Tourtech UK.

Brian.