HiD question

[Haggler]

Very interesting thanks for that insight Rich

 

[sagalout]

Thanks for taking the time to explain that - very interesting and confirms my thinking about the main beam. I'll look at a 120% halogen bulb for that, and retain the HID on the dip. I'm aware of the legality and will swap it out for a halogen in summer when touring as I've seen quite a few reports of ze Germans being very strict on this

 

[Flipfly]

the reason that the high beam makes little difference is because the HID dip is so bright. changing high beam to a halogen is hardly going to improve matters.

i found after fitting HIDs to my bikes, i need to lower the dip a bit to avoid the dazzling problem that Popell refers to. did that - no more pissed off motorists.

It seems this little bit of the rocket science of motorcycle customisation eludes most people.

The 1150 dipped beam is a better design that the 1200 and the beam pattern is exactly the same with hid or halogen due to the projector type lens. Open lenses do seem to creat more scatter, but with good adjustment you shouldn't annoy anyone.
I've used hids since my very first 1150 and I have never had any issues with an mot or the law, but then I also adjusted my headlights correctly.

For main beam I have now moved to LED spots to back up the HID with fast ballast. That means I get instant light and then very soon after I get the full distance offered by the HID.

My light set up is fantastic

 

[Pukmeister]

Thanks for taking the time to explain that - very interesting and confirms my thinking about the main beam. I'll look at a 120% halogen bulb for that, and retain the HID on the dip. I'm aware of the legality and will swap it out for a halogen in summer when touring as I've seen quite a few reports of ze Germans being very strict on this

On a recent Wappings Wander to Germany my GSA was on filament lamps and Alleycams GSA was on HIDs. The difference between them was remarkable and obvious from a distance. German plod didn't bat an eyelid.

I now have HIDs myself as they are so much better.

 

[sagalout]

I've seen a few threads on PistonHeads of bikes and cars being stopped and given a 150euro fine and being forced to replace the bulb before being allowed to carry on. May have been Austria actually. I purposely got the kit with the pre drilled bulb caps so it would only take me about 10 mins to convert back. Plus I never ride at night abroad as it tends to be in the summer months

 

[Bendy toy]

My MOT tester noticed the HID "bounce" but the dip beam was not dazzling so he passed it. Ive never had anyone flash me at night for dazzling them.

A traffic cop in Austria/Germany/Italy may well grab the chance to issue a fine.

HID on main beam is a lot better than the standard bulbs but its still really poor compared to the car which uses 55W H7 halogens.

 

[DING-DONG]

I've been thinking about doing the hid conversion to my TC, whats the most popular kit to prevent dazzle 35w !

Thx

 

[Bendy toy]

A 35watt HID gives three times the light of a 55watt halogen. If the burners and lamp are not compatible you will get nothing like that in better performance and you will cause dazzle.
Talk to Les Wassall.