TOPIC:

Afrosemite wrote:

There's always the possibility of spending $300 and going LED

www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wcs/stores/ser...ctId=64057&langId=-1

Those are definetly interesting. When the price comes down like it has come down on the HID, they will be in the running. I remember when just a bulb for an HID was well over a hundred dollars. OEM HID bulbs still sell for around $75+ each. Did you also notice that they are I.T.A.R. controlled. I remember when IIT had an I.T.A.R. violation about 2 years ago. It cost them something like $50,000,000 in fines. Where i was employed, we had to have I.T.A.R. training once a year and our computers were checked weekly for violations.

www.pmddtc.state.gov/regulations_laws/itar.html

I just did an interesting illumination test today. Using the proper reflector, one with the faceted mirror instead of one with the diffused lens, we tested both a Halogen bulb and a HID system. What we found was that the HID was better focused than the Halogen. This meaning that if the light is properly adjusted, the blinding affect should be less with the HID than with a 90W Halogen. This coming back to the fact that with common sense and care HID will give better quality light than Halogen. Once again stating that the original reflector must not be used.

I just had some Hi-Voltage extensions made up for the Hid systems so that the ballast can be mounted under the seat or under a sidecover for those applications that do not have the room to mount it tastefully in or near the headlight.

www.kbcarstuff.com/Xenon_HID_Headlamps_s/43.htm

This site has some DOT approved (LEGAL!) Bi-Xenon conversions for 7" round and 200mm rectangular sealed beam headlamps. The Bi-Xenon lights use a single D1S bulb and an electro-mechanical shutter to switch between high and low beam functions.



I'm not endorsing these lights or anything, I'm just showing that there are some legal alternatives that should provide a good beam pattern and upgraded light output at the same time.

Boy, those guys aren't cheep, are they! Mine are a third of what they ask. Plus mine come with the LED City-light. If you get technical they still aren't legal because your bike did not come with them. Just like mine. My 6x7 are also DOT rated.

otakar wrote:

Boy, those guys aren't cheep, are they! Mine are a third of what they ask. Plus mine come with the LED City-light. If you get technical they still aren't legal because your bike did not come with them. Just like mine. My 6x7 are also DOT rated.

You're kidding, right? They are legal if you use a DOT/SAE approved headlight assembly. Does that mean that changing a factory round to factory rectangular sealed beam headlight using factory parts would not be legal just because it "did not come with them"?

Also, your "DOT rated" headlamps are not DOT rated the minute you modify them. The original unit was submitted for inspection and measurement as it was designed and manufactured. You are modifying that design and therefore negating the DOT approval.

Again, not busting anyone's balls here. Just trying to keep the readers informed of both sides of the coin.

atye wrote:

?

Also, your "DOT rated" headlamps are not DOT rated the minute you modify them. The original unit was submitted for inspection and measurement as it was designed and manufactured. You are modifying that design and therefore negating the DOT approval.

Now take that statement and apply it to the entire bike. What do you get when you make any modification to your bike. A non DOT rated vehicle. I talked to one of my friends the other day who is a Cop. As he put it; they don't enforce it because they would have to stop 25% of the cars on the road, but vehicles are only legal as they come from the factory. No oversize tires no after-market exhausts no tinted windows. You are even suppose to update your registration when you change the color of you vehicle. YES if he wanted to he can site for that. It is at the discretion of your local constabulary, how much they want to harass you (or not).

otakar wrote:

atye wrote:

?

Also, your "DOT rated" headlamps are not DOT rated the minute you modify them. The original unit was submitted for inspection and measurement as it was designed and manufactured. You are modifying that design and therefore negating the DOT approval.

Now take that statement and apply it to the entire bike. What do you get when you make any modification to your bike. A non DOT rated vehicle.

Touche'


Good point.

I believe that is where this post got some time ago. The question is; HOW ILLEGAL IS YOUR BIKE? Sort of like asking; how pregnant did you get your girlfriend???? A lot or just a little???

otakar wrote:

Boy, those guys aren't cheep, are they!

At $490.00 for 1 light bulb they should have a 30 year replacement warranty. Unfortunately, I didn't see any warranty info in the ad. I just imagine the joy I would feel if I bought one and it blew out after a couple months.

650ed wrote:

otakar wrote:

Boy, those guys aren't cheep, are they!

At $490.00 for 1 light bulb they should have a 30 year replacement warranty. Unfortunately, I didn't see any warranty info in the ad. I just imagine the joy I would feel if I bought one and it blew out after a couple months.

The bulb is replaceable (D1S). You are not paying $490 for "1 light bulb"... You are buying a replacement headlamp system.

Try replacing a headlamp assembly (just one side) on any BMW with Xenon headlamps. Some will run you over the $1000 mark easily... Per side!

I just got my headlight Otto. Thanks.
Have u used a plastic lens before? I am a little worried it will scratch easily, especially when trying to get dryed bugs off of it.
is there any way to tell if the headlight alignment tabs on its back are going to have the right placement for the bracket,before u buy it? this 1 does not align with my bracket. it may have to do with it being for a car rather than a motorcycle?