whats the downside of HID lighting ??

zukeeper · #1 03-14-2007, 02:35 PM

There has to be something doesn't there ?? If it was the perfect light wouldn't all cars ,trucksand bikes use them ?? I realize they cost a bit more but not that much more than halogen.
Needless to say I am going to swap lights this spring, leaning toward a dual halogen bulb unit or a sealed beam type HID. making my pros anc cons list for each , just got this feeling i am missing something about the HID.

211Chuck · #2 03-14-2007, 02:41 PM

Down sides:

COST"

CAN NOT BE SEEN IN DAY LIGHT"

HogBoy · #3 03-14-2007, 02:47 PM

Why don't all cars, trucks, etc. use them? It's called "cost" and the more something costs, the lessthe profit will be for manufacturers. Since most people don't give a rip one way or the other and they are not mandated as a safety item, it won't happen.

What you decide to put on your ride is a completely different issue.

ultraultra · #4 03-14-2007, 02:54 PM

Got the HID on the Ultra... LOVE IT!!! Dual bulb on the Deluxe... only because moco hasn't come out with HID for it.

zukeeper · #5 03-14-2007, 07:57 PM

so the HID puts out more/better light than a dual bulb ?
I have been looking at this light in J&P but there is very little info about it besides it is a high/low version

Guilty · #6 03-14-2007, 08:23 PM

I recently installed the H-D HID dual bulb headlamp kit and yes it was expensive, but not only does it look awesome on my RK, the light that is produced is much better than the stock. First, the low beam covers a much wider area - HD advertises it as curb-to-curb spread of "blue/white" light and this is true, it is noticably much better than stock. Second, the high beam projects out to about 140 feetand thestockheadlight projects out about 95 feet. The HID has the "daylight color impression" that appears more natural. The H-D HID bulbadvertises a life expectancy of up to 10 times that of a Halogen bulb, I don't expect to have to replace it anytime soon.The safety benefit is that Iexpect that I will "be seen" much easier. If you can get past the cost issue, there are no downsides to having the HID set-up.

bay13 · #7 03-14-2007, 08:58 PM

Cost is the only down side. You can get HID on Volvos, the replacement bulb should it burn out is $100.00, not sure what the bulbs are for our bikes.

07XL883L · #8 03-14-2007, 11:15 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: bay13

Cost is the only down side. You can get HID on Volvos, the replacement bulb should it burn out is $100.00, not sure what the bulbs are for our bikes.

a replacement HID bulb on a Mecury Milan is $295

zukeeper · #9 03-14-2007, 11:19 PM

I wonder how good the "high' beam is on these dual beam set-ups .

Speedkingnick · #10 03-15-2007, 12:32 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: 211Chuck

Down sides:

COST - (Speedkingnick reply - True...)

CAN NOT BE SEEN IN DAY LIGHT - (Speedkingnick reply - NOT True...sort of...see below)

I test these things all day long. Let me address 211Chuck's post regarding cannot be seen in daylight....

If on a bright, clear sunny day - you will not notice the light (either HID or Halogen) unless you are looking for it. The HID light bulb will have more light output than any Halogen. Period.

This is why......

It is not a conventional type of bulb - it is a STROBE tube. Yes - a STROBE tube. One that is pulsed so fast that the human eye cannot distinguish that the device is flashing really fast.

The main reason why automotive manufacturers are moving towards HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps is simple when you look at where they are going....(42 Volt battery systems.)

A halogen bulb utilizes a filament within a vacuum - that filament is good for about 28 Volts and then it will burn up due to high voltage. The Halogen bulb will not work in the new cars (42 Volts - yes they are coming out...) without a converter from 42 Volts down to 12 Volts.

The main reason for going to a 42V system is due to more electrical needs within the car. The wiring is getting pretty big as it is - If you up the Voltage to 42 V from a 12 V system the wiring can be reduced by 2/3. This saves quite a bit of weight in a vehicle. It also lets you add more electronics without tasking the alternator.

Ok - enough of that - Motorcycles benefit just because the vehicle market is going that way.

White Light LED's are not there yet so they are not an option at this time.

Most HID lights are housed behind a smoke glass. Due to the amount of light output they produce. If you install them in a clear dome - be careful - you will blind the oncoming drivers - if the drivers cannot see they may come into your lane.

Just a thought - make sure they are aimed properly.......

.......and I'm not trying to be a smart ass - I do this testing day in and day out....