HID Install
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
My understanding is they draw a lot of power at start up, so a isolation switch is wired in to turn the lamp on independently of the starting circuit.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Clovis, NM
So that seller sells a 6000k, 8000k, and 10000k version....are the higher numbers brighter or is that the blue color? Also, do the higher number draw more power? I DON'T want to effect the charging of the battery.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
Take the metal shield off the bottom of the bulb if you want even more light. I did this on both of mine. 6000K is the bluish tint the higher the numbers go the more the colors change. I did this without a separate switch and wired it in to the low beam spot so that high beam it is off, low beam it is on.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 729
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
And for everything I have read QC is right about the switch. It is so the system just doesn't get a power surge.
Also I from what I have read a normal oem h4 light bulb last up to 400 hours. An hid light bulb is to last up to 4000 hours.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,124
Likes: 13,074
From: Texas, USA
In other words, a 6000k HID kit is brighter and has a whiter light (with a slight tint of blue) than 10000k which is not as bright and more blue.
55W H4 Bi-Xenon 6000k HID kits are very common. Finding a place for the ballast can be a job itself. Realize that HID kits have a high current draw when starting the bike. Therefore, most installs will include an on/off switch or a timed relay.
There is little difference in current draw since it is controlled by a ballast.
Last edited by Bone Doc; Mar 23, 2013 at 10:47 PM. Reason: spelling
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,124
Likes: 13,074
From: Texas, USA
When you get at or below 5000k, the light can begin to appear more yellowish. The 4300k would be extremely bright. Be aware that if it is too bright, it may affect oncoming vehicles.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
It is my understanding the 4300 is the brightest and whitest. Higher number is bluer. I have the 4300 and its crazy bright white.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,566
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From: Detroit
6000k is the sweet spot, its close to daylight and an HID light is plenty bright enough at any color temperature.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Spartanburg, SC
Great thread here. I always want to be seen in the day and have a headlight modulator. Obviously with this, i would ditch the headlight modulator, but will the brightness of the light be an even tradeoff for the pulsing light (safety wise for other motorists to see me)?
Also, dose this look like it's big enough to house everything? I fit my entire headlight modulator kit inside this JP Cycles bullet headlamp...I dont wanna be stuffing anything near my battery, its packed in there and i dont care to legnthen wires either...
Also, dose this look like it's big enough to house everything? I fit my entire headlight modulator kit inside this JP Cycles bullet headlamp...I dont wanna be stuffing anything near my battery, its packed in there and i dont care to legnthen wires either...