H.I.D. Headlight
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Broken Arrow, OK
We have put a few on customers' bikes here. The pros we are hearing are that the new Harley LED is very bright and the fact no other modification was needed was nice as well. The cons we are hearing is of course the price (I agree that is some change for a headlamp) and the usual people flicking their brights at the bike until the bike flips the brights to show it is only on low beam. I know you mentioned HID headlights but there are several options for a brighter headlight depending on the bike and not in just Harley stuff as well.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
We have put a few on customers' bikes here. The pros we are hearing are that the new Harley LED is very bright and the fact no other modification was needed was nice as well. The cons we are hearing is of course the price (I agree that is some change for a headlamp) and the usual people flicking their brights at the bike until the bike flips the brights to show it is only on low beam. I know you mentioned HID headlights but there are several options for a brighter headlight depending on the bike and not in just Harley stuff as well.
The HID light is super bright but puts a lot of wasted light out to the sides and not down the road. Of course this is because the stock HD headlamp is not made for high powered bulbs.
My HID unit worked good up until a few months ago, then it would go out at will and come on at will. Maybe a bad ballast or relay but I decided to get rid of it. Went with a Hella E headlamp and a 80/100 watt Hella bulb. Can't really see any difference in the light output except the distance is staggering now. All for under $80 shipped.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 441
Likes: 0
From: winter spring,fl
I went with a High/Low HID from DDM around $60 including shipping. Great best light I have had on a bike. Took about 1 hour to install the correct way. Had to adjust the lamp but that was about it. I put this on my 09 Street Glide. So that was removing the tank & outer fairing like you will have to do. IMO go for it. You can go & buy HD for $500??
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 493
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
You can get a complete HID kit for under $50... You can also adjust the headlight down a little, if you want. The result is a very bright headlight for less watts. That's what I have.
I am really not sure why a high wattage light bulb would put out light differently than a HID bulb... Assuming that both bulbs output similar light and the pattern is the same, I would think that the headlight reflects the light the same way, and light is light... I guess, I would have to see both bulbs for differences...
Like I said, I have HID... I know that one day I will install an LED headlight (when the price comes down to under $50).
Your mileage might vary...
I am really not sure why a high wattage light bulb would put out light differently than a HID bulb... Assuming that both bulbs output similar light and the pattern is the same, I would think that the headlight reflects the light the same way, and light is light... I guess, I would have to see both bulbs for differences...
Like I said, I have HID... I know that one day I will install an LED headlight (when the price comes down to under $50).
Your mileage might vary...
Last edited by boom23; Nov 5, 2010 at 01:27 PM.
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
You can get a complete HID kit for under $50... You can also adjust the headlight down a little, if you want. The result is a very bright headlight for less watts. That's what I have.
I am really not sure why a high wattage light bulb would put out light differently than a HID bulb... Assuming that both bulbs output similar light and the pattern is the same, I would think that the headlight reflects the light the same way, and light is light... I guess, I would have to see both bulbs for differences...
Like I said, I have HID... I know that one day I will install an LED headlight (when the price comes down to under $50).
Your mileage might vary...
I am really not sure why a high wattage light bulb would put out light differently than a HID bulb... Assuming that both bulbs output similar light and the pattern is the same, I would think that the headlight reflects the light the same way, and light is light... I guess, I would have to see both bulbs for differences...
Like I said, I have HID... I know that one day I will install an LED headlight (when the price comes down to under $50).
Your mileage might vary...
For the price of the LED headlight($500), I can replace the 100/80 watt bulb ($32) 30 times (they come 2 in a package).
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
I went with a High/Low HID from DDM around $60 including shipping. Great best light I have had on a bike. Took about 1 hour to install the correct way. Had to adjust the lamp but that was about it. I put this on my 09 Street Glide. So that was removing the tank & outer fairing like you will have to do. IMO go for it. You can go & buy HD for $500??
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
headlight bright
well i run the brand name called "PIAA" they have blue color to them bright as hell long lasting and take lots of vibration. H-4 bulb maybe this part number helps u #75Z-704556. u run high beam all day i don't give a dam about other cars. at night low beam, unless i need high.