TRUHIDS HID install question, 13 SG
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 20
From: Southeast GA
I've been riding with HID's (but not TRUEHIDS) for the past 5 years and never had a component go bad.
Last edited by vickers1; Apr 18, 2014 at 06:24 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,808
Likes: 285
From: Green Country Oklahoma
I will be installing the TruHids kit in my '13 SG next week. Considered the TL 7 (LED) but didn't like the way it stuck out once installed (requires a Frenched or Hooded accessory chrome trim to even look close imho). Planning on trying the plug n play install, no relays or delays. Emailed SoCalMotogear and they responded quickly. They report that they have higher quality ballast that requires less amp draw on start up and should hold up over time.
I also ordered the Custom Dynamics Ringz and will report back on the combination of lights and how they look together.
I also ordered the Custom Dynamics Ringz and will report back on the combination of lights and how they look together.
Stage III
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Holland, MI
TruHIDs Installed
Just got the conversion kit today and installed it - took less than a half hour. Mounted the ballast with the 3M tape to the back right side of the faring (as far from the radio as I could manage per instructions.)
I think it is a great setup, it matches the Custom Dynamics Ringz very well and I really like the overall effect.
I am going to try a ride after dark tonight, but I anticipate a nice clean clear white light.
I attached a picture. Let me know if I can answer any further questions!
I think it is a great setup, it matches the Custom Dynamics Ringz very well and I really like the overall effect.
I am going to try a ride after dark tonight, but I anticipate a nice clean clear white light.
I attached a picture. Let me know if I can answer any further questions!
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 992
Likes: 2
From: TN
I ran HIDs on my Fat Boy. It did not have a spare cowl switch, so I added one. I did it so the the switch cut the ground, and I turned them on only after the bike was running. Never had a problem and sold the bike with that setup still working. Now, two things. First, I did not do this because of power draw as I don't believe the 35 watt system draws crap, even on fire up. I did it because I didn't know how the ballast would react to the starter stealing all the voltage. And once burning, I was worried a drop or flux in power might damage the system. That's the reason I added the switch. Second, if your adding HIDs for added daytime visability, you might be hurting yourself. Clearly HIDs throw more light, but at least in my case, because they are much closer to natural light than standard bulbs, you almost can't see them in the daytime. Many a fellow rider turned around and motioned for me to turn my light on even though they already were on. Just wanted to mention that as added visibility seems to be the driving force behind what you are wanting.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,808
Likes: 285
From: Green Country Oklahoma
Mine is always plugged in when it's in the garage as I mentioned before with stock setup I can turn on the ignition without starting the bike and my tender won't notice but with HID sooner I turn on the ignition tender start charging immediately, so I think this kit is pretty heavy on the battery at start up.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 252
Likes: 2
From: Ontario, Canada
Just got the conversion kit today and installed it - took less than a half hour. Mounted the ballast with the 3M tape to the back right side of the faring (as far from the radio as I could manage per instructions.)
I think it is a great setup, it matches the Custom Dynamics Ringz very well and I really like the overall effect.
I am going to try a ride after dark tonight, but I anticipate a nice clean clear white light.
I attached a picture. Let me know if I can answer any further questions!
I think it is a great setup, it matches the Custom Dynamics Ringz very well and I really like the overall effect.
I am going to try a ride after dark tonight, but I anticipate a nice clean clear white light.
I attached a picture. Let me know if I can answer any further questions!
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Stage III
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Holland, MI
Yes, I mounted the ballast on the throttle side of the batwing faring...inside and to the left if you are in front of the bike with the headlight bucket out. I am not getting any radio interference. I am not noticing any problems starting the bike or issues with the headlight fire up on start up...all I did was plug in the harness that came with the kit - works great as far as I'm concerned. I'll see how long it lasts, but I'm very happy with the plug and play nature of this kit so far.
Did some dusk riding over the weekend...the pattern is a nice rectangle projection. The light is very white to barely (ever so slightly) blueish...no one is going to say "wow, that's a blue light special" or anything, it just leans a little tiny bit to blue, just like high end HID lights on cars. I think it provides a much cleaner light than the standard incandescent bulb. Major improvement with out dropping $550 on a Harley LED Daymaker.
I'll try to grab some pictures this week against the garage wall and maybe a 25' distance.
If you are thinking about buying this light, do it! It's a well put together kit and it's piece of cake to install. Not to mention the light color improvement alone is worth the cost (to me).
Did some dusk riding over the weekend...the pattern is a nice rectangle projection. The light is very white to barely (ever so slightly) blueish...no one is going to say "wow, that's a blue light special" or anything, it just leans a little tiny bit to blue, just like high end HID lights on cars. I think it provides a much cleaner light than the standard incandescent bulb. Major improvement with out dropping $550 on a Harley LED Daymaker.
I'll try to grab some pictures this week against the garage wall and maybe a 25' distance.
If you are thinking about buying this light, do it! It's a well put together kit and it's piece of cake to install. Not to mention the light color improvement alone is worth the cost (to me).
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