Harley Davidson Sportster: Aftermarket HID Kit Review and How to Install HID Headlight

This article applies to the Harley-Davidson Sportster.

Headlights serve one purpose: to allow you full visibility on the road ahead. Older headlights are designed to offer a balanced, but effective view. HID lights offer increased visibility and longevity, often making them a better choice in terms of illumination. Replacing your stock light with HID is a relatively simple process, only requiring you to exchange the stock bulbs and slightly modifying the housing. These instructions explain how to safely wire HIDs into your Harley Sportster.

How to Install HID Headlight

Step 1 – Access the stock bulb

Use your Philips screwdriver to remove the screw holding the trim ring in place. With the screw off, grab the ring and carefully pull off the headlight assembly.

Step 2 – Disconnect the old bulb

Disconnect the wire harness from the bulb assembly and remove the dust cover. You will be able to see a small locking spring now. Push down on a clip and pull the bulb out of the housing.

Step 3 – Modify the headlight housing

If you inspect the headlight assembly, you'll notice the hole will be too small to run the new wiring for the HIDs. Grab your drill with a 3/4" bit and widen the original hole. Install a 3/4" grommet in the hole to keep the wires secure and protect the housing from environmental debris. Some riders prefer to drill smaller holes as pictured below; either is fine.

Step 4 – Install the ballast

Find a place on the frame of the bike to install the ballast for the HIDs. Most riders aim to hide it by placing it closer to the battery and under the gas tank. Once secured, run the wires from the headlight to the battery and connect them.

Step 5 – Install the headlight assembly

Install the headlight assembly back onto your motorcycle and check the lights to ensure they are working properly.

Aftermarket HID Kit Review

One of the biggest gripes riders complain about on a Sportster is the lack of visibility gain from stock bulbs. This can be very dangerous to experience, especially during long evening drives, where it is crucial to see in the dark. Even after adjusting the aim, these lights still do not offer the same illumination that can be received from an HID kit. So instead of having to browse through the many available kits, we've chosen the best HID kits available on the market today for you to explore.

Please note that the prices are based on a Harley Sportster 1200 and are subject to change based on model and year.

Motorcycle HID Lights

Price – $99.95

Ballast – Digital

Brightest – 30,000k

Plug n' Play – Yes

Maximum Wattage – 55

Warranty – 1-year

Of all the HID kits listed here, this one has the most available options in terms of output. The kits can be custom made to fit any frame and stylistic design. The bulbs range up 30,000k out, allowing for a dangerously bright purple light. Each kit comes with a digital ballast that allows the rider to the keep both of the hi/lo beams. Recommended for show bikes, as the highest rated lights are not legal to use on most streets.

V-LEDs

Price – $99

Ballast – Slim

Brightest – 6,500k

Plug n' Play – Yes

Maximum Wattage – 55

Warranty – 1-5 years

Although these models were initially discontinued from the actual retailer, many can still be found in warehouses or from other riders around the country. The lights are available up to 6,500k, which make for a more realistic installation as compared to the 30,000k bulbs. V-LEDs offers up to a 5-year warranty on their HID kits, depending on the producer. Recommended for those who are able to find them due to their limited availability.

DDM Tuning

Price – $49.95

Ballast – Digital

Brightest – 6,500k

Plug n' Play – Yes

Maximum Wattage – 55

Warranty – Lifetime

Do not let the price of this kit fool you; DDM Tuning offer some of the best HIDs on the market. There are many different types to choose from, some of which offer a simple plug n' play harness that makes it extremely easy to both install and remove the unit. The only downside with DDM Tuning is their customer service and shipping time when dealing with returns. However, the part prices for each kit are so low, the option to skip a warranty claim and buy a new part can be easy to make. Recommended for those looking for one of the most inexpensive and reliable HID kits on the market.

Bike Master

Price – $69.95

Ballast – Slim

Brightest – 8,000k

Plug n' Play – Yes

Maximum Wattage – 55

Warranty – 1-year

Bike Master is up there with DDM Tuning, offering some very nice HID options at an affordable price. However, they are very limited in terms of models, only offering kits for Sportsters produced before 2004. The lights are very easy to assemble and install. The slim ballast makes it really easy to pick the perfect mounting location and hide it. Recommended if you have an older Sportster model and aren't looking to hurt your bank account too much.

Generic

Price – $24.95 - $99.95

Ballast – Oiled

Brightest – Varies

Plug n' Play – Yes

Maximum Wattage – 55

Warranty – Varies

These HID kits are mass produced and made following a universal fit. They can be generally found through classified websites such as eBay. The prices and quality of each kit are often very broad, meaning these sets can be hit or miss, depending on where and when you purchase them. Although you can be lucky enough to pick up an entire kit for under $30, claiming the warranty or even dealing with costumer service can often be a headache. However, there are cases of these lights working just as well as everything else on this list, so don't count these out just yet. Recommended for those looking for the cheapest option.

Related Discussions and Sites

• Sportster 48 HIDs! - HDforums.com
• HID Headlight Conversion: How to Install - Xlforum.com
• Motorcycle HID Lights Kit - MotorcycleHIDlights.com
• Bikemaster HID Headlight kit - HDforums.com
• Installed HID Headlight - HDforums.com
• Sportster HID - HDforums.com