hid headlight bulb replacements

[grego]

hi all
i'm a new rider. purchased a 2006 with 168 miles on it. went thru the saftey school which i thought was a great way to learn how to ride. i live in southern california just outside los angeles. rush hour is about 20 hours long and usually bumper to bumper 4 lanes wide. i was thinking about replacing the h4 in the headlight with an hid because i want to ride to work and its dark when i leave the house.. all the adds say a direct replacement. can it be that easy ?
i also was looking at a flashing stop light. would you believe that only in california it can only flash 4 times. i feel confident that someone out there has done both of these mods and can suggest the best way to go

thanks
grego