HiD Lights on sale

[greatmaul]

Hey all, just got a flyer from CycleGear and noticed they have HiD lighting kits on sale for only $54 (usually $110) and they have the H4 with high and low beam.

http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product...kit/web1009010

I don't really mind my light, but this one says it's brighter, it's a straight plug in system with ballast, no wiring or splicing involved, and it's less wattage than stock (35W vs 55/60W)

I really want to get one. Has anyone tried them, and are they actually brighter??

I wouldn't mind scavenging those extra 20 watts to use for other auxiliary lighting or the heated grip things that I ordered.

[greatmaul]

Oh, and I just noticed that they're all over ebay for less than that ($20 to $35.) Are these all real HID systems? or are they just junk? Looks like the same specs: http://www.ebay.com/itm/XENON-HID-KI...item3a62348d2a

[Water Warrior 2]

Just a personal opinion and no real experience with HIDs. I wouldn't have them. The bulbs may rated to last longer but I have read some reports of ballasts going south. That means you are hunting for a replacement and will usually have to wait for delivery. I just run with SilverStar bulbs and know I can find a replacement anywhere. I think I would wait for a good deal on some decent LED driving lights and have a more reliable and durable light source with a lower power draw. At present LEDs are pretty costly but they will come down in price as their popularity and volume increases.

[greatmaul]

Ok, that sounds like good advice. I carry a backup H4 under the seat and I know it's easy to replace.

[blaine]

Originally Posted by greatmaul

Ok, that sounds like good advice. I carry a backup H4 under the seat and I know it's easy to replace.

I also run the SilverStar bulbs,and find them to be a big improvement over stock. :2tup:

[Water Warrior 2]

I think one of the biggest advantages to driving lights is the fact that they are a separate lighting system. If for some reason the OEM system dies for reasons unknown you still have an operating back-up system to save your butt. Lynda's M-50 has 20 watt halogen driving lights on the crash bars. In a pinch she could ride at a lower speed to a safe spot at night.

[greatmaul]

Good point about the auxiliary lighting, and I'll definitely check out the silverstars. I think maybe this summer, though I'll try a hid, just because they are so cheap. I'm thinking if they're really plug and play, then if it goes out, I could just pop in my spare H4 from under the seat.

Really, I just want to see how bright they are. It says 3X brighter than a halogen. I can't picture that. Maybe I should just google it. :tongue:

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by greatmaul

Good point about the auxiliary lighting, and I'll definitely check out the silverstars. I think maybe this summer, though I'll try a hid, just because they are so cheap. I'm thinking if they're really plug and play, then if it goes out, I could just pop in my spare H4 from under the seat.

Really, I just want to see how bright they are. It says 3X brighter than a halogen. I can't picture that. Maybe I should just google it. :tongue:

If the system really is a simple plug and play you can easily do that on the road. When installing the HID be sure to anticipate the switchover by making all connections easy to get to. I would be tempted to get the 35 watt version before the more powerful set up as a way to unload the charging system a bit. They apparently still make lots of light compared to a standard bulb.