• Required reading for all forum users!!!

    Welcome!
    Register to access the full functionality of the GSResources forum. Until you register and activate your account you will not have full forum access, nor will you be able to post or reply to messages.

    A note to new registrants...
    All new forum registrations must be activated via email before you have full access to the forum.

    A Special Note about Email accounts!
    DO NOT SIGN UP USING hotmail, outlook, gmx, sbcglobal, att, bellsouth or email.com. They delete our forum signup emails.

    A note to old forum members...
    I receive numerous requests from people who can no longer log in because their accounts were deleted. As mentioned in the forum FAQ, user accounts are deleted if you haven't logged in for the past 6 months. If you can't log in, then create a new forum account. If you don't get an error message, then check your email account for an activation message. If you get a message stating that the email address is already in use, then your account still exists so follow the instructions in the forum FAQ for resetting your password.

    Have you forgotten your password or have a new email address? Then read the forum FAQ for details on how to reset it.

    Any email requests for "can't log in anymore" problems or "lost my password" problems will be deleted. Read the forum FAQ and follow the instructions there - that's what we have one for...

  • Returning Visitors

    If you are a returning visitor who never received your confirmation email, then odds are your email provider is blockinig emails from our server. The only thing that can be done to get around this is you will have to try creating another forum account using an email address from another domain.

    If you are a returning visitor to the forum and can't log in using your old forum name and password but used to be able to then chances are your account is deleted. Purges of the databases are done regularly. You will have to create a new forum account and you should be all set.

HID Headlight conversion

salty_monk

Forum Guru
Past Site Supporter
TGSR Superstar
h4_installation_setup.jpg


Rated at 35w. Has a Halogen Main beam at normal 60w.

Anyone have any concerns about the old wiring holding up to this setup?

I think it should be ok but I have heard that HID draws a bigger "whack" when it fires the bulb which is where there could be a problem.

Dan :)
 
I don't think the momentary load of the ballast starting would be much of a problem.

What might be more of a problem would be the fact that the light comes on, then you start the engine. The load of starting the engine might draw the light below its operating voltage, wreaking havoc on its longevity. It would be better if you could install a headlight switch so that you could turn the light on after the bike is already running.

My only other concern is beam pattern.
The arc that makes the light in the capsule is not in the same place or orientation as the filament in the H4 bulb, which will greatly affect the beam that is projected. It would be better if you got a matching reflector assembly.

.
 
Thanks. I think it should run about 60w during startup & then settle back to 35w.

This is for a friend so I'll let him know about bulb longevity etc & suggest a switch.

All the stuff shown above fits in the headlight bucket - I hope it doesn't get too hot in there!

Dan :)
 
More information is always good, so take a look at Daniel Stern's website.

Click on the "Tech" link, then "Bulbs", then "HID lights".

.

Nice articles! I was always attracted to HID, due to the tech factor (I love me some gadgetry), but never could quite warm up to way things looked at night with them on. Now, I know why.
 
On my Canadian version gs1000C, the headlight switch is permanently on.This can be fixed by unscrewing the fixing screw on the side of the switch, removing the switch lever, then removing the tab on the bottom of the lever with a file. The switch lever will now move, and headlights can be turned off and on. Just remember to turn it on when driving.

I found this useful for stealth camping, but it will also work to save battery power for starting. I like to start the engine, then turn on the headlights. Useful when cold, or if you have a doubtful battery. A worthwhile precaution in a remote area where you cannot afford not to start.

This would allow the engine to be running, and at high enough rpm to be charging before turning on the hids with their higher demand on startup. My bike begins showing charging status at 2500 rpm with the headlight off.
 
Last edited:
Can you tell us what equipment you used for the conversion? I am thinking of doing it, but am confused about all the makers and choices.
 
Back
Top