2 ways to Install HID Headlights

[FL-VTX-Rider]

Just bought a HID Motorcycle kit, and installed it on my 1300 VTX

I'll go quickly over the removal of the seat, tank, neck collar, in which is where the HID Ballast will be installed. Just to get to the Actually HID installation.

Total time it took from start to finish was 1 hour and 20 min.
Reason I mounted the HID Ballast where I did, was to get good airflow over it, but yet keeping it from the outside elements.
Some people choose to mount them in the headlight bucket, I couldn't imagine all that heat inside the headlight bucket.


Here's how it was done.


First I removed the seat.
Then remove the gas tank. ( Shut off gas ). Gas tank involves 2 lines going into the shut off valve, 1 line in the back right rear of the gas tank which is a vent line, ( remove the right rear spark plug cover ) .Next right front part of the gas tank ,there are 2 green connectors for your speedo. Carefully not to break the slide on top of them when disconnecting them. Remove the rear tank bolt. The tank will not leak, because it needs vaccuum for the flow of gas.
Remove the gas tank. ( Don't forget to tie off the front wheel )
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm200/fltekdiver/IMGP0178.jpg
Remove the 2pc plastic neck collar.
Remove your Headlight by removing the 2 bolts, then un-clip the H4 bulb inside the canister.
Under the neck, between the frame, is where I mounted the HID Ballast. The wires are long enough in the kit to reach inside the headlight bucket.
I Installed the HID Ballast using a 3M double sided tape, then wire tied it around the frame. This is where it will stay dry, but get good venilation. The HID ballast in this kit is 100% waterproof. http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm200/fltekdiver/IMGP0182-1.jpg
Run the wires from the HID Ballast into the headlight bucket.
Be careful to leave enough wire, so you can turn the front wheel
Remove the HID bulb from its original packing. ( Be sure not to touch the bulb, because your finger prints will ruin the bulb within a few days.
Install the HID H4 Bulb into the canister. There will be 3 prongs, one fat one at the top, and two skinny ones at the bottom. Match them up correctly. http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm200/fltekdiver/IMGP0183.jpg
Connect the high voltage wires from the HID bulb, to the HID Ballast inside the can. http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm200/fltekdiver/IMGP0184-1.jpg
Carefully wire tie everything up inside the can, so that you can install back the HID Bulb, with the front headlight trim cover.
Install the front trim headlight cover with the 2 bolts.
Reverse the plastic collar, gas tank, seat.
Be sure not to forget to hook up the gas lines,vent line, and speedo cables under the gas tank.

When you first start the bike up, most HID manufactures require a
" Burn In " for the HID bulb, for at least a few minutes before shutting the bike back off.

Enjoy your new HID Headlight !

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm200/fltekdiver/IMGP0190.jpg

Notice how tight the HID beam is, shinning on my garage door. As I drove around tonight for 2 hours, not 1 car shinned me their highbeams, meaning I was not blinding on coming traffic. The H4 bulb on the VTX throws a very tight extreme white light using the HID H4 bulb :

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm200/fltekdiver/IMGP0201.jpg

[VTX PHANTOM]

Nice write-up! Appreciate the how to.

[FL-VTX-Rider]

Thanks, and welcome to the board !!

If you go over to the main form, and intoduce yourself, people would love to meet ya, thanks again!

[SPyKER]

Nice! Where did you purchase the kit from? Any details on the kit itself would be great!

[FL-VTX-Rider]

Nice! Where did you purchase the kit from? Any details on the kit itself would be great!


No problem, I bought the kit from here:

http://www.customdynamics.com/hid_headlight_kits.htm

Thanks again, PS, you'll love their kits, very good quality kit

[vtxrosa]

WOW! I guess I won't have any problem finding you when I got down there for bike week. I saw that you had a extra kit. I was soo close to buying it. :?

[FL-VTX-Rider]

WOW! I guess I won't have any problem finding you when I got down there for bike week. I saw that you had a extra kit. I was soo close to buying it. :?


yeh my friend scooped it up for his 1800 :)

Go for it, you'll love it

[benlt1000]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!:thumbup:

I just threw my HID kit on today, this was a lifesaver as a reference:tools:

[VTX1300cnME]

The HID kits I've tried (2 now. . . even the ones with the motorized bulb) do not offer high beam and low beam like the package says. .

Am I hooking something up wrong or do you all just NOT have a high beam now??

I have HID's in my car and love them. They're brighter then sin. I don't suppose I wouldn't use my high beam anymore ever, but it'd be nice to have it in place for my inspection (required to have high beam/low beam).

[FL-VTX-Rider]

High beams are halogen, low is HID on the H4 bulbs that I bought.

I couldn't imagine HID on high beam, unless you can adjust the headlight while your driving like on the Gold Wings

[VTX1300cnME]

So do you have a halogen high and a xenon low ??

I'm just trying to figure it out. Like I said, you can't beat the light output of the HID's, I just want to be able to pass my inspections . . .

[FL-VTX-Rider]

Yes, HID is low beam, and halogen is high. Lights both work on both low/hugh beam. Just the low is on HID

Hope this helps :thumbup:

[NDAna]

I have some Kits for sale. 4300K and 6000K True Hi/Lo HID units.
These are 50W kits. Importing them myself and the light is AMAZING. Reviews have been good too.
PM for info.

[triductran]

Hi Sam,
Thanks for installing the HID on the bike for me. Tried it out tonight, unbelievably bright :lol::thumbup:. It needs a little bit of adjusting on its aim. But I have so much light at the low beam I don't know if I want to adjust it. ;)

Thanks Jon and Matt for working on my bike. I am almost done with all the mods to my bike. :roll::oops:

THanks again Jon, Matt, and Sam. :bowdown::bowdown::bowdown:

[NDAna]

Hi Sam,
Thanks for installing the HID on the bike for me. Tried it out tonight, unbelievably bright :lol::thumbup:. It needs a little bit of adjusting on its aim. But I have so much light at the low beam I don't know if I want to adjust it. ;)

Thanks Jon and Matt for working on my bike.

Glad you like it Tri. Was a pleasure working on such a clean machine. I'm thinking of lowering min a little so I can make full use of the hi beam. Seems like the light throws much further too.

[Bomber]

Are you running a relay to keep the HID turned off when you first turn on the ign switch? As I understand it, you shorten the life of the bulb if you don't wait a few minutes between sutting it off and turning it back on.

I need one of those for mine!

[NDAna]

Are you running a relay to keep the HID turned off when you first turn on the ign switch? As I understand it, you shorten the life of the bulb if you don't wait a few minutes between sutting it off and turning it back on.

I need one of those for mine!

PM sent.

[roadhog]

How are the longer term results so far? Opinions? Has the heat affected he headlight housing at all? I can't see any of the original pics anymore, any way they could be fixed? I am very interested in doing this mod to my ride soon. Thanks!

[Mathwiz]

I am also interested.

[NDAna]

No heat issues so far. In all honesty I have had 1 bulb and 1 ballast fail but they have been warrantied with no problem. PMs sent.

[FL-VTX-Rider]

No issues here. I've had them in my cars now for several years, and on my different bikes now for close to two years, with no problems or issues.

PS, I would never ride a bike again on a Halogen bulb

[roadhog]

Can some of you that have had a good unit post some brands so I can compare? Are there any good ones on Ebay? Do you have the lo hid and high halogen, or hi/lo switcher on the single hid bulb? Install issues? I guess I just want to make sure I don't get a dud, as I remember how many junky units there were a few years ago. Thanks everyone!

[roadhog]

bump :mrgreen:

[vtxrosa]

Hey roadhog, I understand there are high dollar and cheap units on ebay. But the guy who started this HID install know-how thread has a great system. How do I know... I bought the exact one from his X when he pieced out the bike and sold it. Go through the thread again and see mine and his comments. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

[Lunk]

Is anyone else having problems seeing the pictures? I can't see any of them in the initial thread.

[vtxrosa]

Ok, so do I. I guess FLVTXrider removed his pics of the headlight at night (he bought a Yam tourer). I can say that 2 guys I ride with noticed my headlight and bought the same unit.

[danater]

Easy install of HID headlight system from NDANA

Quick install

1. disconnect battery
2. pull the headlight, replace with new HID light
3. route your wires along the frame (do as you see fit)
4. connect all connections. ground, mount ballast, and positive lead (extended more than likely)
5. turn your pride on, pop to neutral and stand back and be prepared for the light

Normal install

1. Prelim, package materials
2. Tools and materials
3. Electrical disconnect
4. Headlight removal / install
5. Harness routing
6. Ballast placement
7. Fuse block install


1. Prelim, package materials

When you receive the package in the mail make sure to check the contents of the bag for all the proper parts(bulb, ballast and harness). Once that's done, lets move on and install this mod. I do make it sound a little harder but I have never had electrical problems doing it this way in 8 years of automotive work.



2. Tools and materials

You will need the following:

A Phillips screwdriver
industrial zip ties
1 U bolt 3/8 x 3" x 6"
2 nylon insert lock nuts 3/8" (fits u bolts)
1 U bolt plates (should come with the U bolt, listed for reference)
Rosin core solder
14 gauge wire (2 foot)
soldering iron
shrink wrap to fit wires 2 pieces about 4" long
black PVC electrical tape


3. Electrical disconnect

First rule of thumb is to always disconnect your battery and power sources before you start any mod on your bike. Pull your seat off, move your E. C. M. (computer/ electronic control module) out of the way. Remove the 3 Phillips head screws holding the E. C. M. plate down and remove the plate. The battery will have a black and a red terminal. Disconnect the red (positive) side of the batterys and tuck the battery cable away safely out of range of the positive battery terminal.

4. Headlight replacement

Remove the three (3) screws from the headlight bucket. Two (2) inside by the top of the lens, and one (1) at the very bottom of the headlight bucket. Remove the lens assembly and disconnect the factory plug from the headlight bulb. Move the lens assembly over to a workbench and look at the back of the assembly for a rubber boot with a 3 prong connection sticking out. pull the rubber boot off and set it aside. A metal tensioner is holding the halogen bulb in place. Unhook the tensioner, not completely removing it, pull out the halogen bulb. note there are 3 tabs on the bulb that will help with aligning the new HID bulb properly. If all else fails, look at the HID bulb, marked on the top of the holder if "lock and unlock" make sure the words are pointed up. Make sure the bulb is seated properly in the holder. Jarring can lead to the bulb assembly not functioning properly if the assembly is too far out of the holder. The bulb seat should be even with the assembly holder neck. if its not, simply re-seat it with a pencil being careful not to touch the actual bulb with fingers or pencil/object.

5. Harness routing

I recommend removal of the tank for this step but it is optional.
While the tank is off do your desmog and the ground fix all at the same time.
WWW.bareasschoppers.com (http://www.bareasschoppers.com/) has an easy way to remove the tank, desmog and all types of info. Thanks for all the info keep it up.

First extend the positive power lead of the harness with the 2 foot of extra wire. Cut about 6 inches in front of the inline fuse holder. Strip the insulation back about a ½ inch on both the added wire and the harness wire. Solder the wires together, let cool, shrink wrap the connection, then put PVC tape around the ends of the shrink wrap for a water tight fit. Fish the extended power lead along the backbone of the bike right beside the original factory harness. There should be plenty of left over wire at the seat area. There is an option later on so leave with just wire now. Make sure that the harness has enough slack for any pulling that may occur during normal riding. Connect the ground to the frame. Best spot for the ground is where the front coil pack grounds to the frame. 10 mm ¼" socket and small ratchet can easily remove the bolt without any problems.
CAUTION! DO NOT CONNECT THE POSITIVE LEAD AT THIS TIME.

6. Ballast placement and install

Place the ballast to the left (looking from behind the bike or right from the front) between the triple trees just behind the headlight bucket. The wires should be pointing down. Use the U bolt around the ballast and tighten it down so that the U bolt plate will conform to the exterior side of the triple tree fork leg. Make sure to use Nylon Insert Lock Nuts. Vibration from your bike will eventually loosen normal nuts and can cause a very annoying rattle later on. Plug in the ballast to the harness making sure that the positive connector is connected to the positive side of the ballast. Route the black cable from the ballast to inside the headlight bucket. Connect the headlight bulb assembly connectors to the ballast side connectors. Work the headlight assembly into the headlight bucket and replace the three (3) Philips head screws to hold the assembly in place.

7. Fuse block install

Direct connection to battery.
Solder the fuse holder just like the wire splice ( 5. Harness routing)

Optional fuse block install
connect the wire to your optional fuse block
check all connections before reconnecting the positive battery cable.
Reconnect the battery cable and start the bike up in neutral.

[NDAna]

Thanks a bunch for the great write up. :bowdown: .
Guess I should have done this myself :oops:.
As an added note - on a 1300 there is a pocket under the neck covers that will hold the ballast perfectly. That tip comes directly from Bare. Have done it on a 1300 and it works great.
Thanks again. Enjoy the light.

[Mater]

Can anyone refer some HID kits that will work for this HID retrofit? I'm looking for a kit that contains everything needed (within reason).

Thanks
Rich

[NDAna]

PM me for kit info.

[Rich203]

Hey all...Nice write up...

Just wanted to throw something here...A friend and I installed the 20K (dark blue) hid kits together on his Triumph 05 and my 1300...I placed mine under the triple tree and the relay was put under the left neck cover...Once we tested the light there was a tick tick or buzz noise when we placed the ballast or relay too close to some wires...

Not sure if it was just us buzzed but the noise was there till we moved things around...So just a heads up to test before putting things back together...Good luck...

Easy install and I love my dark blue's...

[rthcool]

I read that if you add a 100w bulb to the headlight it will cause burnout of the 22 guage wire going to the starter. Will this mod do the same thing or does the ballast prevent that?

[NDAna]

I read that if you add a 100w bulb to the headlight it will cause burnout of the 22 guage wire going to the starter. Will this mod do the same thing or does the ballast prevent that?


MTL the 100w lamp will smoke your wires or a switch.
You are fine with the HIDs as they draw less power than the stock HL.

[Bomber]

MTL the 100w lamp will smoke your wires or a switch.
You are fine with the HIDs as they draw less power than the stock HL.

I've had a set of Sam's HID's on my bike for about 8K miles now and they are great! Instal was straight forward. The increase in vis is tremendous!

I run a very wide variety of weight on my bike (solo to wife + 80lb of crap) so I've set the headlight so I can run on high beam solo and then hit low beam when I'm overloaded for touring. I'm still scratching my chin about a remote tilt adjustment.

I had a warranty item with the first bulb and Sam quickly took care of it for me. Thanks Sam!

I highly recommend his HID unit! I got the 6K temp bulb and it is pure white light.

Mike

[NDAna]

I've had a set of Sam's HID's on my bike for about 8K miles now and they are great! Instal was straight forward. The increase in vis is tremendous!

I run a very wide variety of weight on my bike (solo to wife + 80lb of crap) so I've set the headlight so I can run on high beam solo and then hit low beam when I'm overloaded for touring. I'm still scratching my chin about a remote tilt adjustment.

I had a warranty item with the first bulb and Sam quickly took care of it for me. Thanks Sam!

I highly recommend his HID unit! I got the 6K temp bulb and it is pure white light.

Mike

Thanks Mike, for the good feedback. Glad to help out with the warranty issue. Still amazes me every time I turn that thing on.

[FL-VTX-Rider]

HID bulbs are 35 watts, not 100

[NDAna]

HID bulbs are 35 watts, not 100

Actually the ones I sell are 50W. There are some 100W units out there but WAY to powerful for street use.