Hella Headlights

[Steve]

Personally, I would prefer the Hella setup, just make sure it's the E-code version AND for right-hand drive.

I have a Hella 200mm rectangular light in Junior and it works very well.

I have Candlepower lights in the other two 850s in the stable. They work well, too, but I like the Hella a bit better.

The BEST light I have ever had on a bike (excepting my Wing) was a Cibie, back in the late '70s. It also had that disclaimer "Not DOT approved, except for motorcycles and off-road vehicles." Don't worry about that disclaimer, unless you live in a state with very strict inspections.

I also wouldn't sweat the details over a light that is "not optimized for motorcycles". Most of the stock 'motorcycle' lights I have seen had a bit of a 'bow-tie' effect in the light pattern, which tends to light up the shoulders a bit more than straight-ahead. I find that a bit annoying, since I would really rather go straight ahead, right into the dark spot.

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[renegadmonk]

I bought the hella h4, then bought conversions for them.

ok i fig it was the H4. what do you think of this one? from the same site.

http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/DDM-35W-55W-Single-HiLo-Motorcycle-HID-Kit

[renegadmonk]

will keep that in mind also Steve before i make a decision.

[renegadmonk]

I bought the hella h4, then bought conversions for them.

finally now i get it....i can get the hella and if i decide i want more light just do the conversion. Thanks you guys for bringing me up to speed on these lights.

[kdo58]

I bought the one in your link.

[wkmpt]

If anyone's looking and hasn't purchased already: (and I'm not getting paid to endorse, just had a good experience with their products.)

Check this out. I've used the 5-3/4" inch version of this housing and it's a FANTASTIC improvement over sealed beams. Inexpensive (and it comes with your first bulb), effective, and allows you to use modern 3-prong replacement bulbs.

Or this (DOT approved).

They also have decent prices on the Hellas.
Hellas

[Tim Tom]

ok i fig it was the H4. what do you think of this one? from the same site.
http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/DD...rcycle-HID-Kit

I have this HID in my bike. It makes great light, and I can see at night incredibly well. Its like having the power of the sun in front of my bike. Although for the sake of other motorists I would recommend an hid / projector type reflector because my light can be pretty blinding with the stock lens.

I've been keeping my eyes out for a decent lens that isn't crazy expensive but so far haven't found the right one.

[LoopGaroo]

Tim Tom - Does that HID kit have separate Hi/Low functions?

[Tim Tom]

Yes. The Hi / Lo beam works the same way through the stock controls. Very easy. With the Hi beam I can project easily about 300+ feet in front of the bike. Very useful for dark lonely highways.

Note: It's a simple swap to do, and completely reversible if you wish to go back to the stock set-up for any reason. Also under the tank tied to the frame is a good place to hide the ballast.

[LoopGaroo]

Sorry to derail the thread - but do you have a relay or anything installed to keep the light off when you're starting the bike up? Are you using 35W or 55W?

[Tim Tom]

I have the 55 watt. Its probably overkill and a 35 would've worked just as well. I don't have a kill switch installed. The light draws less than 6 amps at start up, and about 3.4 while running. I have never noticed any lack of battery cranking power when starting with the new light. (Excepting of course when the battery is dead to begin with, but that's another story entirely, and even more of a hijack...)