Std versus HID
HID Kit supplied by UprightWare
I had my BMW R1200RT motorcycle’s twin headlights converted to HID, this weekend. It is not often that one gets something for nothing, but due to the increased efficiency of HID lighting compared to standard halogen, one gets 200% of light output whilst consuming only 70% of electrical power. To me that sounds like a great deal! HID installation on BMW R1200RT on YouTube.
The costs have come down, so that now the cost of the HID kit outweighs the costs of replacing ordinary globes, as the HID lamp has a life expectancy of 5,000 hrs of on time.
HID kits are not new to me, as I had already fitted a pair to my previous bike, a Suzuki DL1000 VStrom, however the experience had been somewhat mixed. The kit was sourced from Hong Kong, via eBay, and arrived in record time. Two H4 Hi/Lo HID globe kits. Unlike halogen, the HID is not dual filament, but uses a solenoid to move a sleeve over the light source, so that it changes position within the headlight reflector.
I fitted the kit and all was well for about 1 month. Then one of the Ballasts packed up. I bought a replacement for $50, but never bothered returning the old one for a refund, although I could have. Then less than 1 month later one of the light’s hi/lo actuation stopped working. Bummer. As I was about to sell the bike, I just left it (but I did mention this to the buyer).
Along comes my current bike. A BMW R1200RT. This bike has triple H7 globes, two for low beam and a third for high. Recognising the importance of being seen, I was contemplating adding some driving lights, as the BMW use a computerized wiring loom called CANBUS and I was worried that HIDs will upset it, plus I didn’t want to run the risk of further failures.
Then I bumped into John Musster of UprightWare, who imports and distributes the latest German designed HID kits. John assured me that he had special CANBUS compatible versions available at no extra charge, so when UprightWare announced an EOFYS, I jumped at the opportunity and ordered a pair of kits.
John came to my place and actually fitted the kits so in return I’ve created a little video of the installation.
The job is simple in principle, however the practicalities are another story! Working with headlight globes is usually very cramped and small dexterous hands are a distinct advantage.
The each of the outside faring panels are quickly removed by undoing 4 bolts, however the fun and games is in taking out the globes, and then replacing them with the HID ones. The digital ballasts were mounted to the frame and the connection to the original harness made. Polarity is important, but thankfully getting it wrong does no damage, just doesn’t produce any light.
On my bike the left side had the BMW Brown wire as Earth and White as positive, but on the right hand side it was the other way round. Go figure!
The final results are brilliant! (sorry about the pun!). I cannot recommend these highly enough, and having a local distributor (www.uprightware.com) means that warranty is not a concern. I can also report that John Musster is a most helpful and resourceful guy who values customer satisfaction above all else, and was a pleasure to deal with. [I have non financial interest in UprightWare].
The final test; I rode the bike tonight and nobody in traffic complained. The lights are outstanding. Only thing, my high beam using the standard globe is decidedly ordinary! Wonder if we should make that HID too. What do you think?
Stay Upright and be seen!