Anyone try Xenon HID headlight?

Kurt

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I'm curious if anyone has tried a Xenon HID headlight in an XS650. I'm wondering if the voltage changes from idling to operating speeds poses problems for HID ballasts. The 35w draw of the bulb is quite appealing - does the ballast add much overhead?

I have dealt with the notoriously low output of my electrical system for some time and I'm itching to deal with it. I'm half tempted to spend the money for a permanent magnet replacement for my generator, but those I've seen are pretty expensive. I already have an LED tail light, which is saving me the 13w of the original lamp, but I still find I have to charge my battery if I've been doing a lot of city driving for a while.
 
Impressive. I think that alternator is about the same size as the one in my Suburban. :)
 
Converting your tail light to Led's saves you 8 watts on the tail light, 27 watts on the brake light. Each turn signal is 27 watts, + 3 for the indicater light. Converting them to LED' will save you 57 watts every time they flash. If your bike is one of the later two bolb tail lights then the wattage doubles. 16 watts tail and 54 watts brake.
I have converted to LED's. I run a 50/60 watt halogen headlight. With the reg/rec mods I get 14.5 volts charge at anything over 1800 rpms.
By the way your bike has an alternator not a generator.
Make sure your alternator is working right, clean connections in all the wiring connectors and switches and your battery will stay charged.
Leo
 
Quote from Kurt:
"but I still find I have to charge my battery if I've been doing a lot of city driving for a while."

Well spoken Leo:thumbsup:

The stock alternator works just fine (you need a good battery as well). Even without an LED tail/brake, there should be no need to use a battery charger on the bike. If you are using an LED tail/brake, and find you need to charge the battery.................that means you have electrical charging problems..............brushes worn (too short)?...............slip rings oxidized?.................battery starting to fail?.............corroded electrical connectors?..................still using 30 year old rectifier and or regulator?
 
I'm curious if anyone has tried a Xenon hid kits in an XS650. I'm wondering if the voltage changes from idling to operating speeds poses problems for HID ballasts. The 35w draw of the bulb is quite appealing - does the ballast add much overhead?

I have dealt with the notoriously low output of my electrical system for some time and I'm itching to deal with it. I'm half tempted to spend the money for a permanent magnet replacement for my generator, but those I've seen are pretty expensive. I already have an LED tail light, which is saving me the 13w of the original lamp, but I still find I have to charge my battery if I've been doing a lot of city driving for a while.

Hello Kurt sorry to reactivate old post but I have no experience with these HIDS..can you give some information about best brands for headlights in hid technology. Looking to get one very soon..Waiting for reply..Thanks
 
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Here's one thing to keep on mind w/HID's -
In order to get the best use out of them (and not to blind others on the road), you really should be using them in a projector. There's a bunch made for 7-8" round headlights, so should be relatively easy.
That being said - I've been looking at the LED lamps that Harley has been using over the last two years or so. I found the actual manufacturer (Speaker Model A8700)....But they are still ~ $350.
 
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