Triumphrat

F4sSprintST · 03-14-2008

Let me preface this by saying I was pretty happy with my stock headlights, in sharp contrast to most of the folks on this board.

I got a good deal on some HIDs, went for it.

These are just replacement bulbs, so if you don't like the stock pattern, that AIN'T GONNA CHANGE. You will just get more, whiter, brighter light.

I think my package was the "older" design, with integrated ballast and starters. Coupled with them being a bit large, I didn't even try to fit both under the windshield area.

I found a great place to mount on on the left side, hard bolted, and a zip tie to ensure it doesn't rotate down and rub on the radiator hose. This is looking at the left frame spar, just under the top cover panel between the fairing and frame:

F4sSprintST · 03-14-2008

I could have fit the right on inside the fairing, on the outside of the glove box, but I couldn't figure out a good way to get in there to bolt it in place, so it went under the windshield:

I modified the stock rubber covers on the lights to accept the rubber grommet on my new light's cables.

I removed the old bulbs, insert the new, hooked the leads into the factory light connector (that had plugged directly to the back of the stock bulb). Due to the size of the connector, it's a bit of stuff to cram into the rubber cover. They fit though.

There's 3 sets of cables that run between the ballast/starter and the bulb's pigtail. They were long enough to be able to locate the ballast a fair distance, as shown by how I mounted the left one.

The left one hides pretty well, the right one I think I'll get something to cover the cables better

F4sSprintST · 03-14-2008

Results?

I'm pretty happy. I am not overwhelmed, but I am glad I got them. I will be doing them on my pickup truck next. They make the stock lights look sickly yellow.

The light is so much whiter, and it's brighter. My bulbs are the 6k color

I didn't have to use relays, or run wiring to the battery. Pretty simple install.

Of course, no good project goes unpunished. Went for a ride when it got dark, got about 1 mile when I saw the CHECK ENGINE light was on.

Went back home, pulled the seat (reason #37 OND) to clear the computer, so I disconnected the battery for a few minutes, reconnected, check light cleared. Good to go.

I may try adjusting them up a bit higher, since they are plenty bright and can throw pretty far. I didn't have anyone flashing me tonight, so I guess I can try them a bit higher

Garyhjd · 03-14-2008

Great job on the retro. Must help a bit as our lights just aren't that great.

But please don't put them on your truck. You will have so much glare you will blind oncoming traffic. The upgrade works on the bike b/c we have projector lamps on them. But your truck most likely has reflector lamps and this just isn't a good idea unless they are designed for HID's. Before you do this please go to hidplanet.com and do some learning.

But good going on the bike.

Gary

F4sSprintST · 03-14-2008

Hmm, will do, thanks.

Especially since my truck is jacked up pretty high, riding on 37" tires.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garyhjd

Great job on the retro. Must help a bit as our lights just aren't that great.

But please don't put them on your truck. You will have so much glare you will blind oncoming traffic. The upgrade works on the bike b/c we have projector lamps on them. But your truck most likely has reflector lamps and this just isn't a good idea unless they are designed for HID's. Before you do this please go to hidplanet.com and do some learning.

But good going on the bike.

Gary

oldndumb · 03-14-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by F4sSprintST

Went back home, pulled the seat (reason #37 OND) to clear the computer, so I disconnected the battery for a few minutes, reconnected, check light cleared.

Well if you are determined to remove the seat, that is one way to extinguish the MIL light. There is an easier way.

And, you did not "clear the computer" if there was an actual fault stored in it. The fault code remains in the ECM until it sees 40 no-fault cycles.

F4sSprintST · 03-14-2008

I do seem to be removing that seat a lot........I'm glad I upgraded the clipnuts & bolts to something bigger.

My OBDII code scanner is up at my house in PA, so I need to extinuguish that light to see if I really had an engine problem or not.

Good to know about the code still being in there, thanks for the G2

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldndumb

Well if you are determined to remove the seat, I that is one way to extinguish the MIL light. There is an easier way.

And, you did not "clear the computer" if there was an actual fault stored in it. The fault code remains in the ECM until it sees 40 no-fault cycles.

a1fa- · 03-19-2008

You didnt tell us where did u get that kit :P

FFMedic · 03-21-2008

While you're at it, can youthrow up some pics of the actual lights illuminated on the bike? I'm really interested to see how it looks lit. Thanks and great job!

F4sSprintST · 03-21-2008

Off a guy on Sportbikes.net, hence there's no point in posting it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by a1fa-

You didnt tell us where did u get that kit :P

Getting light pics is difficult. Basically, they look the same, just much whiter and brighter

Quote:

Originally Posted by FFMedic

While you're at it, can youthrow up some pics of the actual lights illuminated on the bike? I'm really interested to see how it looks lit. Thanks and great job!