Installing HID lights in an XL700

[Corkboy]

Has anybody installed a HID kit in the XL700 yet?

I'm torn between just replacing the bulbs with Osram nightbreakers/silverstar or something similiar, or going the whole hog and installing a HID for the low-beam.

I was wondering if the fact that the existing low-beam is "always on" (i.e. before starting) will have an affect on the HID, as they are very sensitive to voltage drops (when pressing the starter motor). I know some HID suppliers recommend disconnecting the "auto-on" feature in cars.

[ADTT]

You can always install a handle bar switch so you can turn your HID low beam on and off manual. Go for the HID kit the result is much better than the halogen lamps thats if you can afford the cost.
Take a look at these switches.


http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/El.../switches.html

[Jimmcc]

Ive got a set of HIDS on the 700, Fantastic difference

[Alba]

Ive got a set of HIDS on the 700, Fantastic difference

Ok i'm on a 650 but go HIDs the difference is 'Fantastic', I can not believe I rode a winter with the old light.

I managed to fit the HID myself, if you want let me know and I will look out the details of who I got it from. They were recommended off this forum & came in about the £70 mark, off the top of my head.

[Corkboy]

Ive got a set of HIDS on the 700, Fantastic difference

Jimmc,
is your low beam on all the time, from before startup, and had you had any issues with the hid?

I presume UK spec bikes are the same as the rest of Europe, i.e. lights are always on.

[StumpyFingers]

My transalp has an always on headlight and when I start it the light switches off.
If you can find the wiring diagram I believe you have a similar loom to the DV700 in which case you have a relay in the place of the switch.

[Jimmcc]

The lights are on all the time on the 700 . Switching the ignition on brings the light on immediately and within about 4 secs it is glowing up to the normal level.
I cant recall if the light goes off as the starter turns but the power drain when the HIDs are running is about 1/2 the standard bulb. It does however draw more load during the warm up period.

I'll check later and report back.

[Corkboy]

if you want let me know and I will look out the details of who I got it from. They were recommended off this forum & came in about the £70 mark, off the top of my head.

OK, I'm pretty much convinced that there isn't an issue......

Alba,
can you look up the supplier if you don't mind.

Thanks,
Buddyboy

[Alba]

OK, I'm pretty much convinced that there isn't an issue......

Alba,
can you look up the supplier if you don't mind.

Thanks,
Buddyboy

Eventually found the link. I have had it on since October and its been great, I installed it in a cold day so not the tidiest of jobs as yet not got round to doing tidying it up.

[Jimmcc]

Bought these from HIDS DIRECT

Link

I went for the 6000 rather than the 4300. The 4300 are pure white (got these on my vfr) but there is slightly blue tinge to the 6000 and although the light output is similar I just really like the look and it gets you noticed so from a safety angle every little helps.

The price here is for a pair, so it works out pretty reasonable