I know a bunch of you guys are running the HID headlight bulb kits on your FJ.
What is typical of your bulb life?
My headlight just burned out the high beam filament(I typically always ride with it on high beam during the day and twilight hours)
I had an Automotive bulb(9003 Sylvania, Silverstar Ultra ), and it lasted me a bit over 2 years of riding.......
I'm trying to decide if I should spend the $26 and get another Silverstar Ultra? Or spend roughly double, and get an HID kit?
If I decide to go with an HID kit ( I really like the light output of the ones I've seen), would I be replacing HID bulbs all the time?
Quote from: Firehawk068 on June 30, 2012, 11:27:55 AM
I know a bunch of you guys are running the HID headlight bulb kits on your FJ.
What is typical of your bulb life?
My headlight just burned out the high beam filament(I typically always ride with it on high beam during the day and twilight hours)
I had an Automotive bulb(9003 Sylvania, Silverstar Ultra ), and it lasted me a bit over 2 years of riding.......
I'm trying to decide if I should spend the $26 and get another Silverstar Ultra? Or spend roughly double, and get an HID kit?
If I decide to go with an HID kit ( I really like the light output of the ones I've seen), would I be replacing HID bulbs all the time?
I have had my HID in for about 2 years but I do not commute, I would guess I have less than 3k on them. I know Garth had an issue with his HID, he suspected the bike's vibration affecting it, the bulb did not fail. Other brands may fare better or worse. One of the bulbs failed on my truck and it was replaced under the lifetime warranty from DDM. The DDM kit allows switching back to regular bulbs in the field so I keep my old bulb with me on all rides.
So I did some research, and this is what I ordered.......
55w, 4500 color temperature kit. I wanted the brightest kit I could find. It was $62.21 shipped to my door.
(http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/firehawk068/misc/hidbikesinglehilo.jpg)
Cool Alan. I put the 55 watt kit on my 86 in 6000 temp. and a 35 watt low beam and 55 watt high beam on Donna's ninja, also 6000 temp. I like the slight blue colour so I can pick Donna's light out in my mirrors. That way I know she's still behind me when we ride in a group. Its been almost two years now . I'm hoping my bulb made it through the crash so it can go in my next FJ.
Derek
Quote from: Firehawk068 on June 30, 2012, 10:05:54 PM
So I did some research, and this is what I ordered.......
55w, 4500 color temperature kit. I wanted the brightest kit I could find. It was $62.21 shipped to my door.
(http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/firehawk068/misc/hidbikesinglehilo.jpg)
Damn it Alan, quit giving me ideas! LOL!!!
Been looking to do the same mod myself, actually.
Let me know how the install goes and how much you like them over OE.
Leon
Alan,
Look on the back of the Sylvania package. The better the bulb, the shorter their life. Two things that shortened bulb life on my FJ. The first was overgharging by the generator, and the second was the adjustment linkage broke and allowed the bulb/reflector to rattle around inside the housing. Once I corrected those two items, I never had to replace another bulb.
Quote from: carey on July 02, 2012, 02:24:11 PM
Alan,
Look on the back of the Sylvania package. The better the bulb, the shorter their life. Two things that shortened bulb life on my FJ. The first was overgharging by the generator, and the second was the adjustment linkage broke and allowed the bulb/reflector to rattle around inside the housing. Once I corrected those two items, I never had to replace another bulb.
Yeah, tell me about it...........Unfortunately. the bulbs I like to use(Silverstar Ultra) for brightness reasons, are some of the shortest lifespan bulbs........My reflector/adjuster assembly is solid. And I was happy with the life I got out of the last bulb(2 and a half years)
I have been wanting to do the HID bulb kit for a couple seasons now, and after seeing Ed's bike at the Rally, I guess now is the time.
Lots of deer, and Elk, and Moose here in Colorado to avoid...... :gamer:
Y'all know the point about never putting your greasy (literally) fingers on the bulb glass? Apparently the oil from your hands gets on the bulb glass, and it super-heats when the bulb is lit. This in turn dramatically reduces bulb life from what I've read...
If it happens, you are supposed to wipe the glass with rubbing alcohol to get the oil off, before installing.
Dan
Quote from: Dan Filetti on July 02, 2012, 10:38:03 PM
Y'all know the point about never putting your greasy (literally) fingers on the bulb glass? Apparently the oil from your hands gets on the bulb glass, and it super-heats when the bulb is lit. This in turn dramatically reduces bulb life from what I've read...
If it happens, you are supposed to wipe the glass with rubbing alcohol to get the oil off, before installing.
Dan
This.........Very true^
My experience with the DDM HID is it was really bright, but the vibes from the bike caused the lamp housing to eat itself. Anything above about 2k RPM would cause the beam to jump up and down 20+ feet. This was with the Hi/Low model. If you only bought the "lo" beam version, I think it would work ok.
The Sylvania Silver Star lamps do not last all that long. This is by design as they have to overdrive the filament to get enough brightness through the blue coating on the lamp. What you need to look for are the imported Oshram Silver Star lamps. These are made in Germany and last much, much longer. I know there is at least one motorcycle related web site that sells them, but can't remember what it is. You could also go with a PIAA lamp.
If by chance you touch the quartz glass on any halogen (or other) lamp, use rubbing alcohol to clean it. The oils in your fingers will cause a hot spot on the glass and end up popping it.
i was thinking of putting hids on my bike but i dont like the headlight it self (the lense) i want one of those crystal clear ones, has any one made one for the fj or is there a mod for it
Quote from: pdxfj on July 03, 2012, 12:01:07 PM
The Sylvania Silver Star lamps do not last all that long. This is by design as they have to overdrive the filament to get enough brightness through the blue coating on the lamp. What you need to look for are the imported Oshram Silver Star lamps. These are made in Germany and last much, much longer. I know there is at least one motorcycle related web site that sells them, but can't remember what it is. You could also go with a PIAA lamp.
I've had good luck with the Sylvania lamps, though they're awfully expensive. I'm using Silver Star Ultra's in my wife's car and my bikes. I had one burn out on me in the bike, and when I took the damned thing out I saw fingerprints on the glass, so I can't blame anyone but the hamfist who put it in :(
Though I'm gonna give the same argument that I give for tires here. If you don't mistreat them (excessive vibration, get them wet, put your fat fingers on the damned glass, etc), they last reasonably long enough. In the meantime, the ability to see a reasonable distance at night is as useful as having a grippy tire... There's places to compromise, and that's not one of them. If you can't: see (lighting), can't be seen (other lighting), can't grip (tires), can't stop (brakes), or can't go (chain) as well as you would like, then riding is much less fun... nevermind less safe.
Alan,
I have the same DDM kit, and temp rating as you. So far, after 4000kms, zero issues. At night, all the guys get me to lead the way.
One of my favorite mods so far!
Kevin
I'm running the DDM kit as well. I got 25K miles out of the first bulb, a 3K bulb. I have about 10K on my current bulb, which is a 4K.
Quote from: DB Cooper on July 04, 2012, 04:02:35 PM
Alan,
I have the same DDM kit, and temp rating as you. So far, after 4000kms, zero issues. At night, all the guys get me to lead the way.
One of my favorite mods so far!
Kevin
Thats good to know............Once I get the kit, and install it. I'll post up.
Alan, did you ever get this kit installed?
I'd be interested in your thoughts.
Leon
I would be quite interested to know too!
You guys in the US check the DDM website the HID units are on sale at $37.50. Shipping is the killer for me almost $70!! by the time i add that on i can source it in the uk and if it goes wrong i know i can take it back easily!
Just to confirm the fj runs a H4 bulb right? Haven't had to change it yet and I can see it mentioned in my Haynes Manuel. Have searched on here and read people changing their bulbs can't cant see written confirmation. Reason I ask is that UK HID conversion kits seem to list the H4 set up as a seperate kit because of the HI/LOW aspect and plug requirments
The FJ uses an H4 bulb. I put the DDM kit on my bike, I need to check how many miles I have on since then. I know other members have had problems with their HID but I don't think any were the DDM. I have had two HID bulbs go out on my truck with in one year (also DDM, lifetime warranty). They replaced them for free. Not as easy if shipping is international, DDM has a ship address in SOCAL so a week round trip.
Hey I've had them in my FJR now for 2 years without any problems, even a fairly nasty crash last yr didn't stop them from working, the biggest problem is with the ballast unit which fires the bulb up, don't screw them to the bike, use a stubby cooler it helps with the vibration
Quote from: baldy3853 on October 25, 2012, 04:18:36 AM
Hey I've had them in my FJR now for 2 years without any problems, even a fairly nasty crash last yr didn't stop them from working, the biggest problem is with the ballast unit which fires the bulb up, don't screw them to the bike, use a stubby cooler it helps with the vibration
Having been educated by Oz exports such as 'Neighbours' and 'Home & Away' I do actually know what a stubby cooler is! Only problem is that in the UK we don't really have stubbies let alone coolers for them!
I believe he's talking about the foam sleeve you can put your can of beer into to help keep it cold.
Cut one up, and use the foam as a cushion for the ballast so the vibes from the bike are less likely kill it.
Glad you fellas got that out in the open, 'cause I was wondering what the "stubby cooler" was.
Good idea Baldy!
Leon
or perhaps a stubbie cooler is a vent in your shorts :rofl:
Quote from: 1tinindian on October 24, 2012, 07:05:37 AM
Alan, did you ever get this kit installed?
I'd be interested in your thoughts.
Leon
I have not as of yet installed the kit..............I am waiting on my stubbie cooler to arrive :sarcastic:
I plan on working on the bike soon, as it is starting to get into winter weather season......Got some new snowfall last night, and more planned for tonight.
Quote from: FJmonkey on October 24, 2012, 02:54:34 PM
The FJ uses an H4 bulb. I put the DDM kit on my bike, I need to check how many miles I have on since then. I know other members have had problems with their HID but I don't think any were the DDM. I have had two HID bulbs go out on my truck with in one year (also DDM, lifetime warranty). They replaced them for free. Not as easy if shipping is international, DDM has a ship address in SOCAL so a week round trip.
I have a wimpy 5500 miles on my DDM HID light on my FJ...
Does anyone know if this mod negates the need to do the relay mod, or do you still need to do this as well?
No need for the relay mod. Kit has its own. Has a wire that goes to the battery, uses existing headlight plug for switching from high to low beam.
Derek
Quote from: Derek Young on October 29, 2012, 08:20:58 AM
No need for the relay mod. Kit has its own. Has a wire that goes to the battery, uses existing headlight plug for switching from high to low beam.
Derek
Result! that saves me an unrequired job!
Quote from: nurse on October 29, 2012, 08:27:18 AM
Quote from: Derek Young on October 29, 2012, 08:20:58 AM
No need for the relay mod. Kit has its own. Has a wire that goes to the battery, uses existing headlight plug for switching from high to low beam.
Derek
Result! that saves me an unrequired job!
Another helpfull tid bit, keep a spare H4 bulb with you if you ride at night. If for any reason your HID fails, replace it with the H4 and move the connector back to the H4 and you have light again. No tools required. Unless you want to drop the horn to have better access.
Your more than just a pretty face monkey!