Hi.
Got my HID kit from DDM Tuning the other day and before I go ahead and mount it I was wondering where you other guys (that have done this mod) have put your ballast?
Is there some places that are more suitable for mounting the ballast then others?
Cheers
Ken
Not alot of room up under the fairing, but it can be done............I just did mine (mine's a '90) and here's how I mounted mine..
I zip-tied everything in place, and tied up all the extra wiring......
(http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/firehawk068/FJ1200%20Projects/Valve%20adjustment-HID%20headlight-Heated%20Grips-etc/P5130133_zps6402e21a.jpg) (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/firehawk068/media/FJ1200%20Projects/Valve%20adjustment-HID%20headlight-Heated%20Grips-etc/P5130133_zps6402e21a.jpg.html)
(http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/firehawk068/FJ1200%20Projects/Valve%20adjustment-HID%20headlight-Heated%20Grips-etc/P5130135_zps94c1b4f6.jpg) (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/firehawk068/media/FJ1200%20Projects/Valve%20adjustment-HID%20headlight-Heated%20Grips-etc/P5130135_zps94c1b4f6.jpg.html)
(http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/firehawk068/FJ1200%20Projects/Valve%20adjustment-HID%20headlight-Heated%20Grips-etc/P5130136_zps77d0b131.jpg) (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/firehawk068/media/FJ1200%20Projects/Valve%20adjustment-HID%20headlight-Heated%20Grips-etc/P5130136_zps77d0b131.jpg.html)
(http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/firehawk068/FJ1200%20Projects/Valve%20adjustment-HID%20headlight-Heated%20Grips-etc/P5130138_zps135c4475.jpg) (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/firehawk068/media/FJ1200%20Projects/Valve%20adjustment-HID%20headlight-Heated%20Grips-etc/P5130138_zps135c4475.jpg.html)
Thanks.
Now I know what I have to struggle with :biggrin:
Cheers
Ken
the po installed the same one I believe and installed it on the left side as well... it seems that there wouldn't be many other options with as little room there is.
Damn close to how I did mine, twice...
Thanks guys.
No point in trying to mont it elsewere i guess :good2:
Will mount it when i get the bike back from the engine rebuild. :good2:
Cheerio
Ken
Hi guys.
I hope you could help me clarify some issues i have been discussing with some friends.
As the thread says i recently bought a hid kit from DDM, but i haven't had the time to mount them.
In a discusion the other day, the topic was how the light would perform when a hid kit installed in a projector/case/box (whats it called?) meant for a regular halogen bulb. There was some concern that the light would go all over the place, blending oncoming traffic and not have a straight or correct setting. The hid kit would need to be installed a proper projector meant for xenon light.
How ever i am no expert on this matter,but know the kits a widely used. But i would guess the purpose for the kit, hence being made as a H4 socket, is that it's intended to be used with the old halogen projector with H4 socket?
Anyone who has a before and after picture of your hid instalment? Would like to see the difference in lighting.
Cheers
Ken
They are illegal here as an aftermarket fitment for that reason.
They work best with a reflector (I think that was the word you were after) that is designed for them.
I had a bike come at me the other day that obviously had one fitted and it was blinding, in the daytime!
I have hi/lo one that was quite expensive but I haven't fitted it yet.
It is my intention to add running lights to the bike, to be legal, and have my headlight switched, which it is not at the moment, and just use the headlight when I need it to see where I'm going at night and use the running lights for normal use.
It is mandatory here for bikes to have there lights on at all times.
There is no doubt they light the road up but I don't believe they are very friendly to oncoming traffic.
Noel
Thanks Noel.
Just the kinda info i was after.
But is there any reflector on the market that will fit the FJ?
All I have bee able to find is this: http://www.casperselectronics.com/store2/product_info.php?products_id=693 (http://www.casperselectronics.com/store2/product_info.php?products_id=693)
It really not a reflector, and i guess it would reduce the unwanted effect a bit but not enough. The DDM kit comes with a similar shield.
Ken
On Futher investigation on achieving true and legal HID, I found this:
http://eshop.ktautopart.com/motorcycle-hid-projector/hid-projector-motorcycle-single-beam/kt-mt5.html (http://eshop.ktautopart.com/motorcycle-hid-projector/hid-projector-motorcycle-single-beam/kt-mt5.html)
The projector is meant to replace the ordinary H4 projector and reusing the lamp housing.
Looks promising, but don't know if it would fit the FJ headlamp. They have a tutorial on youtube with a similar headlamp as the fj, so it does look promessing.
Bah! A parabola is a parabola. Assuming the focal point (distance and position away from the reflector) does not change, then the amount of light is irrelevant. Again, unless the bulb position changes relative to the reflector, then the light will focus as it was intended to. It's not like you are changing the curvature of the reflecting surface. It's basic optics.
Your friends are crack-smokers are they? :)
Dan
Quote from: Dan Filetti on June 12, 2013, 08:01:27 AM
Your friends are crack-smokers are they? :)
You gave me a good lough Dan, one of my fellow riders is a old hippi. Heck, still is:-) I would guess that hos past might have given him some blurry visions :rofl2:
Anyway, as you said its easy optics and i should not be a big issue. It does however looks like the hid bulb sits futher in in the casing then the H4. Don't if that would effect anything. I will install my kit anyway.
I do however gonna continue exploring the possibility of fitting a genuine xenon projector in the headlamp. No particular reason why, just for fun i guess.
Cheers.
Quote from: Dan Filetti on June 12, 2013, 08:01:27 AM
Bah! A parabola is a parabola. Assuming the focal point (distance and position away from the reflector) does not change, then the amount of light is irrelevant. Again, unless the bulb position changes relative to the reflector, then the light will focus as it was intended to. It's not like you are changing the curvature of the reflecting surface. It's basic optics.
Your friends are crack-smokers are they? :)
Dan
Interesting point Dan, I have thought about that to. I believe the problem is not that the beam pattern changes but they are so damn bright they need a narrower more focused beam to keep it out of oncoming drivers eyes.
The light is so bright in a halogen reflector that the glare, even when not looking straight into them is considered too bright from many angles(dangerous).
Also, they are very sensitive to the position of the focal point of the globe in the reflector which can make the light scatter even worse.
Here, they are only legal on vehicles with self levelling headlights and washers (OEM).
The "S" type globes with shields cut down on some of this glare but they are still deemed dangerous to oncoming vehicles.
I had a brief thought of grafting some projector lenses onto FH#2 for a project but you still have the problem of them rising under acceleration and getting those straight in your eyes would be worse.
My concern is, the most likely thing a blinded oncoming vehicle will hit is me!
Noel
Noel,
Adding "running lights" is a good idea IMO, especially if your bike has a switched headlight. I choose to not use my headlight during the day for a couple of reasons. Trusting that the idiot in the cage behind you can tell the difference between a tail light and a brake light is very dangerous. And, with the headlight off, I can use it as an additional signal to my loud horn.
BTW It is NOT illegal to ride with your headlight off in VIC (during the day). The law did require headlights all the time back in the 80's for a short while, but it was repealed.
Arnie
Quote from: ribbert on June 12, 2013, 02:10:12 AM
They are illegal here as an aftermarket fitment for that reason.
It is my intention to add running lights to the bike, to be legal, and have my headlight switched, which it is not at the moment, and just use the headlight when I need it to see where I'm going at night and use the running lights for normal use.
It is mandatory here for bikes to have there lights on at all times.
Noel
Quote from: Arnie on June 12, 2013, 08:07:49 PM
Noel,
Trusting that the idiot in the cage behind you can tell the difference between a tail light and a brake light is very dangerous.
Arnie
I have just fitted a brake light modulator, when you apply the brake, the light flashes for an amount of time and a number of flashes ( both are adjustable) before settling back to a solid light. I have it set for about a dozen flashes over about 4 seconds. I fitted led bulbs which give it even more impact.
Under $30 including postage from the UK.
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on June 12, 2013, 10:49:20 PM
Quote from: Arnie on June 12, 2013, 08:07:49 PM
Noel,
Trusting that the idiot in the cage behind you can tell the difference between a tail light and a brake light is very dangerous.
Arnie
I have just fitted a brake light modulator, when you apply the brake, the light flashes for an amount of time and a number of flashes ( both are adjustable) before settling back to a solid light. I have it set for about a dozen flashes over about 4 seconds. I fitted led bulbs which give it even more impact.
Under $30 including postage from the UK.
Noel
Noel,
could you post a link for that modulator? The only ones I have found that aren't super expensive are 15 dollar eBay ones that don't even look sealed.....
Ken,
Did you end up getting it mounted? I think the po said he mounted the same kind you have and I'm not sure if he put anything in the bucket or lens or whatever, but the beam does not go any further in to oncoming traffic than with a normal halogen(at least compared to my cars and other bikes). I'll look at the receipts to check the brand and try and take night pics of the beam. I am curious if you find a way to make the beam a little more focused.... :pardon:
Quote from: HARTLESS on June 13, 2013, 09:44:14 AM
Ken,
Did you end up getting it mounted? I think the po said he mounted the same kind you have and I'm not sure if he put anything in the bucket or lens or whatever, but the beam does not go any further in to oncoming traffic than with a normal halogen(at least compared to my cars and other bikes). I'll look at the receipts to check the brand and try and take night pics of the beam. I am curious if you find a way to make the beam a little more focused.... :pardon:
I have yet to mount it, my bike is at a mechanic and is dismantled for a engine rebuild at the moment. But I will be putting in the DDM HID as soon as i get it back. :yes:
The kit from DDM is made to fit the lens and a H4 connector, and the xenon bulb has a shield to correct the light beamed from the xenon bulb.
I do think it's possible to find a better way to have the xenon light correctly focused/beamed then it currently is with the use of all the different HID kit out there.
There are several lenses, or projectors if you like, that allows you swap out the entire inside assembly of the headlight. By installing this lens/projector the beam from the xenon will be spreed out correctly since it's no longer uses the reflectors designed for the halogen bulb.
I only have to questions left that needs answering:
1. Will any of the projectors/lenses fit inside the headlamp? There a different sizes available, and the space inside from the glass to the back needs to be 11cm for one of the larger and advanced projectors.
2. Most projectors/lenses beams through clear glass, and not trough an uneven glass like the one on the FJ. How would that glass affect the beam from the projector?
I guess I won't be getting them answered before I try it out, but that will have to wait.
I also have compared price, and this projectors often comes as a kit with all you need. Seen the from $150 to $350 range so they are more expensive. But if they work out well on the bike, i wouldn't mind saving up some money for it.
Anyway, the kit from DDM will have to suffice for now..
Cheers
Ken
Hi mate, did you know the fj headlight is a sealed unit, with no easy way to take it apart, , unless of course you don't need to for fitting of a projector lense, if it fits through the globe hole :scratch_one-s_head: :good2:
Quote from: fj11.5 on June 13, 2013, 03:13:30 PM
Hi mate, did you know the fj headlight is a sealed unit, with no easy way to take it apart, , unless of course you don't need to for fitting of a projector lense, if it fits through the globe hole :scratch_one-s_head: :good2:
Gday mate :good2:
Well that's one of my concerns of pursuing an attempt on this mod. Most headlights are sealed with either plastic or rubber/vinyl of some sort.
You would have to either bake your light in the oven or use a heatgun to warm up and soften the seal so you will be able to remove the glass. Those projectors I have looked at would require this since the projector wont fit through the globhole.
At the moment I'm not able to see how the fj headlight is sealed since my bike is sent of.
Cheers
Ken
I'm interested in this thread. Was considering a relay mod, then an HID, then decided not to because of this exact reason. If the kit works, it'll go on my long-term wishlist.
Be sure to do a before/after!
Quote from: fj11.5 on June 13, 2013, 03:13:30 PM
Hi mate, did you know the fj headlight is a sealed unit, with no easy way to take it apart, , unless of course you don't need to for fitting of a projector lense, if it fits through the globe hole :scratch_one-s_head: :good2:
That's not quite right, a sealed unit is doesn't have a removeable globe, the filament is part of the housing and the entire light one piece of glass, like an oversize globe.
My loose plan had been to cut some of the reflector out of the headlight to fit the projectors.
Noel
Quote from: HARTLESS on June 13, 2013, 09:44:14 AM
Noel,
could you post a link for that modulator? The only ones I have found that aren't super expensive are 15 dollar eBay ones that don't even look sealed.....
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251065478566?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251065478566?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649)
It even came with 2 screwdrivers, flash electrical connectors and 3 fuses depending on the number and type of globes, which are not shown on the ebay ad. I have had it in use for a couple of weeks and like it.
Noel
Quote from: keand3 on June 12, 2013, 05:04:55 AM
On Futher investigation on achieving true and legal HID, I found this:
http://eshop.ktautopart.com/motorcycle-hid-projector/hid-projector-motorcycle-single-beam/kt-mt5.html (http://eshop.ktautopart.com/motorcycle-hid-projector/hid-projector-motorcycle-single-beam/kt-mt5.html)
The projector is meant to replace the ordinary H4 projector and reusing the lamp housing.
Looks promising, but don't know if it would fit the FJ headlamp. They have a tutorial on youtube with a similar headlamp as the fj, so it does look promessing.
I didn't watch the tutorial, but I wanted to chime in on this. To install a projector you have to remove the lens from the body, install the projector, then make sure you get the whole thing sealed back up. IMHO, I really don't think it's worth the effort for two reasons: First as I mentioned, you have to be able to get the headlight lens off without breaking anything, then seal it back up so it's completely water proof. Second and probably the most important, with the pattern that's molded into the lens on our bikes it's useless to put a projector behind it and expect it to have good output since a projector is designed for a clear lens only (I did a projector retrofit on my Monte Carlo, so I know what it takes!). Just my measly two cents worth :)
Quote from: ribbert on June 13, 2013, 06:14:34 PM
Quote from: fj11.5 on June 13, 2013, 03:13:30 PM
Hi mate, did you know the fj headlight is a sealed unit, with no easy way to take it apart, , unless of course you don't need to for fitting of a projector lense, if it fits through the globe hole :scratch_one-s_head: :good2:
all good, I know what a sealed beam headlight is, and expected he does to, I'm just saying the headlight unit is sealed except for where the h4 globe goes
That's not quite right, a sealed unit is doesn't have a removeable globe, the filament is part of the housing and the entire light one piece of glass, like an oversize globe.
My loose plan had been to cut some of the reflector out of the headlight to fit the projectors.
Noel
Quote from: fj11.5 on June 13, 2013, 09:58:06 PM
Quote from: ribbert on June 13, 2013, 06:14:34 PM
Quote from: fj11.5 on June 13, 2013, 03:13:30 PM
Hi mate, did you know the fj headlight is a sealed unit, with no easy way to take it apart, , unless of course you don't need to for fitting of a projector lense, if it fits through the globe hole :scratch_one-s_head: :good2:
all good, I know what a sealed beam headlight is, and expected he does to, I'm just saying the headlight unit is sealed except for where the h4 globe goes
That's not quite right, a sealed unit is doesn't have a removeable globe, the filament is part of the housing and the entire light one piece of glass, like an oversize globe.
My loose plan had been to cut some of the reflector out of the headlight to fit the projectors.
Noel
And your point is?
Just put the DDM bulb in and go!!!! Quit dicken around with it and enjoy the light...
Quote from: FJmonkey on June 13, 2013, 10:16:14 PM
Just put the DDM bulb in and go!!!! Quit dicken around with it and enjoy the light...
:rofl:
Quote from: Paul1965 on June 13, 2013, 08:15:43 PM
Second and probably the most important, with the pattern that's molded into the lens on our bikes it's useless to put a projector behind it and expect it to have good output since a projector is designed for a clear lens only (I did a projector retrofit on my Monte Carlo, so I know what it takes!). Just my measly two cents worth :)
By a molded pattern you mean the reflector inside the case? The hole point of using a projctor is that you wont need to use that reflector, since the projector is doing the job. It could either be removed or painted to stop its reflections. I don't see that as a problem.
But i might think you have a good point with the clear lense, and i agree with you that that could be a issu.
For now i will bow down for the order from The Red Power Ranger :good2:
Ken
Yes, the refracted lens could cause issues if you install the said projector, as they do use those cool curved lenses,, go with the monkeys orders, they are much brighter than standard, even with a relay
Quote from: fj11.5 on June 14, 2013, 12:25:45 AM
Yes, the refracted lens could cause issues if you install the said projector, as they do use those cool curved lenses,, go with the monkeys orders, they are much brighter than standard, even with a relay
Yes, i will... Won't risk having the ranger come over and kick some arses now will we :biggrin:
I might be thinking way out of my fabrication skills now, maybe even logic skill too... :rofl: But I think, too really benefit from a xenon projector the hole headlight ought be replaced. And that's just not worth it :negative:
I will however, try too see if a mod like this is doable, just for fun. :dance2: As I would have gotten a projector anyway for another vehicle, and i do think i have a spare headlight somewere laying around, so why not give it a shoot...
Won't risk destroying the one fitted on the bike. The bike a still a red and whit, and is bound by universal law to follow the Red Ranger command :rofl2:
DDM kit came recommended to me, and I do trust the experience of this forum so they will be put to good use. We have bitch-en long nights on early and late season up here, so good light is a necessity
Cheers
Ken
Noo you don't want a monkey kicking :lol:, could be a fun project, definatly worth a try if you have the spare light :good2:
Just you know I am watching, keep an even keel, steady as she goes....
Quote from: FJmonkey on June 14, 2013, 08:43:41 PM
Just you know I am watching, keep an even keel, steady as she goes....
Sir, yes sir!
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/5/2912_14_06_13_9_53_12.jpeg)
Monkey shooting AK-47 Between Soldiers in Africa!!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6LWNQqs7TE#)
Epic... Remind me to not travel to Africa without prior permission by the Power Monkey..
:good2:
Okey, I have now come to a conclusion. Some might say "told you so" but never the less, I've did satisfy my curiosity.
It was the possibility to obtain parts that halted this xenon projector mod i tried. Fitting the xenon projector inside the light housing was easy peasy, and relatively straight forward,.
Obtaining a clear glass/plastic lens/cover for the headlamp seems to be impossible. The contour in the glass distort the beam projected from the projector making the xenon light useless.
It was even worse then a improperly mounted HID kit, and would have blended oncoming traffic .
So by far installing the DDM kit is worth while, both money and time wise. Just make sure to adjust that damn beam/reflection correctly!
You woulden't want a monkey ass-kick, ehh? :rofl2:
Cheers
Ken
Why is that impossible? Surely there's a way to buy plexiglass and shape it was a heat gun, no? Something like that?
And at you saying you fitted the proper HID reflectors inside the light housing?
I also wonder if the contours in the stock glass might be smoothed out somehow; I imagine they are only on the surface.
Yes, plexiglass could be shaped, but to get a good fit would be hard imo.
I have no experience with sanding down glass, so that was never an option for me, heck diden't think of it until now! :dash2:
Fitting a hid projector is no problem, as long as you have one that allowes enugh distance to lense.
Sorry that it didn't work out, but at least you weren't afraid to try! If you're good at fiberglass work, maybe you should try to replace the built in housing with something like this: http://www.futurevisionhid.com/h6054-200mm-hid-projector-headlight.html (http://www.futurevisionhid.com/h6054-200mm-hid-projector-headlight.html)
Quote from: Paul1965 on June 17, 2013, 02:55:35 PM
Sorry that it didn't work out, but at least you weren't afraid to try! If you're good at fiberglass work, maybe you should try to replace the built in housing with something like this: http://www.futurevisionhid.com/h6054-200mm-hid-projector-headlight.html (http://www.futurevisionhid.com/h6054-200mm-hid-projector-headlight.html)
Hi Paul1965! Excellent tip, and es the thought of making a new housing has struck me.
I chose not to include it on this run of the idea since it would be very time consuming fabricating a mold and then cast the fiberglass. I am no expert on fiberglass, but know my way around good enugh to know that it includes a lot of skill and time.
But it probably would give the best result for a new housing for a HID projector since you could adjust it's size to fit the projector and it's mounting.
Maybe some time down the road I'll try it out. :yes:
Cheers
Ken
You know, since that projector is it's own sealed unit, have you thought about leaving the stock lens off of the headlight assembly and epoxy some clear Lexan to the backside of the fairing? That way you'd retain the OE mount and aiming capabilities and have a clear lens for the projector to shine through. You could even add some horizontal scribes (AKA the Mad Max Interceptor) to the Lexan to make it look cool.
Quote from: Paul1965 on June 17, 2013, 06:39:12 PM
You know, since that projector is it's own sealed unit, have you thought about leaving the stock lens off of the headlight assembly and epoxy some clear Lexan to the backside of the fairing? That way you'd retain the OE mount and aiming capabilities and have a clear lens for the projector to shine through. You could even add some horizontal scribes (AKA the Mad Max Interceptor) to the Lexan to make it look cool.
Yes, i did consider that option too.
Did cut some plexiglass and ducttapet it to back side of the fairing. IMO it did look horrible front side. There just was something not right wurth the way it looked.
But it probably is the easies way around the problem.
Quote from: keand3 on June 17, 2013, 08:22:09 PM
Quote from: Paul1965 on June 17, 2013, 06:39:12 PM
You know, since that projector is it's own sealed unit, have you thought about leaving the stock lens off of the headlight assembly and epoxy some clear Lexan to the backside of the fairing? That way you'd retain the OE mount and aiming capabilities and have a clear lens for the projector to shine through. You could even add some horizontal scribes (AKA the Mad Max Interceptor) to the Lexan to make it look cool.
Yes, i did consider that option too.
Did cut some plexiglass and ducttapet it to back side of the fairing. IMO it did look horrible front side. There just was something not right wurth the way it looked.
But it probably is the easies way around the problem.
You probably wouldn't want to try this unless you have a spare fairing laying around, but I'm sure there's a rolled lip on the inside of the fairing where the headlight housing goes that you could trim down so the Lexan would sit more flush. Heck, I'll bet you could even trace opening of the headlight on some cardboard and make a Lexan cutout that's the exact size you need, then leave enough on the sides and top to attach some mounting brackets to that you could then epoxy to the fairing. Man, the more I think about this the more I want to try it! And I keep saying Lexan because it's much tougher than standard plexiglass.
A suggestion, FWIW:
Adel Clamps are used in aircraft, to clamp wiring or tubing to bulkheads and formers.
(http://www.xmission.com/~red/AdelClamp.jpg)
The metal part may be aluminum (fairly soft), or stainless steel (really rugged).
Google can find both types.
The rubber part will grip a bike frame very well. Adel Clamps come in all sizes, from "two wires" to "armband" sizes.
Adding a washer above and below the clamp, on the clamping screw, makes a very strong installation.
You can change (enlarge) the clamp size a bit, by adding washers to the bolt, between the metal ends.
Adel Clamps will make a stronger installation than Zip Ties. They withstand vibration, heat and cold very well.
(http://www.xmission.com/~red/ZipTies.jpg)
Cheers,
Red