Unplug HID Headlights for day driving? Or does it Matter? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Unplug HID Headlights for day driving? Or does it Matter?

Freak

Freak

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Most of my driving takes place during the day. I replaced by stock bulb with an HID from Zariscycle. I usually use the 2nd bulb(yellow, used when switched to high beams) on the HID during the day. Yesterday i unplugged it to ease the load off the battery, Wondering if its a good idea. Only the small bulb below the main HID comes on now. Advise please!
 
if you have a friend with the same HID hookup - check the bulb, go over carefully to see if you missed something or didn't plug it snug enough.
 
Tovarish said:
if you have a friend with the same HID hookup - check the bulb, go over carefully to see if you missed something or didn't plug it snug enough.
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I think my language was a bit misleading. I am wondering if not using the bulb during the day will help prolong battery and HID life. I can plug it in and start using it whenever i want. Its just an issue of using it the best way possible.
 
I think vehicles after a certain date need daytime running lights.

I personally HATE HIDs on Cars and Bikes. People don't realise how much you blind oncoming traffic with HIDs. Also it can be hard to judge speed of a oncoming vehicle fitted with HIDs. But Thats just my opinion. Do as you please. dont flame me.
 
Freak said:
I think my language was a bit misleading. I am wondering if not using the bulb during the day will help prolong battery and HID life. I can plug it in and start using it whenever i want. Its just an issue of using it the best way possible.
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The HID uses less power while running then your stock Halogen?
Did you use to unplug your halogens whne they were in to prolong battery?
 
jeffjones said:
The HID uses less power while running then your stock Halogen?
Did you use to unplug your halogens whne they were in to prolong battery?
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Just got my bike a 1 1/2 month back. I wanted to unplug the Halogen as well :p for the record. Didn't know HIDs used less power(given it has its own adaptor which can be misleading) then regular Halogen. I guess it doesn't matter then
 
Freak said:
Just got my bike a 1 1/2 month back. I wanted to unplug the Halogen as well :p for the record. Didn't know HIDs used less power(given it has its own adaptor which can be misleading) then regular Halogen. I guess it doesn't matter then
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Its only on start-up that they use more power as most Halogens are 55W and most HID's are 35W.
I believe motorcycles need a running light though so you may run into trouble if you were to unplug it.
 
Unplug your dash and all other lights as well. Apply a thick coating of grease to each tire tread to decrease wear. Do not fasten your helmet, this increases strap life.
 
jonpurdy said:
This advice is totally ridiculous! Are you trying to get OP killed?!

Use elastic bands around the tires instead. They're made of rubber.
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Also add zipties for traction in the winter and offroad!
 
Why the need to unplug it for daytime?
You're going to have to plug it right back in with tools in hand when it gets dark.
Why do you need to save such little power draw?
 
If you are that set on saving the little bit of power just pull the fuse for the headlight. Much easier to do.
 
I THOUGHT the HID was a big drain on the battery(some forums suggested), which is why I was thinking of reducing it by unplugging it for day time. The plug is right by the speedometer and doesn't even take 15 seconds(literally). My other light(yellow) on the HID got fused when i started the bike yesterday night, so much for trying to preserve the HID and battery. Thanks Gentlemen for all the help.
 
Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I believe your regulator/rectifier will have to dissipate more power therefore it will get hotter. This could shorten it's life and it's quite expesive. Your battery is not really getting drained while the bike is running.
 
HIDs are a big draw at startup. It takes a lot of current to ignite the plasma but once it's going, they're generally LESS of a draw than conventional lighting.
 
daught said:
Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I believe your regulator/rectifier will have to dissipate more power therefore it will get hotter. This could shorten it's life and it's quite expesive. Your battery is not really getting drained while the bike is running.
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This is correct. Reducing the electrical load only burdens the R/R that much more. The power has to go somewhere. The R/R will have to shunt all the excess to ground, making heat.
 
Totally hear what you said Kiwi and you have a valid point.

Just to be a devil's advocate though, according to the HURT report the most common reason for motorcycle accidents is cars not seeing us (no surprise here), and that daytime running lights help to reduce this problem. I know it's not that black and white but if HIDs make more drivers aware that I'm there, I'd rather blind them for a sec as I'm passing than get hit by them as they are turning left into my path.

Just an alternate perspective on it.

kiwi said:
I think vehicles after a certain date need daytime running lights.

I personally HATE HIDs on Cars and Bikes. People don't realise how much you blind oncoming traffic with HIDs. Also it can be hard to judge speed of a oncoming vehicle fitted with HIDs. But Thats just my opinion. Do as you please. dont flame me.
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RedDogDarren said:
Unplug your dash and all other lights as well. Apply a thick coating of grease to each tire tread to decrease wear. Do not fasten your helmet, this increases strap life.
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.......this would definitely cure the OP's problem......additionally, these people shouldn't be allowed to plug in any of their lighting at any time, even at night, to ensure that these problem people get fixed.
But, "will they get an actual refund on their Hydro bill?"
Oh, and...What's with a "Yellow" headlight on the front of the bike anyways?
 
I Am with you, people don't realize there is a lot more to HID / Xenon lighting than just changing a F@$**** bulb and adding a ballast. All factory cars and the BMW K1600 fitted with Xenons have self leveling motors so they don't effect oncoming traffic. Also the cheap HID bulbs die quick too, then try riding at night. That's why a HID option on cars cost at least $1000 more. Not $100 for fake crap.
 
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