I have a 08 GSA and will make the switch to HID Hi and Low beam.

I see most install the 35 W H 7 HID when there is a 55 W halogen in place. Would the 55 watt HID create to much heat for the headlight housing if installed and, any other contraindications ?

Thanks !

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Pete Murray
IBA # 359 and # 11141
2002 LT
Stroudsburg, PA

The 35W HID will put out more usable light then a 55W halogen. 35W is the normal HID replacement wattage for a high or low beam. That is another advantage of using HID in motorcycle applications where electrical power may be at a premium.

Don't be confused by the eBay or internet sales gimmick of calling a halogen style bulb an HID because they tinted the bulb or put some different gas mixtures in a standard style bulb. HID (High Intensity Discharge) systems require a high voltage power supply (ballast) to operate the lamp. For most headlight replacement applications the ballast will be a separate electronic module that will need to be installed somewhere near the headlight. There are now some auxiliary driving lights that that package the ballast inside the light housing.

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Jim (JD) in Renton, WA
IBA #32756 - BMWMOA #122647
'05 BMW R1200GS Desert Yellow (Brutus)
'00 BMW K1200LTC Canyon Red (Canis Rufus or Rufus)
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'02 HD FLSTC Custom (JDsHOG)
For bike shows, parades, Taco Thursdays and local rides on sunny days only.

Jim thanks for your input. Trust me, I am well versed with HID lights.But for this application, The question remains are the 55W HID lights more effective than the 35 W HID ?

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Pete Murray
IBA # 359 and # 11141
2002 LT
Stroudsburg, PA

DDM tuning is where I bought mine. Low beam 35 watt. 5000 color.
Great light.

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Jim G - Rochester, MN
BMW MOA #123976
2000 K1200LTC

I got mine at the same place. Here is a link to installation instructions for them also.
http://www.jimvonbaden.com/R1200GS_HID_Install.html

Assuming they are as efficient as a 35W system then a 55W kit should put out proportionally more light.

I already have people flashing brights at me from time to time with a 35W HID low beam on my K1200LT. Considering the fact that upgrading a headlight that isn't designed for HID is not DOT approved I personally wouldn't want to attract any additional attention to myself. YMMV

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Jim (JD) in Renton, WA
IBA #32756 - BMWMOA #122647
'05 BMW R1200GS Desert Yellow (Brutus)
'00 BMW K1200LTC Canyon Red (Canis Rufus or Rufus)
----------------------------------------------
'02 HD FLSTC Custom (JDsHOG)
For bike shows, parades, Taco Thursdays and local rides on sunny days only.

Where did you find 55w HIDs? I put 35w HIDs on my 07 GS and blind most of the world, but I can see and they know I am coming. HIDs don't produce very much heat at all, nothing in the infrared that is why the look so white or blue. Heat will NOT be your problem.

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--Bo
2002 Titan Silver K1200 LT (ours)
2007 (2006 Blue Panels) R1200GS
http://www.twtex.com
Don't Panic! Achtung! böse Eichhörnchen!

Finally !
Bo thanks for addressing this issue, no one els has. I may install the 55 W bulb in the Hi beam and the 35 W in the low . Plan on the 5000K bulb. Additional lighting will consist of PHID V 3 and V 4 aux lights.
DDM has 55 W HID bulbs.

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Pete Murray
IBA # 359 and # 11141
2002 LT
Stroudsburg, PA

I originally ordered 55 W balasts, but decided later to return them for 35's. Not sure if that is the right choice, but it is the one I made.

Xenon depot suggests the 35w system, you made the correct choice. My plan will be to use the 35w system.

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Pete Murray
IBA # 359 and # 11141
2002 LT
Stroudsburg, PA

Put a 35 watt on both my 800GS and 1200LT (Low beam) Its incredibly bright! Aim the light correctly and you wont have the oncoming flashing problem. Its weird on the freeway at night people move over to the next lane when I come up behind them.

Fowler

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Does this radio come with a speaker?.... Yes it's inside the radio thanks...

Got my HID from : http://www.vvme.com/single-beam-hid...c-44_45_23.html

The price was right, fast service and the lights work great. I have not noticed any heat problems and the unit has not thrown an lampf code that some others had issues with using other kits. I did have to turn my front lights down just a bit as they were blinding people I came up behind or coming at me. This is the single best upgrade I have done on the bike. Saved my a$$ big time coming down Lolo Pass in Idaho at night. I am convinced that the added light helped me see momma deer in time to brake and avoid her. Can't same the same for baby though.

Thanks !
Did you get the standard or digital kit ?
35 or 55 W kit ?
I know what you mean about the critters, mass light helps to freeze them in there tracks !

__________________
Pete Murray
IBA # 359 and # 11141
2002 LT
Stroudsburg, PA

When I got my lights they only had, or at least is what I saw, was the 35watt regular kit. I saw a while ago that they had the digital kit/slim ballast kit. I thought I saw somethin about an adapter for that kit too so it would fit with canbus systems..? If mine ever go out, then I imagine I will go with the slim ballast as they should be easier to fit. Fortunately on the GS there is plenty of room behind the tank panels for the ballast. On the GSA, I don't know where they may fit.