Benefits of HIDs on Motorcycles

As with most upgrades, there are advantages and disadvantages to installing an HID headlight array on a motorcycle.  Again, though, it’s called an upgrade for a reason, so the benefits should still substantially outweigh the positives and with HIDs, that’s usually the case.  Below, we’ll go over several lighting factors that most bikers would consider critically important, so you can make an informed decision before replacing your bike’s current headlight setup.  Whether you ride a Harley, a Kawasaki, or a Goldwing, these tips should clarify some gray areas on HID lighting for motorcycles:

1 – Power & Efficiency

This one’s an easy win for HIDs over stock halogen headlights.  An HID headlight can last up to 10x as long as a halogen one, and can use over a third less energy overall.  The one serious downside is during setup and installation.  Because an HID bulb drains substantially less power than a conventional headlight bulb (we’re talking a potential wattage drop from 65-70W to around 35W), the computer chip in the bike’s electrical system may read the bulb’s low drain as a malfunction.  This can send all kinds of warning lights off or throw the system into error mode, but this can be overcome with a simple wiring relay.

2 – Installation

This one’s more of a split decision.  In the end, you’re getting more powerful, more efficient headlights with HID components, but you’ll have to spend a couple of hours installing all the new parts.  After all, you can’t just switch the bulb or bulbs out; the wiring relay, new ballast, and other components must be installed as well.  With a halogen lighting replacement, you can simply unscrew one bulb and replace it with the other.  Fortunately, you really only have to upgrade the bike’s low beam array, as the new HID light may be as bright or brighter than the high beam itself. 

3 – Vision on the Road

Being able to see is the most blatantly obvious and simultaneously, easily overlooked, result of using effective headlights.  If you have trouble seeing while driving at night, HIDs can offer enhanced peripheral vision in the dark, and their beams better reflect off of road signs and highway markers.  Combined with 3x brightness and fewer times you’ll need to switch from low beam to high beam, you’ll be able to better focus on the road and see potential obstructions blocking your way.  With a helmet on, you’re already limiting some of your potential scope, so gaining some of the vision loss back is a huge gain for any rider.  After all, safety on the road usually depends on how well you can see the road itself, and others on the road with you.

Visit www.motorcyclehidxenonlights.com for more information on HID Kits and their benefits. Start improving your light coverage of the road, on those midnight cruises, today!

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