Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 7 Jan 2008
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
Mornin' Martyn,

I know what you mean, they do seem to be a genuine operator.

Please let us know when you've tken the plunge and how things go and if you don't mind why not give us a bit of a fitting/installation report etc?

Looking forward to the next installment.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 7 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
Will do, but its gonna be a while....

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Cameraman View Post
Mornin' Martyn,

I know what you mean, they do seem to be a genuine operator.

Please let us know when you've tken the plunge and how things go and if you don't mind why not give us a bit of a fitting/installation report etc?

Looking forward to the next installment.

Mornin Reggie, Yep, I will do a full report as and when I do a fitment along with pics etc.... Its gonna have to wait a while though as I am in the process of saving for ITV (Spanish MOT), next Insurance Installment, a Front wheel respoke and a Pair of Motorcross or Enduro boots.......... In that order! THEN an HID light set up.....

Martyn
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 26 Jan 2008
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martynbiker View Post
THEN an HID light set up.....
Martyn, something that might make a better/simpler job of a HID conversion is this:
Busters Motorcycle Accessories

This unit takes 2 H1 bulbs. I'm thinking of getting one for my Airhead GS PD, if I can think of a way to mount it in the fairing.

They do other shapes with twin lamps as well.

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 27 Jan 2008
Jake's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 761
I recently fitted a hid low beam conversion (h7) and a upgrade H3 high beam halogen blue bulb (Included in the pack price for free) to my ktm 950 the cost was £140 all in. and the result is fantastic the difference is so much better than I ever thought it could be the fittings etc seem excelent quality and now I can see at night very very well where as before it was very poor quality lighting on the bike. Ireally wish I had done this years ago. Autolamps-online were the company and there sales people were superb knowing the best advice and offering various set ups. very quick service and superb follow up service.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 25 Apr 2008
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Hid50

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Cameraman View Post
Mornin' Martyn,

I know what you mean, they do seem to be a genuine operator.

Yes indeed guys, I can assure that I am a very genuine operator ;-)

I am one of the two guys (both bikers) behind HID50.com 50 watt HID lighting and am a long time HUBBer and bike traveller. We dont market the HID product. We just sell by word of mouth. Its a hobby rather than a business, and was set up to offer the best quality HID kits I could find to bikers, by bikers. Thats why all the pics on the site are of bikes ;-). I also want to make available to bikers stuff that the mass market companies dont ... like 50 watt HIDs, "military spec" componentry, and mixed bulb kits for Triumph or KTM bikes.

As mentioned before, we are not in it to make a profit but just to cover our costs and pay us for the time involved, so thats why as mentioned before, we have no interested in pushing products. If there is no such thing as a perfect H4 HID conversion, thats what I will tell you.

We also put together mixed bulb kits for KTMs and Triumphs ... which need 2 HIDs but have two different spec bulbs (a H3+H7 for the KTMs and a H7+H9 in the Triumphs).

I deliberately source "military spec" components in the kits (at considerably greater expense) which are made by Alcatel in France. So while the kits and bits are all put together in China (As is everything these days) the electronic components inside are largely French. So basically they are the most expensive kits I can get out of China. I obviously do a lot of long distance riding myself and I dont want to go anywhere with a cheap kit. There is a huge difference in quality of components inside the kits, and the sad reality is basically no distributors ever sell or supply the expensive quality kits. So again, thats something we do ... offer a quality of component that you wont get on ebay.

If any of you guys want to buy any of the full kits from us(HID50.com 50 watt HID lighting), just mention the "HUBB discount" and you will get £20 off the web price. :-)

If you dont want to buy anything, thats fine too. Peace :-)

Last edited by colebatch; 25 Apr 2008 at 14:47.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 26 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Guildford, UK
Posts: 269
Very interesting thread this one. I guess these are xenon arc lamps you use Colebatch. What sort of high voltage do you need to strike them? Do you find that the lifetime of the lamp is reduced with frequent starting or that they last better when on for longer periods?

Have to say that I am very tempted for the KTM990.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 26 Apr 2008
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by mattpope View Post
Very interesting thread this one. I guess these are xenon arc lamps you use Colebatch. What sort of high voltage do you need to strike them? Do you find that the lifetime of the lamp is reduced with frequent starting or that they last better when on for longer periods?

Have to say that I am very tempted for the KTM990.
Hi Matt ...

Re Xenon Arc ... yes that exactly what they are. Re Voltage ... but 23,000 volts is what the igniters initially strike at, though that falls mack to a steady 85 volts once the arc has been created and stabilised.

The first generation vehicular High Intensity Discharge lamps that were around in the late 90s and early 2000s had an issue with have a limited amount of starts before they had reliability issues. Its no longer the case with the current generation of componentry.

There is a good write up of a 990 installation here if you wanted to read up more on that specifically:
Youngblood's KTM Projects - 990S HID kit install introduction
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Black Diamond Mega Light Tent Review empeg9000 Equipment Reviews 14 10 Nov 2007 16:50
R1150 GS Driving Light Relay & AutoSwitch Install Global Rider BMW Tech 0 6 May 2006 17:07
xt600z neutral light bigbrummer Yamaha Tech 0 28 Apr 2004 02:17
02 DR650 Tail Light Q jp4 Suzuki Tech 3 17 Jan 2004 22:26
neutral light malfunction futronix Yamaha Tech 2 24 Nov 2003 04:57

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:33.