TurboJoe Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Hi all... I have been running a HID (6000k 35W AC ballast) in my low beam for about 6 months..no issue at all. Question: Is there an advantage of doing a projector or is the factory reflector about as good as it gets? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IcePrick Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 The blackbird reflector is about the best in the world for HID. You could go to a bi-xenon if you used a projector, but I don't know if you'd improve on the beam pattern much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John01XX Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 I agree with Mike. The Bird has a unique design that works great with the needed cut-offs for HID. I have HID both high and low beam and looking to possibly go to LED for the High Beam to eliminate the delay when lighting up the high beam. I saw some very bright LED's on a bike about a week ago that were instant on. They looked almost as bright as the HID's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboJoe Posted May 5, 2014 Author Share Posted May 5, 2014 Thanks Guys...I may do a Halo w/ demon eyes for show purposes. I will check out the LED but will probably just run 2 HIDs. I never need a Hi-beam as the HID is brighter anyway IMHO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuffguyF4i Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Projectors are ALWAYS the way to go. If you don't have a super clean cut-off line, you are scattering wasted light up into the sky. Projectors have gotten much much cheaper. You can get a pair for $120 so i'm sure they would sell one for about half that. http://www.theretrofitsource.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IcePrick Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Just my opinion - the cutoff on an XX low beam is as good as a projector. I've ridden the Dragon in the dark at least as many times as in the light, on both the XX with HID low and the 990 ADV with a bi-xenon projector. The XX factory low beam housing with a quality HID is every bit as good as the projector, with more than ample throw and perhaps better side spill. Keeping in mind it's a low beam, where a 3000-yard throw isn't the objective, it is beyond adequate. A projector, unless bi-xenon, would be a waste of money. I've also installed projectors in various housings. It is not for the timid, and if you goof it up, you get to buy a new housing. That said, theretrofitsource has superb customer service and a great selection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboJoe Posted May 7, 2014 Author Share Posted May 7, 2014 iFanboi...I will be riding the Dragon the week of the 4th of July. All of my friends back home in Knoxville are begging me to come up. I actually was in Knoxville the last two days ... but without the bike :-( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IcePrick Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 Ick - stay away on holidays. Tuesday morning at 7:30 is the only quiet time on the hill in the summer. But if you have the chance - at night - it is positively sublime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboJoe Posted May 7, 2014 Author Share Posted May 7, 2014 Yeah I know...I practically lived on the hill. If I had a dollar for every Killboy photo taken I would be able to Turbo my Bird. LOL Unfortunately that is the only time I can get there this summer while the wife and kids visit my in-laws in Roane county. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuffguyF4i Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 Give the squids the dragon. The surrounding roads are awesome too!! I miss my spring bike trips. The kiddo and career are cramping my riding style! Good thing it is just a phase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVLXX Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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