HID Projectors compared to HID Lights? or are the the same?

Mr.E · April 3rd, 2011, 10:08 PM

Hey everyone.
So when I get a bike I intend to add some HID lights for 3 reasons, they'll help me see at night, they'll help other people see me day or night, and they look cool. But lately I been reading about HID and there's a lot of talk about getting projectors or projector kits? Is there a difference or are they just the same things? Thanks.

caps · April 3rd, 2011, 10:11 PM

their is a lot more to HIDs then most people realize. if you throw HID bulbs in a housing that is not intended for them it could do more harm then anything else. if you want to put HID's on the ninjette without having light going everywhere (the housings arent made for HIDs), blinding oncoming traffic, and having to wait for your lights to warm up (only really a problem for high beam) then you need to retrofit a housing that IS made for HIDs into the headlight.

and just FYI you are going to have plenty of people whop buy the cheap kits from DDM tuning tell you to put them in and you will never have any problems. you should do some more research before deciding which is right for you since proper HIDs are NOT cheap. my retro fit on my subaru ran just shy of $1000 for mid level parts (TSX projectors/ballasts and Philips bulbs)

Mr.E · April 3rd, 2011, 10:17 PM

Wow that's more expensive then I had originally thought. What about these blue lightening bulbs I've been hearing about? (I believe thats what they're called but dont quote me exactly on that.) They're not HID's but they're pretty bright and blue. Or if i want a good pair of lights should I just start saving now? lol. Thanks for the info btw.

caps · April 3rd, 2011, 10:24 PM

no problem, and personally i plan on going with some better quality bulbs since i plan on moving up to a bigger bike, and i want my wife to be safe when she rides (its gonna be hers when i move up). I have been seriously considering the philips X-treme Power, or CrystalVision 5,000ºKs.

headshrink · April 3rd, 2011, 10:25 PM

To my knowledge, there are currently NO DOT legal HID kits available for motorcyles.... if that is important to you. You MAY or may not get a ticket if you blind people because you don't have proper projector housings. There is one guy on youtube who vacuum formed housings (for his car IIRC), which I thought was impressive.

I get why people like them, but don't think they are necessary. They wont make a difference in making YOU more visible, although they may blind people and piss them off. A proper HID system still blinds people, but a lot less. Adding the blinding factor won't make YOU more visible..... unless you are riding now with no headlight.

CThunder-blue · April 4th, 2011, 10:05 AM

Stay away from colored lighting. They may look cool, but produce less lumens than a proper bulb. If you want to read the DIY I made for an HID retrofit and some updates from Momaru: http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=64230

Mr.E · April 4th, 2011, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

Stay away from colored lighting. They may look cool, but produce less lumens than a proper bulb. If you want to read the DIY I made for an HID retrofit and some updates from Momaru: http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=64230

Thats a great DIY. How long in total (hours or days) did it take u aprox? I'll probably certainly be using this guide. Awesome job.

CThunder-blue · April 5th, 2011, 07:59 AM

It's been a while, but I spent approximately 12-14 hours total on it, not including the cure time on the sealant.

Momaru · April 5th, 2011, 08:17 AM

I'm pretty sure I spent at least 20-25 hours on the HID projector arrangement, if not more. I spread it out over a couple weeks, as parts arrived.

That said, a lot of that time was spent doing test-fits to make sure things lined up properly and at least a few hours of that was spent repeatedly stowing and un-stowing my tools, as I live in a small apartment with no room to leave things laying about.

+5 for staying away from colored lights. It advertises to the 5-O "this vehicle is modified, likely illegally" as well as generates less usable light (the intensity's still there, but we humans can't see it) and has been known to panic the occasional motorist, seeing bright blue lights in their rear view. While this last may seem funny, just think what happens when someone thinks you're trying to pull them over and gets aggressive.

massacremasses · September 19th, 2011, 12:45 PM

Hey Im bumping this cause I just got quoted for custom ones with all this stuuuf.

"> The 09 Ninja 250R 55 Watt SLIM HID / Bi-Xenon Projector Retro-Fit is $450/pair
Includes: 2 - MM-R High Performance 2.5" Bi-Xenon (Hi/Lo) Projectors (installed)
(2-Lo Beams & 2-Hi Beams)
2 - Chrome Gatling Projector Shrouds (installed)
2 - 55 Watt Philips HID Bulbs - 3500hrs life expectancy (3 times Halogen life)
Any color temp = 3000k, 5000k, 6000k, 8000k, 10000k, 12000k (installed)
2 - 55 Watt ApexCone Digital SLIM HID Ballasts (40% BRIGHTER than 35w HID & 5 TIMES Halogen output)
1 - Pre-wired Lo Beam switch with "pilot light" to operate Lo Beams manually
(stock Hi Beam switch on handle bar will operate Hi Beams)
1 - 100% "PLUG & PLAY" (separately fused) relay harnesses with labeled connections & install tips
*** All HID & Projector components include a "lifetime manufacturer's warranty"
*** All labor (assembly, wiring, etc) includes a one year warranty!

> CCFL Angel Eyes option = $75/pair
(available in white, blue, red, green)

> Audi Style LEDs option = $60/pair
(available in Super White (5000k-6000k), Orange/Amber, red, blue, green)
(3mm Standard LEDs, 1/4" Spacing, Strip is approx 5mm x 10mm)

> Ultra Slim / Super Bright Audi Style SMT LEDs option = $75/pair
(available in Super White ONLY > 6000k-8000k - other colors available by special order > ADD $15/pair)
(.5mm SMT LEDs, 3/4" Spacing, Strip is approx 1mm x 5mm)

> SMT LED Halos option = $75/pair
(printed circuit board halo/disc with multiple forward firing SMT LEDs)

> Blackout option = $75/pair extra (reflectors only) - $100/pair (reflectors & projector shrouds)
(sand-blast & coat with Ceramic Black Enamel > 2 days extra work)

> Formed ABS Bezels option = $80/pair
(matte black, textured, ABS formed over entire lamp)

> Devil Eyes option = is (projectors can be lit "in color of choice" when HIDs are "off") = $60/pair extra
(colors available = red, blue, green, amber) (includes auto on/off modules)

> Pre-wired switches option (to override Angel Eyes, LEDs, other mods, etc) will be $20 extra per/switch.
*Otherwise, extra mods (CCFLs, LEDs, etc) will be "on" (as DRLs) with ignition (pre-wired)."

thats not tooo bad, but what I thought was so dope was that its all plug in play! can you do it yourself? I guess but this is semi affordable and should be a easy to install since its plug and play

Maybe I should ask about a group buy? Are you still looking?

leed · September 19th, 2011, 01:26 PM

Unless the projectors are very short, they will not be plug and play. There simply is not enough room between the reflector and the lens for it to fit. The electronics of it may be plug and play, though.

Either way, 450 is a lot for two projectors, bulbs, and ballasts. You shouldn't be spending an awful lot more than 300, if I remember correctly.

CThunder-blue · September 19th, 2011, 01:45 PM

I was under the impression that the price was for a retrofitted housing.

massacremasses · September 19th, 2011, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leed

Unless the projectors are very short, they will not be plug and play. There simply is not enough room between the reflector and the lens for it to fit. The electronics of it may be plug and play, though.

Either way, 450 is a lot for two projectors, bulbs, and ballasts. You shouldn't be spending an awful lot more than 300, if I remember correctly.

your answer

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

I was under the impression that the price was for a retrofitted housing.

Thanks Tri

so yeah its a retrofit. You send your housing in. he does everything. You put it back in and plug everything in and bam. Youre done... so with all of that done I feel like thats not really a bad price at all...

I need to get somethings before I get this but I might send them in in Dec. when Im not riding...

CThunder-blue · September 19th, 2011, 02:08 PM

That's not a bad price for the labor + HID kit.

massacremasses · September 19th, 2011, 02:17 PM

Yeah and Im not sure if he realizes it but hes local. Like one county over. So really I could go get it...

Momaru · September 19th, 2011, 02:33 PM

Very curious to see how he does it and the work quality. The way Tri and I did it was rather labor-intensive. Came out well, but I'm pretty sure I spent more than $450 just for my parts. That said, I went fairly high-end with Morimoto ballasts, bulbs (D2S instead of AMP rebased like the cheap HID kits) and projectors as well as built my own wiring harness from scratch.

I would take care with the 55W bulbs, they put out a LOT of heat. I've got 5000k 35W in my projectors and they throw more light than I've ever needed at night. That much wattage also tends to wash out colors a smidge.

Also, the 'gatling' shrouds I'm familiar with are like 3" deep, way too deep for our housings, unless he's mounting the projectors waaay back. As I said, curious to see how it comes out if you go that route.

Does this guy have a website we could reference?

massacremasses · September 19th, 2011, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Momaru

Very curious to see how he does it and the work quality. The way Tri and I did it was rather labor-intensive. Came out well, but I'm pretty sure I spent more than $450 just for my parts. That said, I went fairly high-end with Morimoto ballasts, bulbs (D2S instead of AMP rebased like the cheap HID kits) and projectors as well as built my own wiring harness from scratch.

I would take care with the 55W bulbs, they put out a LOT of heat. I've got 5000k 35W in my projectors and they throw more light than I've ever needed at night. That much wattage also tends to wash out colors a smidge.

Also, the 'gatling' shrouds I'm familiar with are like 3" deep, way too deep for our housings, unless he's mounting the projectors waaay back. As I said, curious to see how it comes out if you go that route.

Does this guy have a website we could reference?

yeah but he does them all custom and as ordered so idk if hes done 250s yet....

if anyone wants to do a group buy lmk. id be down, and would ask

his website. www.sickhids.com

gt_turbo · September 19th, 2011, 04:41 PM

this is another guys page that also does retrofits. not sure if he does 250's tho.

http://jdmhouse.wordpress.com/2011/0...wing-pleasure/

Mr.E · September 19th, 2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by massacremasses

if anyone wants to do a group buy lmk. id be down, and would ask

his website. www.sickhids.com

I sure would be interested. It seems you would do it sometime later in the year which I can save little by little for it lol.

massacremasses · September 19th, 2011, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt_turbo

this is another guys page that also does retrofits. not sure if he does 250's tho.

http://jdmhouse.wordpress.com/2011/0...wing-pleasure/

those look amazing. Im totally getting Halos as well

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.E

I sure would be interested. It seems you would do it sometime later in the year which I can save little by little for it lol.

yeah im thinking of emailing him and telling him this will be almost certain this winter at some point when the bike is sitting in the garage

save up cause I would like to try and get em in Dec. at the latest. Maybe a Christmas present for me!!! Ill ask my wife.

rusninja · September 19th, 2011, 06:48 PM

I saw one of our indo buds had a plug and play kit

rusninja · September 19th, 2011, 06:50 PM

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=80087

massacremasses · September 19th, 2011, 07:07 PM

interesting.....

Still will prolly do it with this guy. He lists his parts he uses. Id like to see the other guys list...

April 3rd, 2011, 10:08 PM	#1
Mr.E That rider dude. Name: Eric Location: Orlando, Fl. Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 White Ninja 250 SE. Posts: A lot.	HID Projectors compared to HID Lights? or are the the same? Hey everyone. So when I get a bike I intend to add some HID lights for 3 reasons, they'll help me see at night, they'll help other people see me day or night, and they look cool. But lately I been reading about HID and there's a lot of talk about getting projectors or projector kits? Is there a difference or are they just the same things? Thanks.

April 3rd, 2011, 10:25 PM	#5
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	To my knowledge, there are currently NO DOT legal HID kits available for motorcyles.... if that is important to you. You MAY or may not get a ticket if you blind people because you don't have proper projector housings. There is one guy on youtube who vacuum formed housings (for his car IIRC), which I thought was impressive. I get why people like them, but don't think they are necessary. They wont make a difference in making YOU more visible, although they may blind people and piss them off. A proper HID system still blinds people, but a lot less. Adding the blinding factor won't make YOU more visible..... unless you are riding now with no headlight. __________________________________________________ Honda Interceptor VFR800 DLX (2014, 8th gen) Honda CBR500r (2014) - FOR SALE Kawi Ninja 250r (2008) - Restored and passed-down within family, only to be abandoned

April 4th, 2011, 10:05 AM	#6
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	Stay away from colored lighting. They may look cool, but produce less lumens than a proper bulb. If you want to read the DIY I made for an HID retrofit and some updates from Momaru: http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=64230 __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

April 5th, 2011, 07:59 AM	#8
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	It's been a while, but I spent approximately 12-14 hours total on it, not including the cure time on the sealant. __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

April 5th, 2011, 08:17 AM	#9
Momaru ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Paul Location: Roanoke, VA Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Candy Plasma Blue 250R Posts: A lot.	I'm pretty sure I spent at least 20-25 hours on the HID projector arrangement, if not more. I spread it out over a couple weeks, as parts arrived. That said, a lot of that time was spent doing test-fits to make sure things lined up properly and at least a few hours of that was spent repeatedly stowing and un-stowing my tools, as I live in a small apartment with no room to leave things laying about. +5 for staying away from colored lights. It advertises to the 5-O "this vehicle is modified, likely illegally" as well as generates less usable light (the intensity's still there, but we humans can't see it) and has been known to panic the occasional motorist, seeing bright blue lights in their rear view. While this last may seem funny, just think what happens when someone thinks you're trying to pull them over and gets aggressive. __________________________________________________ Proud member of the Blue Army

April 3rd, 2011, 10:11 PM	#2
caps Sexy Beast Name: Mat Location: Tampa Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R, 2006 ZX-14, 2012 Ducati Monster Posts: A lot.	their is a lot more to HIDs then most people realize. if you throw HID bulbs in a housing that is not intended for them it could do more harm then anything else. if you want to put HID's on the ninjette without having light going everywhere (the housings arent made for HIDs), blinding oncoming traffic, and having to wait for your lights to warm up (only really a problem for high beam) then you need to retrofit a housing that IS made for HIDs into the headlight. and just FYI you are going to have plenty of people whop buy the cheap kits from DDM tuning tell you to put them in and you will never have any problems. you should do some more research before deciding which is right for you since proper HIDs are NOT cheap. my retro fit on my subaru ran just shy of $1000 for mid level parts (TSX projectors/ballasts and Philips bulbs)

April 3rd, 2011, 10:17 PM	#3
Mr.E That rider dude. Name: Eric Location: Orlando, Fl. Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 White Ninja 250 SE. Posts: A lot.	Wow that's more expensive then I had originally thought. What about these blue lightening bulbs I've been hearing about? (I believe thats what they're called but dont quote me exactly on that.) They're not HID's but they're pretty bright and blue. Or if i want a good pair of lights should I just start saving now? lol. Thanks for the info btw.

April 3rd, 2011, 10:24 PM	#4
caps Sexy Beast Name: Mat Location: Tampa Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R, 2006 ZX-14, 2012 Ducati Monster Posts: A lot.	no problem, and personally i plan on going with some better quality bulbs since i plan on moving up to a bigger bike, and i want my wife to be safe when she rides (its gonna be hers when i move up). I have been seriously considering the philips X-treme Power, or CrystalVision 5,000ºKs.

September 19th, 2011, 12:45 PM	#10
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	Hey Im bumping this cause I just got quoted for custom ones with all this stuuuf. "> The 09 Ninja 250R 55 Watt SLIM HID / Bi-Xenon Projector Retro-Fit is $450/pair Includes: 2 - MM-R High Performance 2.5" Bi-Xenon (Hi/Lo) Projectors (installed) (2-Lo Beams & 2-Hi Beams) 2 - Chrome Gatling Projector Shrouds (installed) 2 - 55 Watt Philips HID Bulbs - 3500hrs life expectancy (3 times Halogen life) Any color temp = 3000k, 5000k, 6000k, 8000k, 10000k, 12000k (installed) 2 - 55 Watt ApexCone Digital SLIM HID Ballasts (40% BRIGHTER than 35w HID & 5 TIMES Halogen output) 1 - Pre-wired Lo Beam switch with "pilot light" to operate Lo Beams manually (stock Hi Beam switch on handle bar will operate Hi Beams) 1 - 100% "PLUG & PLAY" (separately fused) relay harnesses with labeled connections & install tips * All HID & Projector components include a "lifetime manufacturer's warranty" * All labor (assembly, wiring, etc) includes a one year warranty! > CCFL Angel Eyes option = $75/pair (available in white, blue, red, green) > Audi Style LEDs option = $60/pair (available in Super White (5000k-6000k), Orange/Amber, red, blue, green) (3mm Standard LEDs, 1/4" Spacing, Strip is approx 5mm x 10mm) > Ultra Slim / Super Bright Audi Style SMT LEDs option = $75/pair (available in Super White ONLY > 6000k-8000k - other colors available by special order > ADD $15/pair) (.5mm SMT LEDs, 3/4" Spacing, Strip is approx 1mm x 5mm) > SMT LED Halos option = $75/pair (printed circuit board halo/disc with multiple forward firing SMT LEDs) > Blackout option = $75/pair extra (reflectors only) - $100/pair (reflectors & projector shrouds) (sand-blast & coat with Ceramic Black Enamel > 2 days extra work) > Formed ABS Bezels option = $80/pair (matte black, textured, ABS formed over entire lamp) > Devil Eyes option = is (projectors can be lit "in color of choice" when HIDs are "off") = $60/pair extra (colors available = red, blue, green, amber) (includes auto on/off modules) > Pre-wired switches option (to override Angel Eyes, LEDs, other mods, etc) will be $20 extra per/switch. *Otherwise, extra mods (CCFLs, LEDs, etc) will be "on" (as DRLs) with ignition (pre-wired)." thats not tooo bad, but what I thought was so dope was that its all plug in play! can you do it yourself? I guess but this is semi affordable and should be a easy to install since its plug and play Maybe I should ask about a group buy? Are you still looking? __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

September 19th, 2011, 01:26 PM	#11
leed ninjette.org sage Name: David Location: Loves Park, IL Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Time will tell Posts: 969	Unless the projectors are very short, they will not be plug and play. There simply is not enough room between the reflector and the lens for it to fit. The electronics of it may be plug and play, though. Either way, 450 is a lot for two projectors, bulbs, and ballasts. You shouldn't be spending an awful lot more than 300, if I remember correctly.

September 19th, 2011, 01:45 PM	#12
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	I was under the impression that the price was for a retrofitted housing. __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

September 19th, 2011, 02:08 PM	#14
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	That's not a bad price for the labor + HID kit. __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

September 19th, 2011, 02:17 PM	#15
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	Yeah and Im not sure if he realizes it but hes local. Like one county over. So really I could go get it... __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

September 19th, 2011, 02:33 PM	#16
Momaru ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Paul Location: Roanoke, VA Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Candy Plasma Blue 250R Posts: A lot.	Very curious to see how he does it and the work quality. The way Tri and I did it was rather labor-intensive. Came out well, but I'm pretty sure I spent more than $450 just for my parts. That said, I went fairly high-end with Morimoto ballasts, bulbs (D2S instead of AMP rebased like the cheap HID kits) and projectors as well as built my own wiring harness from scratch. I would take care with the 55W bulbs, they put out a LOT of heat. I've got 5000k 35W in my projectors and they throw more light than I've ever needed at night. That much wattage also tends to wash out colors a smidge. Also, the 'gatling' shrouds I'm familiar with are like 3" deep, way too deep for our housings, unless he's mounting the projectors waaay back. As I said, curious to see how it comes out if you go that route. Does this guy have a website we could reference? __________________________________________________ Proud member of the Blue Army

September 19th, 2011, 04:41 PM	#18
gt_turbo ninjette.org sage Name: L Location: WI Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250R, '13 CBR500R Posts: 709	this is another guys page that also does retrofits. not sure if he does 250's tho. http://jdmhouse.wordpress.com/2011/0...wing-pleasure/

September 19th, 2011, 06:48 PM	#21
rusninja Ninjette wanabe :D Name: Ruslan Location: San Jose Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): white 300 :D Posts: A lot.	I saw one of our indo buds had a plug and play kit __________________________________________________ VROOOM vrooom >.>

September 19th, 2011, 06:50 PM	#22
rusninja Ninjette wanabe :D Name: Ruslan Location: San Jose Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): white 300 :D Posts: A lot.	http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=80087 __________________________________________________ VROOOM vrooom >.>

September 19th, 2011, 07:07 PM	#23
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	interesting..... Still will prolly do it with this guy. He lists his parts he uses. Id like to see the other guys list... __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

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