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[jeffj]

I promised a review of the new (HID) Headlamp from Harley-Davidson.

I had my local HD dealer install it on my 06 CUSE. The HD High Intensity Discharge (HID) Dual Bulb Headlamp Kit Part # 68094-06 is a whiter/brighter light than any other HD headlight I have owned. I am still tweaking with the aim/adjustment of light but yeah I like it. Is it worth $524.95 - thats the $500 question, I know its worth more than any previous headlamps but $400 plus bucks more is a bunch. My past favorite was the Halogen - Clear Smooth Lens with Reflector Optics Part # 68342-05 with HD logo on Lamp.

The (HID) Headlamp requires so much power that actually when you start your engine the headlamp turns its self off so you can start the engine. Once the motor is running the headlight comes back on and as the headlight warms up it becomes whiter & brighter, don't worry it pretty quick. The install process is very extensive as the fairing & seat must be pulled to install a ballast and necessary wiring. It is quite a process to install the headlamp and I am glad I negotiated the install labor charge with dealer before having the HD tech install it.

Cars seem to see it quicker as I was told over the weekend & a biker friend of mine rode in front of me and said the headlight is very noticable. While I was riding The 101  Highway on Saturday evening it almost felt like a full moon as I seemed to have a clearer, longer light path ahead of me.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would buy a $524.95 headlamp but I love to ride at night and the headlamp is good.

Ok on a 1 to 10 scale with 10 being the Highest: I give it a 7.8

Would I go pay full price for the headlight tomorrow, nope wait for the dealer to have some type of sale. Oh I love deals !!!

[spydglide]

Where'd they install the ballast and how hot does it get?   [smiley=nixweiss.gif] spyder

[jeffj]

Oh geez, I am not 100% sure
I think the ballast was tucked up in the fairing
Tomorrow I will get the location of ballast from HD Tech

The outside of lamp does not get much warmer than a typical headlamp, as I put my hand on it a couple different times. Or are you asking how warm the ballast gets?

The light is sure a white color compared to other headlamps

[Twolanerider]

Just for FYI, the HID kit for Glides if ordered from Chicago Harley is $420.  

Yes, the reason I know is because I've been trying to convince myself to buy one......

[SPIDERMAN]

The ballast for the HID on my 03 SERK (came with the bike)  is under the seat in the frame pocket below the tank where the seat tab slot is. There is a wire that runs under the tank through the back of the Nacelle and connects to the starter which plugs into the highbeam. Low beam is a halogen bulb. I thought the guy who had the bike before me (airline pilot) had to be insane to spend $525 on a headlight, but I gotta agree, it's like riding under a full moon on a clear night. Even knowing that, I am not sure I would have spent the money. The new dual halogen reflector optic from H-D is only $125 and is a nice light. I wondered about the heat thing as well, and have checked several times- - -doesn't seem to be an issue. I was told that you can get a replacement zenon arc bulb at any autoparts store for a lot cheaper than what H-D charges. Is that true ?

[110tHunDer]

What are you guys running for spots with the HID headlight and how does the color of the beam compare to the HID?

One of the things I'm not really fond of with my car, are the fog lamps that appear yellow when looking at the front of the car, compared to the HIDs.  Just wondering what you're using and how it matches up.

Photos appreciated!

[Twolanerider]

I was told that you can get a replacement zenon arc bulb at any autoparts store for a lot cheaper than what H-D charges. Is that true ?

Yes Spider, sure is.  The one parts store I checked for comparison was just over 35% cheaper than the HD price.

[110tHunDer]

OK, based on jeffj's above critique of the new HID headlamp, installation will commence on the SEEG during the 10,000 mile service this week!  I'm hoping that going from the older lens optic-style halogen light to the HID, I will rate it more than a 7.8 (hoping for an 8.7 :-/), but we'll see.  One thing's for sure, with daylight savings time coming to an end in a couple weeks, there should be a fair amount of time to test it out and form an opinion.

[jeffj]

What are you guys running for spots with the HID headlight and how does the color of the beam compare to the HID?

One of the things I'm not really fond of with my car, are the fog lamps that appear yellow when looking at the front of the car, compared to the HIDs.

[110tHunDer]

During my intial outing I did not use "spots" as I wanted to see the "HID" working on its own. The second night out I used the "spots" and a riding friend who rode in front of me said he could see 2 smaller yellowish looking lights with a bright white light in the middle. I did notice when the "HID" light is on bright it bothers other vehicles quicker than nomal. In town I noticed cars seeing me quicker in traffic coming up to 4 way stops. Lights good but look for it when its on sale. (LOL look for all parts while there on sale this winter)

I wonder if some after market makes a simular "spot" type light?

What type of pictures would you like to see?

Jeff, I assume you're still running with the stock spots that came on your bike?  I am wondering if the 68208-98A halogen spots would be a little whiter and match the color of the HID better?  It would probably be tough to get a perfect match, just wondering what would be "best" of the H-D choices.

If you could shoot a nightime photo of the HID and spots all burning at once, that would be great!  Thanks!

[jeffj]

Jeff, I assume you're still running with the stock spots that came on your bike?

[110tHunDer]

Yes you are correct I am still using the stock "spots on my bike

This weekend I will try and get a few nightime photos with "HID" by itself and then with stock "spots" on with "HID' and then with "HID" on bright, give the GF something to do while she is riding on the bike.

I was just thinking of a shot or two with the bike sitting there parked, not of the pattern, but of the lights themselves, just to get an idea of the relative color difference.

What you're talking about would be great, too, though, as long as your GF is comfortable doing that.  Thanks!

[110tHunDer]

BTW, I just want to say D@MN this website and all the money it makes me spend!

[jeffj]

I was just thinking of a shot or two with the bike sitting there parked, not of the pattern, but of the lights themselves, just to get an idea of the relative color difference.

What you're talking about would be great, too, though, as long as your GF is comfortable doing that.

[jeffj]

Second Pic is with garage dark...ouch I stubbed my toe
Notice the change in color of "spots"