Re: HID Temperatures

Posted by sgtslag on Aug 03, 2011; 3:47pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/HID-Temperatures-tp3220919p3222643.html

The relay, with a direct-connect to the battery is pretty much a necessity, as the amperage draw is very likely to be much higher...  Wattage (which translates to heat generated) will likely be much higher, as well (hence the warning about smoking/melting your wires...).  Be sure to check your total amperage drawn by your bike:  add up the wattage on all of the lights (on the brake light, add up both the running light wattage, and the brake light wattage -- separate filaments, both are lit simultaneously when the brakes are applied), add in the wattage used by the engine (found in the FSM, or in a Clymer Manual), and make certain your alternator is putting out MORE than that much wattage, so you have some amps charging up your battery while you ride!  If you draw more watts than your alternator is putting out, or an equal amount, you will drain your battery (not enough amperage to charge it, because all of the lights, etc., are sucking up all the alternator's output!), and you will stall somewhere, at the most inopportune time...

There are other means of increasing light output, such as using high output LED's (prices vary, depending on how much light you want, and for what purpose).  I added two, 3W LED's, with heatsink cases, waterproof, to my Voyager's engine guard bars, for less than $30 (had to fabricate a simple, aluminum bar mounting bracket:  cut to length, drill screw holes, then mount LED's, and attach bracket/LED's to C-clamps around the bars, with a bolt, and wire up) for improved conspicuity -- not for better road illumination.  I avoid riding at night -- too dangerous, too much risk for my taste.

For additional conspicuity, there are brake light flashers (been using mine for five years, on three bikes), as well as Headlight Modulators (again, on all three of my bikes, for five years).  Both of these devices really make a difference, in my completely un-scientific opinion.  I've had people stare at me, as I approached; numerous cars started to pull out in front of me then stopped, and stared; I've had folks stick their head out of their windows, and ask me if I knew my headlight was flashing...  Thank goodness I was wearing a full-face helmet -- I was barely able to contain my laughter.  I also wear the flourescent green vests of construction workers.  If someone hits me, it is because they were trying!  I am nearly impossible to miss seeing -- and I like it that way.   Cheers!