jjkillian
Novice Class
Posts: 56
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posted October 09, 2006 04:03 PM
HID revisited
I saw where fastestbusaaround bought an HID kit.
I started to look in to one myself but noticed a thread where there were issues with the light quality.
Anyone found any system that works well now?
Thanks
JJ
  
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zx14_1965
Zone Head
Posts: 505
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posted October 09, 2006 05:12 PM
 Edited By: zx14_1965 on 9 Oct 2006 18:31
This is my setp...
bought it in Japan this past June for my ZRX1200. Gonna get a similar setup for the 14.
Unlike the cheap so called "HID" units that are sold in the US these allow the function of both hi/low beams and have an optional HID for the city lights.
Plug n' Play, no splicing, cutting or hassles. Took only 30 minutes to install.
Here's a couple more other HID kits sold in Japan,
[IMG]http://i91 .photobucket.com/albums/k309/zx14_1965/zrx_hid.jpg[/IMG]
Can't wait 'til March for the Japan trip.  and pick up a few more JDM exhaust systems you'll never see here and other 14 goodies.  ..anybody want to go on a field trip to Japan? 
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted October 09, 2006 06:50 PM
HID, now that is where i plan to invest in for the 14 next i think cause i ride at night pretty frequent.
I almost hit the BIN for $289 for some on eBay untill i noticed they were only hi-beam upgraders.
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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fastestbusaaround
Needs a life
I eat Fish...
Posts: 7889
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posted October 09, 2006 08:14 PM
Edited By: frEEk on 9 Oct 2006 21:23
Guy's...don't waste your money on HID's...you'll be in for a big disappointment when riding at night...see my post here about the issues I'm seeing, with no solution in sight yet...
http://www.bikeland.org/board/viewthread.php?FID=42&TID=26635
[ edit: removed the set_time parameter ]
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FYYFF!!!
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SanteeZX14
Parking Attendant
Posts: 23
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posted October 09, 2006 08:16 PM
March huh??!! - Never been to Japan....
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2006 ZX14 (Faster RED Version)
2004 EX250 (Baby Ninja)
2003 ZRX (Green of course)
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zx14_1965
Zone Head
Posts: 505
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posted October 09, 2006 08:33 PM
Edited By: zx14_1965 on 9 Oct 2006 21:51
Not sure what you're talkin' about, but I've had no issues with the setup I picked up in Japan. It has vastly improved night time visibility a thousand times over.No extra amperage or voltage draw from the stock alternator...zero....zip. No negative issues to report on the system I picked up. I'll never waste money on so called "HID" units you can buy here in the states. I liked it so much I picked up a setup for my 06 Camry and wife's 05 Corolla. Somebody else may have invented it, but they are known to make it 100 times better. ie; cars, trucks, sports cars, home electronics etc.
I'm speaking from personal experience on the system I bought. You may have a point on the "junk HID" kits they sell here.
and BTW my ZRX uses H4 bulbs, the Camry and Corolla H3U
Busa's solution would be to buy the ZX14 specific kit....sold in Japan. 
No such thing as HID being "not functional" on projector beam type headlights. You wouldn't buy a size 14 shoe if you wear a size 10 eh? 
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted October 09, 2006 08:36 PM
quote:
Guy's...don't waste your money on HID's...you'll be in for a big disappointment when riding at night...see my post here about the issues I'm seeing, with no solution in sight yet...
http://www.bikeland.org/board/viewthread.php?FID=42&TID=26635
[ edit: removed the set_time parameter ]
Bumer Aww nooo!!! 
Oh well good thing money can be spent in many other ways
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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zx14_1965
Zone Head
Posts: 505
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posted October 09, 2006 08:55 PM
quote:
quote:
Guy's...don't waste your money on HID's...you'll be in for a big disappointment when riding at night...see my post here about the issues I'm seeing, with no solution in sight yet...
http://www.bikeland.org/board/viewthread.php?FID=42&TID=26635
[ edit: removed the set_time parameter ]
Bumer Aww nooo!!!
Oh well good thing money can be spent in many other ways
As long as you stay away from those junk units you'll be fine
You can't believe everything you read.
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted October 09, 2006 08:56 PM
Cool i was getting worried there for a sec lol!
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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zx14_1965
Zone Head
Posts: 505
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posted October 09, 2006 08:58 PM
Edited By: zx14_1965 on 9 Oct 2006 21:59
quote:
Guy's...don't waste your money on HID's...you'll be in for a big disappointment when riding at night...see my post here about the issues I'm seeing, with no solution in sight yet...
http://www.bikeland.org/board/viewthread.php?FID=42&TID=26635
[ edit: removed the set_time parameter ]
No!, Don't get what he bought. that's the solution. Read my post on my setup. Zero issues, zip, nada, nuttin, etc etc etc. 
By the way Busa, what brand did you get? Post a pic so people will know what to stay away from.
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suicycle
Expert Class
Posts: 136
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posted October 09, 2006 10:47 PM
zx_1965 What brand are the ones you bought in Japan...since just about anything can be bought over the internet im sure the brand you got can be bought online from someone who supplies JDM stuff, without having to pop for a trip to japan. Please post a pic of your brand or the ZZR1400 specific set. Thanks 
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jjkillian
Novice Class
Posts: 56
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posted October 09, 2006 10:51 PM
Edited By: jjkillian on 9 Oct 2006 23:53
ZX14_1965, you also put it in a completly different bike.
I orignally asked my question based on the fact that FBA had that issue with his, but the post was from June so was hoping either he or someone else found a solution.
The refector angle is set, and obviously in your ZXR 1200 it happened to match up with your bulb. If the reflector angle and the bulb don't match up correctly you end up with a "cloud" of light instead of a beam.
HID's are way better, but if it doesn't work with your refector angle then your screwed.
I am going to shop it more locally and do some research and asking around here, that way if it doesn't work at least I will have more recourse than on Ebay.
If I find anything out FBA or Intimida2or I will let you guys know.
JJ
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fastestbusaaround
Needs a life
I eat Fish...
Posts: 7889
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posted October 10, 2006 03:23 AM
Edited By: fastestbusaaround on 10 Oct 2006 04:24
quote:
Not sure what you're talkin' about, but I've had no issues with the setup I picked up in Japan. It has vastly improved night time visibility a thousand times over.No extra amperage or voltage draw from the stock alternator...zero....zip. No negative issues to report on the system I picked up. I'll never waste money on so called "HID" units you can buy here in the states. I liked it so much I picked up a setup for my 06 Camry and wife's 05 Corolla. Somebody else may have invented it, but they are known to make it 100 times better. ie; cars, trucks, sports cars, home electronics etc.
I'm speaking from personal experience on the system I bought. You may have a point on the "junk HID" kits they sell here.
and BTW my ZRX uses H4 bulbs, the Camry and Corolla H3U
Busa's solution would be to buy the ZX14 specific kit....sold in Japan.
No such thing as HID being "not functional" on projector beam type headlights. You wouldn't buy a size 14 shoe if you wear a size 10 eh?
Funny guy -- but you'll be eating your words when you install them on your 14. Show me the 14 specifc kit please and let us know when you've got yours installed. Did you also know that there is no independant adjustment for the lows and highs on the 14?
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FYYFF!!!
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1393kph
Novice Class
Posts: 50
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posted October 10, 2006 04:06 AM
The key issue is that the ZX-14 uses projectors while the ZRX has a conventional reflector.
Unfortunately, your HIDs will not put the light source into the locus of the ZX-14 projctor assemblies and all you'll be getting is white fuzz.
Your money is yours to spend, but if you believe that one HID bulb is somehow physically different from another, then go for it.
But, as FBA says, you will more than likely be back whining about unfocused lighting and non-adjustable aim.
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zx14_1965
Zone Head
Posts: 505
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posted October 10, 2006 04:18 AM
quote:
zx_1965 What brand are the ones you bought in Japan...since just about anything can be bought over the internet im sure the brand you got can be bought online from someone who supplies JDM stuff, without having to pop for a trip to japan. Please post a pic of your brand or the ZZR1400 specific set. Thanks
Dude, read my post, there are two brands that make the HID units specific to the ZX14 in terms of plug n play harness and HID for projector beam.
Doesnt seem like Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Porsche are having issues with their HID units on the projector beam headlight systems.
Good luck finding them online.
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zx14_1965
Zone Head
Posts: 505
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posted October 10, 2006 04:23 AM
quote:
ZX14_1965, you also put it in a completly different bike.
I orignally asked my question based on the fact that FBA had that issue with his, but the post was from June so was hoping either he or someone else found a solution.
The refector angle is set, and obviously in your ZXR 1200 it happened to match up with your bulb. If the reflector angle and the bulb don't match up correctly you end up with a "cloud" of light instead of a beam.
HID's are way better, but if it doesn't work with your refector angle then your screwed.
I am going to shop it more locally and do some research and asking around here, that way if it doesn't work at least I will have more recourse than on Ebay.
If I find anything out FBA or Intimida2or I will let you guys know.
JJ
Read the explanation of the other posts on the "issues" with "junk brand HID" units.
Why the heck would the Japanese well known company sell stuff that doesn't work?. Light projection and the other mumbo jumbo is no science at least to the Japanese. If PIAA and Bellof are selling bike specific units then I have great faith that I'll encounter any issues.
You can look in any PIAA or Bellof catalog it'll list the bike specific kits...but you'll have to go to Japan to look at one though.
I'll be there in March and I'll snap shot the Kawasaki application page for you to see.
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zx14_1965
Zone Head
Posts: 505
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posted October 10, 2006 04:28 AM
quote:
The key issue is that the ZX-14 uses projectors while the ZRX has a conventional reflector.
Unfortunately, your HIDs will not put the light source into the locus of the ZX-14 projctor assemblies and all you'll be getting is white fuzz.
Your money is yours to spend, but if you believe that one HID bulb is somehow physically different from another, then go for it.
But, as FBA says, you will more than likely be back whining about unfocused lighting and non-adjustable aim.
Uh okay. I'll just blow $390 for nothing. Wonder why none of the Japanese ZZR forum members are complaining about the PIAA and Bellof HID units?
If you can read Japanese, check out the Japan ZZR forum, most have converted to HID with zero issues on the Daytona and Bellof units. They warn explicitly not buy the crappy 25,000 yen ($240) HID knockoff kits made in Vietnam, Laos, China, Taiwan. Issues such as what has been addressed here are the same over yonder.
Did I mention I was going to Japan in March?
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zx14_1965
Zone Head
Posts: 505
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posted October 10, 2006 04:32 AM
Edited By: zx14_1965 on 10 Oct 2006 05:33
Funny guy -- but you'll be eating your words when you install them on your 14. Show me the 14 specifc kit please and let us know when you've got yours installed. Did you also know that there is no independant adjustment for the lows and highs on the 14?
The members on the ZZR Japan forum have converted to HID units I'm talking about. No issues you speak of. Their warning translated when buying HID units: Stay Away from HID knock offs". That's probably what you have?
Snap a pic of the packaging it came in? Interested to see what the package looks like.
Don't buy the crap on Ebay, If you have money to throw away, throw it this way.
One more thing, I got the same crap from other folks on other forum when I converted to HID on my ZRX. Yeah, sure, what problem? I've learned to ignore ignorance and assumption long ago.
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dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted October 10, 2006 05:24 AM
Wow.
Sounds like you need to get into business and start importing stuff.
If you know the products and have connections you would make big money I would think.
Hope it turns out to be as lucrative as FBA's Autoland, for ya
I would think FBA knows a thing or 2 of vehicle electrics.
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stan55
Expert Class
Posts: 112
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posted October 10, 2006 05:38 AM
I set set on my 14 and it works great... It lights up the road... It's like a spot beam..
Stan
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jjkillian
Novice Class
Posts: 56
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posted October 10, 2006 08:44 AM
Edited By: jjkillian on 10 Oct 2006 10:12
just a quick google search yielded this for the JDM setup. Not sure where JDM came up in this conversation.
http://www.2loww.com/bulbs.html
Here is the PIAA one from the box of his kit
http://www.piaa.com/Powersports/piaa-powersports/custom_applications.html
I am still going to check around locally so I can make sure for a fact it will work.
ZX14_1965 might be right though on the PIAA's. If you look at their web site, first off they have the countour listed, also the setup seems to come with its own projectors which is the problem from what I have read. Where the EBAY one only comes with the bulbs, igniters, etc, but no projector.
JJ
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zx14_1965
Zone Head
Posts: 505
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posted October 10, 2006 10:48 AM
quote:
ZX14_1965 might be right though on the PIAA's. If you look at their web site, first off they have the countour listed, also the setup seems to come with its own projectors which is the problem from what I have read.
JJ
You think I might be onto something here?
The Japanese market has a head start on most everything available for bikes and cars. Some are just not available here in the US.
The PIAAs work...period.
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zx14_1965
Zone Head
Posts: 505
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posted October 10, 2006 10:53 AM
quote:
Wow.
Sounds like you need to get into business and start importing stuff.
If you know the products and have connections you would make big money I would think.
Hope it turns out to be as lucrative as FBA's Autoland, for ya
I would think FBA knows a thing or 2 of vehicle electrics.
Yeah, I could make millions selling HID knock offs on Ebay.
I did import JDM stuff for 3 years, mainly RB26, RB25, 2J, SR20DET motors and other hard to get mod parts and wheels. Can you say :cha-ching"?
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jjkillian
Novice Class
Posts: 56
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posted October 10, 2006 10:56 AM
quote:
quote:
ZX14_1965 might be right though on the PIAA's. If you look at their web site, first off they have the countour listed, also the setup seems to come with its own projectors which is the problem from what I have read.
JJ
You think I might be onto something here?
The Japanese market has a head start on most everything available for bikes and cars. Some are just not available here in the US.
The PIAAs work...period.
Actually them working period is not 100% true. I just spoke with them. US sold ones are mainly for vehicles that already have HID's. The motorcycle one sold here is very comparable to the one FBA has. The probelm is US regulations they said. If a car does not come with them stock then the aftermarket one needs to come from outside the US. That is probably why yours works being from Japan. It isn't that Japan is that far ahead it is regulation that is causing the problem. For some reason local athorities are always passing laws on colors of lights on vehicles.
Man you live in Japan or something? Holy moly, I love your patriotism. If you don't you should move instantly.
quote:
The Japanese market has a head start on most everything available for bikes and cars.
Must be why they (cough cough) dominate every major motorsport.
JJ
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zx14_1965
Zone Head
Posts: 505
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posted October 10, 2006 03:55 PM
quote:
Actually them working period is not 100% true. I just spoke with them. US sold ones are mainly for vehicles that already have HID's. The motorcycle one sold here is very comparable to the one FBA has. The probelm is US regulations they said. If a car does not come with them stock then the aftermarket one needs to come from outside the US. That is probably why yours works being from Japan. It isn't that Japan is that far ahead it is regulation that is causing the problem. Man you live in Japan or something? Holy moly, I love your patriotism. If you don't you should move instantly. Must be why they (cough cough) dominate every major motorsport.
JJ
Like I said, the JDM stuff is the schniznat that's all. I go there every year and it surprises me on how much cool stuff they have there, I mean from A to Z. Cars, electronics, cell phones where you wife can track your every movement...yikes! I bought most parts for my 170hp ZRX1200 from Japan....none of which I could get here. The HD tvs sold there makes what you see here like more "junk". They keep all the good shit to themselves. I can go on and on about that stuff. Now, WTF do you question my patriotism?  That's a low blow. Everything I said about the Japanese is true.....I'll wait for your retort on that one.  But would be more appropriate on another thread related to "patriotism" then I'll throw a ton of corn at you on that subject there buddy.
You answered the questions on the concerns about the HID some have used. So no reason to continue the wine and cheese dance that HIDs are worthless. Yes, I have a JDM HID kit on my ZRX...so I guess I'm breaking the law.  I had no problems passing through customs. No different than putting an aftermarket exhaust...those are illegal too and the TRE and the reed valve block off plates and.....you get the point right? That's why everyone who sells non DOT compliant parts puts a dislaimer on their products ie; "For Off Road or Race Use Only".
I'll be back with the JDM HID kit for my ZX14, anyone interested in a set can let me know. 300+ Japanese who've done the conversion on their ZZR1400 can't be wrong and that's just on one ZZR forum.
You can believe those that have negative results with their HID knock offs or you can believe that HIDs that work on the 14 are in existence....only in Japan though. Actually, come to think of it, the Japanese opened one of their infamous "Autobacs" stores in Orange county, CA. I haven't been there but if it's anything like the ones in Japan it should be on your list of "must see" stores. They may have motorcycle stuff there to but can't say for sure.
Your ignorance shows by mocking the Japanese. Take a look around you, everything you see and touch has some form of Japanese to it...believe it or not. You say I should move to Japan? No thanks, lived there on and off for 15 years and not by choice. The closest to making Japanese culture permanent in my life was marrying a Japanese. I'd think 4 times before you even blurt something derogatory about my wife... 
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