I recently got my hands on a HID conversion kit from a place called DDM Tuning, www.ddmtuning.com/ . I did some checking around, and found they have a good reputation for customer service, as well as a lifetime warranty on ballasts and bulbs. Until recently, they were carrying a motorcycle specific kit, with a slim ballast, but apparently were having issues with the ballasts burning up, so have discontinued carrying them till that issue has been resolved. So I settled on a 5000k 35 watt H4 dual beam kit. Unfortunately, they were out of the 35 watt kit, so I decided to get the 55 watt kit. I was worried about it being too hot for the headlight housing, but I have ran with it a couple times already, and don't seem to be having any issues. I also replaced the 194 running light bulb with a true white LED so it is not such a yellow color. Following is a quick write up of the install with a few pictures.

Here is the headlight assembly after it has been removed. The light gray plug on the right is the running light. A quarter turn to the left removes the plug, allowing access to the bulb. The headlight plug pulls straight off the back of the bulb, and then the bulb is removed by unhooking the bail that holds it in.


Here is a shot of the stock running light bulb


And a shot of the LED running light


Here is a picture of the components that are in the box for the HID conversion. 2 ballasts, 2 bulbs, hi/low actuator, and wiring harness.


Because there is only one controller for the hi/low beam activation, there is an extra set of lead wired going to the other ballast. I just pushed the pin and disconnected them from the harness.


Oddly enough, the ballast fit perfectly in the AIS bracket, and seeings how I had removed the AIS valve, I initially tried to mount it there. Unfortunately, it left the ballast just about 1/2 inch too low for the air scoop to fit. So, I removed the bracket and used 3M double sided tape to affix it to the frame rail. Also mounted the control box there as well, but forgot to get a finished picture.


Hi/Low control box


Sorry, I did not get a before shot to compare to. I can assure you though, this sucker is bright! It has a nice clean cut off line for the light, and should be a real advantage at night. I may have to add some lower running lights to fill the gap between the front tire and the bottom of the beam. We shall see. Anyway, I hope this will help someone else if they are doing an install.

Nicely done!

Looks good!

I would like to warn you though, in about 3-4 months, you might want to start carrying your spare bulb with you on any night rides. My second bulb just 'blinked' out on me 2 days ago on my way home from work. It was 5:30am and plenty dark but luckily I had expected it and had my OEM bulb with me so it was a quick fix to get rolling again. I don't think this one even lasted 3 months.

These things do have a short lifespan. At least mine do. It could very well be my fault somehow too, like maybe pointing them at the sky too many times.

I love the looks of them on the bike but I'm switching back to the OEM bulb for now. Maybe next time I'll buy a different brand.

Grover

Thanks for the detailed write up. It's a mod I've been considering.....cause my eyes are getting old.

Thats odd about the bulb duration. I have the 55 watt sysnin my gen I and have not had na problem for 3 years. Going to put in my GenII.