[Pugga]

I've got 35W 5000K bi-xenons in a stock Katana housing and no issues. Never been flashed and the light output is much better than stock. I purchased from here:

http://www.slimshidxenonsource.com/

The HID bulb has a metal shroud that covers the bottom so light can't reflect off the bottom of the Katana's housing and upwards into the eyes of oncoming traffic. Good info on the light toggle switch, I'll have to get one wired up next spring to save the HID set-up. I have a full out retrofit on my truck and I do realize that projectors would be a better way to go, giving me a cleaner cutoff and a wider beam pattern but plug and play kits do work if done correctly. Also, I avoid night riding so the brighter bulbs in the day time is easier to be seen as well as at dusk when people are fighting solar glare.

[soulpatch]

The relay is MUCH more important then a toggle switch BTW...

[Pugga]

The relay is MUCH more important then a toggle switch BTW...

What exactly are you putting on a relay? I figured a toggle switch where you can shut off the headlight until the bike is fired up would do the trick. I guess I'm confused as to what the relay is supposed to accomplish. Thanks!

[numus]

What exactly are you putting on a relay? I figured a toggle switch where you can shut off the headlight until the bike is fired up would do the trick. I guess I'm confused as to what the relay is supposed to accomplish. Thanks!

If it is a TDR (Time delay relay) you shouldn't need a switch... Just make sure you start up the bike before X amount of seconds after putting the key in the ignition.

[soulpatch]

A wire relay so as to directly wire the HIDs to the battery since their draw is much more then the stock wire harness can really handle and you run a high risk of shorted, melted, or otherwise destroyed wires...

Most HID sites now sell the wire relays for just this issue.

And yes as numus stated you can get them with a built in delay should you wish so as to absolve the need for a switch.

[steves]

The switch may not exaclty be legal depending on where you live.

Well, in most places in the US it's not legal to operate an MC with the headlamps off.

[soulpatch]

the switch is legal, driving without the headlights on in most places is not...

But if you use the switch to save the ballasts then you are good to go

[decdrummer]

This write up on Cheriff's bike should help also, one of the best installs I've seen:

http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=118222

[Pugga]

A wire relay so as to directly wire the HIDs to the battery since their draw is much more then the stock wire harness can really handle and you run a high risk of shorted, melted, or otherwise destroyed wires...

Most HID sites now sell the wire relays for just this issue.

And yes as numus stated you can get them with a built in delay should you wish so as to absolve the need for a switch.

Thanks!

The switch may not exaclty be legal depending on where you live.

Well, in most places in the US it's not legal to operate an MC with the headlamps off.

I'm aware of the potential legal issues of the switch, I'll have to check for sure about it. Either way, I'd only use it to save the ballasts on start up, I don't intend to drive with the lights off but I'm thinking a time delay relay might be the best option. That way I can route power directly from the battery, eliminate the need for a switch and not risk frying the bulbs, ballasts or wiring.

[numus]

As stated... The switch is 100% legal. The law states it is illegal to ride a motorcycle without front illumination (at least this is how Florida is). Defining front illumination as headlights... As long as you do not turn off the switch while riding, the law doesn't acknowledge a switch period...

[scottynoface]

As stated... The switch is 100% legal. The law states it is illegal to ride a motorcycle without front illumination (at least this is how Florida is). Defining front illumination as headlights... As long as you do not turn off the switch while riding, the law doesn't acknowledge a switch period...

But who wants to go to court arguing over the legality of a switch because of a $20 fix it ticket?

[numus]

But who wants to go to court arguing over the legality of a switch because of a $20 fix it ticket?

The point is you can't get a ticket. The cop has to write a statutory violation in the ticket... What is he going to write? That you didn't have headlights on? The law only applies to the physical lights, not the electrical pathway to the lights.

[soulpatch]

But who wants to go to court arguing over the legality of a switch because of a $20 fix it ticket?

Why would you? You cant get a ticket for something if you are nto using it. Same goes for things like Nitrous tanks. Legal to have in a car but illegal to use in most cases on the roadways. This falls into same category.

[steves]

Meh, the issue is if you forget to turn the lights on, and get pulled over.

I would say "dang I guess that fuse blew again, I'll get it fixed ASAP"

[Pugga]

Meh, the issue is if you forget to turn the lights on, and get pulled over.

I would say "dang I guess that fuse blew again, I'll get it fixed ASAP"

That would be my worry since I do most of my riding in the daytime. I could go miles and never realize I didn't flip the switch. I'd just go with the time delay relay and be done with it.