The lights on my 2000 640 Adv suck. The school bus light on my 95 R1100GS was way better. I've wired them so they are both on when the high beam is on. They are wired direct to the battery with 12 gauge wire. They are properly aimed. The low beam has a busted outer lens and is covered with a piece of clear lexan to protect the projector. As I see it, I have 3 options. Install a HID kit like one from vvme.com or replace the lights with some Vision X LED's. Option 1, install HID kit. I could probably do it for less than $70 for both lights, 4300k, 35W. I'm concerned that it won't help overcome one of my big issues with the low beam, the hard cut off. Its next to impossible to see what is on the inside of left turns at night. The other downside is I'll still have a busted low beam lens, can't replace just the lens and I'm not paying $160 for a new complete light. Option 1A, I have a set of Duke II lights. I haven't really looked into it but I might be able to fab up a mount for the low beam to replace my busted low and then go HID. The mounts are totally different from the Adv so it would take some thinking. Option 2, Vision X Optimus 10W LEDs. Cost would be around $220. Jrozar switched to this setup on his project 640A here on Advrider. He went with a 60 deg Low and 10 degree High. In talking with him, he said I might like a 20 deg 20 deg set up better. Either way, the hard low beam cutoff is gone. Jrozar indicates oncoming traffic hasn't been offended, or at least they haven't shown it. Some minor fabrication is required to mount the LED's. Basically bending some flat stock and drilling 4 holes. Vision X also makes some neat 12" stick on led strips that I thought about wraping around the light openings on the fairing and wiring into the parking light circuit. It would partially close up the gap from the smaller diameter Optimus lights and give that euro headlight look. Pretty much cosmetic and may or may not happen. Both setups free up some power from the meager stator output. I'd really like to add some heated grips so this is a plus. I'm also thinking about doing a rally next year that includes a night stage so the possibility to add even more lighting is nice. So what do you guys think? Any other options I haven't considered? The "do nothing" option is off the table.
I have tried a few options on my 640 - higher watt bulbs, 35w HIDs and now 55wHIDs (both in the 4500K range - I did try some 6000K bulbs once but found the light too white for my liking). So, based on your needs and dislikes, I would say that option 2 would be the way to go.
WV You have two good options. I have the vvme HID's and they satisify my needs, BUT... If I was redoing my system I would look hard at the LED's. bill
1. Driving 1. Spot Squadron 3 x 3 light is the next generation of LED lighting! This light packs 4,300 Lumens that will truly annihilate the night. The Squadron exceeds HID output yet they weighs only 12oz.each
After looking into it, I don't think my wallet can handle Squadrons. Too bad as they look awesome. Another possible option is a pair of Rigid Duallys. A little cheaper than the Vision X Optimus. They appear to have good output but the color is a little cooler. Anyone used them in bad weather, fog/rain? The Optimus should be better since it's a little more yellow.
Pricey pricey. Good for those whom have the $$, otherwise Rigid Industries Dually lamps make for great additions to any bike. I have a pair of spots on my KLR which has equally piss poor lighting, turns night into day. This was on an ATV, but I put them on my KLR: Yellow sign about mid frame is ~1000 feet out and lit up like daylight. Can easily see everything 500 feet out. And the 2 lamp kit is only about $200, with a wiring harness.
+1 on that.... Having used four of these LED's, two spots and two wides, I can say that the light output is enormous but it lacks penetration. In fog you actually see better with the stock light I have not use them with blue or yellow filters, so cannot comment in that, but the HID in general seems better in difficult conditions. The plan is to leave the two wides and put two stock HID high beams on the KTM... That would be something.
Just picked up a 640 adventure so this thread piqued my interest. Looking at vvme's website it looks like a PAIR of H1 HID's with ballasts is $29? That can't be right! So for 30 bucks, some 12ga wire and a few relays and you are good to go? Seems too easy! I must be missing something.
Buy two relay kits, one for each ballast(that will upgrade your wiring), shipping is expensive out of China, buy an extra HID bulb for a spare. bill
If you are using HID for LOW and HIGH Beam, you may want to wire so that both lights run when on High. That way, you won't have the HID start up delay (and DARKNESS), when you go from HIGH to LOW. I converted all the other bulbs on the bike to LED. Running 2 35W HIDs and LED taillight requires not much more juice than a "normal" H1 and taillight. Make sure you run wire directly from the Battery to your relays for power.
Awesome! Thanks for the replies guys. Just ordered a pair. Got 2 replacement bulbs just in case, two relay kits and a spare ballast for $100 shipped. Can't beat that! I'll update once I get them installed. I will add another relay and wire it so both fire under high beam. It's getting to be the time of year when it gets dark way too early, this will be nice.