HID Installation
Description
This tutorial will demonstrate how to install a HID conversion kit for your motorcycle.
Details
Tutorial by:
June 11, 2008
Created:1307
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Installation vehicle:
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Note:
There are a few things to note about this installation since not all HID kits are the same and not all motorcycles are the same. The 1987 CBR uses a Bi-Xenon bulb which consists of the low and hi-beam in a headlight. However, newer bikes, such as the 600rr, come standard with two headlights, one is the low-beam and one is the hi-beam. Keep this in mind when purchasing a HID conversion kit for your bike. The kit used in this installation comes with two ballasts, two bulbs, and necessary wires; we will only be using one of each because there is only one headlight on the 1987 CBR600F. Also, ensure that you adequately familarize yourself with the installation instructions provided with your kit before beginning. |
First things first, make sure all the required hardware and equipment has been provided to complete the installation. At a minimum, you should have the following:
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Let's get to it! Prior to the installation of the new HID headlight we need to remove the stock Halogen system. This step is pretty straight forward as it usually only requires removing the headlight (bulb) from the casing. You will more than likely need to remove one or more fairing to gain access to your headlight, for my bike I only needed to remove the air duct covers on both sides. If you are unsure how to remove your, headlight consult your service manual. Pull back the rubber seal around the headlight and unplug the three prong connection. You are going to want to pull the rubber seal completely off of the stock wiring and set it aside so you can put it on the HID wiring harness later. Now remove the headlight from the casing. There are numerous systems and types of headlights so this step may be unique to your bike and/or bulb type. The 1987 CBR requires you pop a latch up and swing it over to the side at which point the headlight comes loose. Remove the headlight and set it to the side. |
| Now we need to put the new HID headlight in the casing. This step is very important because of the sensitivity of the HID headlight itself. Due to the oils on our hands, touching or handling the bulb is crucial to the lifespan and quality of your HID. For this reason, I always wear latex gloves when I seat the headlight in the casing; especially since the area behind the headlight is small and cramped making it hard to get the bulb in thus increasing the chance of bulb to skin contact. Once you have seated the HID headlight, secure it in the casing. After securing the headlight, you are going to want to re-install the rubber seal we removed in the previous step. Simply feed the wires on the back of the headlight through the seal and re-seat the rubber seal in the same manner it was when you removed it. |
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The HID headlight is now properly seated in the headlight casing and we are ready to mount our ballast and connect the wires. We need to find a suitable location to mount the ballast and ensure it is close enough to the headlight and stock wiring that the wires included with the kit will reach. Typically, this is the hardest part of the installation; finding a place to mount the ballast. If you are installing a kit with two HIDs, it may prove more difficult because you need to mount two ballasts. This may be where purchasing a more expensive slim ballast may come in handy. Never the less, my installation only requires one ballast and since my fuse box is located under the left air duct cover, I chose under the right air duct cover for my ballast location. Set the ballast in the ballast mount and find an exact location to mount it. Remember to check wire lengths to ensure everything will reach. Once you are set on a location, remove the ballast secure the mount using a zip tie/velcro/sticky tape/screw or whatever your mounting choice may be. I opted for the all mighty zip tie. Once the mount is secure, slide the ballast back in. |
| All that is left is to connect the wires which is pretty straight forward as well since the wires will only connect in one place. First, connect the stock wiring harness (three prong we disconnected from headlight) to the matching three prong connection that leads to the other connection with the biggest oval lead on it. Next, plug the oval lead into the open connection on the ballast. Then we need to take the wire that comes directly out of the ballast and connect it to the wires on the HID headlight. These last connections may vary depending on the specific kit being installed. The kit used in this installation comes with a Halogen hi-beam that is positioned directly above the HID bulb itself. This Halogen is used as a default for the hi-beam since most HID kits require the sacrifice of the hi-beam. This additional Halogen requires one additional connection, but if your kit has it, it will be right there with the other wires. |
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| That's it! The headlight is mounted, the ballast is secure, and the wires are all connected. Time for a test. Turn on your ignition to switch on the headlight and voila! When you initially turn on your ignition, you should hear the ballast click (may depend on brand of ballast) and the HID should be on. HIDs take a few seconds to fully light up, it will start dim and continue to get brighter over the first 10-15 seconds. Also, when you start your bike the HID may or may not turn off while the starter is cranking. Now you can sit back and reap the results of your new HID headlights. |
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Very well put together. Bravo!
No problem. Glad it was useful.
Thanks for the write up