Daytime Running Lights, HID et al

[MartDude]

I've just stumbled across this. It makes interesting reading; I offer it here for discussion. I haven't yet read more than a few of the quoted papers/studies, but the comments & papers on HIDs support my experience - I've reached an age at which my night vision isn't quite what it was, and yes, I find HIDs a f**king annoying nuisance, especially on the bumpy, twisty switchback roads round here.

http://www.lightmare.org/

[blinkey501]

Pete will be along shortly Mart

[bigun]

I rarely ride my bike in darkness but do have HID headlights on it. Why? Well, it looks different and it certainly stands out. The bulb went in it once and I changed back to standard for a period and difference in the amount of people that pulled out in front of me etc was amazing. I dont get that problem (rarely anyway) with the HID on. From that point of view, it's worth it for me, annoys others but at least you've seen me. If I'm out for a ride with my Dad and he's ahead a bit, he says he can see this 'thing' approaching which catches your eye.

My car also has DRL's running along the bottom of the bumper. I think it's an EU directive now is it? I'm not sure i really agree with them as it does mean motorcycles effectively dissapear. Unfortunately, in Volvos wisdom I can't turn them off. The switches only override the auto-lights and if DRLs aren't on, headlights are.

Interesting debate though. The worst I find is the young lad in his modified car with cheap, aftermarket, poorly adjusted HIDs on the motorway in the dark, they are awful.

[D-Rider]

Daytime running lights are a big bug-bear of mine but HIDs are a mixed bag.
Properly adjusted HIDs are no problem but those cars that have their lights all to cock (usually just one of the headlights), then HIDs are awful.
Similarly those vehicles where they have HIDs not only on dip but main beam too - and forget to dip.


However, the HID I have for my Falco's dip beam is magic - soooooo much better.

So for me, daytime lights are a no-no, HID's are fine as long as properly adjusted and only on dip beam.

Anyway HIDs are old hat now - we're all moving over to LED headlights now.

[Aladinsaneuk]

An HID for the dip beam is a very good upgrade -- I rarely ever use full beam as the HID is so good ( it is correctly set btw)

I use my lights all the time - part habit and part pre emptive defence - I have done everything possible to make my self visible before a smidsy!

The little twats with them badly fitted as an after market thing in their car should not be an issue by the end of this year .... Instant MOT fail for most of them

[bigun]

The little twats with them badly fitted as an after market thing in their car should not be an issue by the end of this year .... Instant MOT fail for most of them

I believe it is for bikes too. The MOT requirement is that vehicles fitted with HID lights require self levelling systems and headlamp wash. Unlikely most will be able to retrofit that to a car and definitely not on a bike.

Mine will be coming out for MOT day and going back in straight after though!

[Aladinsaneuk]

No, cars only at this time

[bigun]

Not strictly true. HID lamps fitted to existing headlamp units are considered not legal bit are not a current reason for rejection of an MOT (how something is illegal for use but not reason for rejection is beyond me).

Interesting article here - http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/M ... 202012.pdf

[MartDude]

Factory-fitted HIDs are just as much of a PITA; in the dark, on our bumpy, twisty roads round here, get, e.g a Range Rover Sport behind you, and it's like being followed by OTT strobe lights; even worse if it's coming towards you.

[Aladinsaneuk]

Thanks for that bigun - very interesting. I thought it was only cars but i see that they snuck bikes in as well

I will still not remove mine ;)

And my all in one integrated tail unit is still legal - I have a set of rear facing indicators as well

[HowardQ]

Sorry B4 I start.

BUT, even on a dipped headlight, a bike moves up and down all the time, much more than a car, especially when accellerating, so a HID dip must dazzle people. (and I don't think HID main beams are ever a good idea).

I'd thought about using one on dip for years, but changed my mind when Dave my mate had Tweakers old Falco with the HID dip. He never liked to lead so I always had him behind with the HID dip on and it did cause dazzle, (mostly at night coming back from a midweek run).
The good point was it did enable me to see him a long way back if we got split up in daytime, which was really good.
(Then again, it is really nice to be seen from a long way off in daylight and SAFE).

[Aladinsaneuk]

A xenon bulb does the same as it moves Howard

The more folk that see me, the better

[back_marker]

... (how something is illegal for use but not reason for rejection is beyond me).

The confusion comes from the difference between Construction and Use Regulations - the laws that state how vehicles must be built to be Type Approved - which covers many many little things such as the minimum distance that indicators must be from the centre line of the vehicle, and what can practicably be included in the MOT test.

[BikerGran]

HID lights are one of the reasons I no longer like night driving. They are an absolute nightmare - and yes, I live in the country too!

[HowardQ]

A xenon bulb does the same as it moves Howard

The more folk that see me, the better

Yup!
I have uprated bulbs in mine, but they are not as bright as HID.

Yes.
People do see you much better as I said earlier!