Philips Bulb Kit for Falco

[Tweaker]

Billy Bargain I reckon. They've come down in price a hell of a lot over the past couple of years. So, £25 for bulbs or £50 for HiD, which are likely to last the life of the bike - why would you bother with bulbs?

[danowat]

why would you bother with bulbs?

Because fitting HID's are a pain in the arse.............

You'll see

[Tweaker]

Because fitting HID's are a pain in the arse.............

You'll see

Ah, but I did see, a few years ago in fact (refer to Avatar). Yep, 'tis a bit of fiddle to find somewhere for the balast but well worth the effort IMHO.

[D-Rider]

Dave, do you think a mixed approach may be the way forward? HID for low beam (with the mod to keep it turned on with the main beam) and use these extra bright Xenons for the main beam.
Assuming that the Xenons dont have the switching lag of the HIDs, this sounds like an optimal retina-burning solution!

Sab, are these the kits you're looking at?
EBAY HID

Postage pushes the cost up a bit though!

Actually, I was just considering that the kits come with 2 HIDs but if only doing the dip beam, you only need 1 ..... so maybe a couple of us could split a kit ....

The only other thing to bear in mind is that such conversions may not be strictly legal .....

DfT comment on HIDs

[danowat]

Because fitting HID's are a pain in the arse.............

You'll see

Ah, but I did see, a few years ago in fact (refer to Avatar). Yep, 'tis a bit of fiddle to find somewhere for the balast but well worth the effort IMHO.

Hairy muff

[Tweaker]

Hairy muff

..... but that's HOLE new debate

[Falcopops]

I'm with Tweaker, a pain in the proverbial, but the mutt's nuts. Did the High Beam mod too

Fitting the HID H7 was a bit of a pain too, I had to hack away (I mean delicately modify) the bulb fitting to get it into the light, but wll worth it.

[Tweaker]

Dave, do you think a mixed approach may be the way forward? HID for low beam (with the mod to keep it turned on with the main beam) and use these extra bright Xenons for the main beam.
Assuming that the Xenons dont have the switching lag of the HIDs, this sounds like an optimal retina-burning solution!

Yep, I've been thinking along those lines myself Andy. I'd go HiD for all three but a) there's the lag thing and b) space is tight for 3 ballast units.

Interesting read from the DfT - which contradicts itself, as usual.

However we feel that saying "HID is banned in the after market" would not be reasonable.

but then goes on to say

In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs.

which seems to say you're banned from using aftermarket conversions - go figure.

I've had no problems so far in 3 years of use, either with police or MoT. Damn, probably shouldn't have said that !!

[D-Rider]

Billy Bargain I reckon. They've come down in price a hell of a lot over the past couple of years. So, £25 for bulbs or £50 for HiD, which are likely to last the life of the bike - why would you bother with bulbs?

Well, I've taken your advice Dave and just scored an HID kit on ebay.
OK, it's used rather than new .... but at £23.85 I hope this will go in the 'good bargain' category.

[sabestian]

Sab, are these the kits you're looking at?
EBAY HID

No, they are not the ones. I cannot find them now, but they were roughly 100 quid incl. postage (for two H7 bulbs and two ballasts). 50 per each then. I think they were made by Philips (I wanted branded ones, even if more expensive).

For the time being I bought Tesla +50% in Lidl for 4 quid per two. 4 quid. Four. FOUR. Still available (I was there yesterday). I think the sell Narva as well. Both respectable brands.

Disclaimer: Not tested yet!

[Kenif]

Four quid??

Go and bung 'em in the bike Sab, need to know if I have to get to Lidl!

[sabestian]

Four quid??

Go and bung 'em in the bike Sab, need to know if I have to get to Lidl!

Go get them yourself, you tight $%^&*

[Kenif]

What, and waste 12 quid???

(this from a guy that just bought two slave cylinders by mistake....)

[GRFalco]

Should I got for these or an HID conversion?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/APRILIA-FALCO-100 ... 286.c0.m14

[Fausto]

What would you need 6 bulbs for?

It says Falco kit but obviously they don't know the bike.

As for fancy bulbs or HID...... I'd try the bulbs and if you're unhappy give the HID a go. The bulbs will be a lot less fannying around I would imagine.