will england :: motorcycle notes and tips
will england :: motorcycle notes and tipsThe lifetime of the bulb is inversely proportional to the number on and off cycles, but that number is quite high. Even so, a new bulb is about US$100, and even with frequent on:off cycling, will last at least about 3000 to 4000 operating hours, which would mean many, many years of riding for most riders, and many times longer than most high performance 'crotch rocket' bikes will last. Therefore, to answer your question directly: Don't worry about such cycling as necessary for on coming traffic. The Hella Luminator (HID or Halogen) is, of course, much superior for its light output, but because it is such an extremely robust light, it is heavy (about 3 kg each, I believe), and about 9 inches in diameter. This light would only be useful on a motorcycle if mounted very low on very sturdy crashbars, and one then has to note that a fall could likely damage the lights. These lights are capable of being mounted in virtually any position, vertical, pendant, or horizontally. The much lighter weight FF1000 HID has a diameter of about 7 inches, puts out lots of usable light, but has the distinct disadvantage of only being mountable in the upright, vertical position, not in the pendant position - although several friends have done so (mounted them in pendant position) and have had no problems in over 50,000 miles, including god-awfully rough trips through Mexico's Copper Canyon and lots of rough, washboard and worse off-road trips. Still, I will stay with the restrictions provided by Hella's engineers. The Hella Micro Xenon HID's are very light weight, compact, and put out an amazing amount of light - lots more than it appears in the Hella comparison chart. They are also very easy to protect in the event of a fall because of their compact size. Still, the laws of physics are immutable: bigger reflectors are better. No amount of "cutsy", "artsy" or other marketing crap can allow small reflector lights to be anything more than a fashion statement. Religious fervor and loud arguments in a rationalization to defend small or non-round "artsy" designs will overcome the real life laws of physics. The only known light that is of rectangular design that puts out a highly efficient amount of light for its size is the Hella Micro Xenon, but that is due to an extremely sophisticated but simple appearing bulb orientation and reflector design. Otherwise, stay very strictly with round only reflectors. Where space and weight is a dominant consideration, the Micro Xenon are likely the best choice, despite the clearly substantial loss in light output. These lights can be mounted vertically or in pendant (upside down) position. Where a bit more space is available, the Comet 200 HID lights are the next best choice, having a round design and larger reflector. They also can be mounted in vertical or pendant position. If still more space is available, light weight is a serious consideration, and you can live with the upright-only vertical position mounting limitation, then the Hella FF1000 HID lights are frankly impossible to beat, and my personal recommendation as the optimal compromise for motorcycle use, where weight is always a major consideration. Another thing of great importance to those doing extensive traveling, especially where gravel or other non-perfect roads are encountered, is that the Hella FF1000 HID is the only light with an extremely robust Lexan lens, making it virtually impossible to break even by impacts with substantial, fast moving rocks. The Hella 2100 HID uses an older design reflector technology, so is less efficient for its size than others, and suffers further because of its non-round, rectangular design. However, when mounted low as a fog and broadly scattering light when aimed in an X pattern, at an angle for side illumination while steeply leaned over in tight turns, these lights are great, and the scattering losses of the prismatic lenses for coherency over distance is an important asset during such use, as in mountain twisties. Obviously, nothing else comes close to the Hella Luminator (AKA "Predator" in Australia, New Zealand and Asia). They are incredibly rugged, but at 3 kg each, seem to me to be too heavy for motorcycle use. Please, seriously investigate your possible mounting positions such that the light is reasonably well protected from breakage during a fall. All manner of protective devices and other light shields and accessories are available for this light. Mounted low, on a very sturdy mount, and where the weight is not so important, these are fabulous lights, and will last lifetimes and still be as good as new. Conversion kits for the stock headlights are readily available from Philips. Some of these kits also use the same D2S bulb as does Hella, but some use the 20% less efficient D2R light bulb. Either is a vast improvement over the stock headlights, and they are never likely to fail throughout the entire lifetime of most bikes, or even several bikes. Just changing the bulb starts everything to the "as new" situation, and they use far less power. They are vastly better than any Halogen light ever possibly could be in all respects except initial cost. As in all things, different uses require different optimizations. Like everything in real life, everything is simple when one knows nothing about the subject (ignorant of the many important factors beyond one's current awareness). It is when one begins to become aware of the many factors involved that things get more difficult, because of such awareness. Still, ignorance is never bliss. On motorcycles, or when flying airplanes, or other critical situations, ignorance greatly enhances one's chances of realizing serious problems. Awareness greatly reduces such problems to quite acceptable levels. Make your choices wisely, take your time, but PLEASE stay with the HID lights everywhere possible. I cannot begin to emphasize what a fantastic improvement they make in your safety, and (importantly to me) in the safety of the many animals though whose homes we pass. Colonel '00 BMW R1150GS '94 BMW R1100RS Silly Valley, CA
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