A couple of clarifying points on the HID thread. First the cost - this was a one time group by that the LDrider list put together for $280 that Mike decided to join in on with me. Normal list price is $350. It is a complete kit and very straightforward to install.
Second reliability - Baja design has been involved in off road and desert racing for years, making systems to withstand the rigors of that sport - more than any of us would ever experience on our GTS's on the street. Secondly I had references from several hard core riders on the LD list that have had no problems and love them. Thirdly blinding on coming traffic - as Mike mentioned there are two types of bulbs - "shielded" which cuts off the top of the beam is intended to be used in place of low beam. The kit comes with an H4 bulb adapter plate that puts the HID bulb in the correct focal length with the lens housing. Like any lights it is important to correctly adjust your headlight, more so because these bulbs are so much brighter. With motorcycles you have to adjust often if you add a passenger, luggage or even adjusting your suspension settings as they will all alter the ride height and therefore the height of the headlight beam. There is also available an "Unshielded" bulb intended to be used in place of the high beam. Lastly. I bought this set up because of the LD rally's I do for 24 hr stretches which means lots of night riding. While I was satisfied with my highbeam (PIAA extreme white halogen bulb) augmented by a pair of auxiliary PIAA 1000x's - they do turn night into day - you can't drive all the time with high beam and aux lights on. I always felt exposed when going down to low beam and could barely see anything, especially off to the sides, as I'm always wary of the 4 legged critters out there. I am looking forward to having good light all the time now and keeping my aux PIAA's which re activated by my high beam switch still. Now most of you don't drive for hours on end at night, so if you do just occasional trips and/or occasional night driving, I don't recommend the HID's. The super white or extreme white halogen bulbs are good, as long as your headlight is aimed correctly. I have a couple of extreme white PIAA bulbs, one used and one new if anyone is interested. Now where is the guy from Europe that can source the dual headlight for me? -- Dave Biasotti // Fremont, CA Date: Tue, 8 Jan 2002 23:37:07 -0500 From: Derek Baylor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: HID Lights Uh oh, here we go with the "to blind or not to blind" headlight thread again. IMHO, I'd like to be a little more "in your face" with my headlight, but maybe not as much as with the GTS high beam. That HID kit costs less than I thought, maybe I'll give it a try... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Olbricht, Eric" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2002 12:25 PM Subject: Re: HID Lights > Michael, > > Didn't you replace the reflector? > > If you don't replace the reflector you WILL be blinding all oncoming > traffic. The DOT approved reflector that is on the GTS is required to > reflect a certain percentage of light up for the purpose of illuminating > road signs but not so much as to blind others. If you increase to output of > your lights by 3x without correcting the beam pattern, you will be illegal. > > > Eric
