boat440 0 Posted August 6, 2009 Let's face it the stock headlight on my KTM is useless for night time riding. I intend to order a TrailTech replacement stator kit to increase the charging systems capacity(for the battery, fan, lights, GPS, maybe someday grip heaters?) and convert the lighting circuit to DC. The headlight is currently a 35W incandescent "stock" system, that has to go. I have been reviewing Halogen lighting systems. They are: TrailTech, X2, 70W Halogen, $79, advantages: comes with bike specific connector Acerbis, Cyclops, 55W Halogen, $129 Acerbis, Dimension, 35W Halogen, $120 Baja Designs, Headlight, 60W Halogen, $99, advantages: can upgrade bulb to higher wattage/local in San Marcos UFO & Polisport might have similar offerings but hard-to-find? Any comments as to the function or durability of these above? Am I missing anything? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joliet 0 Posted August 7, 2009 Have you not thought about a HID system. A 35 watt HID light will probably put out the same light as a 100 watt Halogen, it is about 3 to 1. Trailtech's X2 HID draws 70 watts and puts out the light of 210 watts of a Halogen light. They are more money, but you may be able to save the money by not needing to upgrade your stator. Just a thought. Also check out this link to a LED light which should run on the stock stator easily. It is about as bright as a 100 watt incandescent, but only draws 10 watts and it's color is white more like an HID. It also comes with and extra 3 feet of wire so you can pop it off and use it for a work light if you have to change a flat or something. http://www.cafehusky.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3811 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted August 7, 2009 I wouldn't consider a halogen at all. The difference is amazing with HID, and not at the overkill level I selected. The TrailTech company is great- they've always taken care of any warranty issues, but I've had many of them. You want an HID. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boat440 0 Posted August 7, 2009 Have you not thought about a HID system. A 35 watt HID light will probably put out the same light as a 100 watt Halogen, it is about 3 to 1. Trailtech's X2 HID draws 70 watts and puts out the light of 210 watts of a Halogen light. They are more money, but you may be able to save the money by not needing to upgrade your stator. Just a thought. Also check out this link to a LED light which should run on the stock stator easily. It is about as bright as a 100 watt incandescent, but only draws 10 watts and it's color is white more like an HID. It also comes with and extra 3 feet of wire so you can pop it off and use it for a work light if you have to change a flat or something. http://www.cafehusky.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3811 Thanks Ken, Do you have the LED? My intent is not to ride purposely at night, but more of a back-up in-case I get in late after a long ride. I have a Sicass LED for my rear light and am quite impressed with the brightness. So far the durability has been good, no issues. I will investigate the LED further. Paul, since I might be riding at night on the road, I am concerned about the DOT legalities. The HID's are just to bright, only for off-road use. Also my intent is also to permanetly leave the light on the bike. The LED seems like a good compromise. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted August 8, 2009 Good point about legal- but the led won't be either. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikeslut 1 Posted August 8, 2009 The led whispers "I may not be DOT" The HID screams "F YOU fascist PIG...try to give me a ticket!" Actually, I'm with Paul on this...get an HID and deal with a fixit ticket IF you get one... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spaugh 1 Posted August 8, 2009 ultra efficient H4 osram bulb I'm using a 60/65W german osram H4 headlight and a 40W HID helmet light. The 80W osram will blow both of these away. The osram 85/80 hyper bulbs are THE bulb, I've been meaning to order one. The advantage with HID is you get 2X-3X more light per watt, but the cost is disproportionate. If you have a ktm 450 or 525 exc try running a 60/65W osram (important its osram H4 not a chinese knock off) and see if it will work for you. If you want more look into doing the DC mod and then getting a osram hyper H4 bulb or getting HIDs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted August 8, 2009 The LED has no lens, which is critical for it's use on the street. Most lights are not a problem because of the quantity of their light- it's the amount of light in other's faces. An LED or HID like mine don't have fresnel lenses that direct and focus the light in the appropriate places- they just blast away. The MR design in my Mr Bill is a little better, and the reflectors do a reasonable job, but LED's are just arrays of very small and very bright lights. I'll bet it works great off-road, and there's little doubt LEDs are the future of most lighting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites