Just a quick question. My ST1300 bought last October, came with HID lights which I find to be adequate but not spectacular. I have not had the opportunity to compare their output to other types.
These High Intensity Discharge lights claim a much higher brightness than standard globes, so why hasn't anyone mentioned them here as an option. Are they overly expensive to replace or are they overrated. Why are they not even getting a mention here? Just curious.
HID conversions are actually illegal if this is anything to go by. This QLD view point but ADR's are nation wide.
http://www.racq.com.au/motoring/cars/car_advice/car_fact_sheets/headlightsAftermarket HID conversions
Aftermarket halogen to HID conversions are available however their use on a road registered vehicle will generally result in contravention of the relevant ADRs. Typically these ‘conversions’ comprise ballasts, wiring and HID globes that plug straight into the existing lamp.
Halogen lamps and their globes must comply with ADRs 46 and 51, while HID lamps and their globes must comply with a different set of requirements within ADRs 77 and 78. Interchanging globe types (such as putting HID globes into a lamp designed for a halogen globe) prevents continued compliance of the lamp/globe assembly.
In addition, ADR 13 requires that all vehicles fitted with headlamps (including HID) producing over 2,000 lumens (a measure of light output) have a self-levelling system and headlight washers. These simple retro conversions don’t provide these features and are therefore likely to be excessively glary to other road users.
If the vehicle manufacturer offered optional HID lights for a particular model then retrofitting the complete system including lamps, globes and the features required by ADR 13 to that model should be acceptable. But ‘grafting’ a full system between models or makes would impose performance certification requirements in the new application and is unlikely to be viable.
HID headlight conversions are not permitted under Qld legislation. However, it is not clear if other Australian states view the issue in the same way. If you operate in another state you should check requirements in your area.
Note also that Queensland's Dept. Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) advises that there is currently no legislation concerning HID conversion of driving lights.