HID projector retrofit

[Dan66]

Just curious if anyone has done a HID projector retrofit on their TTSE.  I've been searching and haven't seen anything.  I am seriously considering doing it but it requires dis-assembly of the headlight enclosure, something I have never undertaken - although that generally doesn't stop me   

[OhioWinger]

Something like these?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Angel-Eye-Halo-Eye-HID-Bi-Xenon-Projector-HID-Light-MT5D-55W-Blue-/300781639517

[Dan66]

Yes,  full projector retrofit rather than just bulbs.  Something like that but I'd go retrofitsource or another supplier.

[Studley]

that would be an interesting option.

Studley

[Volfy]

Did that on my VFR1200.  http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/80307-bi-xenon-hid-projector-retrofit/page-1

Thought about the TTSE, but the reflectors are large and very effective, so projectors likely won't gain much improvement over stock.  Mostly reshaping the beam pattern.  If I were to do it, I'd get the largest size projector that will fit.  Aesthetics for one thing... dinky little projector mounted in such large bowl might not look right.  And size does matter in lighting... larger projectors with larger lens are more likely to outperform smaller ones.

I highly recommend The Retrofit Source if you are considering doing this.  Very high quality and excellent selection.  I don't mind swimming with the eBay sharks on some stuff, but for mods that involve surgery to $750 headlight assembly I prefer to spend a little for known quality.

[AZBob]

For the price and work you'd end up putting in to get a HID projector set up correctly, I think I'd rather spend money on a high quality LED replacement.

[Dan66]

I somewhat agree; however the cooling that is needed for LED's and the fact that said cooling is on the rear of the bulb assembly where the trophy does not have any air circulation makes LED's, in their current configuration, an unlikely solution.

Plus HID projectors will give you much better down road throw than the current reflectors.

[Volfy]

A word of caution with the retrofit projectors.  They have a very sharp horizontal cutoff for lowbeam.  This is great for avoiding blinding oncoming traffic with the higher intensity light, but can be a problem for motorcycles that have to lean into the turn.  Bank sharp enough, and you could be turning into darkness.  This was such a major complaint with the Sprint ST that Triumph changed over to plain reflector bowls on the Sprint GT.  It is also why BMW has that adaptive headlight on K1600 that tilts into the turn.

I like the sharp cutoff on cars.  On motorcycles, it is best when mixed with convention lowbeam, which typically do not have as sharp a cutoff.  This is what I have on the VFR1200.  HID conversion bulb on the OEM low beam bucket, and bixenon projector in place of the OEM high beam.  Best of both worlds.

FWIW, I tried plain ol' HID conversion on the TTSE, but I could not find an HID H4 bulb that would fit in the socket.  I even modified an HID H4 bulb base and still no dice.

Fortunately, the TTSE's halogen headlights work well enough that attempting again to improve them isn't tops on my agenda.