HID headlight setup on 83 honda 200x & 350x

[themaxx69]

When I was researching a hid spotlight build on candlepowerforums.com, I thought, man I need to put one of these bulbs in my 200x, then maybe 2 in a 350x. Problem is I can't find any info on anyone who has done it.

The bulb and ballast I was looking at come from xtremehids.com, and the actually have a h4 and h6 kit for under $60, in 35w 5000k. I've seen a 55w bulb setup from there in a spotlight and it was insane.

I figured a 35w bulb and ballast should be easy to install in the trike. Problem is, I don't know if you can wire it right up. I read some stuff about voltage regulators and rectifiers, and ballasts needing batteries to fire...etc. If a spotlight with a 12v battery fires a 55w ballast, shouldn't the trike do it too? I will bust out the multimeter and take some measurements on on trike.

Hopefully this is as easy as it seems.

[harryredtrike]

if you dont go over the wattage and the voltage is right should work.

[Grizzlypeg]

Keep in mind that a 1st Gen 200x generates AC and not DC. There's nothing in the system but a lighting stator coil, no rectifier or regulator. If there are any electronics involved in driving the HID lamp, they will require DC and it won't work on a 200x.

[Grizzlypeg]

I just went to the site and its a "Digital HID ballast". Won't work on AC in my opinion. You'd have to put in a rectifier and regulator circuit.

[harryredtrike]

putting in a rectifier isnt that big of a deal.moose has a two wire one that is pretty straight forward

[themaxx69]

ok, so I need a rectifier and a regulator circuit? Are there specific ones?

[bobotech]

The key is that you need to have a solid 12 volt dc constant. You can't have voltage that will fluctuate up and down with the throttle. If the standard lights on the trike dim when the trike idles, then the HIDs might not fire up or you will get the flickering and flickering HIDs mean extremely short life like measured in hours.

So if your charging system is up to snuff like in a modern car, then you should be good to go but if it acting more like a generator than an alternator, then you will have problems.

The key is solid 12 volt output at all rpm range with decent amperage.

[themaxx69]

So I would run the stator to a rectifier to convert to dc, then to a regulator, then to a battery, then to the lights? What about battery size? Amp hours?

[Grizzlypeg]

I recently put a rickystator 75w stator in my 200x along with a new halogen bulb. It is very bright white, even at idle. For me, its working well.

[Xpress]

You would be better off using LED Lenser light bulb replacements, which are drop in replacement. Same current as the stock bulbs on the trikes, however, the intensity is about 4x more than standard lights, and 2x more than HIDs (which are weak, power hungry suckers).

[themaxx69]

Are you sure you got your facts right?? I couldn't find any info on google about lenser headlight drop ins and the led headlights I have seen are not nearly as bright as the hids and WAY more expensive.

I just ordered a 2 sets of 55w h6m 5000k with ballasts shipped under $150. That's 4 bulbs and 4 ballasts from ddm tuning. The 55w are supposed to put out like 5000 lumens!! That is way more than leds and BLOWS away halogens. I still need more info on the exact rectifier/bridge and regulator, but I looked at fry's electronics, and the rectifiers and regulators are dirt cheap, like 5 bucks. The h6ms are for my buddies 350x. I also ordered 1 55w h4 for the 200x. Those things should light up the night!

Also not sure if I even need a battery. Wont the regulator keep the the current steady???

[Grizzlypeg]

If you are going to install a regulator and rectifier, a large capacitor might help steady the DC supply to the ballast and take the place of a battery. I'd try to get something rated for at least 20volts and as large as you care to install. Perhaps one designed for a 12v audio system. The cap holds a charge and steadies the voltage should there by any momentary fluctuations or current surges. Might not be necessary, but would give the electronics in the ballast the best chance of working properly.

[Xpress]

Are you sure you got your facts right?? I couldn't find any info on google about lenser headlight drop ins and the led headlights I have seen are not nearly as bright as the hids and WAY more expensive.

I just ordered a 2 sets of 55w h6m 5000k with ballasts shipped under $150. That's 4 bulbs and 4 ballasts from ddm tuning. The 55w are supposed to put out like 5000 lumens!! That is way more than leds and BLOWS away halogens. I still need more info on the exact rectifier/bridge and regulator, but I looked at fry's electronics, and the rectifiers and regulators are dirt cheap, like 5 bucks. The h6ms are for my buddies 350x. I also ordered 1 55w h4 for the 200x. Those things should light up the night!

Also not sure if I even need a battery. Wont the regulator keep the the current steady???

I have been having trouble finding them online but they are out there, and there are people using them (the drop in bulbs, not the standard flashlights). The headlight LED Lensers are rated up to 9,500 lumens, and they still draw less current. HID's are amp hogs for what they are. LOTS of amps, little brightness, my standard headlights on my Jeep are brighter than my friends HID's (which he's pissed about lol).

Not entirely sure you want to be lighting up the streets with 9,500 lumens though LOL. Passerbys might not be happy that they're now blinded...

Don't know if you have seen LED Lensers spotlight, the X21, but it's rated to 12,000 lumens, which is the brightness of the sun

[themaxx69]

Actually the surface temperature of the sun is around 5800 Kelvin, and from what I read, the brightness is between 60000 and 90000 lux.

And again, the 55w hid are around 5000 lumen. I have not seen any leds close to that, AND flashlights that put out 1000's of lumens are insanely expensive. Many hundreds to many thousands of dollars.

[MTS]

Look At The lighting system on a XL185 Same motor...and electrical system as the 200- and Very close to the 200x..i would guess ...Takes care of the charging/regulator/rectifier system for you. and runs a small battery to help steady out the voltage drop at various Rpms.