'78 Right Hand Control on '79F

[IanDMacDonald]

So, I will be doing an HID upgrade soon. My bike is wired with the headlight and running lights (turn signals) front & back on when you turn the key. HID ballasts do not like it when the bike starts with the lights on. So, I want them off at start-up. My solution is to use a '78's right-hand controls to shut them off prior to start-up. Any thoughts on this working?

[crazy steve]

That will work if you remove/disconnect the headlight relay. On the US models, all these did was operate as a sort of 'test switch', switching the light on/off only when the bike wasn't running (or if the relay failed).

Note that you're disconnecting the relay, not bypassing it. If you've already bypassed it (lights on with the key), you'll need to open the blue/black and red/yellow connection you did for the bypass. The '79 harness should have the right wiring already there for the handlebar control to plug into, but if not, connect the switch between these wires.

I hope you're not doing a HID conversion into a halogen style lens; the photometrics will be seriously wrong and while you'll have brighter lighting, the glare for oncoming drivers will be worse. I'll also note that these conversions are illegal in both the US and Canada....

[IanDMacDonald]

Hey Steve- On second thought, I may just wire-in a toggle/rocker switch in-line to the headlight wiring. I don't want to mess with what works.

With regard to the headlight, I'll be sourcing an HID projector lens soon. And, I've talked to the Michigan State Police (most knowledgable about traffic laws). They said Michigan has no law on the books regarding HID conversions, otherwise hundreds of Chevy Cavaliers amd Dodge Neons would be pulled-over constantly, lol. But, he did say that if it's found to cause adistraction to other drivers (Iincluding him), that's where the problem comes in.

i've read the Daniel Stearn articles, etc. On my GS and Xs750, I rode the bike to the State police post and had them look it over. They had no issues with it (4300k/55w). So, if I cannot find a projector lens, I'll "try" the same with the 11. If it scatters too much, back to halogen I go.

[skids]

I do not use HID, but I have wired the 78 switch into an aftermarket lighting relay and bypassed the OEM relay. It is easy.

[skids]

I do not use HID, but I have wired the 78 switch into an aftermarket lighting relay and bypassed the OEM relay. It is easy.

[D0wn5h1ft]

If you end up with an extra set of RH hand controls I'll take them off your hands if you're willing to sell. I had to splice the ones I have together because they're broken . So now there's no kill switch, just have to turn key it off like a car...

[IanDMacDonald]

I have an extra RH side control for a '79, Gabe. I'll just look into an on/off switch for the headlight so I don't fry the ballast. I'm almost 95% sure that my headlight comes on when I turn the key. But, I'm 100% sure that my 750E can have the headlight turned-off during riding with the switch.

[skids]

Sorry guys. It was the OEM LEFT-hand switch from the 78E that switches the lights off and on. That is the one that I used with an aftermarket relay. Somehow I must be missing the whole point of the conversation! (Give me a break, I am old )

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Ian,

Have you seen this megathread??

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...hlight=hid+mod

There's info there regarding the projector that will fit into a headlight lens, etc.! The one thing I have to add is that the projector is smaller/shorter front to back, and so the bulb is a Proprietary shape/size, so you have to get them from the same seller that provides the projector, but at least I know that this projector FITs inside the headlight bulb!

T.C.

[IanDMacDonald]

Yup, seen it. Thanks TC. I bookmarked it.

[skids]

Sorry guys. It was the OEM LEFT-hand switch from the 78E that switches the lights off and on. That is the one that I used with an aftermarket relay. Somehow I must be missing the whole point of the conversation! (Give me a break, I am old )

I am such a "tard". RIGHT-HAND control is the off and on switch. (but you knew that)

[crazy steve]

With regard to the headlight, I'll be sourcing an HID projector lens soon. And, I've talked to the Michigan State Police (most knowledgable about traffic laws). They said Michigan has no law on the books regarding HID conversions, otherwise hundreds of Chevy Cavaliers amd Dodge Neons would be pulled-over constantly, lol. But, he did say that if it's found to cause adistraction to other drivers (Iincluding him), that's where the problem comes in..

You generally won't find any specific references to 'conversion' headlights in state regulations, they usually just have a reference to the federal standards. But the feds have addressed these, and they have declared them illegal....

Enforcement can be pretty lax, but get a LEO who actually knows the law and has a hard-on and you can be ticketed. I've seen a few chickensh!t tickets handed out by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

[fredintoon]

- - - I've talked to the Michigan State Police (most knowledgable about traffic laws). They said Michigan has no law on the books regarding HID conversions, otherwise hundreds of Chevy Cavaliers and Dodge Neons would be pulled-over constantly, - - -

Hi Ian,
thing is, GM & Chrysler have more money and better lawyers than the Michigan State Police.
You don't and you ain't.

[IanDMacDonald]

Oh , you missed the point Fred. Chevy Cavaliers and Neons don't have HID lights. People convert them.

[fredintoon]

Oh , you missed the point Fred. Chevy Cavaliers and Neons don't have HID lights. People convert them.

Hi Ian,
I did not know this, even if we finally got a car that was made in this century.
Betcha even the HID conversion sellers got more money and better lawyers than the Michigan police.