Tempermental low beam HID

[BYEOFCR]

So, the more research that I do the more aftermarket things I am finding on the bike thanks to the previous owner. One mod that I have been pretty happy with was the full HID conversion. But, I have discovered that the low beam has a tendency for turning itself off during start up and I can not figure a way to get it to come back on without turning the switch on and off and hoping that the light will come on when the engine starts. When I initially turn the switch on, before starting the engine, the light comes on no problem. It is the next step of turning starting the engine, when the light turns off and then sometimes will not turn back on. I have discovered that HIDs are not a fast light and need time to warm up, but the low beam light issue will happen whether the light is cold or if I have been ridding for a while. First of all, has anyone else ever experienced this and/or is this normal? Second, any ideas or pointers for what could be going on or what I can do to fix this issue?

 

[sixpack577]

Hang on and somebody will point you in the right direction. You can search, because there have been alot of posts on this. HIDS either work great(never had a problem with the DDMs I put in my 08 about 6-8 months ago) or they seem to be a big headache. Some bikes in particular just don't seem to like them, stupid as that sounds.

 

[Sous]

Try using the below start up method.

1. Turn on kill switch
2. Hold down start button
3. Turn key to on position (still holding down start)
4. Pull in clutch
5. Once the bike starts, release the start button and you are on your way

 

[majestic12]

Sous has the right staring method. Another option is to put in a relay that will delay the front headlight from turning on for about 5 seconds.

If you forget to use the proper starting method you could leave the bike in neutral, with out pulling the clutch handle hit the start button. That will shut down the HID system make the light strike again.

I hear it is hard on the light to turn it off and on more then 3 times in an hour.

 

[BYEOFCR]

I will have to try out the above mentioned start procedure, but could I end up hurting something way more important than a light by not to allow the fuel pump and the bike to go through it's preliminary "start sequence" before firing off the engine?

 

[TaxMan]

What I did for mine was to install a manual switch on the lighting circiut. I turn the low beam on after the bike has started, I had planned on wiring up a time delay relay, but never got around to it.

 

[Rainbow7]

I will have to try out the above mentioned start procedure, but could I end up hurting something way more important than a light by not to allow the fuel pump and the bike to go through it's preliminary "start sequence" before firing off the engine?

No, because if you use the method that Sous posted, the system will still cycle through all of its startup checks and your HID's won't fire until you take your thumb off the starter button.