I recently fitted a HID kit to my bike and there's been a number of a occasions where it has randomly gone off... When this happens I simply switch off then on again then all is well. The connections all appear ok, is there something else I should be looking for? Are they prone to doing this if there's a voltage drop perhaps? I fitted the kit mostly for additional day light visibility so I'm keen to have it reliable! Many thanks in advance.
Then the voltage drop through the (marginal) wiring is likely the problem. Use the light switch to activate a relay which will then switch directly from the battery positive (through a fuse) using heavier gauge cables, also connect a heavier gauge earth direct to the battery negative, not the frame. I also did this to my (non HID) high beam and not only is it brighter but also switches on faster.
I'm using 55w bulbs as OEM, would have thought the wiring would cope? Do you have any pics/close ups of what you did? Sounds like it might be worth trying. Thanks
Not great detail but 2 plug-in relays fitted in front of the battery, relays switched from light switch & fed from a fused (red cable) cable connected directly to battery - the fuse holder actually clips into the 40A fuse attached to the battery tray. I fitted them here as there is space and easy to get at, the wires then run to the ballast (low beam) and 100w bulb (high beam), I used a 4-core cable to take the power and earth to each light seperately, I did originally try the HID (35W) direct from the switch but it would cut out occasionally, especially if the engine was started with the light on. 55w HID may only be the same wattage as the OEM but they use significantly more on startup and are more susceptible to variations. My bike had no relays for the lights, switching directly through the switch and fitting the relay to the high beam actually made even the OEM bulb brighter and faster on, showing that the OEM wiring is (at best) marginal. I now have a 100w bulb in the high beam to give a decent light, I didn't want HID high beam due to the delay in switching on meaning you effectively lose the flash facility.
That's great! Thanks for taking the time to post up the pics. Mine is actually ok on start-up, flashes bright then stays on. The 848 was hit and miss on start, well it would always come on with the engine, but not always with the key. Pesky electrics!
Ducati wiring (at least on the older models) is fairly crap and under-specced and is the cause of many of Ducati's reliabilty issues. Wiring direct with heavy gauge cable will cure your problem.
Cheers DD, Did this mod to the dipper last night, not ridden the bike in anger yet, but in the comfort of my garage it appears to have done the trick. None of this start bike, light on/light off/light back on again gubbins....
