Question on the legality of HID

I know that fitting aftermarket HID kits to bikes isn't allowed, but I was wondering what the legality of fitting one to a one-off special would be? What if you made a Spondon-framed Streetfighter on a Q-plate, technically a "new" bike using an existing (perhaps even new) engine. Would it be okay to fit HID to that?

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

I know that fitting aftermarket HID kits to bikes isn't allowed, but I was wondering what the legality of fitting one to a one-off special would be? What if you made a Spondon-framed Streetfighter on a Q-plate, technically a "new" bike using an existing (perhaps even new) engine. Would it be okay to fit HID to that?

If you fitted HID specific headlamps rather than converting a lamp unit meant for halogen bulbs you might be OK. See this http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps

[Bluepete]

That's a good link Mike, but I think point two at the bottom of the list is the one which will trip Ceri up with regards the cleaning and leveling aspects.


2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.

Again though, how many people would have a clue about this stuff? I'm only aware 'cos of this forum and I doubt many Cops would know the legislation.

Pete

[Luckypants]

Well of course the self levelling aspect will always rule out HID on a bike and is the primary reason there are no proper retrofit HID kits, only bulb replacement. I was thinking that he might get away with HID on a one off if fitting 'proper' xenon lights.

I guess it depends on whoever inspects it before allowing it on the road?

Ta for that. Short of spending £500,000 on getting Ohlins/whoever to develop linked self-levelling suspension for a bike, it looks like it'd have to be self levelling headlamps then.

Admittedley, hearsay (taken from a Triumph car owner's forum), but this:

"...Thirdly, all new cars must have self levelling headlamps. This usually works off motors, which inevitably fail, or seize leaving headlamp allignment in a questionable state, which only gets picked up at the next MoT Test, whenever that is."

makes it sound as though all new headlights, rather than just new HID ones need to be self-levelling. Is this correct? If so, I assume there must be a fair number of suitable car headlights floating around which could be butchered to fit a bike (think of all the old choppers using 50s car headlights).

[SoulKiss]

How about a standard headlamp but with HID projector driving lamps.

You see them on BMW's all the time.......

[punyXpress]

If you're building a new bike, dont you need an SVA test, which will be more thorough than any MOT ?
You could also say that the self-levelling is in your right hand:throttle for up & lever for down! Cleaning is with the palm of left hand.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by punyXpress

If you're building a new bike, dont you need an SVA test, which will be more thorough than any MOT ?

Yes and can be a bit of a pain from what I've heard.

You could also say that the self-levelling is in your right hand:throttle for up & lever for down! Cleaning is with the palm of left hand.

What and do a stoppie into the test bay to demonstrate