Hoople, I appreciate your HID education. I have learned a lot reading through the posts. I don't feel like you are raining on my parade at all, I welcome the information.
(EDIT), I would ride in the rain anyway.
I just pulled out the kits I bought and the bulbs do look like the pictures you posted. When I referenced them looking like the existing bulbs, I was referring to the housing more than anything. The kit with high/low does use a solenoid shift for high beam.
I don't know the answer about the dealer selling 55w and 35w options other than it sounds like they are offering different lumen levels. Here is a quote from the dealer:
"This system provides 3200-3400 Lumens at 35 watts and an amazing 5000 Lumens at 55 watts per bulb. In comparison, a typical halogen bulb produces 900-1200 lumens." -DDMTuning
On the reflector, I understand that there will be a brighter light coming out of the bulb, but I can't understand how it makes the lighting worse than the current bulb. If I reflect a brighter bulb with the same reflector won't it shine further? I do understand that I need to consider the drivers coming my direction, and I would think that I could change the direction to be able to lower the light so that it does not shine up into the oncoming driver's eyes. Then the high beam would raise the beam rather than make it brighter. I use high beams so rarely that I am not too worried about them honestly as long as I can get it lower than the oncoming drivers eyes.
Hey, if this science project fails, it won't be the first time I went down a road that didn't pan out. All I know is that I want more light in front of me as I move forward, and I can't afford to pay the HD prices.
Hoople, again, I do honestly appreciate the information.
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