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A few headlight questions

robertbarr

robertbarr

Forum Sage
TGSR Superstar
Past Bard Award Winner
I know that the '81 GS1000 came with a halogen headlight, but somewhere along the line, mine got replaced with a sealed beam. I'd like to replace it with something more potent, like an H4. So, I'm wondering:

Why are OEM units so bleeping expensive? Ebay sellers want top $$$ for them. Is the idea to keep a bike original, for restoration?

What would be wrong with something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Adjure-7-inch-Diamond-Cut-Ice-Motorcycle-Headlight-/290677727387?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43adbe209b&vxp=mtr -- something new, that'll be nice & clean on the inside surfaces...

If all I want is function, what would be a good way to go? The last time I had this question, it was 1979 and I had just bought my 850 -- which came with a sealed beam. Suggestions?

Thanks.
 
I replaced the sealed beam on my collector 1979 GS850G for two reasons:

1) Poor lighting
2) Desire to reduce power consumption in order to allow for the use of grip heaters.

The shell which you have indicated looks to fit into the bucket but I recommend that you stay with an original "looking" unit in order to avoid questions should someone decide that you are worthy of attention. That style lens & reflector assembly produces a different (to my eyes) lighting effect than do standard units.

I used one like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-BOSCH-MOT...Parts_Accessories&hash=item48429410f2&vxp=mtr

which is clearly marked "motorcycle" in the lens. An H4 type with conventional lens and reflector pattern meets the requirements of our "collector license" which may not be a consideration in your case.

I also installed an HID kit which has a low profile bulb. The bulbs which have a larger, external shutter solenoid are too large to fit into the GS bucket.

The combination of H4 headlight shell + HID produces a light output which has not received any negative feedback from other drivers, seems acceptable when approaching, and draws only about 2.1 amps/ 1/2 that of the H4 or sealed beam.

An additional advantage is that the HID (4600 K = normal white) catches the eye of other drivers to a higher degree than the original or white H4. Safety is always a consideration so after some consideration also converted my Honda ST1100 which has a 60 amp alternator so not bothered by 100 Watt H4 bulbs. The greater visibility trumps!

An additional bonus of the HID is that these kits include a relay and wiring harness which removes the headlight load from the GS harness and switches.
 
Z1 caries H4 headlights for fairly cheap, i got one, but haven't installed it yet, so dont know on the quality :(
 
I (sort of) agree with Nomk on this one. :-k

I have looked at similar lights, but have never seen one in use, so tend to stay away from them.

The "motorcycle" lights are OK, but I don't care for the pattern they put on the road. Seems to project the top half of a bow-tie, meaning there is a dip in the light pattern straight ahead, right where I want more light. I prefer the E-code lights that are mandatory in Europe. The beam they project is similar to what you see on the "projector" lights, where there is an even beam with a very sharp cut-off at the top, but there is usually a bit of a rise on the right, to illuminate signs and objects on the right shoulder.

I have not had a light that said "motorcycle" on any of my bikes for years, have never been stopped for anything that was light-related.

.
 
Steve said:
I (sort of) agree with Nomk on this one. :-k

I have looked at similar lights, but have never seen one in use, so tend to stay away from them.

The "motorcycle" lights are OK, but I don't care for the pattern they put on the road. I prefer the E-code lights that are mandatory in Europe. The beam they project is similar to what you see on the "projector" lights, where there is an even beam with a very sharp cut-off at the top, but there is usually a bit of a rise on the right, to illuminate signs and objects on the right shoulder.
Click to expand...

Good information -- I'm glad I asked.

I recall being underwhelmed by the H4 I bought in '79 -- it seemed like no amount of aiming ever got it right. I suspect the 'bowtie' pattern you mention. Of course, being seen is at least as important, and it did the job there.

I'm going to go with that E-code you mention. Oddly enough, there's very little variation in overall cost, but (adjusted for inflation) a bunch cheaper than the '79 purchase. I'll comment on the results when I get it installed.

I found some interesting comments here (good read for headlight shoppers): http://www.ratwell.com/technical/BoschH4.html
 
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