Headlight Interchangeability

[BitMonkey]

I hope I'm not supposed to do an intro or something as a 1st time poster and missed it.

I'm working on a 1977 GS400 project. The original headlight bucket on it is plastic and badly broken. All the used ones I find are typically cracked or broken too. When they're not they seem to be pretty expensive.

Will the metal shelled bucket from a later GS fit? They seem quite a bit more plentiful and look to be more durable. From the pictures I've seen the fork ears look like they are identical. If not really too concerned with originality as long as it fits and doesn't look goofy.

Anyone have one off a parts bike or something they are willing to unload?

[cowboyup3371]

Welcome and would love to see pictures of the bike. I can't answer about the compatibility of other headlights but can suggest you check out the parts fiches from places like babbittsonline.com or alpha-sports.com.

Also, so others can help better you might want to repost this in the parts wanted section. Plus, put your bike model in your signature and your location in your information (can do this in the User CP area) and you'll find tons of help from your neck of the woods.

[Steve]

Greetings here, too.

Check the diameter of your headlight. I think the 400 might have gotten the 6" light, along with most of the "L" models. If you go with a larger bucket from a larger bike (most were 7"), the mounting ears will be splayed out, making your turn signals point slightly sideways.

The only thing you missed on your first post is this:



.

[pete]

Welcome BitMonkey, good to see another twin out there.

If your 400 is like my 450, then it's a pretty standard 7" light, so pretty much any 7" shell should go in I think, at least I hope so because I need to replace mine too!

You can pop a thread in the parts wanted section, otherwise try your local wrecker or something maybe.

[Flaming Chainsaws]

Try Dime City Cycles. They have lots of parts as well as headlight buckets.

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/cafe-racer-parts/vintage-universal-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-parts/vintage-universal-caferacer-cafe-racer-motorcycle-parts/other-caferacer-motorcycle-lighting.html?limit=all

[BitMonkey]

Thanks all.

I just missed a complete GS headlight assembly on that auction site for $15. The Dime City pieces look pretty nice, I may have to go that route.

I paid $250 for the complete bike. Got it running well for about another $50. Somehow it just seems wrong to now spend $50 on a headlight...

[Flaming Chainsaws]

Thanks all.

I just missed a complete GS headlight assembly on that auction site for $15. The Dime City pieces look pretty nice, I may have to go that route.

I paid $250 for the complete bike. Got it running well for about another $50. Somehow it just seems wrong to now spend $50 on a headlight...

All you need is a headlight bucket, right? If you don't want to spend big bucks on one, buy mine. It's yours for $3 + shipping.

Pics and measurements in the link below.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=161425

It is chrome plated and metal. It came off of my 1980 Suzuki GS450L. Let me know if you want it.

[BitMonkey]

All you need is a headlight bucket, right? If you don't want to spend big bucks on one, buy mine. It's yours for $3 + shipping.

Pics and measurements in the link below.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=161425

It is chrome plated and metal. It came off of my 1980 Suzuki GS450L. Let me know if you want it.

Thanks for the offer, you guys are too cool here.

Looks like the "L" headlight is about an inch smaller than mine. I found & bought one on eBay tonight anyway.

[Flaming Chainsaws]

Thanks for the offer, you guys are too cool here.

Looks like the "L" headlight is about an inch smaller than mine. I found & bought one on eBay tonight anyway.

Awesome! Hope it works out for you.

I got a bunch of parts for the GS450. If you need anything, let me know. I might have it.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. BitMonkey,

Let me share some GS lovin'.

I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[gke84]

Headlight interchangeability

Try Dime City Cycles. They have lots of parts as well as headlight buckets.

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/cafe-r...html?limit=all

Thanks for the link ,just ordered a headlight bucket ,45.00 plus 28.00 shipping to montreal with usps.

[Steve]

I paid $250 for the complete bike. Got it running well for about another $50. Somehow it just seems wrong to now spend $50 on a headlight...

I just have to chuckle every time I see that logic applied.

Following that line of logic, I should not have had to pay anything for any of the stuff I had to get for a previous 850, the one I called "Freebie".
After all, the bike was given to me, why should I have to pay anything for any of the parts?

The way I look at it, the less you pay for the bike and the more work you do yourself, the more you can afford to get the proper parts.

.