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1980 gs550e - headlight replacement (UK)

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    1980 gs550e - headlight replacement (UK)

    I have a 1980 gs550e and have the sealed unit headlight.
    i.e the main bulb is in the headlight sealed with a sidelight small bulb
    that again fits to the outside of the sealed light via a clear circular window.

    I have a feeling having had this for years if it blows I am screwed.

    What replacements are there for this ?
    Is there one available that is not sealed , hence you can simply change the bulb if it breaks ?

    I checked "wemoto" and they have nothing.
    Last edited by ukjules; 05-10-2019, 04:55 PM.
    UKJULES
    ---------------------------------
    Owner of following bikes:
    1980 Suzuki GS550ET
    1977 Yamaha RD 250D
    1982 Kawasaki GPZ 750 R1
    1980 Suzuki GSX 250E

    #2
    After 1981, this model (and others )came with the replaceable H4 bulb.... Have a look around , you should be able to adapt a later housing to your bike
    1981 gs650L

    "We are all born ignorant, but you have to work hard to stay stupid" Ben Franklin

    Comment


      #3
      Surely there must be a better designed replacement available ?
      A sealed unit is a design mistake - surely there must be somewhere in uk that sells a replaceable bulb headlight ?

      I wont stop until one has been found as ll our bikes will soon need them !!!!

      Ill measure my headlight and start the search and post if i find one.
      We will all need one soon !
      Last edited by ukjules; 05-12-2019, 02:34 AM.
      UKJULES
      ---------------------------------
      Owner of following bikes:
      1980 Suzuki GS550ET
      1977 Yamaha RD 250D
      1982 Kawasaki GPZ 750 R1
      1980 Suzuki GSX 250E

      Comment


        #4
        I'm surprised you have a sealed-beam, as they weren't standard here. Have a look round Ebay etc, there are loads of GS headlamps that will fit.
        1980 GS550ET

        Comment


          #5
          I have looked but all seem to be sealed beam.
          There simply must be a firm that makes headlamps
          that will fit.
          I will keep looking on eBay but we all need a one shop
          stop for a new headlight (that has removable bulbs ).


          7' diameter
          4' depth
          I have found these guys and have asked a question as i cant see the fittings or rear of lamp/



          j
          Last edited by ukjules; 05-15-2019, 03:14 PM.
          UKJULES
          ---------------------------------
          Owner of following bikes:
          1980 Suzuki GS550ET
          1977 Yamaha RD 250D
          1982 Kawasaki GPZ 750 R1
          1980 Suzuki GSX 250E

          Comment


            #6
            I've just looked at E-bay, and found a dozen without really trying. Are you sure you don't have an H4 bulb. Some models had a cover over the back of the bulb that just flips off.
            1980 GS550ET

            Comment


              #7
              link me to em....

              I see only sealed beam ones ! But I must search for 7' motorcycle headlights I guess
              not gs550e headlights ....
              mine is sealed beam .... the bulb is internal
              and the side light clips on the outside.

              no h4 bulb possible to fit on sealed one.
              UKJULES
              ---------------------------------
              Owner of following bikes:
              1980 Suzuki GS550ET
              1977 Yamaha RD 250D
              1982 Kawasaki GPZ 750 R1
              1980 Suzuki GSX 250E

              Comment


                #8


                I searched on 'suzuki GS headlights' and 'suzuki gs headlamps'.

                I'd be interested to see a photo of yours. Do you think it is OEM or aftermarket?
                1980 GS550ET

                Comment


                  #9
                  I tell you that looks ideal !

                  bear with me I'll take some pics of mine.
                  it came with the wreck when I bought prior to my care.

                  that looks like a both main and side light bulbs are removable too.
                  ideal.

                  I'll post pics
                  UKJULES
                  ---------------------------------
                  Owner of following bikes:
                  1980 Suzuki GS550ET
                  1977 Yamaha RD 250D
                  1982 Kawasaki GPZ 750 R1
                  1980 Suzuki GSX 250E

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Jules, I did notice that, on that particular one, someone had messed with the terminals. It looks like a couple of cheap spade terminals at the back of the bulb. Not necessarily a deal breaker, but a quick search might turn up something better.
                    1980 GS550ET

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Yes I see !! All i want (and indeed we all will soon) is an original looking headlight that is not sealed.
                      I think the link i sent is the one but i get no response from them - not good.

                      Search continues .... but i will post when i have a firm option.
                      - yes that one ebay "might do" . might do is not good enough. Mine works currently so i have time
                      to search for the perfect replacement and pass info on.
                      I did assume this was simple !

                      I attach pic of the headlight that was on my bike when i bought it years ago.
                      You will see the sealed bulb connectors (3 of) and the small circular window for
                      when sidelights (is that what it is called) is on only.
                      I have always assumed this is the original headlight ?

                      gs550e headlight sealed beam.jpg
                      UKJULES
                      ---------------------------------
                      Owner of following bikes:
                      1980 Suzuki GS550ET
                      1977 Yamaha RD 250D
                      1982 Kawasaki GPZ 750 R1
                      1980 Suzuki GSX 250E

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Interesting - my 550ET is quite different to that. https://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-gs550e-...l#.XN7sx6RRfIU

                        Looking through fiches for other countries, I noticed many used sealed beam units. I recall yours is a UK bike?
                        1980 GS550ET

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Thanks, and that one is so what I'd like to have!

                          Bit expensive for me at present so still need another option.

                          I am in contact with that place (url I posted)
                          and they are looking to see if it can fit a GS.

                          7' and 4' depth. using a h4 bulb and side light
                          bulb fitting.

                          bit you are right I need the one you state.
                          my bike is a UK bike ! 1980.

                          but this research is useful for me and when
                          other poor people like me need another ....
                          UKJULES
                          ---------------------------------
                          Owner of following bikes:
                          1980 Suzuki GS550ET
                          1977 Yamaha RD 250D
                          1982 Kawasaki GPZ 750 R1
                          1980 Suzuki GSX 250E

                          Comment


                            #14
                            You mentioned in post #7 that it is a 7" bulb? Just making sure that it is the BULB that is 7" diameter, not the housing. Suzuki did use 7" bulbs in most of the bikes, but some of the smaller ones, along with the "L" bikes" got one that was about 6", which would fit in a 7" housing.

                            If you do have a 7" bulb, why not consider an upgrade to an LED light? You will likely faint when you see the price tag, but once you have it installed and ride at night, you will wonder why you waited so long. The main difficulty you will have is to ensure that you have a British pattern for your left-side drive, so shop carefully.

                            .
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                            Comment


                              #15
                              I'd take a guess on your headlight originally belonging to a GT. They dallied with sealed beams on the UK models for a while - I think 380, 550 and 750 circa k,l and m models. I can't recall ever seeing one in a GS.
                              79 GS1000S
                              79 GS1000S (another one)
                              80 GSX750
                              80 GS550
                              80 CB650 cafe racer
                              75 PC50 - the one with OHV and pedals...
                              75 TS100 - being ridden (suicidally) by my father

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