H4 headlamp conversion doesn't fit -- help?

[Anonymous]

I have a 1980 GS450E. I'm currently running the stock 35/50W sealed beam headlamp, which while being better than a flashlight, is still pretty poor.

Now, I suppose it's my own fault for not measuring TWICE before ordering the part, but I thought I had a 7" headlamp and ordered the H4 replacement lamp...which doesn't fit into the headlamp housing! It seems to be about a half inch too large in diameter.

So it looks like the GS450 has a 6.5" headlamp stock? I haven't had any luck finding aftermarket parts in that size. I can get a sealed beam OEM replacement, but it's the same 35/50 watt, which isn't improving anything.

It sounds like I'm going to need to repalce the whole headlamp housing. Being a relative newbie, can I just get a 7" housing and bolt it right on to the factory headlamp support arms? I'm looking to do a quick'n'cheap fix here, the less I have to replace, the better! I want to use this 7" lamp and Silverstar bulb so I'm not outrunning my headlamp at 30mph.

Opinions?

[humhead]

A lot of GS models have the same headlight mounting system. You should be able to find a good subsistute. Check http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm to find which models have what you need

Terry

[Anonymous]

A lot of GS models have the same headlight mounting system. You should be able to find a good subsistute. Check http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm to find which models have what you need

Terry

Ahh, I see. That's a very comprehensive list of parts. The problem I see is that I'd end up ordering the exact same size headlight housing for a GS450E.

I suppose I should rephrase this: I want to order a 7" Suzuki headlamp housing that I can bolt right onto the front of my '80 GS450E without any modications (or as few as is possible). Which year/model GS has a 7" headlamp housing that I can bolt on and then put the H4 aftermarket lamp into?

And if anyone's selling a whole 7" headlamp housing with trim rings, etc. be sure to drop me a line.

[earlfor]

About halfway down the page you'll find a 6 1/2" H-4 headlight conversion.

http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/Index_Main_Frame.htm

Earl[/img]

[Anonymous]

About halfway down the page you'll find a 6 1/2" H-4 headlight conversion.

http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/Index_Main_Frame.htm

Earl

Whoops, I think you meant this page:

http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/head_and_tail.htm

Those frames'll getcha. But ahh, I see the one you mean. $60, yikes. Hey, it's money well spent if it fits. Though I wouldn't mind going up another 1/2" if the 7" kit will fit. Man, I wish I could try these before I buy them. I'll have to take a chance if no one's used these particular sets before.

[bgmart450]

I am at a loss when discussing this H4 conversion stuff... is it possible that it was done to my bike before hand? Or is this a kit that keeps you from having to trim aluminum ring of the H4 to fit? I have (AFAIK) a stock 450E housing into which I have recently (but upsidedown-i-ly) insert an H4 bulb off the rack at AutoZone (or what-have-you). I had to trim a bit all the way around to get it to fit, but it works.

Unless I have 2 bikes that have both been identically modified from opposite ends of the country, I am betting I have the stock headlight housing on both bikes. Where do you measure the 7" or 6.5"? I seem to have 6.5" glass while the entire housing seems to be about 7"... I notice the S still has some big round bulb in it. I guess I'll find out soon enough it seems.

[humhead]

I know that the 79 GS 1000 has a 7" headlight. Look at the numbers for that bike & see if any other models use the same parts. The chrome unit from an 80-81 750L 850L or 1000L will fit as well. I found one on ebay for $40.


Terry