Replacement Headlight

[OldVet66]

Could someone tell me who makes a real good headlight reflector that will fit a 1978 GS1000E. Mine is getting cloudy. Pushing the bike just about overdrives the headlight. I live in an area where the morning and evening commute is deer dodging time, and I hate using the bike as a hunting weapon.

[rustybronco]

If your '78 is still using a sealed beam headlight, upgrade it to a H4 style headlight with the replaceable bulb.
most any '80 up GS with a 7" headlight will fit.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1003799&postcount=9

[OldVet66]

I did use the search, and your link shows me a headlamp just like mine. Neither tells me who makes an excellent headlamp or where to get one. Searches have lead me to superseaded model numbers like a MM75803, but no information about the quality of the part. Sorry about clogging up your database.

[rustybronco]

You searched and posted less, so therefore no clogged database.

So that I understand fully what you are saying, you have a "lens" with a replaceable H4 bulb already? I you do have, then most any 7" GS headlight lens will do just fine as a replacement.

also, you can use a Bosch such as this one http://www.ratwell.com/technical/Bos...TReflector.jpg, or you can try one of the low cost replacements found on the interweb. but keep in mind the quality may be suspect.
still, if it were me, I would try to find a OEM lens before going with the aftermarket suppliers.

a used headlight may be obtained in the parts wanted and parts for sale section or, places like Ebay...


Dale

[OldVet66]

Thanks for the update. You did answer my question. Hopefully some of the aftermarket reflectors throw a more precise beam. A brighter xenon lamp may be in order also if they show the improvement a commercial or residential upgrade from halogen shows (I know, no blue bulbs). A HID conversion would be nice if the charging system would support the ballast requirements. I found that Candlepower is real near me, do you have any take on their reflectors?

[rustybronco]

Thanks for the update. You did answer my question. Hopefully some of the aftermarket reflectors throw a more precise beam. A brighter xenon lamp may be in order also if they show the improvement a commercial or residential upgrade from halogen shows...

I found that Candlepower is real near me, do you have any take on their reflectors?

The silverstars are a popular H4 replacement bulb.

Candlepower reflectors? not familiar with them.
Link to their product?
***edit*** product reviews?

[OldVet66]

http://store.candlepower.com/ca7inquiohsu.html . I will call them Monday. Most likely the cheaper reflector without a bulb would yield the same reflector.

[ranger rick]

replacement headlight

Ijust saw an L.E.D headlight from a company called trucklite. it's a seven inch military tested and D.O.T. approved. it's also a little spendy at around $350 per light but offers near H.I.D. performance and a 10 year or better life.

[OldVet66]

I ended up getting the Candlepower headlamp reflector, and the Narva Range Power+50 Ultra high output 60/55w H4 Bulb (xenon) $61.95 for the combo. They are located in Rockville Md., just up the road from me. I'll let you know how good-bad-or ugly they are. They should be here pretty quick. The LED's are interesting, but just a little steep at the moment. The lighting industry is going that way for energy reasons, so some day they should be affordable.

[OldVet66]

I got the light today. It's on the bike now. I replaced the old Stanley 001-1970 reflector, that had a German H4 XB U 100/90w bulb in it because the stock bulb was such a joke. I have to say the new Candlepower reflector with the Xenon 60/55w bulb is at least twice as bright in the garage. I'll find out how good it is tonight, but I really think this one is going to be a winner.-----------(update) This seems to be a very good lighting combination. Now i just have to get an adjustment on these 62 year old eyes.

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. OldVet66,

Nice work! Do you have any pictures?



Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[OldVet66]

I don't have any, but their web page shows it better than I could. All the reflectors are the same according to the salesperson I talked to before I ordered the reflector. The differences are the H4 bulbs that are in the reflectors. http://store.candlepower.com/ca53mohe.html

[brent1084]

So you just pop the bulb in, plug it in then reassemble the light and that's it? Will the wiring hold up to that much draw going from 35w to 55w/60w? If so... I'll be buying the combo as soon as I get your reply.

[Nessism]

So you just pop the bulb in, plug it in then reassemble the light and that's it? Will the wiring hold up to that much draw going from 35w to 55w/60w? If so... I'll be buying the combo as soon as I get your reply.

Get that $21 Bosch housing and install a Sylvania Silverstar bulb http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...a+9003&x=0&y=0