Headlight bucket dimension?

[azcycle]

I thought there was a discussion here about this before but I couldn't find it through searching, so my apologies if it's a worn question.

What size/diameter headlights were used on other "R" model BMWs? I know the r65 had a smaller headlight (6.5" ?).

I've got an old BMW headlight assembly that i'd like to install on the r65 but it's bigger than the stock r65 headlight. I think it measured roughly 7.75" or so. All I'm missing is the bucket itself. I'm assuming I need a bucket from a /7 from around the same time period but when searching, most sellers don't list the size... they just list what bike it came from: ie: r60, r75, r100, etc.

So what model(s) bucket would I be safe in purchasing?

[Barry]

All other roadster Airheads had 8" headlights except the /5's which were the same size as R45/R65's. I think you would be safe with any /6 or /7 shell.

[azcycle]

Fantastic, Barry. Thanks for the quick answer. Now I'm off to search for a used bucket!

[Tony Smith]

Sorry to hijack a thread.

But does anyone have a source for a 7.25" headlight that will fit the R65 headlight ring. I have been buying various lights from online auto part retailers and have a collection of "missed it by that much" lights.
 
The problem is that whilst the outer ring is notionally a 7.25" inch the correct Bosch light (which of course is NLA) has a significant "step" in the forward glass so that the glass projects through the R65 ring and is mounted on the shell/glass sealing ring.
 
In order to prevent me from having the world's largest collection of unused 7.25" H4 lights, does anyone have a brand/Part No. combination that they know works? At least one BMW parts seller in Australia wants $299 for a light, which seems a bit extravagant. If I can actually find one that fits I may buy a small qunatity and sell them on.

[montmil]

Our 'lustrous potentate and form admin guy, Justin, has a thread somewhere -maybe check the FAQs- about using a common sealed beam auto lamp. I bought one to try but to get the needed fit, it's necessary to grind on the inside edge of the terribly expensive chrome ring. I just couldn't bring myself to do that.

Otherwise, I gots no help for ya, mate.  :-/

[montmil]

Found it!

Visit the "R65 Technical FAC/Procedures" section and scroll down to "$12 Aftermarket Headlight Installation".

You're welcome.

[steve hawkins]

I am actually a great fan of the R65 headlight.......

[Burt]

I'll take one Tony, if you follow through with your purchase.  

Cheers, Dave.  

[azcycle]

Guess how excited I was when my "new" headlight bucket arrived, fresh from Ebay? Then guess how disappointed I was when it didn't fit the headlight assembly!

After a few frustrating minutes of trying to force a headlight assembly onto a bucket that was obviously too large AND didn't have the same attachments, I decided to do some Google searching.

I searched for the number stamped into the glass of the Bosch headlight assembly... and much to my surprise, the results came back as a HARLEY DAVIDSON 7" headlight assembly. I didn't realize that Harley used Bosch assemblies and it's resemblance to the BMW r65 headlight assembly fooled me into thinking it was also for a BMW.



So now, if I want to use the larger 7" HD headlight, I have to find a HD headlight bucket, but I don't know anything about HD and what year or type of bike this headlight came from.

So I might put the headlight project on hold and just go buy another cheapie sealed beam light that fits the bucket that is on the bike now. Here is a photo of the HD headlight. Anyone recognize it and can point me in the direction of a make/model/year? If so, I can track down a used bucket!

[azcycle]

I've decided to put this particular project on hold. Instead, I purchased a halogen h4 conversion kit that fits the existing 5 3/4" bucket on the bike. So I get a brighter, halogen, replaceable bulb and can dump the sealed-beam junk.

[steve hawkins]

Make sure you take the opportunity of cleaning out the inside of your R65 headlight.  It is amazing how grubby they can get on the inside of the glass, even though they are effectively sealed.  That way you will get the best from your new bulb.

Rev Light