headlight fault

[chris_blake]

86 r65 mono i have lost dipped beam on my headlight high beam is fine as are all other electrics the bulb is ok.have checked continuity from switch to bulb and bulb to what i think is the connecting on top of frame behind headstock. could the problem be with the switch itself how would i check this as you cannot remove wires from the switch end.could it be the headlight relay in whtch case which relay is it and how do i check it please keep it simple guys my brain hurts when it comes to electrickery as always many thanks in advance

[Bob_Roller]

The momentary, or spring loaded position of the switch, uses a contact in the switch that is not used in the other two positions, I would guess that something in there is broken .

I wouldn't suggest trying to take it apart, they are not 'user friendly', and no parts are available, cost around $100US .

The headlight relay is only used during starting, to shut off the headlight during starter operation .

[montmil]

When the dipper went south on my 81', I gave up on rehabing the interior bits -that little bitty ball bearing can be a PITA- and caller RePsycle BMW Parts. Got a later model with much fresher components for less than half the dealer price. Did require a short job of matching the proper wire terminals but that was cake.

http://re-psycle.com/ Ask for either Mark or Marco. They know their stuff.

Monte

[chris_blake]

thanks guys will try to find secondhand switch cheers chris

[nhmaf]

I think that someone is also parting out handlebar switch assemblies from an R65 on ebay at this very moment.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-1983-R65-Left-Handlebar-Control-Switch-with-Lever_W0QQitemZ330413689127QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item4cee30c927

Oops - just noticed that your signature says "Essex" and I guess that you mean an Essex that is somewhere other than in the United States..so perhaps that ebay switch isn't a viable option for you..

[Darwin_R65]

Seeing as you're in UK, try motorworks, I've ordered parts off them from Australia before.
http://www.motorworks.co.uk

new switchgear here
http://www.motorworks.co.uk/bmw/products/product.php?f=i&code=BA_15_20_IA_55&shnew=New&model=R45/50/60/65/75/80/90/100%20%282%20valve%29&shnewcode=15&part=Electrics&sub_part=Handlebar%20switchgear&modelcode=20&partcode=IA&source_code=BA_15_20_IA_55&header_text=&header_text_image=0&spPage=2

secondhand switchgear here
http://www.motorworks.co.uk/bmw/products/product.php?f=i&code=BA_10_20_IA_50&shnew=Used&model=Secondhand%20R45/50/60/65/75/80/90/100%20%282%20valve%29&shnewcode=10&part=Electrics&sub_part=Switches&modelcode=20&partcode=IA&source_code=BA_10_20_IA_50&header_text=&header_text_image=0&spPage=2

John

[Darwin_R65]

If you lift the petrol tank, and pull apart the connectors, it's simple to put a multimeter on OHMS and test the switch, but you'll have to read the circuit to work out which wires. I don't have a circuit for a 86 model.