hi/lo beam switch

[steven m]

I'm the owner of the 83 R65 who thought he fried his bike while installing a headlight relay switch kit.  I cleaned the headlight hi/lo and turn signal switch with contact cleaner, cleaned the loom connector plugs and now the low beam works fine, the high beam comes on in the passing position, including the indicator lamp in the tach, but no high beam when in the hi position.  Everything else is working, turn and brake lights, etc.  Seems like a fried switch to me, but before I swap it out I thought I'd ask here in the event I'm missing something.  If the relays or the socket are damaged I don't think I'd get any high beam function, right?  And if I'm not mistaken, the indicator lamp gets its power from the light itself.  I think.

Steve

[Bob_Roller]

When you press the headlight switch to the 'PASS' position, you use different contacts in the switch to power the headlight, than in the high beam position .

The two contacts have separate wires that are connected together in the switch itself .

[montmil]

Had the same issue on my 81 R65 although it was not due to your exciting electrical issue. Switch was just plain ol' worn out. Scored an entire left-side -and newer- switch assembly off eBay. Fixed it.

Monte

[steven m]

Far out.  I don't think the switch had ever been cleaned, a lot of dust and goo.    Time for a new used switch...

All in all I am pretty lucky I didn't do real damage to my bike.  For anyone considering installing the Eastern Beaver Kit, it is very good, just be sure to cocoon any old plugs, as they suggest, to avoid what I went through.

Steve

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Call Chicago BMW for their price on a new unit.  It might not be much more than a used one, and if you are planning on keeping the bike, would be the last time you would have to think about it.

http://chicagobmwmotorcycle.com/store/

[Bob_Roller]

BMW part number for the switch is : 61311244420 list price s $105US .

If Chicago BMW still has the 20% off of list prices, that would bring the price down to around $84US or so .

I think I would go for a new switch at that price .

I'm on my second replacement switch, one switch had the headlight switch fail, and two were turn directional switch failures .

[steven m]

Thanks.  I'll give Chicago BMW a call in the morning.  Their web site doesn't reflect a 20% discount, but if they offer it on the telephone it does make sense to consider a new unit as I am planning on keeping my bike for a long time.  

Steve

[montmil]

Thanks.  I'll give Chicago BMW a call in the morning.  Their web site doesn't reflect a 20% discount, but if they offer it on the telephone it does make sense to consider a new unit as I am planning on keeping my bike for a long time.  

Steve

The BMW Mother Ship slapped Chi-Town BMW for posting their discounted prices on their website. They give you the 20% off when you order. Do call them to confirm parts for your vintage airhead are in stock otherwise be prepared to wait for the bits from the Fatherland. [smiley=zzz.gif]

Monte

[steven m]

Just ordered a switch from BMW of Chicago, with discount.  Part is in the US, so it should arrive sooner than later.  I believe they said there are more than ten in the states so if anyone else is considering ordering one now might be a good time.

Thanks for the help.

Steve

[steven m]

Greetings from California.  Just replaced my left hand combo switch, ordered from Chicago BMW and, lo and behold, my high beam is back.  So I guess I DID fry the switch with my lame headlight relay kit installation.  So, for anyone else considering a headlight relay switch kit install, you can't possibly use too much tape on those connectors.

Yesterday I was caught in a hail storm in Culver City, high winds, lots of rain.  Today it is warm, sunny, and  calm, without a cloud in the sky.  

Go figure.

Steve

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

[postsmovedhere1] 1 [postsmovedhere2] BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 [move by] Rob Valdez 79 R65.


Steven - feel free to update your original thread.  It will be bumped to the top for all to see!