instrument lamps

[steven m]

My speedo and tach lights are pretty dim so I decided to replace the bulbs, but cannot find the correct replacement 12v 3w wedge bulbs.  Osram/Sylania has the 2821, which looks right but is 13.5 volts.  Anyone know the correct bulb?  Maybe 2821's are in there now and that is why they are dim?

Thanks

Steve

[Barry]

Steve

Maybe 13.5 volts is correct ?

Your system voltage will be at least this with the engine running.

[zebedee]

My speedo and tach lights are pretty dim so I decided to replace the bulbs, but cannot find the correct replacement 12v 3w wedge bulbs.  Osram/Sylania has the 2821, which looks right but is 13.5 volts.  Anyone know the correct bulb?  Maybe 2821's are in there now and that is why they are dim?

Thanks

Steve

Your electrical system is nominally 12V. That is to say its got a battery with 6 cells, not 3 cells (6 volts) or 12 cells (24 Volts).

The normal fully charged voltage of a 12V battery is about 13.8 Volts. The charge voltage to achieve this is typically about 14.2 Volts. And if you leave the fully charged battery to sit for a while it will drop back to about 13.5 Volts.

They're all the same thing as far as selecting light globes is concerned.

[Bob_Roller]

I believe the standard lamps for the instrument internal lighting are SAE 158, SAE 168 and SAE 194 .

If you are thinking about using an LED replacement, they don't work very well in this application .

[steven m]

I just checked with Osram/Sylvania and the 2821 is the correct bulb.  Ordered some from Pelican Parts at $1.00 per, which is a lot less than at my friendly local BMW dealer.  I'll keep you posted re the results of putting the new bulbs in.  BTW, never considered LED's for the instruments, but have wondered about those LED tail/brake light retrofits.  Do not want to turn my bike into a Christmas tree, but a brighter tail light sounds like a good idea.  

Steve

[Bob_Roller]

The lamps are available at most auto parts stores .

I have converted the rear lighting on my '81 R65 with the Beacon 2 from Motorrad Elektrik, a definite improvement over the stock two lamp OEM version .
 
I also added 'Electropods' kind of a generic version of Hyperlites, mounted them on the plastic part of the rear storage area .

http://www.motoelekt.com/electropod.htm

Added an LED light bar to the lower bolts that hold the license plate, called the 'Stopper', it works as a running light and stoplight .

http://www.motoelekt.com/lighting.htm

Installed red LED light/reflectors in place of the red reflectors on the rear fender, kind of like marker lights, got them from the local chain type auto parts store Checker Auto . .

I do a lot of night riding, the rear of the bike was under lighted in my opinion, can't say that anymore .

(edit) With all of the lights that I added, I needed to connect the wiring to a terminal strip, so all of the crimp on connectors were changed to ring type connectors .

You don't need to do anything to the wiring when just installing the replacement light assembly .

[steven m]

That Beacon 2 looks great.  Is it plug and play?  Does the reduced draw of the LED's have any effect on the rest of the electrical system?

Steve

[Bob_Roller]

If I remember correctly (it's been four years since I installed it), you need to replace the push on solder less connectors on the bike side of the wiring and they are supplied with the light assembly .

If I am wrong, it just replaces the reflector assembly, all of 10 minutes work .

I don't think there is any real change in electrical power consumption, as most of the LED's are for the brake light and that is a short duty type load .

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

That Beacon 2 looks great.  Is it plug and play?  Does the reduced draw of the LED's have any effect on the rest of the electrical system?

Steve

I put a Beacon 2 on my bike several years ago.  As I recall, the supplied connectors did not work, and I had to manually solder the wires together.  NBD.

The only effect the reduced draw of the LEDs on the tail light has is that you have more alternator output available for other things - a good thing.

[nhmaf]

I put the Beacon 2 on my 1982 R65LS a year ago or so - it was plug and play with the stock wiring connectors on my bike - just take out the bulb holders and reflector, disconnect wires and hookup to the new terminals on the Beacon 2 according to the instruction - at least on my stock 1982 year bike - it was easy and took all of 5 minutes..

[steven m]

Sounds like my kind of install.  Thanks.