Headlight on-off switch?

[Ptech]

Good morning all,
Years ago, when I had my '84 R100RT, I was able to buy, through BMW, an on-off switch for the headlight.  I don't remember if it was just the switch and I had to modify the left switch housing, or if it was the whole left switch assembly.  Does any one know if this is still possible and if so where I might find one for my R65?
If memory serves me it was a switch for a European bike.

Thanks,

Pat

[Matt Chapter]

If memory serves me it was a switch for a European bike.

Concur.  The European assemblies have a headlight on off switch, when my switch went bad I spent a few extra $$ and got the Euro style.  Later, I melted my wiring harness and had to replace the switch again.  Natch, the price had gone up, I think I ordered the euro version from motobins.  Installation is a breeze, just make sure the wires don't bind or rub too much.

[tvrla]

They fry either because of the constant power for the headlight flasher function or due to carrying full amperage for the headlight. Installing a headlight relay to carry the load helps the switch immensely besides delivering more power to the light which helps it burn much brighter.

[bruce_launceston]

The european spec R65's have the headlight switch incorporated in the ignition switch, not on the handlebar switchblocks.
There is of course a high beam / pass switch on the left switchblock as I imagine the US models have.

[Matt Chapter]

http://www.motobins.co.uk/library/85150.jpg or
http://www.motobins.co.uk/library/85165.jpg

Easily found from

http://www.motobins.co.uk/bmw-parts.php?model=R%20Series%202%20valve%20Twin

Electrics->handlebar switches -> handle bar switches left hand side.

[Ptech]

Thanks everyone.  Motobins has the headlight switch type left grip console for $108.00US and I've inquired about an ignition switch with that provision.  The switch they list for the R65 does not state whether it includes this or not.  We'll see.

Pat

[steven m]

My 83 R65 has an ignition switch that on the first click allows me to start, and ride the bike if I wish, with the headlight off.  The second click turns on the lights.  My brother's 83 R65 has an ignition switch that always has the headlight on.  Not sure what the point of a two position switch is if the headlight is always on.  US Regulations?
You might see if you can get a Euro ignition switch from Motobins and leave your handlebar controls alone.
Steve

[tvrla]

Steve - someone may have changed the wires to the switch on your bike. The way to tell is if the key can be removed in the first position - normally the parking light position.

The parking light position is for leaving the bike parked alongside the road at night where it could get hit if not visible.

[steven m]

The european parking light option occurred to me as well, but in that case the ignition and gauge lights wouldn't come on, would they?  That would let anyone walk up, start the bike, and ride off.  Now, if that switch position turned on the turn signals as running lights, it would be useful for leaving the bike at night.  As for rewiring the switch, very possible.  We never know what a PO was up to...
I have a headlight relay installed so the headlight is run directly from the battery, which I recommend for our bikes, as the headlight is always getting getting full voltage.  I suppose a switch could be put in line with the relay to give control to lighting if desired.  I always ride with my light on, but start up with it off.

Steve

[tvrla]

The wiring to the ignition switch can be changed around in such a way that ignition comes on in the second position.

The parking light position isn't just a european thing - all the airheads have it. The second position is the parking light position and the key can be removed. But the ignition isn't on.

Some creative rewiring gets ignition on the second position, but the downside is the key isn't secure there. I'd hate to have it bounce out on a bumpy road. Might never happen, but still don't feel like taking the chance. Also, there have been times I've thought the ignition was off and the key to #1 position, but was in #2. Pulled the key out, only to find a dead battery later. I'd hate to have the ignition on all that time as well.

[steven m]

Yeah, having the key bounce out on the road would be pretty embarrassing, that's for sure.  I'll see if that's the case with my bike.  If all airheads have the parking light position, what is left on, just the tail light?

[Bob_Roller]

The tail light and the small bulb just below the headlight come on .

[steven m]

Well, Wirespokes, you are correct, at the first click of the ignition switch I can pull out the key, but my taillight does not come on.  So much for a parking light.  Maybe a rainy day project to go in and see what's what.

Steve

[Dizerens5]

On my 79 (Europe standard as far as I know) the parking light position, the second click of the key, just connects up the "pilot light" (is that what you in the US call the tiny little secondary bulb in the headlight) circuit, but you can remove the key. This means instrument lights are also on. Here in UK it used to be legal to drive in town at night using just the pilot light but that ended years ago. I often wonder just how long the battery would keep starting power if I did in fact use the parking light for parking!    

[Barry]

I often wonder just how long the battery would keep starting power if I did in fact use the parking light for parking!  

I'm not so keen on this feature as I've done it inadvertently twice when parking up at work. Fortunately some kind soul has let me know before the battery went flat. Last time the lady on reception spotted it and made me laugh by saying she had discussed it with one of the office girls and they were wondering if there was an automatic feature that switched the lights off after a while .... err not in 1979.

How long would the battery last ?  Not long - pilot light, 2 instrument lights and the tail light. I have a special halogen pilot bulb on mine so that comes to 2.5 amps. left all day there is no way it would start.