Headlamp Upgrade

[clonmore1]

HI All,

I'm putting together the modification list together for the old girl and I can't remember if anyone has posted any experience of upgrading/changing the headlamp?

Thanks

Chris

[Barry]

I find the stock headlamp is not that bad for it's day and have done nothing other than change the original 30 year old bulb for a modern Philips premium + 30 one which is noticeably whiter. If I wanted to make more improvements I would probably start with a headlight relay which on it's own would increase the light output and also open the way up for a larger wattage bulb. All at very low cost too.

Take care in interpreting some of the marketing hype about so called brighter bulbs. Blue tinted bulbs actually have a lower light output than standard.

This is a good web article on bulb technology and upgrading lighting.

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/tech.html

[clonmore1]

Thanks Barry,

Book marked for future reference!

[Bob_Roller]

I've been using PIAA Superwhite H4 lamps for about 10 years now .

Downside, they only last 18-24 months .

About 50% of my riding is in night conditions, I like to be seen, no compromise there .

[nhmaf]

I've also been using a PIAA H4 bulb in my R65, but it has lasted several years so far with no signs of problems.  IT is definitely whiter and brighter than the old bulb that was in the bike when I got it.    I don't have the part number handy though.

I would certainly recommend using a new, whiter/brighter bulb (within reason) if yours is not a recent vintage H4  headlight bulb.    Don't try to get a super high wattage one though, as you may have other electrical issues to contend with.   Make sure  to use a good relay for high powered or auxiliary headlights (and don't run them when you are just putting around town, unless you also install a high output alternator)

[Justin B.]

I ran an HID conversion in my '95 R100RT for about 6 months before getting rid of it.  Hard to describe how bright it was!  I have another in a box to go on the Dawg some day...

[steve hawkins]

I have always found the R65 front light a very good performer.  

A modern bulb and perhaps a damn good clean both inside and out was enough for me not to think about an upgrade.

Give the lens and reflector a good wipe and polish on the inside.  If it has not been done before, you would be surprised on how much dirt can build up - And it wont be helping its performance.

And remember, a light can be too bright.  The oncomming traffic will soon let you know.

Rev. Light

[Julio A.]

I saw an interesting headlight upgrade here, although it required a relay and ballast, the low beam would still be a normal halogen light but when you turn on the high beam, it becomes an HID. It is only composed of a single bulb.

I still have much to do before I start thinking about upgrading the headlight, so I haven't tried it on yet.

[MrRiden]

Here is a link from my stash. Being primarily a daytime rider I've not gotten around to doing anything with the lights but running a relay in place of powering the headlamp through the handlebar switch made sense to me. Bang around in this site. You might get a few ideas. Hmm the fuse box could use an upgrade too.
http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/products.html

[Lucky_Lou]

Stay away from the HID Lasers unless your planning on alot of night riding, i would  just clean the reflector and fit a new bulb.
Lou

[montmil]

... I would  just clean the reflector and fit a new bulb. Lou

I tried -gently- to remove the headlight lens from the reflector on my '81. Stuck tighter'n a tick it is. Afraid I would break the lens so put it back in the headlight bucket.

I'd like to clean off the reflector. Did use distilled water to swill around inside the unit but... Any ideas on safely separating the glass from the reflector?  :-/

Monte

[Bob_Roller]

There's a thin rubber gasket between the reflector and lens .

You just need to break the bond between the two .

If you do get it apart, you'll need to replace the rubber gasket .

Item #4 in the illustration .


http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0364&mospid=51897&btnr=63_0330&hg=63&fg=05

[Barry]

I'd like to clean off the reflector. Did use distilled water to swill around inside the unit but...  

If you want to clean the reflector with care a safe option might be to Google "cleaning a telescope mirror" I would think they use a similar vapourising process to apply the aluminium coating.


To add another question to those who have split the lens/reflector did anyone remove the metal bulb shield and did it make any difference to the light output.

[Lucky_Lou]

... I would  just clean the reflector and fit a new bulb. Lou

I tried -gently- to remove the headlight lens from the reflector on my '81. Stuck tighter'n a tick it is. Afraid I would break the lens so put it back in the headlight bucket. but... Any ideas on safely separating the glass from the reflector?  :-/

Monte

Try using a hair drier on low heat warm the joint, metal expands faster than glass so it should help break the seal.
Lou
Legal bit... the poster accepts no liability blah blah blah [smiley=evil.gif] [smiley=evil.gif]
Lou

[clonmore1]

Thanks All,

insightful as ever...