1100GS Headlight bulb replacement

[Rabbitson]

Without wishing to enter into a long discussion about extra lights etc, can someone recommend me a good replacement bulb for the standard 1100GS Headlight, I just noticed that my dip beam is out this morning.

Someone mentioned a philips Gold or something on this forum before, is that an improvement?

Cheers,

David

 

[Mick Fagan]

I had exactly the same problem as you, however I found out that it was the handlebar switch which had failed on low beam.

Hitting it with CRC 56 (like WD40) fixed it immediately, until after a few days it started to fail again.

I was given this hint from another 1100 rider who had been through the globe change routine only to find it still didn't work.

I have since found about 5 other riders on 1100 GS bikes with the same problem. It sort of appears there could be a wearing problem with the switch assembly.

I eventually fixed the problem by buying a new switch.

The contacts were ground through due to the excess grime that had gotten in and when it was wet it ground the metal away just like valve grinding paste.

Mick.

 

[Mick Fagan]

I forgot to mention that you can take the switch off with just one screw removed and check out the state of at least two of the contacts visually, without undoing anything else.

Mick.

 

[Rabbitson]

Thanks for the tip, I tried the WD40 trick last night but to no avail I have yet to dis-assemble the switch but I'll probably try that next.

It does seem likely that a blown filament in the dip beam is the likely culprit though as the action of the switch seems fine and there is no delay or loose connection on either the park light or the high beam/pass light connection.

I had a quick look at the back of the headlight to try and get an idea of how difficult it might be to remove, and I was surprised to see that it didn't seem to be that easy. I was expecting a jap bike style 'unclip and bulb comes straight out' type scenario, but it doesn't seem to work like that. Is it difficult to remove the bulb?

 

[~Stef~]

I'd recomend Phillips Vision Plus. Replacments as easy as taking out three bolts. All on the front of the headlight unit

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

Mick - my 1100aus spec 98 spec bike has the dip beam on permanently.

Is it the hi/lo switch on the lh bar rather than the on/side/main switch on the r/h bar ?

 

[(RIP) Jamie]

David,

You don't replece the bulb from the back.

Go around the front of the lens, and there are 3 screws to undo, undo 'em, remove the plastic band around the lens, being aware that the glass lens may drop out.

Whole unit slips out, and the rest is obvious - Robert's your mothers brother.

It's a h4 fitting BTW.

HTH

Jamie

 

[Mick Fagan]

Phil, when I purchased my 98 1100 brand new, I insisted on having a switch to turn the headlight off.

It's simple to do, I purchased the R/H switch which has the headlight on/off switch incorporated into it. Takes about 5 minutes to do, once the tank is off.

Best thing I ever did. I don't know about you, but one really doesn't need headlights on flattening the battery when you are trying to get out of a difficult situation with the enging stalling and constant re-starting being the order of the day.

Mick.

 

[Rabbitson]

Cheers for all your help guys, new bulb now shining brightly.

Mick - switchgear seemed to be in order when I checked it, but thanks for the tips.

Stef et al, taking the bulb out is much easier when you approach the headlight from the correct side!!

Couldn't get a Philips Gold from my dealer, but I got a Philips blue which seems to be brighter and looks quite trendy

 

[GuidoT]

David,

You don't replece the bulb from the back.

Go around the front of the lens, and there are 3 screws to undo, undo 'em, remove the plastic band around the lens, being aware that the glass lens may drop out.

Whole unit slips out, and the rest is obvious - Robert's your mothers brother.

It's a h4 fitting BTW.

HTH

Jamie

Ok unless one of the *&^(*&%(^ screws has seized/rusted in place and you've managed to turn the cross on the screw into a nice round nought. It is possible to replace the bulb by removing only two screws. It just involves a bit more time more swearing and some loss of skin on the nuckles.
The addition of some Scottish midges help the swearing.

-- Guido

 

[Reprobate]

Couldn't get a Philips Gold from my dealer, but I got a Philips blue which seems to be brighter and looks quite trendy

I got a Gold in mine right now (looks yellow/bluish). I have a reserve VisionPlus that I took along on my Germany/Austria trip.
I think the Gold is available at Brezan.