Crap Lights

[Cookson]

Why have BMW made such a cracking bike & then fitted such CRAP lights.

I have got a 1949 BSA M21 with a 6volt 6" light unit & it's better than the light on my 2003 GSA.

It's total pants........

Does anyone make a replacement unit that's a straight swap for the original.


I know, I know, now you all say "they all do that sir"


BUT WHY DO THEY.

 

[blues n twos]

You might want to take a look at this thread. http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53230

It may be the answer your looking for.

Jon

 

[ELIMINATOR]

Here we go again.

Adjust the dipped beam so that the light beam is equal equal about the centre.

Realise that the main beam is adjustable separately from the dip, in both horizontal & vertical. Suggest you find a dark quiet road and play.

Better than you thought but still

 

[Cookson]

Interesting thread, but also mentioned in there is the piss poor v pattern of the dip beam & how the HID compounds the problem.

What is needed is a complete replacement light unit, inc. the lense as it is that causing the problem.

Maybe I'll try & get my Beesa unit in there.

 

[Cookson]

Eliminator,

Are you saying that the lense can be rotated to get the V equal on both side's.

 

[Jimb]

Light Unit

Cooks, The replacement light unit is called a Honda a Caponord or even a V-Strom.
The Gs 1150 is arguably the worst lights on any bike, the 1200 GS is better but then so is my MZ.

On the other hand the 1200 RT and K1200 S are excellent, and look like they have been taken off a Honda.

The HID is not an option, the reflector is so poor, the only option is additional lights, Fogs and Driving and this will transform the lighting.

 

[ELIMINATOR]

Yes, the dipped beam can be rotated. The screen has to be removed, as well as the other cover over the lights. The dipped beam is clamped with one cap head screw. The first time I tried it, I was worried it would snap. Needs a bit of jiggling backwards & forwards to loosen it up. Shows you how in the owners book.

 

[Cookson]

Got ya,

I had all the front covers off last night & headlight unit out, slackened off the cap head & had a bit of a jiggle with it but did'nt want to force it, "in case I broke it".

But now I have looked in the manual as you said & can see it is possible, so I will have another go at it tonight.

Eliminator, ta.

Also I do have fogs & spots, while the spots are f'ing brilliant I have the fogs set quite low, so when I go from main to dip it's like someone painted the top of my vision matt black, I'll adjust the dip beam as per Eliminator's instructions & set the fogs up a bit higher.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Try a dart of WD40 in under the clamping thingy.

 

[jkersh1]

I don't know about the 1150GS, but the 1100GS's headlight doesn't get its power through a relay. Adding a relay and getting power directly from the battery can result in a much brighter light. Check out the products from Eastern Beaver.

http://easternbeaver.com/Home/Main/main.html

The kit for H4 bulbs such as on the 1100 is a plug and go install. The H1's on the 1150 require only a little more effort. Prices are less than $50 US and include shipping.

The owner is a frequent and knowledgeable contributor to the IBMWR list. I have no connection with or interest in Eastern Beaver. But I have been researching light solutions since mine went up in smoke.

 

[roddy]

that a clever wee idea from Easternbeaver.com,
suppling directly from the battery so the bulbs getting 14v instead of a regulated 12v

though I would have thought it would shorten the life of the bulb pushing it that hard.

this maybe worth investicating when I get a replacement len's for my 1100GS headlamp.

cheers