Switching off Daylight Running Lights

Element_6

Registered user
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Location
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hi all,

First post but joined quite some time ago and been lurking as I didnt have a bike yet.

I am currently living and working in Cambodia and I have just bought a USA spec imported F800GS, so have some nice times ahead exploring the country.

However it is illegal to have your headlight on during the day in cambodia and doing so will result in some stops by the police (only a $1-2 fine so no big problem but a hassle factor). As the bike is US spec it has the headlight on all the time.

Does anyone know how I can disable the DLR light? is it a software change? new switchgear, or can I modify the existing set up to allow me to turn it off (it feels like something is preventing the switch rocking to the "off" position)

Any help or advice gratefully appreciated :)
 
Welcome!

Just to be clear - by daylight running light we are talking the H7 bulb not the 5w sidelight...

You can't switch it off by any normal means - the switch on the handlebars is for main beam on or flash (which i think will be the not going all the way bit...)

I've never heard of a software fix for this and any wire chopping would probably lead to an annoying OBC warning all the time.

Have you considered headlight protectors that come in solid black?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-F800G...ycle_Parts&hash=item3cca24b14c#ht_1826wt_1344

I think they have heatproof velcro tabs so can be affixed / removed as required...

Best,

S
 
I bet there IS a way to do it, Probably through the software......BMW must sell the model in countries where DRL are illegal.

There doesn't even appear to be a US and European variant on the microfiches...on some pre-canbus bikes, there are different DRL relays fitted depending on country of use.

Therefore, I reckon it's GOT to be in the software.......maybe some nice person over here who has one and a GS911 gadget could plug it in and see if there's an option somewhere?

Otherwise, try emailing BMW technical in Munchen (local dealers will probably be useless on the issue)
 
The GS-911 at start up gives the option to switch off the lights, but this is only during the time the GS-911 is running.
As soon as the GS-911 is unplugged or the contact is switched off and on again, the lights are back on.
 
Supposed to work on the 1200 versions via http://www.r1200gs.info/misc/tricks.html

Turning the Headlights OFF

The procedure is as follows:
Turn the ignition on and allow the startup-check cycle to complete. The headlights will be off (this is normal).
Hold turn-signal cancel switch for 4-5 secs.
Hold right turn-signal switch for 4-5 secs.
Start engine.
Lights should remain OFF.
This will reset next time you switch off the ignition. The headlights will be off, but the running lights and tail light will remain on.

Note 1: Nikos Skarentzos wrote to say that you can use this trick to turn the lights off while you're riding, that is, after you've started the engine. You still have to stop and turn the engine off before you can get the lights back on, however.

Note 2: Tim Jones wrote to say that on his '07 Adv model (without servo brakes) just hitting the high beam or passing switch will turn on the low beam again. This apparently does not work on '05 and '06 models. Tim put a video clip showing this on YouTube.com
 
DrFarkoff said:
Turning the Headlights OFF

The procedure is as follows:
Turn the ignition on and allow the startup-check cycle to complete. The headlights will be off (this is normal).
Hold turn-signal cancel switch for 4-5 secs.
Hold right turn-signal switch for 4-5 secs.
Start engine.
Lights should remain OFF.
Click to expand...

Yes, that works. Interesting info. Can't imagine when I'll use it again, but interesting nonetheless.

That should sort his problems in Cambodia.
 
HI guys

thanks for the replies, I am out of the country on business for a week but will try when I am back but am sure it will work

I guess the other option would just be to ignore the police when they try to stop me :jibber
 
I've just tried this on mine. Useful to know when riding with the sun behind you, so that you're no longer camouflaged WW2 fighter plane style, against the sun.

I get the new F800GS next week which has different indicator switch gear (Japanese style one button.) Does anyone know whether this will work on this new model?
 
I have tried this and it turns my lights off but as soon as I move the bike the lights go back on again. Has anyone had success in using this and being able to ride the bike with the lights off?
 
Lights come back on as soon as my bike moves.

Think the feature is more for maintenance, eg running engine until fan comes on in workshop, would be a bit distracting for others having the headlight on.

EDIT bit low tech but you could just unplug the headlamp bulb, you would get the lamp fail warning though.
 
rce said:
Lights come back on as soon as my bike moves.
Click to expand...

Thanks for trying - much appreciated

rce said:
EDIT bit low tech but you could just unplug the headlamp bulb, you would get the lamp fail warning though.
Click to expand...

That is what I have been doing when I can be bothered. When I can't i have been driving around with the light on and haven't been pulled over yet (even though I have passed lots of police). I was thinking of putting a waterproof switch inline with the light so I didnt have to screw the back off all the time but will need to source something suitable
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Daylight running light switch not fitted
Replies
7
Views
842
Taffswell
Wiring up Piaa daylight running lights
Replies
6
Views
1,375
jeremyj
gipsymagpie
  • Locked
LED daylight running lights on handguards
2
Replies
25
Views
16,908
gipsymagpie
gipsymagpie
Switching off ABS
Replies
1
Views
1,315
Dave Ett
Dave Ett


Back
Top Bottom