Noticed I no longer have low beam headlights...high beam working fine. I've only owned the bike less than a year (71 R/75/5) so had no history on the bulb, etc. Got a new bulb, opened up the headlamp....and found not the stock arrangement, but a sealed beam headlamp. What??????? Anybody else seen or done this? Headlight has virtually no distinguishing marks and no part number. Have to admit it fits fine, certainly not overly bright. Thoughts on moving forward?
• First thing to do is test the bulb and make sure it's not the Hi/Lo handlebar switch giving you the issue.
• That exact headlamp setup may not have come with your R75 new, but it was a common bulb setup in the 1960's. Newer lamps are going to be brighter, and anything with a clean reflector is going to put more light on the road. Luckily, that's a 7 inch (178mm) bulb system (the North American standard) so you'll have lots of choices. Here's 2 ways to go....
► Buy a modern MOTORCYCLE sealed beam bulb and install that. These have a different light pattern than those sold for cars. It will plug right into the existing connector. All you need to do is make sure that the Wattage of the new bulb is not more than 15% higher than what the factory supplied. You can find on the Web what it was originally.
► Buy a 7" reflector set up for the modern H4 type bulb. These came on R65's but I doubt you want to buy a new BMW unit, but a used one would work great. Also these new units....
Then install one of the H4 LED replacements, such as the one by Cyron. This will use less power than the bulb you have now and output about 3X the light, making daytime and nighttime riding safer.
You'll want to secure your new reflector or sealed beam into the chrome rim with at least 4 clips, one every 90° or so. Get these from your BMW dealer.
Hope this helps.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
Thanks Wobbly, was not aware of the reflector setups...appreciate the links.
My bike (R90/6) is missing the headlight innards (the can is there, all the wiring appears to be in tact), but I need a lens, bezel, reflector etc. Would the Hella or Cibie options above work for me too if I bought a standard BMW bezel to hold it in place? That may be better and less expensive for me in the long run. The LED bulb idea is pretty cool!
-Michael in OKC. 1976 BMW R90/6, 1968 Datsun Roadster, 1930 Model A Ford
I really don't think the large 190mm BMW bucket and/or rim will accept the more common North American 7" reflectors. The new prices are HIGH, but they made tons of these bikes and used parts are everywhere.
I would not feel bad buying a used rim and reflector. Unlike common headlamps, the 190mm units come apart allowing them to be cleaned up really easily. You might end up buying 4 new clips and a new rubber seal, but that's peanuts compared to the price of new glass and reflector.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
Thanks! Just after i sent that message I learned my bike has a 190mm headlight. I'll keep my eyes open for the proper used unit -- I always prefer used to new when possible.
-Michael in OKC. 1976 BMW R90/6, 1968 Datsun Roadster, 1930 Model A Ford
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