/5 headlight upgrade

[fig]

I'm contemplating a headlight upgrade for my '73 /5. I see Hucky's sells two types, one costs $430.00 the other goes for only $105. Does anyone know if the difference is light output or just quality? Also I see that Snowbum, on his site, says you can use an Osram 64198 60/55W Halogen bulb with the stock /5 reflector and lens. I looked on line and they can be had for about $7.00. Does anyone have experience with any of these options?

[Garnet]

The $400 headlight is made up of genuine BMW parts and the $105 one is aftermarket, possibly Zelph. You can buy the aftermarket kits from Europe for about 30E. I have had one for 5 years and it is still in good shape.

[Kurt in S.A.]

What about wiring to handle the load? What about extra heat in the headlight shell? Will a different relay be needed? Questions I'd want to know about...

Kurt in S.A.

[Garnet]

I have done this on both my (12v) /2 and /5 and had no problem.

The /2 would be the one to be most concerend about as you are upgrading from a 35w bulb to a 60w. The /5 is around 45w stock so not as much of a jump.

Anyway I have heard of others that have had years of service with no problems on bothe bikes. I would NOT recomend a 100w bulb.

[fig]

Thanks Garnet. Kurt bring up a good point about wiring, did you have to put in a relay to handle the new bulb?

Also I'd still be interested to hear if anyone has tried just getting the bulb Snowbum says can be used. 7 Bucks is alot cheaper than 105.



DF

[hank0614]

I tried the bulb only up grade, but was unhappy with the light spread using the stock /5 lens. I did not see a great improvement over the stock setup. I then waited for an R65 reflector/lens/H4 to become available. I am very pleased with the latter outcome.

Hank
'72 R60/5
'95 K75S

[fig]

Thanks Hank, good info. I think I'll try Hucky's after market H4 set up. For only $105.00 seems like a good deal.


DF