Finding a GS1000 headlight

[FLATout?]

The project GS1000 I picked up from a guy did not come with a headlight/headlight rim, only came with a headlight bucket. Well, he gave me a headlight, but it was for another bike, and he does not currently have the correct headlight.

The bucket on the bike is stock as far as I can tell. It has a three-bolt headlight mounting scheme (one at 12 o'clock, and two at 3 and 8 o'clock), two ports at 3 and 9 o'clock for the bucket mounting bolts, and a large rear port for electrical wiring.

Here's a fleaBay ad for a similar model.

I'm having a very hard time locating the correct headlight/rim combo to purchase. I'm wondering if these things are standardized across bike brands. For example, could I purchase a Honda 3-bolt mounting 7" headlight? Or rather, does anyone have an extra that I could purchase from them?

 

[Guest]

You need one from a Suzuki. Don't put a stock light in, put in a H4, they're cheap and WAY better. You can probably do a quick check on Babbits and their parts search engine will tell you which models will fit your bike. That ebay link shows the correct bucket just make sure it's a 7" not a 6".

 

[Steve]

The mount and trim ring need to be Suzuki.

As azr mentioned, though, do not get a stock sealed-beam light. You can get a motorcycle-specific light (like a stock one) or you can get one that actually puts some good light on the road.

HERE is a Hella light for less than $40. I believe it includes a bulb.

.

 

[FLATout?]

Thanks, Steve! I also have to admit I've always wanted a rally-light Hella set-up on my Subaru. This may have to suffice in the meantime.

Two concerns I have about upgraded lighting:
1) My other bike is a '75 Honda CB550, and that thing could not hold a charge for the life of it. Wanted to switch out the crappy bulb, but could not as the alternator was lifeless at best. Just checking to see that it's no concern for the GS1000. Now that I've typed the numbers (1000 vs. 550) I know it's going to work out A-OK.
2) I'm worried that buying just the lamp will lead me down another goose chase where I'm trying to find the correct connecting pieces (rim+mounting bolts, bucket mounting bolts, etc.); been running into that with the scattered variety of GS1000 interlocking part types that just don't quite fit right when put together. Right now I only have a bucket with the aforementioned 3-bolt lamp mounting pattern. What peripherals would I need to purchase to fit this halogen lamp correctly?

Thanks!!

 

[Guest]

I run the later model naked SV headlight in the original housing, far better lighting

 

[Guest]

1) My other bike is a '75 Honda CB550, and that thing could not hold a charge for the life of it. Wanted to switch out the crappy bulb, but could not as the alternator was lifeless at best.

H4 halogen bulbs are available in 35/35W & 45/45W. One of those might work for you.

 

[tkent02]

If you maintain the electrical system you can run any headlight you want.

 

[tkent02]

I run the later model naked SV headlight in the original housing, far better lighting

This fit's right in? Sounds good.

 

[GSX1000E]

If you maintain the electrical system you can run any headlight you want.

I run 80/100W H-4 bulbs in several of my GS's. MUCH safer than running the stock type candle in there.

 

[Guest]

I run 80/100W H-4 bulbs in several of my GS's. MUCH safer than running the stock type candle in there.

But is that legal?

 

[tkent02]

Safe trumps legal, every time.

 

[Guest]

Safe trumps legal, every time.

Until a trial lawyer starts using words like "willful negligence".

 

[FLATout?]

OK, so I'm definitely going to pick up a H4 lamp (to be safe), and I'm honestly really excited. I've never had decent lighting on a motorbike. Does this mean I could *gulp* actually ride at night??

HOWEVER, if I only have a 7" headlight bucket, what sort of mounting pieces do I need to pick up to interface the new light with the bucket?

 

[Guest]

OK, so I'm definitely going to pick up a H4 lamp (to be safe), and I'm honestly really excited. I've never had decent lighting on a motorbike. Does this mean I could *gulp* actually ride at night??

HOWEVER, if I only have a 7" headlight bucket, what sort of mounting pieces do I need to pick up to interface the new light with the bucket?

Which year & version GS1000 do you have?

 

[FLATout?]

I have a 1980 GS1000. Not sure if E/EC/C. Has a 7" headlight bucket that is the same as the one is this fleaBay ad.

Are the headlight-to-rim mounts standardized? Also are the 3-bolt pattern rim-to-bucket mounts standardized?

 

[Guest]

I have a 1980 GS1000. Not sure if E/EC/C. Has a 7" headlight bucket that is the same as the one is this fleaBay ad.

Are the headlight-to-rim mounts standardized? Also are the 3-bolt pattern rim-to-bucket mounts standardized?

The 1980 GS1000E headlight parts diagram is here:
http://www.buymotorcycleparts.com/suzuki_parts.htm#/Suzuki_Motor_of_America%2c_Inc/GS1000E_(1980)/HEADLAMP/02310001/5602310022

You have the bucket, which is part #18 in the diagram.

You can use any headlight that uses the same rim, which is part # 1 in the diagram & Suzuki part # 35111-45600
The list of bikes in the eBay listing that you found looks pretty complete.

Don't get an "L" model headlight, they are smaller than yours.

 

[Nessism]

I believe all GS1000's came stock with a 7" 4H type lamp. Lots of good bulbs on the market. A Silverstar is quite popular. I believe the number is 9003.

 

[FLATout?]

Thanks, Jabcb. That website has all of the info I need for parts, however those parts seem to be brand-spanking-new. Now I'm one to drool over NOS parts, but over $200 (with part 3) for the headlight mounting assembly seems a touch steep.

Now that I know exactly what I need I suppose I should just ask: does anyone have the headlight-to-bucket mounting assembly (exploded view)? Condition does not matter.

Also, I made a wanted ad!