Author Topic: Question - I suspect H4 socket for BMW same as for Guzzi, so .....  (Read 1163 times)

Offline ohiorider

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Anyway, looking for information. 

The H4 bulb on my 26 year old Beemer is extremely difficult to access.  It is difficult to get one hand into the socket.  I was able to remove the three prong plug, followed by the rubber boot.  At this point I was able to loosen the wire clamp that holds the H4 in place.  Unfortunately, the wire clamp came loose from the socket.  I did remove the bulb, but find it nearly impossible to install the new H4 bulb.

I think I may have broken the 26 year old H4 socket.

Does anyone know, from experience with either older Beemers or Guzzis, whether the wire clip is supposed to stay attached to the H4 socket, or if it is normal for it to become loose and fall away from the socket?

I'm afraid bulb replacement may result in me having to totally remove lots of parts including the small fairing on the 1991 R100GS.  At this point, I may simply turn this fiddly (supposedly simple) task over to a good BMW mechanic.

Sad day when I have to admit I can't change a head light bulb!  This is a two hand job with one hand access.  Crap!

Bob
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
2014 Honda CB1100 (Traded Nov 2019)
New:  2016 Triumph T120 (Traded Dec 2021)
New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

Offline rodekyll

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Re: Question - I suspect H4 socket for BMW same as for Guzzi, so .....
« Reply #1 on: February 23, 2017, 06:44:07 PM »
The wire bale for many designs detaches completely.  It's reasonable that yours could, too.  Find another, or a picture of one, and get familiar enough with it to do the assembly one-handed, without looking.

Offline ohiorider

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Re: Question - I suspect H4 socket for BMW same as for Guzzi, so .....
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2017, 07:50:55 PM »
The wire bale for many designs detaches completely.  It's reasonable that yours could, too.  Find another, or a picture of one, and get familiar enough with it to do the assembly one-handed, without looking.
I'll give it a try, David, though I don't think I'm that talented. But maybe.

Hope you're enjoying being in the other end of the country this winter. Quite an adventure, I'm thinking, riding that lovely trike you built all the way from Alaska to Texas.

Bob
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
2014 Honda CB1100 (Traded Nov 2019)
New:  2016 Triumph T120 (Traded Dec 2021)
New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

Offline guzzista

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Re: Question - I suspect H4 socket for BMW same as for Guzzi, so .....
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2017, 08:46:54 PM »
If the headlight assembly on the 91 GS is  the the larger Bosch ( glass lense diameter  approx 8.25 inches when measured off the housing), then the reflector diameter would  be just shy of 7 and 3/4 inches) The one I  am measuring as we speak reads  :1 305 504 944 . The clip or bale as RK called it, should easily be unclipped with one hand . The one I got here does not have a removable clip  at least without bending or light butchery. PM me  a email addy and I will send a pic or 2
« Last Edit: February 23, 2017, 08:49:05 PM by guzzista »
1975 750S Tribute bike, 1994 Cali 1100, 2007 Ducati GT1000, 1983 SP1000, 1973 V7Sport project, 2017 California1400 Touring

 

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