1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
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- hybrid455
- Cast Iron Member
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- Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:55 am
- Location: Albuquerque, NM USA
1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
I spent some time searching the archives but the most recent post I found was 2016 for a what was apparently a Vetter equipped machine. My sulfur yellow clone project is nearing completion and I have been thinking about added visibility with a headlight upgrade. My bike has been restored to naked status and there is very little room in the bucket due to the fistful of wires behind the bulb. It does have a H-4 type lens and bulb. I do not believe this is original but I had one. I think the original Honda sealed beam was very shallow in depth compared to the H-4 lens or a 7" Automotive application. The H-4 lens was difficult to get into the bucket due to all the wire connects. I think the automotive application I have read about would prove nearly impossible to fit in the original bucket without finding some more room in the bucket.
Does anyone know of a proven upgrade for a projector LED or HID set up? I like the look of the Halos, does anyone have personal experience with a mod like this? Does anyone have a solution for the absence of available space in an OEM bucket?
Does anyone know of a proven upgrade for a projector LED or HID set up? I like the look of the Halos, does anyone have personal experience with a mod like this? Does anyone have a solution for the absence of available space in an OEM bucket?
Last edited by hybrid455 on Tue Nov 20, 2018 10:38 am, edited 1 time in total.
Projects
75 GL1000
77 GL1000
1976 GL1000A Sulfur Yellow Clone - complete
1976 GL1000 LTD - complete
75 GL1000
77 GL1000
1976 GL1000A Sulfur Yellow Clone - complete
1976 GL1000 LTD - complete
- 5speed
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Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
this is relevant to my interest as I want to do the same thing with my 76.
I haven't measured it yet to see if it would be a direct swap(keep forgetting to) but I put an LED light in my wife's 2002 shadow and there was plenty of room for it in the bucket.
I haven't measured it yet to see if it would be a direct swap(keep forgetting to) but I put an LED light in my wife's 2002 shadow and there was plenty of room for it in the bucket.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
- wog
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- Location: FL
Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
I've got one of these https://www.cyclegear.com/parts/speedme ... ersion-kit installed in a '78 (plastic bucket). Love the brightness, but did need to cut out the rear of the bucket and notch for the cable...
Not sure how it would be cutting the steel earlier buckets and it does need the ventilation (has a mini fan that hums).
Good price at $50, I think I paid $90-$100.
Might buy another now for my "current" build.
Good price at $50, I think I paid $90-$100.
Might buy another now for my "current" build.
Great to keep these old 'Wings flying on down the road.
- hybrid455
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- Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:55 am
- Location: Albuquerque, NM USA
Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
I also found this link from a post that Whiskerfish did in 2016.wog wrote:I've got one of these https://www.cyclegear.com/parts/speedme ... ersion-kit installed in a '78 (plastic bucket). Love the brightness, but did need to cut out the rear of the bucket and notch for the cable...
https://www.xenondepot.com/H4-Xtreme-LE ... -h4-mc.htm
It looks similar to the one you posted. I wondered how long the cable was. It might be nice to try and stow away the ballast under the shelter cover.
Last edited by hybrid455 on Tue Nov 20, 2018 9:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
Projects
75 GL1000
77 GL1000
1976 GL1000A Sulfur Yellow Clone - complete
1976 GL1000 LTD - complete
75 GL1000
77 GL1000
1976 GL1000A Sulfur Yellow Clone - complete
1976 GL1000 LTD - complete
-
- Titanium Member
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- Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2011 12:33 pm
- Location: Goatpoop ,florida
Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
Can't suggest a sealed beam,etc,but this Emgo copy of a Lucas headlight shell has room in it. I had no stock mounts,and made these to clear the '77 steering lock and guages.
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Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
Lucas copy on home- built mounts.
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- LuckyEddie
- Billet Alum. Member
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- Location: Middleville, MI.
Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
I put a newer style Yamaha H4 in my 76, clear glass with parabolic reflectors in the back.Works great.
Here is a pic of the box with numbers, no longer made, check eBay. A pic of headlight on the bike. And of course, the headlight runs through a relay. That on it's own makes a huge difference.
This baby really lights up the night.
Here is a pic of the box with numbers, no longer made, check eBay. A pic of headlight on the bike. And of course, the headlight runs through a relay. That on it's own makes a huge difference.
This baby really lights up the night.
LuckyEddie
1978 GL1000 Supercharged (Avitar)
1976 GL1000
1980 XS1100LG
1982 XV750J
1981 XV920RH
1978 GL1000 Supercharged (Avitar)
1976 GL1000
1980 XS1100LG
1982 XV750J
1981 XV920RH
-
- True Blue Steel Biker
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Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
According to cyclemax this LED headlight will fit all gl1000’s and it is great quality and performance for less than 60 bucks. I have no personal experience with it.
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Dave
1975 GL 1000
1980 XS650
1981 ct110
1972 F7 KAW 175
2000 moby blaze 40cc
Chihuahua (Ellie)
Chihuahua #2(Blaze)
1975 GL 1000
1980 XS650
1981 ct110
1972 F7 KAW 175
2000 moby blaze 40cc
Chihuahua (Ellie)
Chihuahua #2(Blaze)
- hybrid455
- Cast Iron Member
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:55 am
- Location: Albuquerque, NM USA
Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
That's a great look. I like it! How deep does the lens extend into the bucket?LuckyEddie wrote:I put a newer style Yamaha H4 in my 76, clear glass with parabolic reflectors in the back.Works great.
Projects
75 GL1000
77 GL1000
1976 GL1000A Sulfur Yellow Clone - complete
1976 GL1000 LTD - complete
75 GL1000
77 GL1000
1976 GL1000A Sulfur Yellow Clone - complete
1976 GL1000 LTD - complete
- LuckyEddie
- Billet Alum. Member
- Posts: 216
- Joined: Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:42 am
- Location: Middleville, MI.
Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
Normal dimensions.
LuckyEddie
1978 GL1000 Supercharged (Avitar)
1976 GL1000
1980 XS1100LG
1982 XV750J
1981 XV920RH
1978 GL1000 Supercharged (Avitar)
1976 GL1000
1980 XS1100LG
1982 XV750J
1981 XV920RH
-
- Platinum Member
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- Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2012 8:25 pm
- Location: Rhode Island/Vermont
Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
Why/how does the relay make a big difference?LuckyEddie wrote:I put a newer style Yamaha H4 in my 76, clear glass with parabolic reflectors in the back.Works great.
Here is a pic of the box with numbers, no longer made, check eBay.
And of course, the headlight runs through a relay. That on it's own makes a huge difference.
This baby really lights up the night.
78 GL1000 Original Owner 131k
- LuckyEddie
- Billet Alum. Member
- Posts: 216
- Joined: Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:42 am
- Location: Middleville, MI.
Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
It takes the electrical load off of the starter switch as that is the supply route for the headlight.
LuckyEddie
1978 GL1000 Supercharged (Avitar)
1976 GL1000
1980 XS1100LG
1982 XV750J
1981 XV920RH
1978 GL1000 Supercharged (Avitar)
1976 GL1000
1980 XS1100LG
1982 XV750J
1981 XV920RH
-
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 1625
- Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2012 8:25 pm
- Location: Rhode Island/Vermont
Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
Thanks.LuckyEddie wrote:It takes the electrical load off of the starter switch as that is the supply route for the headlight.
78 GL1000 Original Owner 131k
- hybrid455
- Cast Iron Member
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:55 am
- Location: Albuquerque, NM USA
Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
If I understand it correctly due to the design of the factory circuit there is a voltage drop before power finally finds is way to the headlight bulb. Adding a fused power supply directly from the battery while utilizing factory wiring to control a high and low beam pair of relays allows a more stable and slightly higher voltage to the headlight.SnoBrdr wrote: Why/how does the relay make a big difference?
Projects
75 GL1000
77 GL1000
1976 GL1000A Sulfur Yellow Clone - complete
1976 GL1000 LTD - complete
75 GL1000
77 GL1000
1976 GL1000A Sulfur Yellow Clone - complete
1976 GL1000 LTD - complete
- LuckyEddie
- Billet Alum. Member
- Posts: 216
- Joined: Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:42 am
- Location: Middleville, MI.
Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?
I used just one relay by tapping into the circuit before the high/low beam switch on each of my wings.
LuckyEddie
1978 GL1000 Supercharged (Avitar)
1976 GL1000
1980 XS1100LG
1982 XV750J
1981 XV920RH
1978 GL1000 Supercharged (Avitar)
1976 GL1000
1980 XS1100LG
1982 XV750J
1981 XV920RH
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