1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

Discuss everything about Honda GoldWing. Feel free to ask any question related to GoldWing.

Moderators: CYBORG, Oldewing, robin1731, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
User avatar
hybrid455
Cast Iron Member
Cast Iron Member
Posts: 71
Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:55 am
Location: Albuquerque, NM USA

1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#1

Post by hybrid455 »

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?
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
User avatar
5speed
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 5312
Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:37 pm
Location: Nova Scotia Canada

Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#2

Post by 5speed »

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.
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)
User avatar
wog
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1766
Joined: Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:08 am
Location: FL

Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#3

Post by wog »

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...
HID H4 in 78.jpg
HID H4 in 78.jpg (114.42 KiB) Viewed 322 times
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.
Great to keep these old 'Wings flying on down the road.
User avatar
hybrid455
Cast Iron Member
Cast Iron Member
Posts: 71
Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:55 am
Location: Albuquerque, NM USA

Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#4

Post by hybrid455 »

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...
I also found this link from a post that Whiskerfish did in 2016.
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
digschopper
Titanium Member
Titanium Member
Posts: 304
Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2011 12:33 pm
Location: Goatpoop ,florida

Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#5

Post by digschopper »

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.
digschopper
Titanium Member
Titanium Member
Posts: 304
Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2011 12:33 pm
Location: Goatpoop ,florida

Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#6

Post by digschopper »

Lucas copy on home- built mounts.
Attachments
IMG_20181025_093913961.jpg
IMG_20181025_093913961.jpg (392.35 KiB) Viewed 291 times
User avatar
LuckyEddie
Billet Alum. Member
Billet Alum. Member
Posts: 216
Joined: Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:42 am
Location: Middleville, MI.

Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#7

Post by LuckyEddie »

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.
Yamaha headlight
Yamaha headlight
IMG_20180912_115322855_HDR.jpg (775.05 KiB) Viewed 251 times
A pic of headlight on the bike.
76 with Yamaha headlight
76 with Yamaha headlight
IMG_20171005_153442665.jpg (283.67 KiB) Viewed 251 times
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
Gowing
True Blue Steel Biker
True Blue Steel Biker
Posts: 2314
Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2012 10:50 am

Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#8

Post by Gowing »

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.
Attachments
9E5D67BD-B4B3-4F3D-B2C0-209B063E7567.png
9E5D67BD-B4B3-4F3D-B2C0-209B063E7567.png (791.52 KiB) Viewed 239 times
Dave

1975 GL 1000
1980 XS650
1981 ct110
1972 F7 KAW 175
2000 moby blaze 40cc
Chihuahua (Ellie)
Chihuahua #2(Blaze)
User avatar
hybrid455
Cast Iron Member
Cast Iron Member
Posts: 71
Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:55 am
Location: Albuquerque, NM USA

Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#9

Post by hybrid455 »

LuckyEddie wrote:I put a newer style Yamaha H4 in my 76, clear glass with parabolic reflectors in the back.Works great.
That's a great look. I like it! How deep does the lens extend into the bucket?
Projects
75 GL1000
77 GL1000
1976 GL1000A Sulfur Yellow Clone - complete
1976 GL1000 LTD - complete
User avatar
LuckyEddie
Billet Alum. Member
Billet Alum. Member
Posts: 216
Joined: Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:42 am
Location: Middleville, MI.

Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#10

Post by LuckyEddie »

Normal dimensions.
LuckyEddie

1978 GL1000 Supercharged (Avitar)
1976 GL1000
1980 XS1100LG
1982 XV750J
1981 XV920RH
SnoBrdr
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1625
Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2012 8:25 pm
Location: Rhode Island/Vermont

Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#11

Post by SnoBrdr »

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.
Why/how does the relay make a big difference?
78 GL1000 Original Owner 131k
User avatar
LuckyEddie
Billet Alum. Member
Billet Alum. Member
Posts: 216
Joined: Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:42 am
Location: Middleville, MI.

Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#12

Post by LuckyEddie »

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
SnoBrdr
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1625
Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2012 8:25 pm
Location: Rhode Island/Vermont

Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#13

Post by SnoBrdr »

LuckyEddie wrote:It takes the electrical load off of the starter switch as that is the supply route for the headlight.
Thanks.
78 GL1000 Original Owner 131k
User avatar
hybrid455
Cast Iron Member
Cast Iron Member
Posts: 71
Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:55 am
Location: Albuquerque, NM USA

Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#14

Post by hybrid455 »

SnoBrdr wrote: Why/how does the relay make a big difference?
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.
Projects
75 GL1000
77 GL1000
1976 GL1000A Sulfur Yellow Clone - complete
1976 GL1000 LTD - complete
User avatar
LuckyEddie
Billet Alum. Member
Billet Alum. Member
Posts: 216
Joined: Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:42 am
Location: Middleville, MI.

Re: 1976 GL1000 HEADLIGHT UPGRADE?

#15

Post by LuckyEddie »

I used just one relay by tapping into the circuit before the high/low beam switch on each of my wings.
Headlight relay
Headlight relay
IMG_20181120_230157802.jpg (752.95 KiB) Viewed 202 times
LuckyEddie

1978 GL1000 Supercharged (Avitar)
1976 GL1000
1980 XS1100LG
1982 XV750J
1981 XV920RH
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “GoldWing Tech Discussions”