Converting single headlight to dual

[Longrower]

I now have had three people mention to me that one of my headlights is burned out.

OK, the C650GT has two bulbs, one for regular lighting and the second for high-beam only. Anyone heard of any kind of adaptation that would convert this system to one similar to sport bikes' configuration of two regular beam lights each with internal high-beams.

I cannot fathom why BMW would revert to a system that my 2006 Honda 250 Reflex had (with similar "helpful" comments from onlookers and motorists), when more modern systems feature dual lights for both regular and high-beams.

Thanks in advance for any advice or leads.

 

[JaimeC]

Not sure which sport bikes you're talking about. It looks like damned near ALL manufacturers are making their lights work this way these days. Like you, I think it looks pretty stupid and I can't help but wonder how much better it would be both for your visibility and the drivers around you if both lights were on all the time.

I'm sure there's something in the CANBUS circuitry that would sense the power draw was not in line with programmed expectancy if you did the conversion improperly, and it would shut the bike down "to prevent further problems." That's the problem with these modern bikes; you need an engineering degree to make the simplest changes.

 

[Snowdog]

You could always add your own circuit and bypass the canbus altogether.This could be simple to more complicated depending on your requirements.

I have never had anyone comment to me about this, and don't think I would make this mod if they did.

Although, I have had people tell me I forgot to turn my head light off as I walk away from my Sport.

Of course, you could just leave the high beam on, they are both the same bulbs.

 

[toomuchvinyl]

I have had people tell me I had a light out as well. I usually have the high beam on too just to hopefully be more visible. I'd really like to have accessory driving lights but am unsure if it would if that would result in punishment from the CANBUS Gods.

 

[Snowdog]

I have had people tell me I had a light out as well. I usually have the high beam on too just to hopefully be more visible. I'd really like to have accessory driving lights but am unsure if it would if that would result in punishment from the CANBUS Gods.

Put in a bypass circuit.

 

[Colin J Monteith]

Consider one of the relays/hubs which utilize a switched component - that way you don't risk running the battery flat if the directly wired component is left on. I used a a Denali Pwerhub from Twisted Throttle for 3 items and never upset the CANBUS.

 

[exavid]

If it's day time riding you're mostly concerned with consider a headlight modulator. That way you'd be using both bulbs since a modulator is normally used on the high beam. It's also a very good safety item, really makes the bike stand out in traffic, helps prevent some cager saying, "I just didn't see hime".

 

[SteveADV]

Isn't the daytime lighting on the '16s dual? The one light is a little goofy.

 

[Spdrush]

I had the dealer's wife who works at the dealer tell me one headlight was out.

Rather than some complicated fix I ride with the bright lamp on at the switch during the day so that I can be seen more easily.

 

[exavid]

Some states recommend motorcyclists use high beam during the daytime for safety. I know that recommendation is in the Washington state rider's manual.

 

[hardright]

I've had my share of motorists and bikers tell me I have a light out. I tell them it's a European way. The other light is the high beam. They nod with new found knowledge.

 

[Longrower]

Sigh. I have to say I agree with the simpler approach; wish there was a firmware mod that would turn on both as lo-beam during daylight riding. Oh well, hi-beam on during daylight hours is smart riding in any case.

And today I finally figured out what the term "cager" represented. Just needed a bit more context to "get it". I've been riding two-wheel motorized bikes for over fifty years, and am still learning!