Installing an airhead headlight.

[kmisterk]

OK, the reasoning behind the move was:

1. Improve access to the fuses.
2. Replace existing additional in line fuses with enclosed fuses in the same location.
3. Update from old 'European' ceramic fuses to modern blade fuses.
4. Route as much of the wiring away from the steering head as possible.
5. Retain original wiring without modification in case I want to return to stock at a later date.

Rob

Sorry to resuscitate a dead thread, but I'm curious: Did this installation ever cause you issues, Rob?

[Zombie Master]

One of the problems you can have installing the headlight into the shell is the arrangement of spring clips that hold the glass lens to the rim. They can get in the way if not spaced properly. When you install the rim onto the headlight shell, the bottom screw attachment should line up and screw in easily without any pressure needed to hold it in place. If it doesn't something is in the way.

[Rob Frankham]

OK, the reasoning behind the move was:

1. Improve access to the fuses.
2. Replace existing additional in line fuses with enclosed fuses in the same location.
3. Update from old 'European' ceramic fuses to modern blade fuses.
4. Route as much of the wiring away from the steering head as possible.
5. Retain original wiring without modification in case I want to return to stock at a later date.

Rob

Sorry to resuscitate a dead thread, but I'm curious: Did this installation ever cause you issues, Rob?

Hi,

No I've not had any issues with this. FWIW, I've done a similar exercise in my Mono R80RT, not because of the headlamp issue obviously because the OEM fusebox is under the seat but simply to get extra fused circuits and do away with the ceramic euro fuses. In this case, the new fusebox is hidden away in the left hand glove box. Again, no issues.

One irony is that one of the main triggers for the first 'mod' was that I was starting to find it difficult to source euro style ceramic fuses. Since then, I've found a source online at next to no cost if purchased in bulk so I have dozens of them. In all, though, I'm quite happy with the installations.

Rob

[kmisterk]

Hi,

No I've not had any issues with this. FWIW, I've done a similar exercise in my Mono R80RT, not because of the headlamp issue obviously because the OEM fusebox is under the seat but simply to get extra fused circuits and do away with the ceramic euro fuses. In this case, the new fusebox is hidden away in the left hand glove box. Again, no issues.

One irony is that one of the main triggers for the first 'mod' was that I was starting to find it difficult to source euro style ceramic fuses. Since then, I've found a source online at next to no cost if purchased in bulk so I have dozens of them. In all, though, I'm quite happy with the installations.

Rob

Good to hear! I'll have to reach out if ever a fuse of mine goes bad. I don't think my bike uses the standardized blade-type fuses yet.

[melville]

Go to Bow Wow for your fuses. Same as old VW!

https://bowwowimport.com/

There should be a good VW shop south of Seattle, also. But I could probably design a nice 300ish mile route from Puyallup to Monroe that avoids I-5 and I-405. Think Tiger Mountain, Carnation and maybe even North Bend.

Practice these words with your significant other:

"Hey, hon, I've got to go to the ONLY place that has fuses for my bike. Back in a few days!"

[kmisterk]

Go to Bow Wow for your fuses. Same as old VW!

https://bowwowimport.com/

There should be a good VW shop south of Seattle, also. But I could probably design a nice 300ish mile route from Puyallup to Monroe that avoids I-5 and I-405. Think Tiger Mountain, Carnation and maybe even North Bend.

Practice these words with your significant other:

"Hey, hon, I've got to go to the ONLY place that has fuses for my bike. Back in a few days!"

haha, it would actually be more like "Hey hon, I know where we're going for our next weekend getaway! Pack light, we're taking the bike!"

That route sounds amazing! Do you have a Rever account, by chance?

Thanks for the recommendation! I'll ask around my local VW enthusiast cliques (I used to own an older jetta, and still have contacts within that circle of influence) and see where some of the mkI mkII peeps get some of their fuses.

[melville]

Go to Bow Wow for your fuses. Same as old VW!

https://bowwowimport.com/

There should be a good VW shop south of Seattle, also. But I could probably design a nice 300ish mile route from Puyallup to Monroe that avoids I-5 and I-405. Think Tiger Mountain, Carnation and maybe even North Bend.

Practice these words with your significant other:

"Hey, hon, I've got to go to the ONLY place that has fuses for my bike. Back in a few days!"

haha, it would actually be more like "Hey hon, I know where we're going for our next weekend getaway! Pack light, we're taking the bike!"

That route sounds amazing! Do you have a Rever account, by chance?

Thanks for the recommendation! I'll ask around my local VW enthusiast cliques (I used to own an older jetta, and still have contacts within that circle of influence) and see where some of the mkI mkII peeps get some of their fuses.

Older VW than that--aircooled! I have no idea what kind of fuses wet VWs use. I also have no idea what is Rever. Feel free to enlighten me.

I started out as a bicycle mechanic in Seattle, and drove Beetles and Buses because they were affordable and simple. When I got my first Airhead, it was like my VWs and my bicycles made a baby.

[Zombie Master]

I have used kits from this site. Quality is great (all from Japan) and saves a lot of time on installation. I installed the 3 circuit kit on my dual sport bike 6 years ago and never had to look at it again.

https://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Wiri ... boxes.html

[MikeL46]

Rob, as I look at your pictures I'm reminded of why I made the first mod to my RS.

First time I hit the horn button I almost jumped off the bike. Scared me with most of the noise coming up at me. I fabricated some simple piece of fairly thin metal that fit between the upper and lowers of the RS fairing. Then the primary horn noise was reflected away from me.

Mike

[Rob]

Now, granted, the R65 was BMW's test-bed for advances. One, the wiring and most relays were located under the tank. The two standard fuses were located under the right side cover.

But, once I began adding electrical accessories to my bike, I decided to install a fuse block.
I used this one: https://www.amazon.com/HELLA-H84960091- ... 2205312004