set of halogen bulbs

[Silver Fox 55]

Hi Guys

Does anyone know if there is a full set of halogen bulbs that can be bought, in the UK, for the F800GT, if so, where from?

Malc

[DJ123]

IIRC they are a standard H7 fitment for Low & high beam, so anywhere sells those. I recommend the Osram Nightbreaker bulbs - Amazon generally have a good price on these (about £20 for the set). A good powerful beam and light spread, the life span is pretty good too.

[chris f]

The GT uses standard, readily available H7 12volt 55W bulbs for both dip and main beams of headlight.
Both the GT and its predecessor ST are notorious for short life of the dipped beam bulb. Bosch sell an H7 long life bulb, claiming "up to 3x life" compared to standard H7. I have used these with success on 3 different F800's.
If you are a newcomer to the GT, be aware that changing the dipped beam bulb is awkward due to limited access and the plastic pivot for the bulb retaining clip is prone to breaking. Plenty of advice on forum re bulb change technique and repair if pivot breaks. Try a forum search.

[DJ123]

If you use cheap bulbs, you'll have a shorter life. Buy a decent/branded bulb and you'll get years of life out of them (i've not changed mine in 2 years).

[Silver Fox 55]

Thanks guys

As I am all fingers and thumbs and would almost certainly break the clip, I'll probably get the local garage to fit them for me.

Malc

[RobA]

Hello Silver Fox (Malc). I'm not far away from you in Rugby. I have used these people in the past for long-life and halogen bulbs: www.abd.co.uk

Best wishes,

Rob.

[Bogbody]

All the bulbs are standard and readily availible in the UK.
If you 've not changed a headlight bulb take care first time.
The clip is fiddly and breaks far too easily.
Its then a couple of hours to take the headlight assembly off and fix the clip.

[Right Hand Drive]

Malc, as said by others, the GT uses standard automotive bulbs. I am lucky to have led indicators and rear light, so I only carry one spare H7 headlight bulb with me when touring. On both cars and bikes, I've found in the past that an OE bulb (although more expensive) tends to last longer than any bulbs you can buy from accessory shops. Others have had a different experience but the original bulb on my previous GT lasted 5 years. It blew just as I got off the ferry from a European tour. I had to pass by my dealer on the way home so just dropped in and they changed it for me. I don't know what they do different to us but the bulb was changed in a couple of minutes (without breaking the clip) and I was on my way. One good tip. If the dipped beam goes out on the road, switch to main beam and flip the load compensator height adjuster down. This will lower the main beam so it doesn't dazzle anyone.

[PhotoAl]

I went thru three bulbs in a short period they would last about 6,000 miles. They were all name brand hight quality bulbs but the vibrations shook them to death. Bought a couple of Sylvania long life bulbs, never used the second one as the first didn't go out in over 10,000 miles. The Sylvania long life bulbs are used in some Suburus which apparently have vibration issues and are tough on bulbs.

[Silver Fox 55]

Hi Guys

Thanks for all your replies.

It seems like that the halogen bulbs can be quite a pain in the a**e.

When I start the bike, the right hand bulb lights up on low beam and the left hand bulb is not until I switch to main beam,
then both bulbs are on but only the left hand bulb in on main beam, that cannot be right surely.

Malc

[chris f]

Hi Guys

Thanks for all your replies.

It seems like that the halogen bulbs can be quite a pain in the a**e.

When I start the bike, the right hand bulb lights up on low beam and the left hand bulb is not until I switch to main beam,
then both bulbs are on but only the left hand bulb in on main beam, that cannot be right surely.

Malc

Your bike is working as designed

[Bogbody]

One lamp is dipped beam - that comes on when the engine is started.
The other lamp is main beam - opetated by the flash/dip switch on the left switchgear.
The dipped lamp stays on all the time, main beam can be switched off/on.
Its working as intended.

[DJ123]

Hi Guys

Thanks for all your replies.

It seems like that the halogen bulbs can be quite a pain in the a**e.

When I start the bike, the right hand bulb lights up on low beam and the left hand bulb is not until I switch to main beam,
then both bulbs are on but only the left hand bulb in on main beam, that cannot be right surely.

Malc

BMW design function over form. Dedicated bulb for each job - not a combined set up which is then compromised either way.

At night on an unlit road they're as good as a decent set of car headlights on highbeam.

[Silver Fox 55]

Thanks guys, for all your help.

It's the first time I have come across set up, most of my bikes have been of the Japanese variety.

I am getting a travel kit together, in case my trip to Greece on my bike goes ahead (unlikely I know). Unlike my 4 week tour of the Himalayas last August on a Royal Enfield that was cancelled due Covid

Malc