1977 GT500B headlight

[oldjapanesebikes]

This has been covered previously, but I wanted to double check the part numbers. My sealed beam has burned out and the 6 inch bulb (35121-18620) is NLA - it was only used on the 1976/1977 GT500 and GT250's here in NA, and is a Stanley 001-1466, 12V/30W/30W fixture. A lot of options were listed in the previous posts, but as a double check:

- all the options require changing the headlamp ring and mounting hardware ?
- the W12-1076 option is a replacement for the Suzuki GS headlamp unit 35121-45230 and is a 6 inch unit and also requires a new headlamp ring (35111-45231) ?
- what is the wattage of the H4 replacement units ? I'm concerned about draw and want to stay with a 30/30 or 35/35 unit rather than something brighter.

I'd prefer to reuse the headlight rim I have as I just had it rechromed last year , so I am also just considering cutting the back out of the reflector and installing a new bulb so as to allow me to reuse all the fittings I already have.

Thx !

[Suzsmokeyallan]

Ian if you can cut out the back and get the correct socket from another old reflector to fit onto the back of yours for a conventional bulb, I'd go for that as my first option.
An H4 60/55 Halogen bulb will drain all the juice from a stock GT500 charging system even if you change all the other bulbs to LEDs.
There were two styles of the Stanley bulbs in the 35/35 wattage you are looking for, one with a ring having three slotted holes like the T500 used or one with a ring having three protuding ears.

[jabcb]

Have a T500M, which has the same headlight bucket at the GT500. Bucket is 51810-30000.
I'm using the GS H4 headlight + rim (35121-45230 & 35111-45231).

The rim & small parts are still available from Suzuki.
The H4 headlight, 35121-45230, looks to be NLA from Suzuki. I got one from eBay.

Don't know anything about part W12-1076, so I can't help you on that.

H4s are available in 35/35W & 45/45W.

I'm using a 45/45W + a modern regulator/rectifier & haven't had any problems. Modern regulator/rectifiers are a littler more efficient than the vintage parts & provide a smidgen more output for the headlight.

But the T500 & GT500 have different alternators, so your experience might differ.

[H2RICK]

I'm concerned about draw and want to stay with a 30/30 or 35/35 unit rather than something brighter.

As posted above, H4 bulbs are available in 35/35 watt values and maybe, IIRC, in 30/30 watt too.
I'd have to check to confirm the 30 watt thing, though.

[oldjapanesebikes]

Ian if you can cut out the back and get the correct socket from another old reflector to fit onto the back of yours for a conventional bulb, I'd go for that as my first option......There were two styles of the Stanley bulbs in the 35/35 wattage you are looking for, one with a ring having three slotted holes like the T500 used or one with a ring having three protruding ears.

That is the route I'm tending towards - and the style of sealed beam I have is the second one with the three tabs. As the reflector is steel, modifying it to hold a low wattage H4 bulb should be doable.

[Suzsmokeyallan]

If you can get the lower wattage H4 bulb and you dont have a socket, I have an H4 reflector I can send you the mid section with the bracket on it.
Either way will see you cutting out the centre of your present bucket.

[oldjapanesebikes]

If you can get the lower wattage H4 bulb and you dont have a socket, I have an H4 reflector I can send you the mid section with the bracket on it.

Thanks Allan - I have a few bits arriving in the next short while so probably best I wait and see how that works first - I may get back to you.

[rbond]

Ian, on my GT500 I put the ring/light from a GS400 on it. Same wattage, had an adapter already on it, so it plugged into stock wiring harness. The GS ring uses independent springs to hold sealed beam in place, so any aftermarket lights will drop in. There is an aftermarket same wattage, light available and I have seen a H4 in that size and wattage also available. On the GS ring, the top center tab has to be bent down slightly to fit the stock shell. More options!!

[oldjapanesebikes]

Many thanks to those who replied for their input.

Just to close this thread, what I ended up doing is using a GS550 bulb unit which fit my GT500 chrome ring OK and is shared across several small displacement GS models (has the three mounting tabs I needed) and then picked up a 35/35W H4 bulb locally.

Now if it ever stops raining, I'm good to go !

[jabcb]

Interesting. Do you know what year GS550 the headlight was from?

[oldjapanesebikes]

Interesting. Do you know what year GS550 the headlight was from?

Supposedly 1982.