I don't think this is a farkle but more an necessary upgrade. The stock headlight is a 7" sealed beam halogen bulb. Not a bad choice but it does make it less convenient to carry a spare headlight. This is a shot of the back of the stock headlight and you can see that the bulb itself cannot be replaced. ChrisL mentioned in a
blog post that he replaced the stock Ural sealed beam with an H4 light. A little searching on Amazon produced a Hella H4 unit that is DOT approved for street use in motorcycles.
One screw at the bottom of the headlight freed the trim ring with the headlight held in with 3 spring clips. Simply popped of the clips, replace the sealed beam with the Hella unit and re-install the clips. It came with a 60/55W halogen bulb and is probably at least a good as the stock headlight. I'm not expecting magic just prefer being able to replace just the bulb and not the entire unit when it burns out. And I still plan to move the LED fog and driving lights from the Beemer. I'm waiting for some brackets. All I need to do now is aim the light.
After this week's chilly morning rides (40°F and rainy), I wanted to install the outlet for the heated gear. I had previously picked up the Gerbings outlet to install on the Beemer last winter but I lost it. It surfaced this spring while straightening up the garage. The Ural doesn't really have a dashboard besides the speedometer surround so it was kind of difficult to find a place to install the outlet and switches for the headlight, fog and driving lights.
Posted with Blogsy
Hmmm the headlight is functional and sparkly - does that make it a farkle? Nice that you can just replace a bulb if it goes out and not an entire light.
ReplyDeleteIf you are looking for heat, come to Corvallis, we are heading into a week in the 90's.
I was somewhat surprised that these days they didn't already use an H4 headlight. Even the '83 Beemer has the Bosch version of the light which is why I have spare bulbs lying around.
DeleteAnd, no, I'm not looking for heat though 40°F in July is on the cold side.
On Valencia, my 2011, it was still a sealed headlight, I've not looked at Scarlett's yet but have the upgraded headlight housing from Valencia for what that time comes. I rigged a SAE connector pigtail to the battery, and hook up heated gear just aft of the left side cover, works for me; even though I can't recall the last time I wore my heated vest.
ReplyDeleteI figured that summer would be a better time for replacing the headlight as the rubber dust/moisture shield on the back of the light tends to get a little stiff in the cold.
DeleteThe Gerbings coax plug is easier to deal with in the cold and last winter, I used the heated gear just about every day. With the Ural, I expect to be using it anytime below 40°F due to less faring.
I like how you are getting prepared though I don't like the thought that soon it will be time for us to say goodbye to perfect temperatures and plug in the heat, or even worse put it into storage (Sorry, just can't convince myself to ride in all the weather all the time.) This summer has been what I would call ideal here. I've worn the jacket, never had to peel off to the mesh and only had the grips on for a couple of miles of rainy and cool.
ReplyDeleteJust thought I'd get ready before I need it. I'm still trying to figure out whether heated grips are needed. I just ordered winter tires as I can get them now easier than later. And studs haven't been ordered yet. I'm not really looking forward to winter but that's not going to keep it from happening.
DeleteI was told that teachers will be starting in around three weeks. That really sounds like the end of summer...
Just barely enough room to tuck that outlet in but it fits there, seemingly just fine. I always feel a bit guilty about not being more concerned about better lighting. I try really hard to avoid night riding these days so my lighting systems, even the 6 volters, are adequate.
ReplyDeleteSummer's passing bit me too....it came up the other day about this coming weekend's MG rally in Wisconsin, sneaking up on me because it happens "in late summer..... August..."
These days are precious but then I guess they all are, right?
For years, I really didn't bother with additional lighting until I put on the sidecar. At that point, riding in the dark became almost inevitable. Lighting not only for being seen but also to see. Especially the moose standing on the sides of the road waiting for a vehicle to come by to decide that they NEED to be on the other side of the road like now...
Delete