Headlight Hazing

[stokester]

I noticed today that the headlight on one of my K75Ss looks to have a light film or hazing inside the lamp.

Before I take it out, is there a way to clean it or do I need to look for a replacement?

[Laitch]

Here's a method from K1300S—Reply#5.

[stokester]

Here's a method from K1300S—Reply#5.

Thanks, I'll have to give it a try.

[BrickDad]

Here's a method from K1300S—Reply#5.

My K75 headlight was noticeably hazed on the inside glass surface when I bought it in 2019.  One sunny day soon after purchase, I took the bike's headlight out in the parking lot of the hotel I was staying at, disassembled the back shell from the circular headlight chrome rim, and, looking at MaxBMW's parts fiche, carefully pulled off and laid out all the wire "dogleg" springs that hold the two main glass parts of the headlight together.  Presto - I had the headlight glass face in my hand and gave its inside a good cleaning with the hotel cleaning supplies.  The white cotton Windex-soaked rag was NASTY afterwards!  Then I carefully reassembled the two glass parts, and used the wire dogleg springs to put the retaining mechanism back together, and etc etc.  It took me a good 40+ minutes but the day was sunny and I sure got a bunch of comments from hotel passersby haha.  The key is to lay out the wire dogleg springs in a row as you take each one off, and match them exactly where each had been to keep the assembled tension equal... just be meticulous and take your time.  I rode the bike across the US that trip, coast to coast... I have yet to get a leak inside the headlight.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

My K75 headlight was noticeably hazed on the inside glass surface when I bought it in 2019.  One sunny day soon after purchase, I took the bike's headlight out in the parking lot of the hotel I was staying at, disassembled the back shell from the circular headlight chrome rim, and, looking at MaxBMW's parts fiche, carefully pulled off and laid out all the wire "dogleg" springs that hold the two main glass parts of the headlight together.  Presto - I had the headlight glass face in my hand and gave its inside a good cleaning with the hotel cleaning supplies.  The white cotton Windex-soaked rag was NASTY afterwards!  Then I carefully reassembled the two glass parts, and used the wire dogleg springs to put the retaining mechanism back together, and etc etc.  It took me a good 40+ minutes but the day was sunny and I sure got a bunch of comments from hotel passersby haha.  The key is to lay out the wire dogleg springs in a row as you take each one off, and match them exactly where each had been to keep the assembled tension equal... just be meticulous and take your time.  I rode the bike across the US that trip, coast to coast... I have yet to get a leak inside the headlight.

Unfortunately, the headlight assembly for the K75S has the glass lens glued to the shell so it can't be removed.  To clean the lens you have to go in through the hole for the bulb and then be very careful not to have anything rub on the reflector which will cause it to haze and scatter the light.   

[BrickDad]

Unfortunately, the headlight assembly for the K75S has the glass lens glued to the shell so it can't be removed.  To clean the lens you have to go in through the hole for the bulb and then be very careful not to have anything rub on the reflector which will cause it to haze and scatter the light.

Hey Gryphon,

Yeah you are on point as usual... I didn't notice the S.  Shame on me for inattention to detail.  Only on my 1st coffee this morning.

Maybe my method will help someone with a standard round headlight.

[jad01]

On headlights with removable bulbs, I have had good success removing the headlight from the vehicle, removing the bulb, pouring a little 70% (or 90% if I have any on hand) rubbing alcohol into the light housing, swirling it around with the lens pointed downward, empty, repeat, let dry (with the lens pointed upward), reassemble.  The alcohol may leave some spots on the inside of the lens, but not enough to pose a problem or be noticeable (to me at least).