1994 K75s Headlight Out But Flasher Mode Works

[TechPoet]

A month ago the standard beam died, so I rode on high beams for awhile (limited night riding :/)

Now both low and high beam is dead but

1. why does the Flasher still work? (Press headlight button fully down rather than middle (low) or up (high beam)?

And,

2. I assume I just need to order the bulb?  (#10 on this fiche)
http://www.ascycles.com/Illustrated_catalog2/MicroList.aspx?id=51745&catID=&catname=&bindName=Headlight&bindCat=63_1275

[Inge K.]

I would guess you have burnt contacts in the LHS switch assy (quite common problem on the old K's).
 
To verify, disconnect the switch assy, the connector you find under the tank, LHS side, 8 pole.
Input is a white/yellow wire, output is a yellow wire (low beam), white wire (high beam).
Try to bridge the input and each of the outputs at the harness side, to see if it makes a difference.

Add headlight relays, to avoid this problem in the future..............search Eastern Beaver.

[TechPoet]

Ok. I think I can find that (see attached image) but not sure what "bridge" means.

Would it be "make a connection between the two points using a conductive material"?

And if the headlight (low and/or bright) shines, then it's the handlebar switch?

[thank for your response from Norway... wow this interweb thing!]

[Inge K.]

Would it be "make a connection between the two points using a conductive material"?

Correct.

And if the headlight (low and/or bright) shines, then it's the handlebar switch?

Also correct.

Test both the low beam and the high beam circuit.
Low: Connect white/yellow wire contact to yellow wire contact.
High: Connect white/yellow wire contact to white wire contact.

[TechPoet]

I tested it and you were correct. I was able to verify that both low and high beams work when "bridged" this way. Now what?

Is it usually the switch contacts on the handlebar or the leads in the plug of the switch assembly?

Do I replace this "combination switch left" ?
http://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/1993-bmw-k75/o/m83#sch349406

[K75RT Keith]

Your choices are simple.  Dig through the Liberry and find the instructions to rebuild the switch assembly.  Or, buy a new switch.  Buying a used one is a 50/50 shot at getting one that's bad.

When you fix this issue, add a headlight relay.  It will extend the life of your next switch

[Elipten]

Headlight relay kit can be had from Eastern Beaver if you want the fast, quality route.

[Glacial]

Which of the Eastern Beaver H4 relay kits is best for the K75S?

[Elipten]

Just write Jim, he will take care of you.  That is what I did.  Top quality equipment, great service, arrives at your door no hassle.  Some guys are sensitive about the price, but you get the quality in my experience.

[K75RT Keith]

Do I replace this "combination switch left" ?
http://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/1993-bmw-k75/o/m83#sch349406
[/quote]

Yes, This is the item you need to order. .

[Inge K.]

Or if you're a bit handy, you dismantle the switch (watch out for tiny springs) and clean the contacts.....
sometimes that is all that is needed.

If contact points is to much burnt, or have "sinked" into the plastic because of the heat...you can build up
the contact points again with solder.....easy, so you don't melt the plastic.

As earlier mentioned, add headlight relays.....if you build up the contact points it's even more important.

[TechPoet]

To rebuild up the contacts... I guess I could buy a soldering iron but... would rather not. I will try the cleaning process. Any suggestions on cleaning solution?

Found a good set of instructions for K75 headlight switch (left hand side) dis-assembly:
http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/bvogel/hi-low_beam_switch/

For now I have hacked a solution by jamming a wire between the white wire and the yellow one inside the switch assembly on the opposite side of the rocker (yellow) which changes the low to high. I think I'm on permanent low beam for now unless I flash! Am hoping for no side effects!

[Uffda]

Not sure if this is the same problem you are describing but here is a link to my photo of a bridged switch that I was (thankfully) able to fix by cutting away the solder bridge.  Followed up that fix by installing the E Beaver relay and I have had no problems since then.  Good luck with yours.
http://www.motobrick.com/index.php?topic=5960.msg39092#msg39092