BMW R1200GS LED headlight upgrade / installation

New led headlight installation for BMW R1200GS motorcycle.
Lets upgrade the headlights on this BMW R1200GS adventure bike. The stock lights are halogen, but we're changing them out to a LED headlamp. I had issues with the over-engineered internals of the original headlight coming loose and lighting the sky instead of the road. This new LED light is bright where it counts - on the road. The beam is sculpted not to blind oncoming traffic so I think it's a wonderful upgrade. The HALO parking light looks cool too!
Grab a Torx socket set, some screwdrivers, and do yours too!
Special thanks to BluePapillon88 for helping film my bike for this project. View and subscribe to his channel here - / @bluepapillon88
Here is our video of putting a new LED headlight on his BMW F700GS - • LED headlight upgrade ...
Here is our video of putting a LED headlight on a BMW F650GS - • BMW LED Headlight High...
Get your own LED headlight for your BMW motorcycle here with these affiliate links. You help support the channel with every purchase. Be sure to make sure your correct year and model is selected. Thanks!!
Start with a proper set of Torx bits -
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Torx Bit Socket Set, 12-Piece (T10-T60) | SHB91103 - amzn.to/3s9xb5i
Here's the Headlights - several vendors to choose from in case some are out of stock, and some for the other bikes too!
CPOWACE 1pc LED Headlight Assembly Compatible with BMW R1200GS and GS1200 Adventure Oil Cooler Models 2004-2012 - amzn.to/3Pm3ISE
CPOWACE LED Headlight Assembly Compatible with BMW R1200GS & Adventure 2004-2012 - amzn.to/3Lgze14
ATOPLITE LED Headlight High/Low Beam with Angel Eyes DRL Assembly Kit and Replacement Headlight For BMW R1200GS Oil Cooler before-2012 - amzn.to/3dZUVUr
1pc LED Headlight Replacement Compatible with Motorcycle BMW R1200GS and GS 1200 Adventure Oil Cooler Models 2004-2012 - amzn.to/3seBSLk
LED Headlight Assembly for F800GS, E-Mark Approved Head Light Front Lamp with High-Low Beams DRL for BMW F800GS / F800GS ADV / F800R / F700GS / F650GS Accessories - amzn.to/3mKHZFK
KUQIQI for BMW LED Headlight High/Low Beam with Angel Eyes DRL and Protection Cover Assembly Kit and Replacement Headlight Compatible with BMW F650GS/F700GS/F800GS F800ADV F800R - amzn.to/2PZncT8
LED Headlight Assembly with DRL Compatible with BMW f800gs f800gs adventure f700gs f650gs f800r - amzn.to/2OLvAFh
AUDEXEN LED Headlight Assembly with Angel Eyes DRL High/Low Beam Compatible with BMW F800GS F800GS Adventure F700GS F650GS - amzn.to/3tjGcu6

[@sf1203]

I appreciate you posting this. Just received my LED yesterday and will install it soon. This was super helpful.

[@robdude1969]

and soon you will see the light!

[@sf1203]

@@robdude1969 Yeah, the stock headlamp is embarrassingly bad and I don't even know how many bulbs I've replaced. If you were to do it all over again, would you take the windscreen off or would you leave it?

[@robdude1969]

@ take it off, it’s easy enough. Just don’t lose the little hardware at the bottom.

[@sf1203]

@@robdude1969 Cool. Thank you. I really appreciate the help! When it stops pouring rain I'll get on top of it. Really looking forward to this much needed upgrade.

[@robdude1969]

@@sf1203 San Francisco? 🌧

[@johnwoods5995]

Brilliant, good to hear it. Led are fantastic.

[@robdude1969]

@@johnwoods5995 it just survived a 1014 mile Eastern Sierras ride that included the road to Cerro Gordo.

[@kenstravels5490]

Great video, it helped me a lot when I installed my LED headlight, many thanks 👍

[@robdude1969]

Glad it helped, enjoy seeing in the dark!!!

[@koenraadbekaert3915]

thank you to share this video Rob !! I make a start tot fix the light on my R11200GSA ! 👌👍🏻🏍🏍

[@robbiekira]

Just ordered two days ago, this video will help me a lot! Thank!

[@adventuretimeclubofficial]

Where to order from?

[@adventuretimeclubofficial]

Possible to share link

[@yonathanbroekhoff4766]

Just made it happen with the excellent help From your video. Many thnx from holland

[@dl4059]

Just did my 2011 GSA following this video and these instructions were spot on!!!! Thank you

[@robdude1969]

Right on! Share how you like the new lights!

[@emaneman9121]

Hi did yours threw in a LAMPF ! code ..have the same 2011 GS. Thanks

[@marc6093]

Very good video, thank you! I learned a lot!!

[@robdude1969]

Glad to hear it!

[@larrylarry1206]

Thanks for taking the time to produce this video. The light you used has no bottom hole for the third rubber mount bushing, The light will bounce up and down, There is no easy way to lock the light up and down position. Those affiliate lights are mostly crap. Save money but bad light mounting. Bit of a hack job.

[@robdude1969]

Have you got one Larry? I agree there is only a pivot on the edges, but this has been way better on my bike. The internal of the stock light fell apart on me. Driving a twisty highway at night in the rain almost killed me when the internal ball cup failed and the stock light pointed to the sky. The tension holding this aftermarket light in place is adjusted by you. While it isn’t held in place by the third pin as over-designed, it is mounted as most headlights have been mounted for decades. This hack is brighter and easier than stock. I am very satisfied with the upgrade. Thanks for your generalization and opinion.

[@larrylarry1206]

@@robdude1969Thanks for taking the time to respond. Specifically, Is there a way for you to adjust the vertical aim of the light? The light may be aimed as installed but I maintain my opinion that it is not proper for ensuring you don't blind oncoming drivers and annoy those you follow. If your bike has variable suspension and you change the load with bags or passenger, what determines the vertical aim. No. This is not a good product. It's just another of many cheap Chinese knockoffs to make a buck.....without regard for the damage it does. That's my informed opinion.

[@robdude1969]

@@larrylarry1206 you are correct, there is no way to adjust light angle on the fly. It is not over engineered, just a simple, yet functional LED light that lights up the road better than the one the bike had on it before. (but not when you are doing a wheelie) This video and opinion is representational of my experience. I would buy it again if I had another bike. This light makes me feel safe to ride at night in the rain. I don't care who made it, or it's price, but it was quite reasonable. Clearly this isn't for you. Thanks for the discussion.

[@rodrigoadvrider]

Amazing video!! Very well made! will swap mine sooner... :) Cheers from Brazil !

[@zanata1969]

Não coloca não, a luz do farol halógena original é bem melhor pra pilotar a noite. Esse farol só fica bonito mas, perde muito em qualidade de iluminação. Experiência de viagem... Coloquei no original novamente.

[@rodrigoadvrider]

@@zanata1969 esse farol tem ótica adequada ao led e ele é led de estado sólido.

[@hankgs]

Dude, great vid content...! I just ordered a unit for my 2011.

[@robdude1969]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@JasonFiske]

Thank you for this. Very informative.

[@robdude1969]

I finally threw away my stock one that I had held on to just in case. Been so happy with this upgrade!

[@mutanque]

thank you very much for the value content, made it it esay i was thinking bout paying to get it done but this was really easy. greeting from mexico city

[@robdude1969]

Awesome! Glad to help!

[@NWMantel]

Got the upgrade, love it! Thanks for the easy going guide

[@robdude1969]

I’m still stoked on mine. I had to tighten mounting hardware, but I swear I gotta tighten my windscreen all the time.

[@thearchibaldtuttle]

Very helpful! Have exactly the same setup and your video is a great help!

[@robdude1969]

Now that you have had it a while, how is it working out for you?

[@thearchibaldtuttle]

@@robdude1969 Works great! It's such a difference compared to the original head lamp. Added 2 Denali 4 light pods on top, which makes the night non existent!!😁

[@robdude1969]

@@thearchibaldtuttle in California we have lane sharing. It’s so much safer when they see us coming in the mirror. Congrats and happy riding!

[@alearisteo]

Good job man!!

[@michal_denisiuk_adv]

OMG!!! AMAZINGLY BRIGHT MAN!!! :) great job!

[@russellnorris0077]

How did you get the halo to work…i have 2 wires with white cap,i plugged the loom in,all good,but no halo

[@Harpi69]

Vielen Dank für diese video. Jetzt mache ich auch.😊😊

[@joeybobbie1]

What a Great Upgrade. It improves the looks of the whole Front of the Bike. I’m definitely saving this Video. Thank You for posting this. It will really help a lot of People including me. I think that is the First thing I will do to mine when I get it in 3 more Days. And counting every Second until then.👍 where did you get the Light from?

[@robdude1969]

There are some links in description. Have fun with your new bike!!! I love mine. Best one I have ever owned!!!

[@aquatotsuk]

I have installed the same unit on my 2012 model. I had to modify the base to elongate the bottom mounting hole in the headlamp module. This alowed to to adjust the headlamp downwards, standard fitting as it is, was much too high. I also discovered that it is quite unecassary to remove the screen. Thanks for the video.

[@robdude1969]

Let us know what you think…. How do you like it? Bright & easy install right?!?

[@superdaddy4564]

Hi quick question, any of the links and units, will works with a 2005 R1200GS, including the one you film Thanks. Which brand and unit is this one thanks, looks great

[@Adnan.siddiq]

Any upgrades for r1150gs In the market?

[@MrD_2112]

Nice! Good instructive video. I really must buy one of these now. I'm fiddling with yet another "LAMPF" in my display (getting tired of it) and this time I can't seem get high or low beam to work after changing the low beam lamp.

[@robdude1969]

That’s no fun. I can tell you on my 2005 there are no light out indicators on my dash. As for what is where, parking light is the halo section. The four vertical shaped bulbs are low beam, and the two dome projectors are high beams.

[@paolocarotti3789]

but in the headlight below there is no possibility of putting the rubber that is in the standard headlight. The optical assembly is not well stabilized. How did you solve this problem?? I have 1200 Gs Adventure 2008

[@robdude1969]

You just need to be sure it's a snug fit and then it will be solid with the frame. The original locating pin would be nice, but you have more adjustment without it.

[@paolocarotti3789]

@@robdude1969 It absolutely cannot be stable like this. The lighthouse is free to raise and lower its aim as it pleases and this is not good both for those coming in the opposite direction and because the instrumentation is not stable.

[@terrydaniel8698]

Is it worth buying it does it do the job Terry

[@sacs2000]

I just Installed this kind of lam test it and looks great, can you tell me after 2 years how it’s working or anything I should consider in case failure? Appreciate the answer in advance

[@robdude1969]

Mine still works great. It’s always been better than the stock one. The internal mechanism of my stock one was broken and shot the light to the sky. This one has no such issues. Just lock it into place and go. Cheers! Happy riding to you.

[@Indumentum]

Is it possible to just change the lightbulb to a LED bulb to get increased ligthing and a more modern look, might not look as nice tho. Does anybody know?

[@samgibson6656]

I've bought two LED globe's for my gs and both I returned as they were not suitable for the oem headlight. Ended up purchasing one of these from alibaba.

[@evanmurphy2165]

Good video. But why not take advantage of the access to clean all the parts you were reusing such as the bracket and the back of the instrument cluster?

[@robdude1969]

Thanks. We were running out of light! I hate to clean it too good, I think some of the dirt is holding it together.

[@geotubetime]

Great job!!! Thanks!!!!

[@drewfrancis9561]

I’m in Australia and I am the proud owner of a R1200GSA , 2010 MODEL could you please tell me where to get the new LED light cluster from. Thank you stay upright Drew

[@milosbosnjak4278]

I have the same LED lights but I am very disappointed with the high beams. They are just extensions to low beams for a few meters. I don't see any screws (like on the car) where I can adjust the height of the high beam. Before this, I had a Tenere 700, and its high beams were way better.

[@robdude1969]

It sounds like you may have a misalignment issue. I had to adjust the lights a bit on my bike.

[@johnwoods5995]

Is it still going? If you still have the bike!

[@robdude1969]

Yup! I love it. It’s so simple. A solid housing with a bright set of accurately aimed lights. 😊

[@sm5546-t9y]

Добрый день! Вы установили эту фару 3 года назад. Скажите, нет ли проблем во время сильного дождя? Как она себя проявила с худшей стороны?

[@robdude1969]

I like that it is a sealed unit. I have not had any issues with rain at all. The only issue is that you must get tension snug with frame on sides with washers or shims as it may pivot a little on bumps. This light has been a dramatic upgrade from stock!

[@sm5546-t9y]

Спасибо за ответ! Хорошего дня!

[@terrydaniel8698]

Hello is the light any good could let me know please Terry

[@RumorHazi]

Thanks for the video! I ordered this replacement LED kit. One question I have is I also have a set of Denali D4 auxiliary lights I am wishing to use. The Denali kit comes with two trigger wires that posited into low beam hot and high beam hot (on the factory set up). Do you happen to know which wires are for low and which for high on the connector?

[@robdude1969]

Sorry, I don’t, but you should be able to test it easy enough during install. Good luck. That should be nice and bright!

[@JamesGodboldProfile]

I'm looking at getting a hex ezcan for a Denali horn. Check it out as it may help your wiring situation for the light.

[@ErrorFlynn]

Long shot question but thought to give a go. Do you know if this light unit will work on a K1300R. The use to wear the same halogen light but I am not sure if the had the same connectors? Any knowledge? Thanks!

[@robdude1969]

I think that if the original housing is the same it should work. I don’t know that bike at all though.

[@ErrorFlynn]

@@robdude1969 thank you !

[@adventuretimeclubofficial]

from where we can order / buy this light?

[@robdude1969]

check the links in my description.

[@benniegerber9526]

Hi Rob thank you for the step by step video and explanations.Just a question from newbie here. So as far as I understand it is just to take off, replace (plug and play), no adapters needed for the Led conversion regarding wiring on the bike itself? I have the 2005 BMW R1200GS. Thank you, Bennie Gerber, South Africa.

[@robdude1969]

I have the same bike. You are correct.

[@jamesmcgrath5822]

Those 2 nuts for the screen I would of wrapped tape around the hex part and push them in so they don't full out when fitting those 2 bolts

[@jeanmarcdellenbach2459]

super, mais si déjà on démonte, on remonte des pièces propres et nettoyées.

[@igorkazmirchuk3674]

What about shaking? Mine is shaking a lot.

[@dirksmith2540]

Hi.... once I fitted mine I needed to adjust i as the beem is too low, how do I do this or are they fixed.

[@robdude1969]

For mine, I just loosened the bolts on the sides and adjusted the angle and tightened in place.

[@joewells5724]

Hey Rob, This is Joe from Idaho (Remember me and my wife Roz, we met you during a storm a little west of Jackson Hole Wy) It just so happens that I need to replace my headlight unit on my 2008 R1200GSA / same bike I had when I met you. I happened to watch your video by chance and realized that you are the closest thing to a LED headlight expert that I know. Two questions: #1 What LED headlight brand did you replace the old unit with &. #2. Is this the brand would you recommend, or have you seen another that you like better? Hope you are doing well and you never know I might see you on the road sometime in the future. Thanks, Joe

[@robdude1969]

Epic adventures are remembered well!!! I believe most of these that you see are the same - if they look the same. most likely same factory, different branding. I have linked to several options since they all seem to have their own supply issues from time to time. as for the four we have done so far, NO ISSUES yet. Good luck Joe!!!

[@andrasattilatakacsdr.9799]

Hi Rob, I wonder if after a year of usage is it still works perfectly? any vibration issues? regards from Budapest

[@robdude1969]

Of the three we did, and the one my neighbor has, no issues. I love that they are lighter and brighter. Tension is adjusted with the washers when you mount it. If you mount it tight, it’s all right! My stock one jiggled around and shot to the sky when the internal components came apart. The simplicity of this unit really shines!!! Good luck.

[@LennertWanders]

Question: can you still set the headlight lower? Or does it hit the topplate of the oil cooler? As I find the light on your video is standing pretty high potentially blinding upcoming traffic. I really like the design as it seems to be copied from the newer GS.

[@robdude1969]

It is able to pivot on side bolts to adjust.

[@steveliao6872]

NICE

[@terrydaniel8698]

Please let me know where do you get the light from terry

[@robdude1969]

Links in description. Enjoy!

[@inevern8027]

Does it shake when driving?

[@robdude1969]

Depends how tight you have it. Be sure to shim it to fit the space well so you can get it tight.

[@timbailey4188]

@@robdude1969 It is missing an important mounting point, the one at the bottom, I see trouble for off road use.

[@burnszilla]

Rob, does it have the height adjuster knob like the stock one has?

[@robdude1969]

nope - the stock one has a bottom pin to hold it in place, but this will pivot on the side mounts like the F650-F800 style for the height adjustments. That stock adjuster is what originally failed on my R1200GS.

[@ckkrons2338]

I've had no problem with it holding adjustment.

[@robdude1969]

Thanks C K, good to know your experience. I think with the rubber mounts and proper shimming with the washers provided, it should be secure.

[@audexenlight1571]

Nice video! Do you have interest to try our LED headlight for your BMW R1200GS?

[@robdude1969]

Lets talk!

[@viganogiov]

Too much grease and lubricant. A very acurate manutantion

[@karionorange]

mein gott ist die karre ranzig

[@binauchich]

How dirty is the bike. U have no respect of all for it.

[@robdude1969]

😮 It’s no prissy garage queen you are looking at. This bike has been used as intended. From the back roads of Baja to the high peaks of the Big Horns and snow storms in the Tetons. It would be disrespectful to take all that away. Besides, it would be harder to see where the leaks are coming from. 😂