R60/5 charging question

I just bought a 1971 r60/5 today. I rode around town with it today, just to check it out. Then I sat down this evening to read the owner's manual. When I got to the section that states that the "charging indicator light (red) must be lit when the ignition is switched on" I realized that this was not occuring on my bike.

Is the replacement of this bulb and the subsequent proper operation of the charging system as simple as pulling the headlight assembly apart and replacing the bulb? Seems rather intimidating in there!!

Thank you.

I'm no pro, but I got a 1973?¢ R75/5 with the same problem. I've determined the alternator probably needs replacing.

To answer your question, Yes. Checking the bulb is as easy as removing the headlight from the housing and pulling the bulb and harness out of the fitting in the dash. Just takes a minute bit of effort.

If you determine the bulb is not bad, supposedly you should check the diode board.

The test I did was: after removing the negative (ground/earth) from the transmission housing I removed the front engine cover. I then reattached the negative wire and turned on the key to verify I was not getting a red light. Still none...

(Turn the engine off...)

So then I took off the little blue wire from the plastic unit on front of the alternator at the 12 o'clock position...

expose some of the metal at the end and touch it to the aluminum housing around the alternator... turn on the key (push it down)

check your red light. If it goes on you need a new alternator, supposedly...

good luck.

OM.

Oh, I should add that I already have replaced my diode. :|

Thank you for the advise. I will try that sequence tomorrow.

OscarMayer said:

...So then I took off the little blue wire from the plastic unit on front of the alternator at the 12 o'clock position... expose some of the metal at the end and touch it to the aluminum housing around the alternator... turn on the key (push it down) check your red light. If it goes on you need a new alternator, supposedly...

Click to expand...

If your alternator ROTOR is shot, the charge light will not glow with a stopped engine. You don't need a whole new alternator, just a rotor. Motorrad Electrik sells rebuilt ones, exchange, for a lot less that the BMW $tealer$hip wants. (And probably faster service, too.)

Indeed, Yesterday I placed my order for a new rotor. Thanks for the corretion.