Odd Headlight

[Darkbluestar]

Hi everyone, I'm still pretty new here. I've been lurking around since I got my GS 2 months ago. I'm really glad this forum is here because I've learned a lot from the work that you guys have done.

So down to the point of this post. I noticed while looking at other people's GS pictures that my headlight looks different, makes sense since it looks like the PO did some changes. Anyway, I'm trying to figure out what it is, does anyone have a clue? The center bulb turns on and is wired. What's weird is that high beam setting actually makes the light look less bright. Also that small bulb below the center bulb is not connected to anything. Wonder if it serves any purpose.

[Big Rich]

It looks less bright while you are looking at the headlight, or while it's shining on the road?

That little light is your parking light- check your ignition switch for a "park" setting.

[Darkbluestar]

Well less bright isn't exactly, more like the light is less spread out on the road. It seems to focus the light more in one spot.

what's a parking light for? The wires coming out of that bulb don't go anywhere. 

[adidasguy]

"E" models did not have a front parking light. They just have a rear one that lights the license place and puts the tail light in dim red.
There IS the wire for it in the headlamp bucket - at least in my 92 and 94. It is a brown wire that connects to nothing.

I swapped headlamps on Trey and connected it up (I bought European headlamps with a parking/running light).
My guess is the PO did not bother to connect it or didn't know how to. Check for it in the wiring diagram (in prior posts and on the WIKI pages). Sometimes it is designated as "Running Light".

"F" bikes with the full fairing have that light just below the headlamp (a good little light to replace with an LED!)