Headlight/Indicator Bulb Question

[Aban]

Hey Y'all

So yesterday here in Arizona there was a huge wind/dust storm that I got caught in after coming back from dentist in Mexico. Needless to say my bike was covered in dust and I have to say it was one of my scariest rides yet since having my bike since last November, on account that the wind trying to push my off the highway was very scary. Well so today I decided to clean Suzume, my 09 Gs500F, and got her all clean and dust free again, cleaned/lubed the chain and got it all ready for my ride to work tomorrow, before I went to bed I went out in the garage just to admire her some more and upon turn the key on and starting it I realized my top headlight bulb was not coming on, I'm guessing that its the low/high beam bulb but then I don't know what to call the bulb on the bottom. I think it might just be that the bulb is dead and needs replaces which in that case what type of bulb do I replace it with? But I also worry that I somehow managed to get too much water in the wires for the high beam switch because I notice the high beam indicator light not coming on when I flip the switch on. So my question is does the indicator light not come on when the bulb is dead or should it come on regardless of the bulb being dead? Video below of what is happening.

On a side note, if it is just the bulb that is the problem what is the procedure for replacing it? All i can find are guides to replacing a Gs500E bulb but nothing of the F model 

[W79]

Hi Aban, nice bike you've got there.

Pretty sure the indicator light will be fixed once you replace the headlight.
The light on the bottom is just your parking light, by the way: that will stay on if you turn your key one click left past 'lock'.

Replacing the bulb is quite easy: simply detach the black socket that gives the bulb power (can be pretty tight, don't be afraid to pull a bit).
Next, remove the rubber seal/cap that keeps water from getting inside your headlight (there's a lip you can pull somewhere, should come off easily).
Now, there's a small metal bracket holding the bulb in place.  Open the bracket and pull out the bulb.

You can replace this with any H4-socket bulb. 
I recommend something like this:


They offer a bit more light than the stock bulbs.   
Most car/motorcycle/DIY stores carry these type of bulbs:  12V / around 60W

Just put everything back the other way 'round:  bulb, bracket, rubber cap, wire socket.   
Hope this solves your problem...

[Aban]

Thanks for your quick reply!

I will try this as soon as I get up tomorrow, thanks again.

Will post results

[Paulcet]

I'm pretty sure the indicator will come on even if the bulb is open. Also odd for both filaments to be open. I think you have a bad connection in your wiring.

[m_melen]

Is nobody going to address the dentist in Mexico???

[BockinBboy]

Is nobody going to address the dentist in Mexico???

LOL I read that too!... I kind of hit a brick wall when reading that, and couldn't get over it for a sec.

Joking aside, I'm hoping he was meaning New Mexico.

I also think the indicator bulb will still light, even though bulb is burnt out... and again, unlikely that both high beam and low beam went out at same time (or you could be like me, and not know about a low beam cause its been out since you purchased the bike)... Anyway, just sounds like an issue in the wiring.  A multimeter can tell you bulb or wires without making trial and error purchases.

- Bboy

[Aban]

  Well problem solved and not sure how must have just been a lose connection to the bulb. I followed the instructions of how to remove the bulb and took it out before I was about to go buy a new one just so I knew i would be able to switch it, I did test the connection with a multimeter and it wasn't the wiring, popped what I thought was a dead bulb back in temporarily and sure enough it came on when I turned the ignition! Indicator light and high beams also work again, I'm guessing I might have knocked it loose after I washed my bike because I always use a air hose to spray the electrical components like the starter button, turn signal buttons and all the wires behind the gauges as well as the mess of wires under the battery to prevent me from ruining any of it with water .

Happy that my headlight was working again I made a ride down to Autozone just to gander at the prices of the different H4 bulbs I could put in one day should it ever actually burn out on me. One that caught my eye was a two pack of Sylvania Silver Star zXe bulbs with the phrase "HID Attitude - Xenon Fueled" I'm guessing they meant it was like an HID because it has a blue film around the bulb to possibly give it the same appearance of an HID kit. They were $60.00USD so i held off on it for now I'd rather put that money towards getting a Yoshi slip on but has anyone else installed these type of bulbs on their GS and have any opinion on them?

Anyways thanks again for all the help guys, appreciate it!