I'm going through the process of replacing a burnt out bulb in the dash of my GS.  I need to replace the high beam indicator bulb, what bulb would I get to replace it?  I've looked on bikebandit and it doesn't have a generic part number (aka possible to use outside of a Suzuki dealer).  Thanks!

-Josh

Take it out and take the bulb to Advance auto,Auto Zone or Napa.Someone will be able to match it up for you...

Personally I'm not a fan of the people that work at those stores.  In my experience, it's very rare you find someone that actually knows what their doing.  I'd rather walk in with the information I need and just get the part.  In my opinion, unless it's an oil change, dead battery, or other simple auto problem, the employees at those stores rarely know what to do.  Again, just my opinion, others may have had different experiences.

-Josh

I just had a similar problem after buying my GS from a guy who had replaced the stock indicators with shorter, stubby ones.  The bulbs did not have numbers on them so I simply took one up to (insert auto store of your choice) Autozone by me.  I did not ask for help - I simply picked out bulbs that looked closest, had same watt, etc. and it worked.  Also, I asked staff them if I could return them and they said yes if I had receipt.  You may want to get several in case they light up differently from ones you have in other slots so you can have them all appear consistent.  Mine were cheap, less than $5. 

Pete

Quote from: bergj1986 on February 02, 2008, 08:14:04 PM
Personally I'm not a fan of the people that work at those stores.  In my experience, it's very rare you find someone that actually knows what their doing.  I'd rather walk in with the information I need and just get the part.  In my opinion, unless it's an oil change, dead battery, or other simple auto problem, the employees at those stores rarely know what to do.  Again, just my opinion, others may have had different experiences.

-Josh

It's really not that hard to match up a bulb. anyways, OP you want a #74 bulb for the High beam indicators(according to the wiki)

Quote from: bergj1986 on February 02, 2008, 08:14:04 PM
Personally I'm not a fan of the people that work at those stores.  In my experience, it's very rare you find someone that actually knows what their doing.  I'd rather walk in with the information I need and just get the part.  In my opinion, unless it's an oil change, dead battery, or other simple auto problem, the employees at those stores rarely know what to do.  Again, just my opinion, others may have had different experiences.

-Josh

I agree...but when one doesn't have a clue it's better than nothing

some year bikes have a different sized high beam light.

I'd also recommend changing all your lights to LED if you can.
See this thread:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=23589

I'm trying to keep costs as low as possible so LEDs won't work.  I went to Autozone and bought 161 bulbs, I turned the bike on and everything seems in check.  I'll let you guys know if they burn out prematurely or something else unexpected.

-Josh

Oh, and FYI, to remove the dash lights, DON'T remove the lens covers, take the two bolts that hold the dash on and pull the bulbs out from behind.  You'll see each of the rubber grommets that hold each of the dash bulbs in.  Just pull back gently and you'll get the bulb and holder.  Just thought I'd inform the masses!

-Josh

I just use the #194 bulbs for all the speedo, tach, and indicator lights including the high beam indicator.

The OEM bulbs are all 3.4 watt except the high beam indicator which is 1.7 watt, not as bright.  The 194 bulbs are 3.78 watt and the 161 is 2.66 watt which is closer to OEM.  No problem with any of them working, just a matter of brightness.  The #194 are most common available at auto parts stores, Walmarts, and even drug stores.

My 97 GS is still running with 9 years and over 90k miles on it and I never changed any of these bulbs more than once.  If your 161 doesn't last long enough,  it's probably just a bad bulb.

Don't recall changing any of these bulbs on the 02 GS yet with 56k miles on it, just a couple H4 headlight bulbs so far.

The 2004 - 2007 uses 194 wedge globes for the gauges and 74's for the idiot lights.