The generator light/ charging system is indeed a funky way of running the charging system. Keep in mind that these bikes where designed back in the 60's, when this technology was more appropriate. What is amazing is that a bike so dated remains a viable option for world travel. I challenge you to go RTW on an early 70's Harley/ Ducati or Honda without similar issues. Of course, why didn't BMW update the bike? Well, as Beemer lore would have it, the K series was supposed to replace the boxers in the mid eighties, but continued popularity of the design and luke warm acceptance of the K bikes led to the boxers being held over until a real replacement could be manufacturer - the Oilheads. BMW did/ does not have a lightning fast development program....
Aside from the design of the charging system which would be expensive and difficult to change, the main problem with this setup is it's dependence on a notoriously weak filament type bulb. You can swap this out for a LED bulb - much more durable. Touratech:
http://www.touratech.de/shop_uk/enter.html
Offers and STD control lamp that replaces all the warning lights with a LED array. It requires a resistor to run the charging system. It is designed for plug in on the R80/100 GS but fitment on a G/S is possible with a bit more cutting and manual wiring.
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