The headlight shell on USA bikes was no different. It was the headlight lens unit that was sealed beam for the USA bikes. I believe these were slightly larger so a different headlight rim was used to fit everything together, but I have never seen one.The headlights fitted to post war bikes destined for the USA were different to all the others. Time for more medication.
Loosely assembled this one this morning. Standard 6.5" shell, split rim and 7" light unit.The headlight shell on USA bikes was no different. It was the headlight lens unit that was sealed beam for the USA bikes. I believe these were slightly larger so a different headlight rim was used to fit everything together, but I have never seen one.
The miller shell that mostly went to the US market was different in that it had a lip that runs around the front of the shell more, this is so the split rim can hook over it, and it does have a small "Cut out" section at about 11 o'clock to locate the reflector. I have seen some Vincent's with the 7 inch shell and these are deeper and larger. I'm not sure these bikes left the factory with this type of shell, or people fit them later on. From what I can see, the front glass gives the size of the headlight.......If you measure the entire diameter of the glass from 6.5 inch Miller, then it does in fact measure 6.5 inches. Where the lens protrudes through the chromed rim this comes out at 6 inches generally.