Headlight Replacement

By Kent

From time to time a headlamp will burn out. Although you'll probably have to make a trip to your dealership to get the correct replacement part, you don't have to make an appointment with a mechanic to have it replaced. It's normally a simple task to replace the lamp with single screwdriver. Consult your owner's manual for specifics, but the following description for my bike should not be significantly different from the requirements of yours.

Begin by removing the chrome ring that covers the mounting hardware. Once that's out of the way, you should see a rim around the lamp that is held in place with screws around the outer edges. You should also see adjustment screws used for aiming the lamp.

Hold the assembly in place and remove the retaining screws, then gently draw the headlamp assembly forward and unplug the wires. At this point you need to determine what type of lamp you have. There are two basic types: a sealed-beam and a halogen type. The halogen type is a bulb inside a lens and housing. Note that if you have a halogen type bulb you should handle it in such a way that you don't touch the glass. The oils and salts on your skin are reportedly harmful to the delicate glass surface and can cause premature failure of the bulb. It also contains gas under pressure so use adequate eye protection and handle with care.

In my case I have a halogen bulb and it is removed by squeezing two external tabs on the back of the housing and pulling it out. In either case, replace the lamp, plug the wires back in and secure the housing back on your bike.

While everything is apart, do an inspection for damage or corrosion. I found after numerous attempts to adjust my headlight that one of the lamp retaining hooks had broken on my headlight housing. This allowed the halogen bulb to come unseated and the result was the light was directed upwards instead of forward. Note also that you really don't want to damage the housing. For mine, replacement was $88.49.

Before replacing the chrome ring it's advisable to check the alignment. Minor differences in manufacturing can have significant impact on where your headlamp shines. Both side to side alignment and up and down alignment are easily adjustable by turning the adjustment screws.

In a darkened area with a wall about 25 foot in front of you, sit on your motorcycle with the handlebars straight and turn on the headlamp. Note the location of the spot of light on the wall. The spot should be straight in line with your motorcycle. If not, make a side to side adjustment by turning the screw on the side of the rim plate. Up and down adjustment will depend upon your particular motorcycle. Again, consult your owner's manual.

Ride safely.
Kent

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