Headlight bulb replacement

Joined
Sep 9, 2012
Messages
10
Location
Ontario
Bike
2005 Honda ST
I have a small hand and can reach the connector without removing any Tupperware, but I cannot seem to budge it. This should pull straight off - correct? Any suggestions?

Burlster
 

Kevin_56

Site Supporter
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Sep 3, 2006
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67
Location
Montfort, Wisconsin
Bike
20 R1250RT
STOC #
6495
There are two latches on the side of the connector that must be squeezed FIRMLY before it will pull off the bulb. I found it tough to squezze them and then pull, but it did come off. Good luck.
 

Reginald

cyclepoke
Joined
Jan 5, 2008
Messages
727
Location
Georgetown, Tx
Bike
ST1300
STOC #
8898
There are two latches on the side of the connector that must be squeezed FIRMLY before it will pull off the bulb. I found it tough to squezze them and then pull, but it did come off. Good luck.
+1. You should have plenty grip having to work the throttle and brake levers, or if you're a lefty the clutch. The grip also works for pickle jars. :D When you get to it, be sure to press the wire clip in toward the bulb and the slide it up.
 

PopJack

Die young, after a long life.
Joined
Aug 22, 2008
Messages
760
Location
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Bike
2005 ST1300
STOC #
8220
Again, it will come off. Position your fingers at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions relative the bulb and squeeze hard on the connector as you pull back. I am convinced that this is one of the most frustrating simple maintenance procedures on the whole bike.

Remember, you have to BELIEVE it will come off.

The first time I did it, I spent hours on the bulbs and my hands looked like I had been in a cat fight.
 

CYYJ

Michael
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Jun 10, 2013
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69
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Toronto & Zürich
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None any more.
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2636
[inside joke] Burlster, if you are located in Stratford, and your bike is a 1300P, I have the perfect solution for your headlight bulb problem: Wait until I buy the bike from you, then I'll change the bulb. :D [/inside joke]

Michael
 
OP
OP
Joined
Sep 9, 2012
Messages
10
Location
Ontario
Bike
2005 Honda ST
Thanks for the reply Kevin. Yet another item that should be edited in the Service Manual.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
Joined
Sep 9, 2012
Messages
10
Location
Ontario
Bike
2005 Honda ST
I can relate to the frustration. Yet another item to edit in the Service Manual.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
Joined
Sep 9, 2012
Messages
10
Location
Ontario
Bike
2005 Honda ST
I'm in St. Thomas Michael and I may have to sell my low-mileage '05 1300 ABS if I can't find cheaper insurance and parts. If you rotate your picture it really doesn't look that bad!
 
Joined
Dec 27, 2004
Messages
829
Location
Medina, Tennessee
Bike
2021 Tracer 9GT
STOC #
375
I have a small hand and can reach the connector without removing any Tupperware, but I cannot seem to budge it. This should pull straight off - correct? Any suggestions?

Burlster
I ruined my left headlight connector by my ignorance of not squeezing the tabs and pulling too hard. I replaced it with a heavy duty H4 connector from O'Riley's and all is well.
 

John Anthony

Moderator
Joined
Dec 3, 2004
Messages
2,141
Location
Seattle
Bike
'03 ST1300A
STOC #
5107
I also have relatively small hands. I found it easiest if I was facing the rear of my ST. Then reach back, grab the connector, squeeze at 3 and 9 and viola! Off it pops. When you replace the connector, it wouldn't hurt to apply a bit of dielectric grease. Good luck! You'll get there.

John
 
Joined
Apr 7, 2012
Messages
144
Age
52
Location
Bennet, Nebraska USA
Bike
2005 ST1300
You guys with little hands just kill me. I have Hamhands and would love to not loose a pound of flesh each time I have to put my hand in a hole like for changing headlights. +1 on the facing to the rear of the bike and reaching back like John said.
 
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