My left head lamp is out. How do I replace it?
Thanks
Randy
Thanks
Randy
How do you replace a ST1300 headlight bulb
- Thread starter randy the x man
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You have to reach in behind the headlight and squeeze the plastic tabs on the bulb holder then turn it. You can then replace the bulb.
Yikes what a pain.
Yes you have to reach in from the bottom. There are 2 tabs in horizontal positions one each side of the electrical connector.
Very hard to reach. But press the tabs somehow and remove the electrical connector.
Remove the rubber boot.
Unlock the wire bail lock
Remove and replace the bulb.
Phew
Yes you have to reach in from the bottom. There are 2 tabs in horizontal positions one each side of the electrical connector.
Very hard to reach. But press the tabs somehow and remove the electrical connector.
Remove the rubber boot.
Unlock the wire bail lock
Remove and replace the bulb.
Phew
Shuey
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Shuey
TXRoadRash
FWDoc
Shooooooooot... Just ride on down to Dallas and I'll do it for ya. Even got two OEM bulbs to throw at ya!
And BTW, I, too, think that it's a lot more fun bein' on top. Remove the rubber boot, turn to face the rear of the bike and reach in with your left hand, squeeze those tabs and pull (evAr so gently), shift and loosen that stupid bail, pop in your new candle, and "Bob's your Uncle!" -- you're done ('cept repeating the process, only bassakwards to get it all together again).
:
And BTW, I, too, think that it's a lot more fun bein' on top. Remove the rubber boot, turn to face the rear of the bike and reach in with your left hand, squeeze those tabs and pull (evAr so gently), shift and loosen that stupid bail, pop in your new candle, and "Bob's your Uncle!" -- you're done ('cept repeating the process, only bassakwards to get it all together again).
:
Throttlejockey
Padden is my hero
You don't have to remove the rubber boot first. Actually, I don't think you can anyway.
I went from the top, turned so my back was to the front of the bike and reached behind with my left hand for the left bulb. The tabs are on either sides that you have to squeeze pretty hard.
I went from the top, turned so my back was to the front of the bike and reached behind with my left hand for the left bulb. The tabs are on either sides that you have to squeeze pretty hard.
ChipSTer
Growing old, but not up!
Took me 30 minutes to do my first one... and 3 seconds to do the second one...
Also referred to as position lights.
Yes, just pull, they are usually pretty tight and in '08 they started putting flatter rubber connectors which made them tougher to get to. Just be careful to pull them a little at a time, if you squeeze the connector while you do it you may pinch the bulb and it may shoot out into the headlight housing itself.
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I just did this job. I could not get a good grip on the bulb holder to remove it and I felt like I was tugging too hard on the wires that I could reach. I removed the fairing on that side and it became a simple job when I could see what I was doing. Just to clarify - these are the little 5 watt bulbs in the upper corners of the USA headlight.
yup, that's da trick! Remove the bulb facing backwards.Shooooooooot... Just ride on down to Dallas and I'll do it for ya. Even got two OEM bulbs to throw at ya!
And BTW, I, too, think that it's a lot more fun bein' on top. Remove the rubber boot, turn to face the rear of the bike and reach in with your left hand, squeeze those tabs and pull (evAr so gently), shift and loosen that stupid bail, pop in your new candle, and "Bob's your Uncle!" -- you're done ('cept repeating the process, only bassakwards to get it all together again).
I am not the mechanic type, but I did change the left headlamp from the top. My wife kept telling me "I got smaller hands, let me do it" Once you understand how the bulb is stabilized it can be done within 5 mins. The new Honda bulb is slightly whiter than the older one.
I did this (ie headlight bulb, LHS) successfully a couple of years ago using fjheath's website. However, I tried today and could do everything except get the connector back on. I tried for ages and still could not get it positioned right. Does anyone have any tips for this? (I did not remove the fairing, and don't want to if I can help it.)
It actually helps if you close your eyes... try it next time, I'm not joking..
Critters
Retired Black Rat
And how many swear words, skinned knuckles does it take??? Only kidding, I know the set up, awkward as hell and this job is clearly not designed for larger hands. !!!!
Not sure about the UK bikes - but in the U.S. the 2003 model had a black plastic guard under the headlight that I assume was to protect the brake lines or block air or redirect it to the radiator... that isn't on the newer model bikes and without that part, it makes getting your hands under the headlight much easier.
Critters
Retired Black Rat
My 1300 certainly has that part you describe but like you I am unsure about the newer UK machines, now I have mentioned it I am sure I will have a blown bulb soon as that is how it goes with me just now, mention it and it will happen, unfortunately that does not include winning the lottery !!!!
Use the Force, Luke. Use the Force.
I agree, it's easier to visualize and "see" with your mind's eye. It helps to have seen a pic of what the parts look like and their orientation.
Thanks for the thoughts. However, I've covered all those bases. No guard in the way, working from below, can feel the prongs, got the connector the right way up (eventually), tried to guide connector onto prongs using both hands. I just couldn't get it positioned exactly right so that the prongs would go in. Two thoughts occur to me: 1. I spent an hour faffing and geting frustrated, so maybe wasn't 'at my best' at the end, or 2. I've somehow damaged one or more of the connector terminals. I'll try again in a couple of days. Luckily the twin lights of the Pan mean I can still ride it.
The other thing that I've realised, having re-read the 2 threads on this, is that my bulbs might not be seated correctly, because I haven't cut off the bottom 2 flanges. What does that mean? Presumably a less good headlight pattern?
The other thing that I've realised, having re-read the 2 threads on this, is that my bulbs might not be seated correctly, because I haven't cut off the bottom 2 flanges. What does that mean? Presumably a less good headlight pattern?