Headlight - bulb replacement

[Beancounter]

Good afternoon folks,

I need to replace the dipped beam bulb on the LHS (as you sit on the bike) light unit.

Can anyone tell me if this is a relatively simple task and/or advise me of the correct bulb fitment (i.e. H1 etc...).

Thanks in advance.

[Lion_Lady]

It isn't difficult. The tricky part is getting the light housing out, so you can access the bulb. I always forget which way it is supposed to turn, and it doesn't turn easily.

Then there is a wire clip that holds the actual bulb and socket in place.

H1 is the bulb. I've been happy with Sylvania Silver Star. Not as expensive as PIAA, and very bright.

P

[duke]

just be careful NOT to unscrew the wrong screws - or you will just mis-align your lights

if you want (considering we live on the same side of Blackwall tunnel) we can just meet somewhere and do the job

[\\Mike_Lea//]

Am I missing something...

I replaced both bulbs on my Rock with 50%+ brighter ones; you don't need to actually remove the housing. It's just a case of removing the retaining clips at the rear of the light, rotating the part that plugs into the housing and pull out.

Remember not to actually touch the bulb or glass itself; grease from your fingers will shorten it's life. Causes 'hot-spots' I believe; probably a refection thang...

The bulbs provide both dip and main beam, so same part for each light.

M

[\\Mike_Lea//]

One further point following on the Duke...

He's so bang on the money as far as undoing screws you shouldn't. I read my manual regarding how to alter the 'pitch' of the light for traveling abroad.

Ended up with the light 'popping' out and spending a further two hours trying to patch it back together.

I later found out that there's a little switch at the rear of the light you can actuate which does it all for you!!

M

[Sunfire]

I replaced both headlights with the 50% lights and it was very easy - just removed the retaining clips and that was it. Now there is one "thingy" I do not understand;

found out that there's a little switch at the rear of the light you can actuate which does it all for you

How does one turn this switch? I can't figure it out. I've tried and tried, but the switch doesn't turn...

One more question: At night I notice that the whole headlight assembly shakes when riding, as the edges of the light beam shake like they had too much caffeine! Is there a way to tighten the assembly?

Thanks,
Paul

[\\Mike_Lea//]

As you looking at the back of the headlight, from the rear it's the LSH, there's a plastic 'bit' which covers the nut I think you use for altering the beam throw.

It's this you actuate; It was a technician at my local dealership who told me about. Altho' he showed me on a GS, but it's effectively the same headlight assembled isn't it?

As for the movement when riding; I think that's perfectly normal.

M

[riceburner]

As you looking at the back of the headlight, from the rear it's the LSH, there's a plastic 'bit' which covers the nut I think you use for altering the beam throw.

It's this you actuate; It was a technician at my local dealership who told me about. Altho' he showed me on a GS, but it's effectively the same headlight assembled isn't it?

As for the movement when riding; I think that's perfectly normal.

M

Do you mean the plastic "clip" that hooks over the adjusting bolt?? I thought that was for altering the height of the beam (both of them) for riding with pillions - ie a quick adjust to stop you causing glare to other people. IIRC that's what it says in the manual.

[\\Mike_Lea//]

Hmmmmm, now you mention it yes I think you're right!!!

I'm getting the two things mixed up. The technician mentioned altering the beam for traveling abroad, but I honesty can't remember what he said now, although I seem to recall something to do with rotating the headlight somehow??

As always RB, you're a mine of information...

M

[riceburner]

Hmmmmm, now you mention it yes I think you're right!!!

I'm getting the two things mixed up. The technician mentioned altering the beam for traveling abroad, but I honesty can't remember what he said now, although I seem to recall something to do with rotating the headlight somehow??

As always RB, you're a mine of information...

M

From what I remember of reading the manual - there IS a rotating collar that will rotate the reflector around the bulb, but it's NOT easy to get to.

You have to remove the headlamp shroud (do NOT use the 4 screws on the front, they're the beam adjustment screws, but just the two small screws on the underside of the shroud - then, I THINK it will rotate off upwards*), then you can get to the reflector rotating lug on the dipped headlamp body*.

*: I've NOT checked this though!

[\\Mike_Lea//]

I've already come a cropper with the four screws at the front; my manual states that these SHOULD be removed to make the adjustment.

I read it, read it again (just to make sure) but the manual was definitely wrong; caused me no end of hassle after I'd got it wrong.

M

[riceburner]

FWIW it's a good idea to play with those 4 screws and learn how they work - the beam throws are set up quite oddly as standard. I'm currently doing a lot of riding after dark on unlit roads so have been tweaking the full-beam throw quite a bit - it's still not quite right.

[duke]

I have managed to mash my light alignment (with the front screws) - but according to the MOT centre the light is within standard ... I feel that it is too high and annoyng cars in front of me ... I should lower it a bit, but need to workout what NOT to do ...

[ronnierockster]

Pull off the instrument cowl/cover. Remove screws top and bottom of housing self tap screws( 2 top 2 bottom). The dip beam light has a clamp around it. you loosen the Allen screw located about one o'clock (looking from the front of bike at the lens) this allows the lamp to turn a bit. ( i think it's anticlokwise. Only do it once or twice a year) retighten clamp not too tight only plastic. Job done. Go driving sur le continent..