Girly Headlight Bulb Replacement

[Stretch]

Yeah I know, it's really not a big deal, but we're trying build a Hall of Wisdom.

Tools required:

Flat screwdriver (for your windscreen)
5mm hex key  
6mm hex key
H4 60/55w bulb
dielectric grease

First, disconnect the battery.  But I didn't, because the headlights only come on when the ignition is switched on, and I'm unsafe.  :mrgreen:

Remove the windscreen to expose the upper fairing bolts.

Remove the turn signal housing screws (two of them, 5mm hex)


And the same on the other side of the bike.


I don't have a short 5mm hex key for the inboard turn signal housing screws, so I use a T-30 bit and a 1/4" combination wrench...



... to remove this screw.  Same for the other side.



Lower the turn signal housings out of the way.



Remove the upper fairing bolts (6mm hex)...


...and the lower fairing bolts (same for the other side).




Topless Tiger.


Remove the headlight housing screws (5 mm hex.  Also one on the other side)...


... and one underneath.






Squeeze the sides of the connector to release the locks...


... and unplug.



Gently pull on the bottom edge of the rubber donut...


... and remove.



Unclip the ends of the wire bale...


... and swing it out of the way.






Phillips H4  12342  12v  50/55w


I replaced both bulbs with Sylvania SilverStar Ultra 9003's, 55/60w (a bit brighter than the old ones) H4, about fifty bucks for the pair at Autozone...

Don't forget to put a dab of grease on each connection to keep voltage-robbing oxidation at bay.

Do not touch the glass part of halogen bulbs.  They get so blasted hot, that the oil from your fingers will cause the glass to crack.

Reverse these steps for reassembly.


I'll be damned.  They work!

[rainycoastguy]

A bit off topic, but where did you get your pillion backrest?  Or did you make it?  Thanks.

[fano]

Nice!  

[Stretch]

A bit off topic, but where did you get your pillion backrest?  Or did you make it?  Thanks.

I made it myself...  http://tigertriple.com/forum/index.php/topic,4172

[rainycoastguy]

Thanks.  do you mind if I copy?  It's a lovely bit of fabricating.

[Stretch]

Please, be my guest and improve on it.

Then post pics.   8)

[ThreePutt]

Thanks!  It looks like even I can do it.

I think you should "sticky" the repair stuff or make a wrenchin' section and put them all in one spot.

[HockleyBoy]

Nice work Stretch, good write up and clear pics. I could have done with this before I tackled the job for the first time a few weeks ago.

+1 on the sticky idea.

[Stretch]

I think you should "sticky" the repair stuff or make a wrenchin' section and put them all in one spot.

Yep, we're working on that.

[klingklang]

I change those often to tried different bulb. Once, a friend asked me to change the ones on his V-strom. I really wished to be able to do it like his.  A 5 sec jobs,  plenty of access space without having nothing to dismentle.  A dream....  But still preffer my bike.  By the way, the best Bulb I Tried got was the Wagner Brite Light.

[eldiii]

Hey Strech, how about a "how to" on tank removal...and then maybe valve adjustment?

They are the last two major disassemblies I have not done and  your "how to"s greatly advance our Tiger knowledge base.

Your insite to Tiger maintance is great, thanks and keep'm coming.

btw, are you coming to the East Coast Tiger Ride-In?

S/F

Ed

eldiii

[eldiii]

ops..maintenance

[Stretch]

Thanks for the kind words.

My Tiger has 22,500 miles on it, which means I'm due for a major service and valve adjustment very shortly.  I will be taking pics and post a write-up sometime thereafter.

I won't be at the Ride-In, I'm afraid... we have a family reunion, followed by our traditional week at da beach.

Y'all have fun.   8)

[Tigger_rider]

Hi All   Thought I would throw in a little mod I did the last time I changed bulbs. I was tired of trying to adjust headlights with the plastic off so I removed the 2 adjusting screws from each light assembly and silver soldered a 7 inch section of a heavy duty drain snake flex from home depot onto the bolts and a 1/4" screwdriver bit onto the other end. A trip to the hardware store got me new quick nuts? (the push on washers you have to break to remove the bolts from the light assemblies). Now to adjust the lights when I load all the touring junk on back I just have to take a screwdriver to the ends of the cables that are just under the triple clamp. I put clear plastic tube over the flex so nothing would chafe. Works great and ends the adjusting hassle.   OLY

[Stretch]

You clever devil.