Replacing headlight globe

[StinkyPete]

I've blown a low beam globe on my ST1300, and can't figure out how to replace it.   I have a workshop manual that says "Disconnect the light bulb 3P socket" as the first step, but I can't pull it off.  Is there a trick or a lock of some sort?     Do I need to employ a four year old mechanic with fingers like ET who can reach up from the front, or do I spend half a day and remove the tupperware just to change a bloody light globe?   >:(  If I turn up at Blackheath with just one low beam, you'll know that it all got too hard. 

[StinkyPete]

Thanks Kev.  That link does look helpful, and it also looks like I need to remove a whole swag of fairings to get the headlight assy off to change the globe.  Bugger!

[rendog]

Hey Pete,

1. I haven't changed a globe with the fairing on
2. I can't see why you couldn't
3. There is a latch release on the headlight globe plug
4. From memory you need to push a little tab on the back of the plug forward and pull the connection at the same time. 
5. No I don't know why???
Failing that ...
6. You can remove the nose cone without removing the fairings. (But that's a lot of friggen around  )

Hope that helps,
rendog

[Diesel]

I've blown a low beam globe on my ST1300, and can't figure out how to replace it.   I have a workshop manual that says "Disconnect the light bulb 3P socket" as the first step, but I can't pull it off.  Is there a trick or a lock of some sort?     Do I need to employ a four year old mechanic with fingers like ET who can reach up from the front, or do I spend half a day and remove the tupperware just to change a bloody light globe?   >:(  If I turn up at Blackheath with just one low beam, you'll know that it all got too hard. 

2 main things that make this easy or impossible:

1: squeeze the SIDES of the black plastic lug (that plugs into the back of the globe) to remove; and
2: look closely at the pic of the metal clip that holds the base in place (on the link that Kev posted - click on it to enlarge) - you have to push it IN, THEN SIDEWAYS to get the hook free of the base and release the globe. Installation is the opposite - push the clip INTO the slot, then SIDEWAYS to lock it in place.

Still having trouble? Bring the new globe to Blackheath and we'll sort you out there.     

NO fairings need to be removed in this process.

[sac468]

I see alot of threads about replacing globes etc, most of them talk about shims, can someone explain to me what they are for and why they are there? 

[Mitch]

Hey Kev
     I found if I just bent the tabs up on the replacement H4 globes I couldn't get the clips  back on.  
After about 1/2 hour of trying and a couple of very sore fingers    I pulled the globes back out,
cut the tabs off put the globes back in and the clips went on easy. 
                                             

[saaz]

For some reason I have heard that the shims are needed on the ST1100 if you want the bulb seated properly (many don't use shims either) but on the ST13 it is less crucial to have the shims.  With the shims you know the bulb will be seated properly.

[Tipsy]

  py

Havent had the trouble on my 1100 I just cut of 2 tabs and fitted properly

Tipsy

[StinkyPete]

Still having trouble? Bring the new globe to Blackheath and we'll sort you out there.     

NO fairings need to be removed in this process.

Thanks Diesel.  I'll have another go, now that I'm armed with some good instructions.   If I fail, a one-eyed ST will arrive on Friday arvo with the spare globe. Thanks.   

[StinkyPete]

Got it!    It's a fiddly little bastard, but managed to remove the old one from below, and refit the new one the same way.   I then had to come down from the top and turn the handlebars "just so" to get my left hand in, while facing the back of the bike,  to refit the connector.  Thanks for the advice and see you all on Friday arvo.   Weather is looking OK.

[IanB]

I've read the replacement bits on here and the US site and it still wasn't working.
Re the connector, "push the sides" advice. Reach as far forward on the connector as you can go and then push the sides. The clips are right against the body of the bulb.
Now for that fiddly springy thingy.
I did the right bulb yesterday and went in from the top and the bottom to try to refit it.
Nothing but sore fingers.
So try standing on the left of the tank for a right hand bulb change, turn the bars hard left (right fork is in a position where you can look past and see the bulb and the springy thingy (retaining clip).
Being on the left of the bike leaning over the tank allows you to look over your hand and locate the spring easily.
Off to try the left one now.
If I knew how to upload pics I'd illustrate this.

[StinkyPete]

Ian,
To be able to reach the clip/connector for the left side globe, stand on the left side of the bike while facing the back of the bike.   Turn the bars to make some room, and while facing the back of the bike, reach in with your left hand.   This means you're working blind, but should be able to feel it quite well. Same procedure for the right side, except reach in with your right hand while on the right side of the bike and facing towards the back of the bike.
Pete

[StinkyPete]

This turn around and face backwards is silly.

Whatever works for either of us is great, so long as we were able to achieve the objective     and we both have two working headlights, which is great.    :) :)   Honda wanted quite a few dollars to replace mine, and I was pleased to be able to figure out how to do it myself, but it was a fiddly little bugger.

[Gordo]

I would, like to thank everyone that has contributed to this thread. It helped me no end in replacing my headlight globes. Although l think that l would have been able to complete the task, without it there would have been a lot of *&#@ and much skin removed. Once again thank you all for this great site full of great knowledge willingly passed on to all.

Thank You
GORDO