/5 headlight removal

[yappo]

my instrument lights are not working.never having driven at night before with this recent purchase ,i tried to remove the the lens and its surround but with no luck.there appears to be a small slot at the 6 o'clock position whence i inserted a screwdriver but it failed to budge the surround in the least.how does one gain access to it?there must be some trick to it but i'm presently at a loss.regards,brian.

[GregFeeler]

my instrument lights are not working.never having driven at night before with this recent purchase ,i tried to remove the the lens and its surround but with no luck.there appears to be a small slot at the 6 o'clock position whence i inserted a screwdriver but it failed to budge the surround in the least.how does one gain access to it?there must be some trick to it but i'm presently at a loss.regards,brian.

There is a spring clip at the bottom of the headlight ring that clips into a holder at the bottom of the headlight bucket. Since all this is at the bottom of the headlight bucket it collects moisture and over the years can rust and stick.

I would take a large flat blade screwdriver and insert it into the slot in the headlight bucket. Press up and back (moving the screwdriver handle toward the bike) while you hook your fingers (nails) into the bottom of the headlight ring and pull it forward. A second pair of hands helps. Also, watch the headlight ring assembly - it will pop out and will only be held by the wires to the bulb.

Once out you might find that the junction block in the headlight bucket will need to be replaced. This is where many of the harness wires are joined, and it gets water into it and rusts. Simple to replace. You can get the junction block from your dealer, or possibly from an electronics store.

[yappo]

i'll be at the housing in the am with a little more of your info and a bigger screwdriver.regards,brian.

[Bill Burke]

An alternative approach is to skip the slot in the bottom of the ring altogether and instead put a thin cloth over the end of your large flat blade screwdriver and press the blade into the union of the chrome ring and headlamp bucket on either side of the slot (pick one). While pressing, twist the screwdriver to jimmy the ring outward a tad at the bottom. You'll know when you've got it - a satisfying "pop". Then lift the ring upwards to remove. It'll all make sense after the first time.

[James.A]

An alternative approach is to skip the slot in the bottom of the ring altogether and instead put a thin cloth over the end of your large flat blade screwdriver and press the blade into the union of the chrome ring and headlamp bucket on either side of the slot (pick one). While pressing, twist the screwdriver to jimmy the ring outward a tad at the bottom. You'll know when you've got it - a satisfying "pop". Then lift the ring upwards to remove. It'll all make sense after the first time.
This is the method I use also. Conversly, the method I use to re-install the light is to deliver a few firm blows at the bottom of the assembly with the heel of my palm. This way, the assembly is cushioned and you are unlikely to hit it too hard.

[yappo]

many thank's for your solid suggestion.it worked like a charm.regards,brian.