I propose to changeNthe headlight bulbs sometime this week as I am off work doing nothing so is it just a matter of removing the panels on each side of the fuel tank and changing them or is there some secret I need to know?
Thanks
Alan
Don't need to remove panels, just pull off the lead and the rubber cap and away you go.
Quote from: Cartman on December 13, 2011, 05:24:17 PM
Don't need to remove panels, just pull off the lead and the rubber cap and away you go.
Can you see the back of the headlights normally? I am sat in the warm right now and the bike is in the garage.
Alan
You can see the plug going into the rear of the light. Its as Cartman says. Two minute job
Excellent, I shall put the spaceheater on in the morning and do it, and give it another clean as well.
Alan
This might help you.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/Light1.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/Light2.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/Light3.jpg)
Pull the cap off which is indicated by the red arrow. Then pull on the tab and remove the second rubber sheath, this then exposes the bulb. From the right unclip the metal clip which will swing out and you can then remove the bulb.
errrr. am I missing something here? (Newbie dumb question alert).... I thought the bikes standard lamps were 'thought to be brilliant' - why change unless the bulbs 'blown':?
Quote from: kwarrgtr on December 14, 2011, 10:38:40 AM
errrr. am I missing something here? (Newbie dumb question alert).... I thought the bikes standard lamps were 'thought to be brilliant' - why change unless the bulbs 'blown':?
Its not bad, but can be improved. I have the newer version of these (http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/h4-ring-xenon-max-100-12v-60-55w.html). Road legal as well
And that's what i am going to install later.
Alan
Another good idea .... and I see they are from Autobulbs Direct too !!
If it's that simple to change them, then for a safer ride in these winter months I shall just go and order a pair !
Thanks.
My night vision sucks 8) so i changed my bulbs to the brighter ones as well... i still can't see where i'm going at night, but at least everyone has more warning now.. :o
Just changed both headlights and small LED bulbs underneath in less than 7 minutes, talk about easy.
Alan
I went the HID route with the bm, fitted by the dealer. brilliant light.
and then.... one day just about to join the M25 (accelrating one slip road) the ballast that was fixed with double sided tape dropped down from under h/lamp assy and as the wheel spun, the ballast smashed the valve and INSTANT tyre pressure loss!!
Anyway, kinda off topic, but I do (did) love the light from the HID and 'may' see about installing on the GTR. I am sure it helped my m25 filtering (also seems to be a 'hot-topic' here)....
I shall give these bulbs a fair chance and see what they are like, but if I don't like them then its HID for me.
Alan
I've not noticed anything wrong with the standard bulbs,am I doing something wrong? ???
Quote from: Lonewolf on December 15, 2011, 11:45:23 PM
I've not noticed anything wrong with the standard bulbs,am I doing something wrong? ???
Me too, I am very impressed with the standard headlights, though they were adjusted far too low from new (fixed with the adjusters) and they do deteriorate badly when the lenses get dirty (fixed by cleaning the lenses every other day).
Martin.
I agree too that there is nothing wrong at all with the standard lights .. they are excellent .. but I just like bright lights .... like the voices in my head ;D ;D
A two minute job? :-\
The darn connector does not want to come off the bulb easily. No amount of wiggling, pulling or shouting had that thing off without me first taking the bulb out of the holder and then pulling the apart with both hands. Not easy in such a confined space. Any tips for next time?
(In case you were wondering, just fitted these (http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/H4-Ring-XENON-Ultima-120-Headlamp-Bulb-60-55W-pair.html))
Yep ... take it to a dealer !!! :D
Those bulbs sound good, are they as bright as they claim?
Quote from: Lonewolf on December 22, 2011, 10:26:23 PM
Those bulbs sound good, are they as bright as they claim?
I did take a before/after photo in the garage, but couldn't see any visual difference. Not been out in the dark yet, but will report back when I have.
They are physically larger (longer), so perhaps that is how they get the extra 20%. They also have a blue tinted end too.
Quote from: Lonewolf on December 15, 2011, 11:45:23 PM
I've not noticed anything wrong with the standard bulbs,am I doing something wrong? ???
You might like to try going out at night tee he ::)
Quote from: 100milesaway on December 23, 2011, 09:52:02 AM
You might like to try going out at night tee he ::)
Listen, just cause you've been contributing to MCN and got something published dont come on here stating the bleedin obvious!! ;D ;D ;D
Well, to state the obvious, if you don't go out in the dark why do you need brighter lights? ???
Quote from: mecki on December 23, 2011, 12:05:52 PM
Well, to state the obvious, if you don't go out in the dark why do you need brighter lights? ???
Bright headlights are just as beneficial in daylight hours as they are in the dark. See and be seen.
Well twang my pink armbands, I dont remember what I was waffling on about on MCN, mind you I dont remember what I had for my breakfast, I'm 63 me ya know :o ;)
You were singing the praises of the GTR and quite rightly so. ;D
Quote from: Lonewolf on December 23, 2011, 12:08:20 PM
Bright headlights are just as beneficial in daylight hours as they are in the dark. See and be seen.
And that from someone who rides a black bike?
The standard lights are big and bright enough, though.
If I wanted brighter lights during the day I could switch to high beam.
And unlike sports bikes the GTR doesn't look like a moped from a distance.
That's another thing I like - it has a real presence on the road.
What use is it if they can see me from 1 and a half miles away instead of 1 and a quarter anyway?
If you're close enough to be hit and they don't see you with the normal lights on they must be blind as a bat or looking somewhere else.
And in both cases you either get out of the way or... splat.
We could go on and on debating this, I'm tired, I concede and I'm off to bed very shortly. :-\
I'm gonna ride and dress like street hawk so no one can see me
Still the best without changing to "read" HID:
http://www.gtr1400.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,394.msg4730.html#msg4730
Just as an additional query, I am looking at fitting 2x1w bullet DRL's with a pod twinkle unit. Would you recommend that I splice into the headlight cable near to the fitting plug as in your first image?
Quote from: freelander999 on January 09, 2012, 04:56:17 PM
Just as an additional query, I am looking at fitting 2x1w bullet DRL's with a pod twinkle unit. Would you recommend that I splice into the headlight cable near to the fitting plug as in your first image?
if you want them to come on with the ignition you can use the accessories lead
thanks, do you mean the lead going to the 12v cigar lighter?
Quote from: freelander999 on January 09, 2012, 04:59:58 PM
thanks, do you mean the lead going to the 12v cigar lighter?
Nope. Under the left panel packaged in a boot is a black and black + yellow stripped leads. Those are the ones you want
Thanks, wil have a loo k tommorrow. Do you have any images. I ain't looking at the bike right now. Is the left panel around near the light cluster?
you can change the bulbs with no plastic removal, but i found it easier to remove the panel under the headlight, its just 4 release style plastic poppers unsing a match stick as a tool. you would defo need this way in to get to the sidelight bulbs as they are a PITA
thanks for your patience and reply. I will have a go on saturday. I aint the most handy person but i will do it slowly.
I have got an inline fuse aswell.
done, took several hours though and I smashed one of the release tabs on the plate under the lights. does anyone know where I can source a pack of those tabs?
Several hours ? sounds like the punch line to
" how long does it take a kawasaki rider to change a light bulb"
the plastic clip, ive seen them on ebay , The stealer will have them but probably cost you £50
it took ages just cos I never tinker with the bike at all but need to get more familiar with it, if I was doing it again it would be a quick job. I aint very good with tools :)
LOL Freelander !!!!! .... join my club ! Toolbox ? What the hell is one of those ??? ;D ;D ( now I'll wait for the abuse to come my way from you garage guys who can do everything ! ;D ;D )
Quote from: Rusty on January 16, 2012, 06:16:57 PM
LOL Freelander !!!!! .... join my club ! Toolbox ? What the hell is one of those ??? ;D ;D ( now I'll wait for the abuse to come my way from you garage guys who can do everything ! ;D ;D )
Abuse, no abuse... ;) But I have to admit I was tempted. ;D ;D
Quote from: freelander999 on January 14, 2012, 04:48:22 PM
done, took several hours though and I smashed one of the release tabs on the plate under the lights. does anyone know where I can source a pack of those tabs?
You mean one of those pin locks?
Quote from: BigAlan on December 14, 2011, 03:52:58 PM
I shall give these bulbs a fair chance and see what they are like, but if I don't like them then its HID for me.
Alan
something to throw into the mix, will the new MOT regs that are coming in for cars re after market HiD fittment going to apply to bikes too???
not sure of exact wording but HiD bulbs can only be fitted if headlight is self leveling and headlight wash is fitted.
I had mine changed to Philips bulbs from new http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/H4-Philips-X-treme-Vision-100-Headlight-Bulbs-pair.html
did the same way, both installed in 5 minutes & are very very good for those who want much better light & very easy to install :clap:
Quote from: Andy on February 02, 2012, 11:52:31 AM
I had mine changed to Philips bulbs from new http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/H4-Philips-X-treme-Vision-100-Headlight-Bulbs-pair.html