Gauge Light Bulb Replacement

[croymans]

Does anyone know how to replace the instrument light bulbs without removing the entire fairing?
Thanks!
Ed

[SlowOldGuy]

What year?  On 1100s, the fairing has to come off.  On later models (my '93) with the multi-piece fairing, I've been able to pull the dash without removing the whole fairing.

DavidR.

[croymans]

Thanks for your reply David. Mine is an '85 1100 so it sounds like there's no option but to pull the fairing. Anyone else have experience here?

[Yamifj1200]

Thanks for your reply David. Mine is an '85 1100 so it sounds like there's no option but to pull the fairing. Anyone else have experience here?

Dude nothin personal take David's word for it... He bought the bike brand new and it looks and runs better than new... He knows his shit.. JMO

Eric M

[croymans]

Thanks Eric.

[Dan Filetti]

I took the front fairing off my '85 for cleaning/ inspection and radar detector installation many years ago.  Taking the fairing off was not that bad.  Looking back on it, I simply can't imagine that cluster coming out without the faring coming off.  

And like Eric says, David, of all people would know if it could be done.

Dan

[croymans]

Thanks for the feedback Dan, off the fairing comes! I'm new here just having bought my '85 this spring. I've been learning lots surfing the site and really appreciate all the expertise, great web site and obviously lots of active savvy members!

[SlowOldGuy]

Were you requesting additional information on how to pull the fairing?

If so, 6 bolts; 2 on top, 2 on bottom, and 2 under the lower black side "bumpers."
Remove screw holding the headlight adjuster to the frame rail (if it's still there).
Reach underneath the front of the fairing and disconnect the headlight connector (helps to remove the horn).
Remove the speedo cable from the drive assembly down on the wheel, or slide the fairing forward enough to get your hand in there and disconnect it from the speedo unit.
Continue sliding the fairing forward to gain access to the two main connectors on the right side. 
Disconnect the two connectors.
The worst part is getting the 2 mounting holes on the bottom of the fairing , next to the head, disengaged (and re-engaged when re-installing).

Replace ALL the lights with HEAVY DUTY bulbs.  DO NOT use LED replacements!

Now that you've got the fairing off, it's also an excellent time to install headlight relays.

DavidR.

[simi_ed]

"Replace ALL the lights with HEAVY DUTY bulbs.  DO NOT use LED replacements!" 

BTDT.  I've lost parts of my 2nd set of LEDs.  I'm going back to standard incandescent bulbs.

Ed

[pdxfj]

Now that you've got the fairing off, it's also an excellent time to install headlight relays.

Or just do the HID swap for less than $50 shipped to your door.  www.ddmtuning.com and get the 35w H4 Hi/Lo in the color temperature of your choice.

[croymans]

Thank you David for the instructions on the fairing removal, most helpful! I bought a factory shop manual on E-bay but it doesn't cover that. Also, thanks to Ed and Mr. Bean for the tips on bulbs. You guys are awesome!