I changed my headlight bubs

[Eric L]

I don't mean to complain unnecessarily, but crap! changing the bulbs was way more painful than I anticipated. I am sure if it wasn't 40 degrees in my garage, it would have been a little less painful. Thank god for the helpful previous posts here on the forum because the manual is not clear at all about how to go about this.

I managed to change the left without removing the panel, but the right side was just too tight for my fat hands, so I removed the panel. Even after successfully (?) completing this I am not exactly sure how I unclipped and reclipped the spring holding the bulbs in place But you guys were right; do it once and you'll find it much easier the second time.

I installed a pair of those sylvania 'super duper dont last too long bulbs' so I imagine I'll have to go through this painful exercise again after 50 hours of riding.

Eric

 

[Patriot]

I "require" my daughter's assistance on the left one to get the plug back on the bulb

It's kinda difficult and requires the panel off...there are a "few" accessory wires in the way, let's say...

HINT: BE SURE TO NOTE THE ORIENTATION OF THE BULB GOING IN...MIDDLE PRONG UP

left side easy peezy but again, always take the panels off

mine is Gen I, so don't know the diff

 

[FJRBluesman]

I "require" my daughter's assistance on the left one to get the plug back on the bulb...

mine is Gen I, so don't know the diff

Ya know you showed us that your daugther has a hole in her head that light shines thru. Just sayin', headlight... light thru head... searching, strecthing, spinning out of control.... Eject! Eject! Eject! :huh:
GenI's are best.

 

[Patriot]

I "require" my daughter's assistance on the left one to get the plug back on the bulb...

mine is Gen I, so don't know the diff

Ya know you showed us that your daugther has a hole in her head that light shines thru. Just sayin', headlight... light thru head... searching, strecthing, spinning out of control.... Eject! Eject! Eject! :huh:
GenI's are best.

huh ???

 

[FatNakedGuy]

Eric, what make and model bulbs did you use? I am in the market for brighter lighting.

Thank you sir!

 

[gearman]

I've had the Silverstars in the SV for 2+ years and no failures. I picked up some yesterday at wallyworld on sale...9 bucks off the pair.

 

[gearman]

huh ???

LOL I suspect if she gets wind of this your fathers day gift will be downgraded.

 

[TriggerT]

Yes, if there is a hell, changing the head light bulbs on a Gen 2 FJR will be one of the regular tasks residents will be required to preform. Changing the bulbs from standard to HID's is even more fun.

 

[Eric L]

Eric, what make and model bulbs did you use? I am in the market for brighter lighting.

Thank you sir!

Sylvania SilverStar ULTRA

 

[rbentnail]

Sylvania SilverStar ULTRA

I've had no luck with Silverstars on previous bikes and an F150- they just didn't last. The most I ever got out of one was about 4 months so I didn't even consider trying them again. This time I went with Sylvania XtraVision, supposedly not as vibration sensitive. I just put them in so the jury's still out.

 

[Harald]

I'd suggest putting some dielectric grease on the rubber boots so that the next time goes much easier. I don't remove any panels to replace my Gen II bulbs, but I don't have monster mitts to deal with.

I put Osram Nightbreaker bulbs in my FJR and they put out noticeably more light. One side only lasted 9 months (10k miles) but the other side is still going strong after 1 year. The replacements I bought are called "plus" and claim longer life. I'll report back whether that's true or not.

 

[DeweyIsgod]

You inspired me to swap out my bulbs that had 35000 miles on them while I conveniently have the front cowling off for other maintenance/farkling. Of course, I put in the high-output Sylvania's with short life.

 

[art miller]

I'm on my second genII and have yet to replace a headlamp. When the time should come, I am thinking of the HID route. Anyone have input on HID's? I understand they drawl less power, provide more light, and are more resistant to vibration. The cost is higher but it appears the benefit to cost ratio is good.

 

[Harald]

I'd suggest putting some dielectric grease on the rubber boots so that the next time goes much easier. I don't remove any panels to replace my Gen II bulbs, but I don't have monster mitts to deal with.

I put Osram Nightbreaker bulbs in my FJR and they put out noticeably more light. One side only lasted 9 months (10k miles) but the other side is still going strong after 1 year. The replacements I bought are called "plus" and claim longer life. I'll report back whether that's true or not.

Talk about jinxing myself. Within days of my post above, the other old Nightbreaker bulb burned out. It'll be interesting to see how long the new "longer life" Nightbreaker bulbs last......