Best way to install new replacement low beam bulb

Hack2004

Member
I have removed the right hand H7 halogen bulb using the method described here -

as a result I have bruised my arms and there is not enough room to do the reverse with larger hands.

Is there a better method - I have taken off the right side panel but it looks like more has to come off? Any suggestions, other than go to the dealer

Thanks
 

Pappy13

Active member
It is difficult the first time or two, I also have large hands and the first time I removed one of he side panels, then I could see the area where the bulb installs but I still had to reach up from underneath. Having the windscreen motor out allows for complete reach of both bulbs, but that's a lot of work to replace a headlight bulb, it took me more than an hour the first time, the second time I was installing LED replacement lamps and they were much worse. Later when I had to replace my windscreen motor I was able to easily reach the lamp housing and correct the install on one of the lamps. As you probably know, the lamp only sits in the housing correctly in one location, with our big hands we can still get the spring clip over the base of the lamp even if it isn't in the proper place; I found that if I plugged the lamp in while I had it where I could see it, then worked my arm back into position, placed the lamp in the housing then rotate it slightly until it fits the indentation keep it in place with one finger while I get the spring clip back into position. The next time I had a lamp out I didn't need to remove a panel.
 

Ceesie76

Active member
I had to replace the lamp sometime ago, had a terrible time of it and cursed the engineers who are responsible for this design. I don't have particularly big hands and can usually manage well, but this is on another level..
 

Hack2004

Member
Well after fighting with it for three hours and bruising my arms and one cut. The dealer did an install in 30 minutes for $60 The tech described it as a bitch not only on scooters but several other BM W models. The designer has been sent to o Siberia!
 

Ceesie76

Active member
Update, after 2 years my low beam light went out again and yesterday I was able to replace it in only about 10 minutes without taking any of the tupperware covers off. I think the first time I did this I assumed I had to clip the two thin retainer clips in at the same time which is (literally) a pain, but you can do them one at a time which makes it much easier. It also helped that I used a flashlight to see how the plug is shaped before putting it onto the bulb, and using some dielectric grease on the prongs. I did not remember which quality of bulb I used last time but it turned out to be the top-of-the-line Sylvania H7 that is only rated to last 80 or so hours ($52 for 2 plus tax at Autozone). I bought that type again this time so it will llikely go out rather soon again, but it does provide great lighting which is an important safety item, so there's that.
 

Delray

Well-known member
For anyone looking to change the low beam bulb, here is a link to a tutorial ....


If you have mitts the size of The Hulk, maybe enlist someone with smaller hands and guide them through the process? It's pretty quick and easy. For me, the most challenging part is working blind, but cell phone pics help a lot. Slip the phone up there with the flash on and give yourself an idea of what you're working with.

I installed the basic Sylvania H7 bulb, preferring its longer life, but based on comments above, next time I might try the brighter, more expensive H7.
 

Ceesie76

Active member
This afternoon was greeted by the 'LAMP' error message again. Only 4 months after I had replaced the low beam light, and I don't really ride all that long distances/time. At my auto parts store they have three H7 quality varieties - the best/most expensive lasts the shortest .... 80 hours, vs the cheaper, less-bright version, that is rated at 260 or so hours. So, clearly (pun intended) the way they achieve brighter light is simply by putting in a thinner filament that burns up brighter and faster. Since most of my riding is in the city and during the day, this time I opted for the longer-lasting cheap version. I just don't want to be doing this twice every year, it's not that fun a project.
 
Top
AdBlock Detected

We get it, advertisements are annoying!

Sure, ad-blocking software does a great job at blocking ads, but it also blocks useful features of our website. For the best site experience please disable your AdBlocker.

I've Disabled AdBlock
No Thanks