alwrmcusn Posted February 25, 2014 #1 Posted February 25, 2014 I need to replace my headlamp bulb. What size tool(s) do I need to split the fairing. I have a hex wrench that almost but not quite fits the bolts/nuts. It looks to be a hex head but might it be a star instead? I'm guessing the reason my hex wrench almost but not quite fits is that I need a metric set?? P.S. I can't believe that Yamaha/Star requires me to remove the fairing to get to the headlamp. Geez, who designed that thing??
StarFan Posted February 25, 2014 #2 Posted February 25, 2014 It is possible to change the bulb without splitting the fairing if you have tiny hands and some patience. You can reach it through the opening where the height adjustment knob for the headlight is situated, you just need to slide the knob off to get it out of the way. But splitting the fairing is an easy task but note that if you have added the driving lights you will have to loosen them and get them out of the way to be able to get the fairing off since they are to close to the fairing. If you do that make sure to put a thick towel or a blanket on the front fender to protect it. Still it is an easy job to split the fairing and it takes about 15 minutes to take the fairing off if you have all the right tools at hand. I just did this today since I am getting the speaker covers in the fairing custom painted and needed to get them off the fairing. My opinion - just do it and you will not look at it as a big job once you have done it once. Believe me - it is very easy to do.
Guest tx2sturgis Posted February 25, 2014 #3 Posted February 25, 2014 (edited) Yes, metric hexdriver set is needed. The 'ball-end' is much easier to work with, so buy that type. Be careful when removing the trim piece under the windshield, dont force it! It will lift up and out but you can easily break the tabs if you force it. Under that trim piece are several small metric capscrews, and the larger one under the headlight, as well as the screws along the perimeter of the fairing will let the front half of the fairing be removed. Yep its a pain. Edited February 25, 2014 by tx2sturgis
djh3 Posted February 25, 2014 #4 Posted February 25, 2014 I really dont know if splitting the faring would make changing the headlight out any easier. Unless your going to pull the whole thing out once its split. Way more work than you need. Turn handlebars to far right, good light helps a bunch also. It is tight but can be done. For me the hardest part was the spring clamp thing holding the bulb in.
Bert2006 Posted February 25, 2014 #5 Posted February 25, 2014 Freebird has an excellent step by step with pictures on how to split the fairing. See this post from the tech section http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=494
bongobobny Posted February 25, 2014 #6 Posted February 25, 2014 Think that's bad? You have to remove the fender on my Malibu to change the headlight! As soon as it's paid for, that car is GONE!! May never buy another Chevrolet again...
Yammer Dan Posted February 25, 2014 #7 Posted February 25, 2014 Think that's bad? You have to remove the fender on my Malibu to change the headlight! As soon as it's paid for, that car is GONE!! May never buy another Chevrolet again... Then my G6 is going to be about the same? I got one out now. Supposed to be new light from the stupid body shop I let fix it.
alwrmcusn Posted February 25, 2014 Author #8 Posted February 25, 2014 Added info: I know how to split the fairing, just need to know the size of the hex I will need. I'll just buy a metric set. Giving some thought to purchasing the Cruz M3 kit. More Info: I took a look at possibly trying to change the bulb from the back of the fairing. Ain't no way in God's little green earth I can get my hand in there. Also that mass of cables can not be moved aside to get to the bulb/mount.....I tried and so did my wife. And now for something completely different: Is there a set of replacement bolts that can be used in place of the set that are currently holding the fairing together?
bongobobny Posted February 25, 2014 #9 Posted February 25, 2014 Yes metric, do NOT use Sae! I think they are 5.5mm but not sure. Buy a GOOD set of ball type allen keys, just about everything on the 2nd gen is an allen screw... Yammer, not sure on the G6 but perhaps. Do a google search to find out.
kevin-vic-b.c. Posted February 26, 2014 #10 Posted February 26, 2014 Yes follow the link to Freebirds step by step. there are other links as well but the things are: 1, the chrome trim lifts up.... by up it means to lift it parrelel to the windscreen not up to the sky. 2, the bolt under (behind) riding/turn lights requires a long round or ball head Allen a square cut may strip out the bolt head or scratch the paint of the ferring just things I noted doing mine. also if you have a co-pilot with small hands to pull that bulb out all the better or you may have to pick up Band-Aid when you go out to buy the bulb. trust me it is easy.... I did it
djh3 Posted February 26, 2014 #11 Posted February 26, 2014 3mm for the allen size of the head of screws for fairing. If you can find a 1/4" drive one it may be easier. The bolt head that holds the passing lights on is a 6mm. I have had the best luck with a 6mm long ball allen on it. I dont care for a ball allen if you can go straight in on the screw like the fairing and saddlebag bolts. Advance auto parts carries a 3/8 drive short allen metric set for around $20 I think. The long ball allen you may have to find a snap on dealer or maybe NAPA has one, but its kind of a special tool so sears probably aint going to have one.
bongobobny Posted February 26, 2014 #12 Posted February 26, 2014 Sears does have them Dion. I'm just anti Sears since a credit card incident a couple years ago, and won't shop there any more and do not endorse them...
StarFan Posted February 26, 2014 #13 Posted February 26, 2014 Yes metric, do NOT use Sae! I think they are 5.5mm but not sure. . They are size 5 mm Just did mine and like I said - This is no big task splitting the fairing and never could understand all the fuzzzzz about it. I have the light bar installed and have to take it out of the way but from start till fairing is split is only 15 minutes Max.
Yammer Dan Posted February 26, 2014 #14 Posted February 26, 2014 Harbor Freight has a fair T-handle Ball set. And the 3/8 drive ones.
RedRider Posted February 27, 2014 #15 Posted February 27, 2014 You need 3 sizes of Allen wrenches to split the faring. The small bolts on the rider side of the faring require 3mm. The top bolt on each side is longer than the others, so keep them separate. The light bar requires 6mm. Place a towel over the front fender before you start to remove these bolts. You WILL drop the wrench, a bolt, the light bar, one of the spacers behind the light bar, etc..... There is also a long bolt at the bottom of the headlight ring. This requires a 4mm wrench. Once you do it a couple of times, it is no longer a concern. Easy to do. FYI - Don't go cheap on a set of Allen wrenches. A stripped out bolt is a difficult and expensive (at least time consuming) occurrence. You don't need to go Snap-On expensive, but I would stay away from HF or the bargain bin at the True Value.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now