headlight filaments 1 or 2
- Thread starter Lorien
- Start date
The NT uses a single filament H7 bulb for both headlights....
Slight editorial correction, Wayne: The NT uses a single filament H7 bulb for low beam. On high beam, two single filament H7 bulbs are illuminated. So, 55W on low beam, 110W on high.
I just got my used NT and will be putting a headlight modulator on it. Am I reading this correct...are there three bulbs on the NT: 1 low beam and 2 High?
I'm also wondering how to access the bulbs to add the modulator. There is nothing in the manual about how to change bulbs etc.
Any info or advice is welcomed!!!
mikesim
Site Supporter
Phil's editorial correct just confused the issue further... he he he... There are a total of two H7 headlamp bulbs. One for low beam and one for high beam. When low beam is selected, only one bulb (upper) is illuminated. When high bean is selected, both bulbs (upper and lower) are illuminated. If you look at the headlamp housing you will note that the two reflectors are designed to project the light in different patterns.... hope this helps!
Mike
Mike
There are two round, rubber dust covers that protect the rear of the bulbs. Look in front of the handlebars and you should see them. Each one has a "handle" (rubber flap) that makes it easy to pull either cover off. At that point you can see each bulb's socket. A chrome spring must be unhooked from the lower left side (8 o'clock) of the socket. The spring must be lifted then swung to the right; at this point the bulb and socket can be moved from its mounting. You then pull the bulb off the plug, and then can replace the bulb.
If you have small hands, the strength of a weightlifter, and the patience of a saint it is easy to install the bulb in the socket, put the bulb into its mount (be sure it is aligned correctly with the bulb's tab on top) and reattach the retaining spring. Then just snap the dust cover into place.
My major problem is that I have large hands and little patience, a combination that makes this simple job a real PITA. Good luck.
Ken
LOL, Ken! Many motorcycles have a similar cover and spring arrangement. The Concours was one of them. In 2001, I had ridden from Klamath Fall, OR, to Lewiston, ID. I was looking for a place to camp (in the days before owning a GPS with the ability to locate points of interest) and not having much luck. I stopped to eat and, just as it got dark, I came out to continue riding east. I'd learned that there was a campground at the Nez Perce Casino. But as I pulled out of the restaurant parking lot, I realized that the low beam filament on the Connie's H4 dual filament bulb was dead. I had a spare bulb, and didn't have much trouble getting the old bulb out. But then I couldn't get the new bulb back in. I didn't have a head lamp (or a flashlight I could hold in my mouth). Finally, after I'd fiddled for about 45 minutes without getting it back in, an old man told me he had a brighter flashlight in his car and that his wife wouldn't mind waiting while he held it for me. It only took another 25 minutes after that. Turns out I was trying to put the bulb in upside down. My theory is that my NT will never have a bulb burn out. 
Also may I add be very careful in doing this job, the little tabs are very fradl, my Honda shop tech had one break on him while doing a bulb swap for me, I am aon a extended warrany so no problem , It wa cavered, but had I not had the warranty the parts bill would have been $ 178.00 plus three hours labor.
Thanks Mikesim and Ken. That helps a lot. I'll have to poke around back there a bit more and see what I can see. My hands aren't toooo big, so maybe I'll be able to squeeze in there.
So, it sounds like BOTH the high and low beam use the exact same bulb? It's just that when the high beam is on, both bulbs are lit for the greater illumination, right?
I plan to put the modulator on the low beam only, so it seems I'll only have to reach the upper bulb, which I'm HOPING will be a little easier. Thanks guys!
mikesim
Site Supporter
The upper bulb is easier, but only marginally. Both are a PITA. Fortunately. both bulbs are the same (H7) so that makes keeping a spare on hand easier. Also, another headlamp tip.... I was initially disappointed in my headlamp performance until I discovered that my headlamps were aimed too low. While you are looking at the two flaps covering the headlight bulb apertures, you will also note two adjustment knobs. These adjust left/right and up/down beam alignment. From the factory, mine were adjusted waaay to far down. Once I adjusted them properly, they were just fine. Also, I replaced my stock bulbs with Sylvania Silverstar zXe bulbs. They are a big improvement however, be aware that the Silverstar series (Silverstar, Silverstar Ultra and Silverstar zXe) have a shorter life span than a standard bulb. I just changed the low beam that lasted 16 months.
Hope this helps!
Mike
Hope this helps!
Mike
JQL
Growing old disgracefully
I find that if you take the instrument surround off it makes changing the bulbs a lot easier.
Is there an easy way to get the instrument surround off?
Not really. Fairing pocket are in the way. After that it is wo screws and then you have to pull it pretty hard to get it off. (IIRC)
I had the surround off when working on mine; I don't think it was of any help. Removing the forks would be helpful, but not worth the trouble. I like working on my own vehicles, but replacing the headlights might be the only task I would pay someone else to do.
Ken