Rear Light Bulb Removal

[Falco9]

A real numpty question that I'm almost too embarrassed to ask but........ as I don't have a manual and the bike is new to me, please tell me why can I not remove the rear tail light bulb?

There appears to be a small clip next to the bulb but despite pressing / moving the clip and general cajoling of the bulb it will not come out or even twist. The bike has only done 6k so surely its not corroded in (or is it?) it shows no signs of corrosion, to be fair it still looks brand new

I'm now at the stage where I think I'll have to break the bulb to try and get the damn thing out so I thought I'd just check that there isn't a secret "masonic" trick or method to removing the damn thing

F9

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Push the bulb in and twist it anti-clockwise to release it. Sounds simple enough! It would seem that yours is stiff - perhaps corrosion where it cannot be spotted? Be careful not to break the bulb and cut yourself. If all else fails I would carefully break the bulb (which is presumably duff) and extract it with a pair of pointed nose pliers.

 

[Wapping]

Whilst you wait to order a manual, download one here:

http://www.bmw-motorrad.dk/dk/da/index.html

Select SERVICE from the bar on the top

Select DOWNLOADER MANUALLER (or whatever it is in Danish) from the box on the left.

BuMW does not give precise instructions on removing the rear light bulb, but does on removal of an indicator bulb..... Push in and turn in an anti-clockwise (leftwards as viewed) direction..... a method it seems to share with many things that need to be undone.

I guess BuMW assume.... Well I have no idea what they assume but whatever it is they seem to have assumed wrong

PS It's probably corroded in. Shonky production, not fit for purpose, around the world motorcycle, see numerous threads. Take care.

 

[Bones]

My taillight stopped working a few weeks back. When I set abou changing the bulb I found that the bulb was OK but the Connectors were corroded as f#ck. Cleaned up with dremmel and all was OK.

 

[Falco9]

Many thanks for the prompt replies, been back down to the garage and had another go....eventually the bulb relented and came out in the std manner of push & twist

Yes, corrosion around the bulb body, not too horrible but enough to make removal a right royal PITA. I honestly thought I was going to have to break the glass to get it out

The next one fitted will have a lovely very thin smear of grease around it

F9

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Haynes

Many times I have given advice (as above) based purely on what is printed in the Haynes manual; An excellent 'accessory' at £15 inc. p&p from Nippy Norman.
The original question should not embarrass you - just watch an experienced BMW mechanic dismantle bits of metal or plastic from your bike at great speed because he knows exactly what to do, where to find the screws, clips etc; and where force can be safely applied.

 

[Packer]

The next one fitted will have a lovely very thin smear of grease around it

F9

Not ordinary grease, Vaseline or specific electrical grease

 

[Falco9]

Not ordinary grease, Vaseline or specific electrical grease

Good Point.. I have the electrical variety

F9

 

[twig]

hi falco9
you will find the back of the rear light assembly gets absolutely covered in crap as it is exposed to all the shite coming off the back wheel. i do remove the rear undertray and give it a good clean occasionally, especially after the winter, as corrosion is an issue there.

 

[(RIP) Arkwright]

Rear light mod

The answer may be to do as I did and make a cover for the rear light and seal it!

www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113646

Photos in post no. 7!

 

[Brian ROSEN]

The answer may be to do as I did and make a cover for the rear light and seal it!

Or you could buy the later version of the bike with a different system!

 

[Pukmeister]

Took mine apart a few years ago, cleaned it up, wrapped exposed areas with self-amalgamating tape and prevented further problems. A must-do on the older bikes if its a keeper.

 

[Kremmen]

Even better than self amalgamating tape is a horrible substance called Denso Tape ... it is use by gas fitters on underground pipes & ones set in concrete.
We use it on exposed electrical connectors on specialised trailers where a breakdown would be disastrous ..... it is truly a horrible snot like substance that you cant get off your hands.
But once applied (wrapped) trust me you will never look back or regret it.

 

[(RIP) Arkwright]

Or you could buy the later version of the bike with a different system![/QUOTE] Brian Rosen!

Not a chance for me Brian, I don't like the later ones either for looks or excess of unnecessary electrics, mine's got enough now! ......................... and I've got this just how I want it .........................and two Airheads!

cheers,