Speedo Bulb fitting

[tuftywhite]

After an interesting trip out the other night, it seems I need to replace the bulb in my speedo (1981 g/s).

How easy are they to fit for a technical idiot?

I know a lot of you guys are rebuilding gurus so I don't want the sort of answers like "just remove the centrifugal reversing sprocket pin using the CRSP splitter" I just need a simple, it's easy or an easier, take it to a bike garage.

Thanks.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

 

[electric_monk]

Should just be a case of removing the 4 phillips head screws that hold the 2 halves of the headlight nacelle together, popping the bulb holder out of the base of the speedo and replacing the bulb. Refitting is the reverse.

 

[sutcliffe995]

Super easy. I'm a numpty with these things, and was replacing the clock nervously on my g/s Dakar 1986 (lovely thing, an original Dakar from UK), and saw the bulb you're wanting to replace. Just as he said- 4 phillips screws, the sunken ones, to remove the screen, it falls off, revealing easy access to the bulb. 2 mins for a mechanic, took me 1 hr. to plan, 20 mins to ask someone who knew, then 20 mins to change the clock. Big breath in, and go for it.

 

[Padmei]

Pffft You'd never get it out with the CRSP splitter- they're only used for the centrifugal reversing sprocket pin

 

[fayeslane]

Pffft You'd never get it out with the CRSP splitter- they're only used for the centrifugal reversing sprocket pin

Yeah, but if you turn the CRSP splitter upside down and carefully use a pair of pliers, an R60 dip stick, bent 90 degrees, and race tape you could conceivably remove the offending globe

 

[electric_monk]

Pffft You'd never get it out with the CRSP splitter- they're only used for the centrifugal reversing sprocket pin

WTF.

 

[Ogmios]

WTF.

..

 

[tuftywhite]

Thanks for the comments. I just need to find out where to get the right bulb.

Will follow up with project updates and photos, if I get time. I'm sure you'll all be riveted.

I hope you realise, this is my equivalent of a rebuild!

 

[dr nosh]

Thanks for the comments. I just need to find out where to get the right bulb.

Will follow up with project updates and photos, if I get time. I'm sure you'll all be riveted.

I hope you realise, this is my equivalent of a rebuild!

I think that you will find that the bulb holder is what looks like a black plastic cap with serrated edges. You need to rotate this cap, its not threaded but a 1/4 turn bayonet.
The bulb is capless, or 'wedge' which means that the connection leads are exposed at the bottom of the glass envelope and just push into the black plastic cap that you have just removed.
Should be 12v 4 or 5W.
Just go to a local motor shop (or Halfrauds if you have to) and take the old bulb with you for the correct pattern.

 

[Ogmios]

Thanks for the comments. I just need to find out where to get the right bulb.

Will follow up with project updates and photos, if I get time. I'm sure you'll all be riveted.

I hope you realise, this is my equivalent of a rebuild!

You keep going mate!
From little acorns and all that!
No ones born with 'The Knowledge' .

Be prepared for a lot of piss taking however.

 

[fayeslane]

I hope you realise, this is my equivalent of a rebuild!

 

[fayeslane]

all good natured

 

[tuftywhite]

Success!

I've taken a few pictures to illustrate my journey.

First, locate your motorbike. I found mine in the garage.



Holes for the screws are located around the back. You need your longest screwdriver.



Cover comes away easily. This was a stage I was concerned about. When I was 19 I had a TS100. When I opened the headlight it revealed a spaghetti of wiring which was difficult to fit back in. However, I should have known that BMW would have been neat and tidy.




I found the bulb holder which didn't have a serrated plastic cup but was friction held by the use of a small cable tie. Probably not OE, but seems effective.

I thought that the reason my speedo light wasn't on, was that the bulb had gone. When I pulled out the bulb holder I found that the bulb had indeed gone. Gone as in not there. So, I didn't have a pattern to refer to at Halfords, but guessed correctly. New bulb £1.99.

You were all correct in saying this was easy. It was probably the easiest job I've done on my bike and I really shouldn't have been worried. Next up, gear box rebuild. (not really)



Success. See how it glows.



Thank you for all of your tips and suggestions.

 

[thornley]

I've taken a few pictures to illustrate my journey.

First, locate your motorbike. I found mine in the garage.

View attachment 198634

Holes for the screws are located around the back. You need your longest screwdriver.

View attachment 198635

Cover comes away easily. This was a stage I was concerned about. When I was 19 I had a TS100. When I opened the headlight it revealed a spaghetti of wiring which was difficult to fit back in. However, I should have known that BMW would have been neat and tidy.


View attachment 198636

I found the bulb holder which didn't have a serrated plastic cup but was friction held by the use of a small cable tie. Probably not OE, but seems effective.

I thought that the reason my speedo light wasn't on, was that the bulb had gone. When I pulled out the bulb holder I found that the bulb had indeed gone. Gone as in not there. So, I didn't have a pattern to refer to at Halfords, but guessed correctly. New bulb £1.99.

You were all correct in saying this was easy. It was probably the easiest job I've done on my bike and I really shouldn't have been worried. Next up, gear box rebuild. (not really)

View attachment 198637

Success. See how it glows.

View attachment 198639

Thank you for all of your tips and suggestions.

£1.99 for a bulb Halfrauds