Change the Headlight on your Harley Davidson Touring

The Harley Davidson Touring is a
powerful motorcycle with excellent handling and performance
capabilities. Without a working headlight, however, you’ll be severely
limited in the areas and situations in which you can drive. While
Touring headlights tend to be very strong and will not burn out very
often, when they do, it’s important that you take responsibility to
change the headlight as promptly as possible. This will ensure that
you’ll be able to drive safely in any type of condition. Fortunately,
changing out the headlight is an easy task that can be done at home in a
matter of minutes and without the use of sophisticated tools and
equipment.

Step 1 — Gather the Materials

You’ll need the following tools and materials in order to change the headlight on a Harley Davidson Touring:

• New headlight
• Gloves
• Cloth or soft towel
• Needle-nose pliers
• Screwdriver
• Small container

Step 2 — Prepare to Remove the Old Headlight

There are several components of the headlight system to take off of
the frame before you can remove the old bulb. First, if your Touring has
a fairing protector, remove that carefully and set it aside to be
replaced later. Next, take off the chrome ring that circles the outer
edge of the headlight as well. Both of these items should be removed by
hand. You can pull both of them straight outward from the headlight
frame. Avoid moving them up and down as you attempt to remove them, as
this could cause damage.

Next, unscrew the screws with the screwdriver. Put them in the small
container for safekeeping, then set the container aside in a place where
you’ll be able to access it easily later on in the process.

Step 3 — Remove the Headlight

Next, you’ll be able to remove the headlight itself. Pull the
headlight out by hand in the same manner as you did for the other
components so far; remove it straight out from the frame. Do not pull
the headlight too far, as it can easily damage the electrical plug that
is connected to the back of the bulb.

Step 4 — Remove the Plug

The three pronged plug that’s connected to the back of the bulb
should be pulled out directly and straight out like the other parts of
the component system as well. If you’re unable to reach it by hand,
refrain from continuing to pull the headlight bulb away from the
motorcycle. Instead, use a set of needle-nosed pliers to carefully pull
the plug out from the back of the bulb. Then carefully remove the bulb
and set it aside to discard later.

Step 5 — Replace the Bulb

Put on your gloves so that you avoid getting residues, oils or dirt
on the new headlight bulb. Plug the three pronged plug into the back of
the bulb and mount the bulb into the frame. Before you secure it there,
use the cloth or the soft towel to wipe off the bulb and the plug
together. Secure the bulb in place by tightening the screws.

Step 6 — Adjust the Bulb and Secure It

Turn the new bulb on and examine the light that it creates. You’ll
need to make sure that the light is pointing outward and down slightly
toward the road. If it doesn’t, tighten or loosen the screws until the
light is pointed in the right direction. When you’re satisfied, replace
the chrome ring on the headlight and then reattach the fairing protector
as well.

All of the materials needed for this project can be found at a hardware store or a motorcycle repair shop.