How to Replace the Headlights on a Harley Road Glide

A couple of dressed classics front this line of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

The Road Glide was intended by the manufacturer to be a flagship model for the fleet of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. With its impressive fairing and dual headlights, it certainly looks the part. Changing the headlights when they burn out, however, can be a daunting task. It is necessary to remove the outer fairing and work on the inside of it in order to change the bulbs. This task is best accomplished in a garage with a clean work bench. The length of time it takes to complete this task is between 30 and 60 minutes.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cross-tip screwdriver
• 10mm wrench
• Torx wrench set
• New headlight bulbs

1. Remove the Seat

   • 1

     Unscrew the back fastener on the rear of the seat with a cross-tip screwdriver to free the seat.

   • 2

     Move the seat toward the rear of the bike and lift it free of the chassis. Set the seat aside.

   • 3

     Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery using a 10mm open-ended wrench. The battery is under the seat.

   Remove the Outer Fairing

   • 1

     Loosen and remove the seven screws that secure the outer fairing, using a Torx-head driver. These screws are located around the inner fairing at the windshield, the radio speakers, and the handlebar triple-trees.

   • 2

     Lean the outer fairing forward while carefully holding it. Reach inside the fairing and disconnect the wire connectors that attach this outer fairing to the rest of the bike.

   • 3

     Move the fairing to a clean workbench.

   Change the Headlights

   • 1

     Pull the wire harness located at the back of each headlight. Pull the harness gently by hand.

   • 2

     Loosen and remove the plastic retaining rings on each headlight by turning them counterclockwise by hand. Pull out the old bulbs and discard them.

   • 3

     Insert new bulbs into their position with the larger tab on their back plates pointing toward the top of the fairing. Screw the plastic retaining rings back onto the bulbs and reconnect the bulb wiring harnesses.

   • 4

     Take the outer fairing back to the motorcycle for reinstallation. Close the job out in reverse order, installing the fairing, then the battery terminal, then the seat.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep interruptions to a minimum when performing this task and keep a close eye on the outer fairing when you are working on it to avoid scratches and dings.

• Remove all watches and rings when working around motorcycle batteries.