easiest way to replace HL ear?

[Mad Mark]

hey guys, whats the easiest way to replace a headlight ear? if i pull the top tree off and the gauge cluster will all the wires be long enough to get out of the way?

thanks.

[MisterCinders]

Are you swapping the ear for another stock part?

When I changed my headlight, the new ears clamped onto the forks, so I cut the originals off with a Dremel.

If you are replacing the ears with stock parts, you'll need to pull the top off.

[Mad Mark]

yeah its the stock one and it totally wraps around the fork tube. so either drop the forks or pull the top. mostly worried about the the gauges and if the wires will be long enough to not have to disconnect anything.

[7981GS]

I raise the front end, loosen the pinch bolts and slide one fork down at a time while replacing the ears.
Simple operation.

Eric

[bwringer]

I raise the front end, loosen the pinch bolts and slide one fork down at a time while replacing the ears.
Simple operation.

Eric

Yeah, what he said.

Much simpler than dinking with wires and removing the top triple.

[Mad Mark]

so dropping the forks is the best way? do i just let all the air out of them?

[7981GS]

I raise the front end, loosen the pinch bolts and slide one fork down at a time while replacing the ears.
Simple operation.

Eric

Read again.

Eric

[old_skool]

Read again.

Eric

kinda skipped a few steps didn't you....how about front wheel removal...or the fender...or maybe some brake disassembly to pull the wheel, this is information he might need. And no, you don't have to fool with the air valve, and you might be able to remove it from the top, but only you will know if your cables/wires are long enough when attempting it.

[Mad Mark]

thanks guys. but i dont get it, theres holes in the fork tubes for air. isnt there two bolts that go through the triple into the little holes?

sorry to sound dumb but it doesnt seem like i can just leave it and slide the forks down. i thought i would have to back out those bolts a little and let the air out of the forks.

[7981GS]

kinda skipped a few steps didn't you....how about front wheel removal...or the fender...or maybe some brake disassembly to pull the wheel, this is information he might need. And no, you don't have to fool with the air valve, and you might be able to remove it from the top, but only you will know if your cables/wires are long enough when attempting it.

Whoops.
I have done it so many times that I had forgotten to mention:
Disconnect speedo cable at the wheel, unbolt both calipers and pull the axle.
Drop wheel attached to fender and forks.

I use this difficult method:
Nylon sling around frame and lift with engine hoist.




After replacing the ears, push the assembly back up/gently drop bike from raised position and re-attach the parts that you took off.

Better?

Eric

[Billy Ricks]

You have an air hose that runs between two collars. The collars are a slip fit that should have o-rings to seal in the air. The tubes will slide past them too. Just be careful with the o-rings when sliding them back up.

[Mad Mark]

Whoops.
I have done it so many times that I had forgotten to mention:
Disconnect speedo cable at the wheel, unbolt both calipers and pull the axle.
Drop wheel attached to fender and forks.

I use this difficult method:
Nylon sling around frame and lift with engine hoist.




After replacing the ears, push the assembly back up/gently drop bike from raised position and re-attach the parts that you took off.

Better?

Eric

simple operation haha, looks pretty major to me lol. guess ill just do it when i put a new front tire on. what a hassle for such a minor/simple piece.

[MisterCinders]

That is why I just cut mine off and installed chrome headlight ears that clamp onto the forks.

[7981GS]

simple operation haha, looks pretty major to me lol. guess ill just do it when i put a new front tire on. what a hassle for such a minor/simple piece.

Change the speedo cable while you are at it if it needs one.
Also a great time to change the front pads if it needs them.
Fork seals/springs, wheel bearings, tire, steering head bearings, etc.
I try to do as much as possible at one time and avoid doing the same operation over and over again myself.

Eric