How to change the headlight on an '82 GL1100A

[glk17l]

How do you change the head lamp on an '82 GL1100A?

[WingAdmin]

It's actually quite a bit easier than you would think.

First, remove the set screw on the side of the headlight adjustment knob on the back of the fairing, then pull the knob off:

Headlight adjustment knob

Next, you'll see a locknut, lock washer and a washer on the shaft. Remove the locknut and washers.

Headlight locknut and washer

The headlight can then be pulled out from the front of the fairing. Be careful, because there is nothing holding the headlight in once you remove the locknut - so you may want to have a helper hold the headlight in the fairing (or do it yourself if you have long arms) when you remove the locknut.

Once the headlight is removed, you can remove the bulb from the back of the headlight and replace it. Careful not to touch the glass of the new bulb with your fingers (if you do, then clean the bulb with rubbing alcohol to remove any oil or fingerprints before installing it).

Reinstallation is the reverse of removal.

[glk17l]

Thank you for the info. That seems easy enough. I thought I would have to dismantle the inside of the fairing.
Thanks, glk17l.

[petethedrummer]

Is that a Phillips screw in the knob?
I cant seem to make it move.. too many years...
Will I have to bust the knob off?

[WingAdmin]

Is that a Phillips screw in the knob?
I cant seem to make it move.. too many years...
Will I have to bust the knob off?

Yes, it's a Philips screw, and you will have trouble removing it without using the screw - the shaft is aluminum, and the screw goes right into the shaft. Try some PB Blaster on the screw, then a small manual impact screw driver, should free it up. It really shouldn't be that tight.

[glk17l]

I want to thank everyone for thier replies. It was a lot easier than anticipated.

[FlashBack]

It's actually quite a bit easier than you would think.

First, remove the set screw on the side of the headlight adjustment knob on the back of the fairing, then pull the knob off:

Headlight knob step 1.gif

Next, you'll see a locknut, lock washer and a washer on the shaft. Remove the locknut and washers.

Headlight knob step 2.gif

The headlight can then be pulled out from the front of the fairing. Be careful, because there is nothing holding the headlight in once you remove the locknut - so you may want to have a helper hold the headlight in the fairing (or do it yourself if you have long arms) when you remove the locknut.

Once the headlight is removed, you can remove the bulb from the back of the headlight and replace it. Careful not to touch the glass of the new bulb with your fingers (if you do, then clean the bulb with rubbing alcohol to remove any oil or fingerprints before installing it).

Reinstallation is the reverse of removal.

Is it the same proces for an 83 GL1100i?

[WingAdmin]

Is it the same proces for an 83 GL1100i?

It's the same process for any GL1100 with an OEM Honda fairing.

[FlashBack]

Is it the same proces for an 83 GL1100i?

It's the same process for any GL1100 with an OEM Honda fairing.

Thank you. By the way, i really enjoy all the useful information on this site and the willingness of you and everyone to share tips, tricks and how to's. I have always had Harley's and Triumphs. This is my first GoldWing and this site has been a huge resource for me.
Thanks again

[aznyaz]

OK, I was all ready to have this done in like 10 minutes, but as is the case, it's never that easy. I removed everything as shown above but I wasn't lucky enough to have the headlight just pull out. Has anyone had any issues with the headlight assembly not wanting to come out of the fairing? It just seems like there's more to loosened or taken off before the headlight will pull out. Looking for answers.

MJ

[WingAdmin]

OK, I was all ready to have this done in like 10 minutes, but as is the case, it's never that easy. I removed everything as shown above but I wasn't lucky enough to have the headlight just pull out. Has anyone had any issues with the headlight assembly not wanting to come out of the fairing? It just seems like there's more to loosened or taken off before the headlight will pull out. Looking for answers.

MJ

No, literally the only thing holding the headlight in place is that nut on the adjustment knob shaft. The first time I took mine out, I undid that nut and the headlight literally fell out of the fairing. The only thing that kept it from hitting the ground and smashing were the wires still connected (barely) to the back of it. That's why I recommended holding on to the headlight before removing this.

[aznyaz]

Well, I got to spend a little more time on my headlight and removed it by putting the nut back on the first few threads of the mounting shaft and using a long screwdriver against a socket on the nut and leveraging from the steering head counter weight and the socket, and it popped out pretty easily. It seemed the headlight assembly was just slightly tight in the slots it slides into in the headlight area of the fairing. Scratching my head as to why it's like that but not losing sleep over it.

[james.y8]

It's actually quite a bit easier than you would think.
First, remove the set screw on the side of the headlight adjustment knob on the back of the fairing, then pull the knob off:
The headlight can then be pulled out from the front of the fairing. Be careful, because there is nothing holding the headlight in once you remove the locknut - so you may want to have a helper hold the headlight in the fairing (or do it yourself if you have long arms) when you remove the locknut.
Once the headlight is removed, you can remove the bulb from the back of the headlight and replace it. Careful not to touch the glass of the new bulb with your fingers (if you do, then clean the bulb with rubbing alcohol to remove any oil or fingerprints before installing it).

Reinstallation is the reverse of removal.

Thanks! I wish I saw this before I took it out. But it'll be a lot easier to put it back in. Clearly the previous owner didn't know how to do this either.

[sampson]

I turned the adjustable knob completely out I didn't know about the little screw,the rod came with the knob two little flat washers fell out an a little lock washer I took the the long screw an spring out also an the headlight still does not come out of the factory honda fairing it just pevits it will not come out

[ChiefCass59]

Thanks for another EXCELLENT DIY Article. I was unhappy with PO's LED H4 bulb on my 82 1100i and I got stumped on how to pull the headlight. It had been 30 years since my last (1200i) Goldwing headlight change and I'd forgotten how everything was attached so I was starting a full fairing teardown... then I slowed down and remembered to do a search. Of GoldWingDocs. Of course! and there's the how-to! Thanks! Here's a pic of my chosen replacement before installation. I liked the OSRAM 7" units for the lighting pattern and durability on my old Wrangler Rubicon and I found on eBay for ~$30.
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/332767436179