How to Change the Light Bulbs in a Yamaha V Star 650
To a motorcyclist, being visible is an absolutely critical part of riding safely. The brightly-illuminated headlight, tail light and turn signals on your Yamaha V-Star 650 alert other motorists of your presence. Serious consequences could result from riding with a burnt-out bulb. Replacing a damaged bulb on your V-Star 650 requires only a single screwdriver, so there is no excuse for being left in the dark.
Headlight Bulb Replacement
Remove the screw from the bottom left side of the headlight bucket, if viewed from the front of the motorcycle, using a Phillips screwdriver.
Grasp the bottom of the headlight's outer trim ring and lift it upward until the entire lens assembly can be pulled away from the headlight bucket.
Unplug the bulb's socket from the rear of the lens assembly. Pull the rubber boot off of the back of the bulb.
- To a motorcyclist, being visible is an absolutely critical part of riding safely.
- Remove the screw from the bottom left side of the headlight bucket, if viewed from the front of the motorcycle, using a Phillips screwdriver.
Squeeze the retaining spring clip and pull it off of the rear of the bulb. Replace the bulb with a new 12-volt 60/55 watt H4 halogen headlight.
Reassemble the headlight, following the reverse method of removal.
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement
Remove the pair of screws from the turn signal's lens, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the lens off of the turn signal assembly.
Remove the screw from the turn signal bulb's retaining bracket, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the bulb and its socket slightly away from the turn signal.
- Squeeze the retaining spring clip and pull it off of the rear of the bulb.
- Remove the pair of screws from the turn signal's lens, using a Phillips screwdriver.
Push the bulb into its socket then twist it counter-clockwise until it can be pulled away. Insert a new 12-volt 23/8 watt bulb into the socket and twist it clockwise until it is locked into place.
Reassemble the turn signal, following the reverse method of removal.
Tail Light Bulb Replacement
Remove the screws from the tail light lens, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the lens and its seal away from the tail light housing.
Push the tail light bulb into its socket, then twist it counter-clockwise until it can be pulled away. Insert a new 12 volt 21/5 watt bulb into the socket and twist it clockwise until it is locked into place.
- Push the bulb into its socket then twist it counter-clockwise until it can be pulled away.
- Insert a new 12-volt 23/8 watt bulb into the socket and twist it clockwise until it is locked into place.
Place the lens and its seal onto the taillight housing. Screw the lens screws into place, using a Phillips screwdriver.
Tip
Although a blown headlight bulb is easily detected, failure in any of the other lighting components may be less noticeable. Check all of your lights before every ride to maximize your safety.
Related Articles
References
- "The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program"; Professional Career Development Institute; 1995
- "Yamaha XVS65AX Service Manual"; Yamaha Motor Corp.; 2008
Tips
- Although a blown headlight bulb is easily detected, failure in any of the other lighting components may be less noticeable. Check all of your lights before every ride to maximize your safety.
Writer Bio
An avid motorcyclist, Chris Gilliland has immersed himself into the two-wheeled world while balancing work life and raising three daughters. When he is not managing the parts department of a local, multi-line motorcycle dealership, Gilliland can often be found riding, writing or working on his motorcycle blog, Wingman's Garage.
