Changing a headlight bulb or a blown fuse

What you need

• A spare bulb and spare fuses of the same rating as your bike's
• The screwdriver from the toolkit, a clean cloth or gloves

Steps

1. Turn the ignition off and take the key out before you touch any wiring.
2. Find the fuse box. The manual shows where it is and which fuse runs which circuit.
3. Pull out the suspect fuse. A blown fuse has a broken strip inside. Replace it with one of exactly the same rating, printed on top.
4. If the fuse is fine, check the bulb. Open the headlight housing as the manual shows and unplug the connector.
5. Fit the new bulb of the same type and wattage. Hold it by the base, not the glass.
6. Test low beam, high beam and indicators before you close everything up.

Common mistakes

• Bridging a fuse with wire or foil. It can start a fire.
• Fitting a brighter, higher-wattage bulb. It can overload the wiring and dazzle other road users.
• Touching a halogen bulb's glass with bare fingers. Skin oil shortens its life.

When to go to a mechanic

• A new fuse blows again straight away. There is a short circuit to find.
• LED headlights. On many bikes the whole unit is replaced, not a bulb.

More guides

• Washing your bike without damaging it
• Parking the bike for weeks or months
• Starting the bike on cold winter mornings
• Your free services explained: 1st, 2nd and 3rd
• A fair workshop bill, and how to spot upselling