Moriwaki headlight bracket.

[misterprofessionality]

back to this headlight bracket mess, I've landed on a replacement bracket that will work, But I now realize that I don't fully understand how the stock headlight bracket is removed. the parts diagram doesn't show any bolts or screws fastening it in place, and I can't find any in person. Is it held in entirely by tension (the four pegs that stick into the tree)? Or is there something I have to remove in order to pull it off?

[Lord Popgun]

I’m not understanding something. The parts diagram show the bucket is held on by screws in the ‘ears”. Item 24
https://www.partsfish.com/oemparts/a/hon.../headlight

Or are you talking about something else?

[misterprofessionality]

oh, i'm sorry, maybe i'm using the wrong terms when I say headlight bracket. i'm referring to the entire assembly in the picture, including the part to which the turn signal mounts are connected. the whole bit behind the headlight is included in this operation. That's the part i'm not understanding.

edit: specifically it's #21 on the diagram.

[PowerDubs_imp]

Give the upper and lower rubber pieces- maybe it is captured in place by something? Never looked that close.


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[misterprofessionality]

Dubs, yes you're right. those four pegs seat into rubber bits which are seated above and below into the top bridge and steering stem bridge below. What i'm wondering is if you have to remove those parts (god help me) to get the assembly out or if you can just squeeze it out like a snap ring.

[pekingduck]

The wire steel headlight brackets are captured in place by holes in the upper and lower triple clamps. You have to lift the upper clamp up to remove it. That is pretty thick steel

And I agree with 2017EX, the black portion of the Moriwaki brackets will not fit the 2013-2014 models - the screws come from the back of the bike facing forward, not like the two visible screws on the earlier models. However, the silver aluminum portion may bolt onto your existing mount if the hole spacing is the same.

[misterprofessionality]

The wire steel headlight brackets are captured in place by holes in the upper and lower triple clamps. You have to lift the upper clamp up to remove it. That is pretty thick steel

And I agree with 2017EX, the black portion of the Moriwaki brackets will not fit the 2013-2014 models - the screws come from the back of the bike facing forward, not like the two visible screws on the earlier models. However, the silver aluminum portion may bolt onto your existing mount if the hole spacing is the same.

ouch. that is a worst case scenario. there's no way i'm qualified to do that, and I did not budget a mechanics time into this. i'm really batting 1000 here....

[pekingduck]

First, it's not a terribly difficult job. The top clamp only needs to be moved up 1/2" for that bracket to clear. You will want the bike on the centerstand, the tank covered top and sides with a heavy blanket or a thick jacket (no zippers or buttons).

Remove the handlebars and lay them on the tank carefully - nothing needs to be disconnected, nothing will leak. Remove the top stem nut (30mm), and for added precaution, clamp the handlebars back in place securely so they don't move around on the tank. Now loosen the pinch bolt on either side of the top clamp a couple turns.

With a plastic or rubber hammer, tap gently on the underside of the top clamp, alternating side-to-side, so that the top clamp comes up about 1/2"-5/8" - definitely no more. You do not want to slide the tubes out of the top clamp, just for convenience.

The bracket should slip out. Reassemble by tapping the top clamp back down evenly, tighten and torque the center nut, then tighten and torque the pinch bolts.
Second, if you don't want to do that, and don't forsee re-using that bracket, there are a couple alternatives. In all cases, keep that tank covered up to protect it. An ounce of prevention.......

With the headlight case off, you can cut the bracket rods with a bolt cutter (if you or your friends don't have one, you've led an exemplary life). Harbor Freight has a 12" for less than $10, which should be adequate.

Third, you could use a grinder/cutting wheel, but that will get fine metal particles everywhere. And if you had to re-use it, you could weld it, file smooth and repaint it, or buy a new one. The bracket is about $100, about what a shop charges an hour.

[PowerDubs_imp]

The wire steel headlight brackets are captured in place by holes in the upper and lower triple clamps. You have to lift the upper clamp up to remove it. That is pretty thick steel

And I agree with 2017EX, the black portion of the Moriwaki brackets will not fit the 2013-2014 models - the screws come from the back of the bike facing forward, not like the two visible screws on the earlier models. However, the silver aluminum portion may bolt onto your existing mount if the hole spacing is the same.

ouch. that is a worst case scenario. there's no way i'm qualified to do that, and I did not budget a mechanics time into this. i'm really batting 1000 here....

If you can use the internet and tie your shoe, you can fix waaay more than you give yourself credit for.

But- failing the confidence to do that, find a local guy with a bike- makes friends with him and give him beers to help you.

[pekingduck]

If you can change out a pair of handlebars, this should be a breeze.
You learn by observing and doing. Everyone starts somewhere.