I wanted to know if it's a big job to replace the whole headlight on my 2005 883L. It has that big cover over the top that looks awful. Can I just remove that thing or do I need to buy a whole new headlight with some sort of bracket? How involved would a job like this be? Thanks

 

I'm in the process of doing that on my 02 sporster and my headlight is mounted to the viser. My 02 has a lot of conectors for all the switches on my handlebars. they use the headlight as a junction box. so im in the process of trying to decide were to relocate all those connections.

 

Let me know how that goes and how you did it. I can't imagine there is much of a difference between the 02 and 05 when it comes to the headlight.

 

This summer did the headlight change-out and dropped it down to the lower tree.
I did end up buying a new bucket, though I know I have seen some on here have reconfig'd the stock one. I personally wanted a new one with out the big holes in it. Also, dropped the speedo and idiot lights to the eyebrow holes on the upper tree. Only need to elongate the holes on the speedo/idiot light plate.
As far as the rat's nest in there.... I ended up taking the plugs apart, soldering and heat shrinking them individually without those HUGE plastic cases, and tucking them under the tank. I was really hoping not to have to do a tank lift, though try as I might, things were to tight. I was concerned about rubbing and chaffing so ended up doing a lil'lift to get everything to gel. FYI- on my 02, I was able to do a big diet on the wiring. Will post some pics shortly......

 

started with this mess(as you know)....


mounted speedo and idiots on top of upper tree...






I apologize as I am NOT a good photographer. And, yes, I need to move the coil. Just debating on where.?.?.

 

Ride2tires, thanks for the pics. Did you just drill a hole through the triple tree to mount it? Would drilling a hole through the middle of that cause any type of strength issues with that cross member? Lastly that first photo with all the wires, is that what I can expect to find behind the light? Thanks again.

 

That was the mess I had..... again, not a big deal- just moving to under the tank.
As far as the integrity of drilling the lower tree, I really do not see any issues. Where I drilled is "holler'd out", so obviously not the structual piece of the tree anyway. Would think it to be the same hole in a "C" model. I just started with a small bit and worked my way up to where I needed to be.

 

I would love to swap my headlight for a smaller one but the screw is stuck and I have not find an easy way to remove it. Almost broke the tread of it trying to remove it. Just got the headlight to move sideways lol.

 

Get yourself a can of Kroil and spray a little on the bolt over time and let it soak in. This stuff is amazing. I snapped the head of an exhaust manifold bolt on my 65 Galaxie and thought for sure I was going to have to remove the head to get it out. After about a week of soaking the bolt with Kroil and working it back and forth I was able to get the bolt out.