How to shorten stock front signals on 696?

[golgofett]

I saw the post below stating that you can shorten the front turn signals.  What do I need to remove to do this?  I looked behind the headlight and noticed a lot of different screws.  Is there a simple way to do this mod? 

[weemonster]

Is there a simple way to do this mod? 

hacksaw and superglue

[golgofett]

hacksaw and superglue

I am glad I can read sarcasm.  Someone might actually try that. 

[dutchy73]

I'm going to be super lazy and just re-direct you to this post. http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=12999.0

And here is what it winds up looking like:

[golgofett]

Yeah, I saw that post earlier and that is what peaked my interest.   I did not see the picture yet, I definately like that look better. Thanks for posting that.   My question really is about the headlight removal on the 696.  I am on paternity leave and looks like a project I can get done in between things. 

[dutchy73]

All you need to do is remove the two small nuts on the back of the headlight, one on the bottom left and right. They are attached to the rubber mounts holding the light to the fork mount. Once those are removed, gently pull the light straight up, gently wiggling it left and right. It should slide out of the pin mount holes.

[Raux]

There are two nuts to remove the headlight off the bike. They are located on the back of the headlight on the lower triple.
You will need to disconnect the headlight and turn signal connectors and the speedo connector (helps if you take the fairing off, either the bikini or simple). Then lift the headlight assembly out of the two mounting holes on the top triple clamp (they are rubber so it's a tight fit)

Once you have the assembly off, you will need to take off the frame from the glass piece. a few screws (can't remember but have a star-screwdriver available) and it's off. (can't remember when the plastic cover on the top comes off or if it needs to, but if you are going to paint or powdercoat, take it off at this point)

Unbolt the signals from the frame.  You will see each signal is two pieces. remove the extension and find shorter bolts [edit].

*This would be a good time to powdercoat or paint your silver frame black (looks MUCH better). Also now is the time to replace the bulbs with whiter bulbs if you want them. I used Sylvania Ultras with 4000k color temps. you will need an H1, H7 and H5W (very hard if not impossible to find-had to order from England)

Reassemble.

All you need to do is remove the two small nuts on the back of the headlight, one on the bottom left and right. They are attached to the rubber mounts holding the light to the fork mount. Once those are removed, gently pull the light straight up, gently wiggling it left and right. It should slide out of the pin mount holes.

(OH, sure make it simple)

[dutchy73]

sorry, we must have been posting at the same time. But I provided the less informative version out of sheer laziness.

But FYI, you'll need new bolts. You can't shorten the stock bolts because there is only thread on the bottom half inch.

But yeah, if you have this completely apart, paint or powercoat...

[Raux]

sorry, we must have been posting at the same time. But I provided the less informative version out of sheer laziness.

But FYI, you'll need new bolts. You can't shorten the stock bolts because there is only thread on the bottom half inch.

But yeah, if you have this completely apart, paint or powercoat...

Thanks, i'm in the middle of a move and i can't remember where my toothbrush is let alone what a bolt looks like from a few weeks ago. errr aging sucks.

[golgofett]

Thanks for the info.  I may hold off on doing this project until it gets colder.  Still have a couple of weeks of good riding time. 

[Raux]

if you aren't painting or powdercoating, it's a 30 min max job. just need to get the bolts at the store in between.

[golgofett]

*This would be a good time to powdercoat or paint your silver frame black (looks MUCH better). Also now is the time to replace the bulbs with whiter bulbs if you want them. I used Sylvania Ultras with 4000k color temps. you will need an H1, H7 and H5W (very hard if not impossible to find-had to order from England)


(OH, sure make it simple)

Can these bulbs be found at an Auto Store or do I need to go to a specialty store? 

[golgofett]

I decided to do this tonight but am having difficulty removing the speedo plug.  When I pull from the bottom clip, it seems that it slides down the wires and no plug is coming out.  Am I doing something wrong or is there a seperate plug inside that I can not see. 

[Raux]

I decided to do this tonight but am having difficulty removing the speedo plug.  When I pull from the bottom clip, it seems that it slides down the wires and no plug is coming out.  Am I doing something wrong or is there a seperate plug inside that I can not see. 

mine was difficult, the clip isnt totally intuitive. if you have a friend or a bungy you have hang the assembly without removing the clip if you cant get it


the H1 and H7 can be had at any autostore. the h5W i had to go online for. (england even)

[golgofett]

Well, I got it done but it took a little over an hour.  I had to hold the headlight as I did it which sucked.  One of the sides I re-did 4 times, as I could not get it as tight as I wanted.  I can still tilt it with my hand but I do not know if it will move while riding.  I tried a different screw, then loctite, and could not get it to tighten down.  I tried just the screw into the light, without mounting, and it went flush.  I have no idea why it is doing this.