Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: Vitalc on September 06, 2010, 03:52:00 am

Title: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Vitalc on September 06, 2010, 03:52:00 am
I thought a 7" headlight would look cool and so I bought the package off our host.

I'm always surprised when you get a bagful of parts without a drawing or an instruction. I trust someone here successfully converted to 7" and can enlighten me?

There are 2 metal rings (790449), one holds the lamp and one screws on the bike. The 2 rings hinge at the bottom but I did not find a locking device, so the 2 rings don't stay together  ???

The other issue are the nightmarish W-shaped springclips. I once managed to put in 3 of those, but as soon as I fitted the unit to the bike, I heard them catapult out, I don't even know how they are supposed to go in.

(Put the old lamp back on?  right.... :-[  I should have taken pictures...I know - I thought this was going to be a piece of cake  ::)

Thanks for any suggestions, tricks or advice

Vitalc
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 06, 2010, 04:38:29 am
I don't have the 7" conversion but there should be one screw on the bottom that holds the outer ring to the inner.  As to the clips, they are just simply a beast to get on.  I'm sure someone here who has done the conversion will chime in soon to help.

If it doesn't sort itself out and you still want better lighting:
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,8255.0.html

Take heart, this is a good board and help will come.

Scott
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Leonard on September 06, 2010, 04:49:02 am
This might help with the W clips.
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 06, 2010, 04:50:53 am
Also, wear goggles ;)
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: 2bikebill on September 06, 2010, 10:07:00 am
Either I'm just lucky or I have the knack, but I just don't find those clips to be tricky at all. Just remember which way round they go, and they clip on and off easy. Press down and in on one side to remove - you might need something like a flat screwdriver, but usually can be done by hand. Put one side under the rim when replacing, then press in the other side - down and in.
Perhaps I should set up a clip removal/replacement service for all you scaredy boys  ;)
I have the 7" Tribar on my G5 - looks fantastic and gives way more light than the stock. Very easy to fit, straight swap. The only tricky part I found was getting the new unit to stay centred in the original rim. I cut some little strips of 3mm hard rubber which I'd had lying around the place, and put them at 4 or 5 points between the new unit and the old rim. This held things centred while I put the clips in.
There is no hole in the new unit for the parking light, so you'll have to remove the bulb, tape it over and just tuck it to one side.
A couple of folk told me it would be a bit of a squeeze to cram the new unit in, but it's actually the same size as the stock unit and fits in easy, and the electrics just plug straight in the same way.
Mine is the Adjure unit, from UK supplier but same brand as NField Gear supply.
The instruction sheet (scabby photocopy) mentions an "extended bezel trim ring" which is available if there is a gap between the lamp and the rim, but this doesn't apply to the G5 - just the centreing thing as I mentioned. I'm assuming the C5 has the same nacelle...?
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Vitalc on September 06, 2010, 01:25:08 pm
This might help with the W clips.

Perfect !!  Thanks,
This indeed revives old memories of replacing headlights on cars or bikes... can't remember which ones ;D
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Vitalc on September 06, 2010, 01:55:27 pm
Either I'm just lucky or I have the knack, but I just don't find those clips to be tricky at all. Just remember which way round they go, and they clip on and off easy. Press down and in on one side to remove - you might need something like a flat screwdriver, but usually can be done by hand. Put one side under the rim when replacing, then press in the other side - down and in.
Mine is the Adjure unit, from UK supplier but same brand as NField Gear supply.
The instruction sheet (scabby photocopy) mentions an "extended bezel trim ring" which is available if there is a gap between the lamp and the rim, but this doesn't apply to the G5 - just the centreing thing as I mentioned. I'm assuming the C5 has the same nacelle...?
THanks Wil,
That's great help!
Now that it is clear how to install the springs (thanks Leonard), I agree, it's more piece of cake than nightmare  ;D.

Once the lamp solidly fixed into the ring with the springs, I take the 2nd ring, hook it onto the lamp ring (at 6 o'clock) and bring the 2 rings together at the top. They now fit perfectly, and are kept together by the lip / hinge at 6 o'clock...The outer ring now ready to bolt to the nacelle.  What keeps the lamp ring from falling forward, hinging around 6 o'clock?  I'd hate to put screws through-and-through.  ???

thanks for your patience
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: 2bikebill on September 06, 2010, 04:18:31 pm
The screw on top (12 0 Clock) of the rear rim opens up a clip which holds it all together. Same as the original light. Should be a straight switchover - everything goes back the same way as before. All that's changed is the unit inside.
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: 1 Thump on September 06, 2010, 04:35:03 pm
Yea those W clips is an ordeal. This is what helped me: I put two clips in (next to each other, and a third on the other side of the indentation on the lamp. Then i placed the lamp in. Now here is the tricky part. With a screw drivier move the one clip around such that the three clips are equidistant. I only used three held at 120 degrees apart.
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Vitalc on September 06, 2010, 07:09:11 pm
The screw on top (12 0 Clock) of the rear rim opens up a clip which holds it all together. Same as the original light. Should be a straight switchover - everything goes back the same way as before. All that's changed is the unit inside.

Great!  Thanks!
I should keep in mind : things are usually engineered in a particular way for a good reason. 
I agree, pretty straight forward. I wonder if the complicated OEM construct was cheaper to mass produce than the 7"  ???

I also noticed that the indicator wires switched colors at the connector (both LH and RH side), so if you want to mount different indicator lights, check wiring first.

G5 looks a lot cooler with with a big headlight, small indicator lights and an old style sprung seat. Me thinks.
 
TIme to go for a ride.  THanks guys for the help and advice. ;D
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 06, 2010, 09:56:36 pm
The 5 3/4" headlight is a US only thing.  In order to meet US DOT specs your headlight must be adjustable.  So they sunk a 5 3/4" light with adjustment apparatus into the 7" original non-adjustable bezel.  The 7" is fine for the rest of the world but we're special.

There were one or two posts that I saw noting that after installing the 7" headlight it was not aligned properly, another few other notes of small wedges in the bezel to correct, but it seems to work just fine for most people.

Scott
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Vitalc on September 06, 2010, 10:56:33 pm
Scotty,
I see the point.
Amazing though, I can't imagine any headlight that is NOT adjustable.

Particularly since you can have a perfectly classic look with a 7" adjustable headlight, like my Paul Smart, or CB 750 cafe, or the Bullet continental, or any other classic inspiration

And even your monster ?

Oh well... the ride was perfect: the sun was generous, traffic hesitating, the itinerary lost, the T-shirt from RE, the helmet open...with any other bike it would have been  boring  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 06, 2010, 11:05:49 pm
You'll notice the models you mentioned don't have a fixed nacelle like the RE and I think all have a headlight bucket that can pivot.up and down.

Scott
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: 2bikebill on September 06, 2010, 11:11:50 pm
I didn't know that U.S. bikes have a 5 3/4" headlight. My G5  (UK) came with a 7" light as standard, which is why it was such an easy switch to the TriBar I suppose.
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 07, 2010, 01:09:53 am
Ah!  I thought you were doing both the 7" conversion and the Tri-bar install.  Feel free to ignore most of what I said :)

Scott
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: singhg5 on September 07, 2010, 03:55:33 am
Ah!  I thought you were doing both the 7" conversion and the Tri-bar install.  Feel free to ignore most of what I said :)

Scott

The 5 3/4" headlight is a US only thing.  In order to meet US DOT specs your headlight must be adjustable.  So they sunk a 5 3/4" light with adjustment apparatus into the 7" original non-adjustable bezel.  The 7" is fine for the rest of the world but we're special.

There were one or two posts that I saw noting that after installing the 7" headlight it was not aligned properly, another few other notes of small wedges in the bezel to correct, but it seems to work just fine for most people.

Scott

G5 has very good headlight 55/60W bulb and throws plenty of light.  So I have no complaint about its brightness or its function.  However, 7" headlight is so beautiful and looks so good on RE that I wish US bikes had them as they sell in UK.  Correct me if I am wrong that none of these 7" conversion kits are DOT approved.  Is that the case and if any body has any traffic stops or registration issues  in US with 7" light ?
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 07, 2010, 05:47:52 am
Yes, the 7" headlight looks great and the 5 3/4" looks bad.  I'll do this mod when I get some cash.

So there are lots of things that are not DOT approved that people do to their bikes: loud exhaust systems, ECU mods that are no friend to the EPA, aftermarket turn signals and other lights that don't meet the size or placement specs, license plate mounts that are less than visible, the list goes on.

If you live in a state where you have to get your bike inspected they might notice some obvious things and the same applies if you get pulled over.  Super loud exhaust on a new bike is an obvious one, as are bad license plate mounts and lights that are missing, no mirrors.  Some inspectors or police may know a few more details: minimum/maximum license plate height, allowable dB from exhaust.  Ask either of them the minimum distance between turn signals for a new motorcycle and you're likely to get a blank stare.  Yearly inspections can be trouble, inspectors know what a stock exhaust looks like and what aftermarket looks like.

In general, if you're speeding or riding recklessly and get pulled over they may start looking at these things.  If your lights or exhaust are obviously way out of spec and you're in a crowded area you may get pulled over just for that.  In general they give you a ticket or a warning which you can often get out of if you correct the problem.  I've never heard of anyone getting a federal fine for anything like this.

I've heard of people getting pulled over for loud exhausts.  Anything else, again, if you're already pulled over and they're looking for more tickets to give you.

Back to the 7" light.  I don't know if any inspector or LEO would even know it needs to be adjustable or know by looking at it that it's not.  If it's misaligned and blinding people they'll notice.

Scott
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: 2bikebill on September 07, 2010, 09:19:21 am
The Adjure Tri Bar light is DOT approved. And, Singh, it gives WAY more light than the stock light.
I had no idea that U.S. bikes came with 5 3/4" lights. So do they have a different nacelle, or are they adapted somehow?

Look here::
 www.atvconnection.com/Features/Product_reviews/adjureheadlight.cfm (http://www.atvconnection.com/Features/Product_reviews/adjureheadlight.cfm)
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: singhg5 on September 07, 2010, 02:59:49 pm
The Adjure Tri Bar light is DOT approved. And, Singh, it gives WAY more light than the stock light.
I had no idea that U.S. bikes came with 5 3/4" lights. So do they have a different nacelle, or are they adapted somehow?

Look here::
 www.atvconnection.com/Features/Product_reviews/adjureheadlight.cfm (http://www.atvconnection.com/Features/Product_reviews/adjureheadlight.cfm)

WillW:

G5 have 5-3/4" headlight in US.  It has very good reflectors.  It is the same nacelle, just has adapter.  Here is a picture.
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 07, 2010, 04:23:52 pm
The Adjure Tri Bar light is DOT approved. And, Singh, it gives WAY more light than the stock light.

Lots of the lights are approved, installing them in a non-adjustable manner is not.  I'm not worried.  Actually seeing is more important than the strictest letter of the law that  no one really knows.

Scott
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: 2bikebill on September 07, 2010, 04:56:02 pm
Clubman - Hithcocks don't have them. I got mine form the only UK supplier I could find - www.4HD.net (http://www.4HD.net). It's the Adjure TriBar with black dot. Don't get excited about the price shown - it doesn't include VAT or p&p. You actually pay £93.86!  It's expensive, but hey - it's for your bike, right?   :D

Singh - Thanks for the pic. All is now clear. Why do they fit those smaller lights to U.S. bikes....?   ???

Scott - yes I'd missed the point about adjustability. Mine seems fine as fitted, to my untutored eye....

Looks good though, don't it....  ;)

Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 07, 2010, 06:41:58 pm
Looks beautiful.  And the non-adjustable 7" seems to suit the whole world just fine.  You know us Americans, gotta be special  ::)

Scott
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: clubman on September 07, 2010, 08:43:25 pm

Looks good though, don't it....  ;)



Looks very good indeed and with winter coming the superior spread of light will be welcome. Of course it's worth it for the one I love!  :D Which links nicely to observing - see your battery thread - that you owe it to yourself and your bike to buy a trickle charger! You don't need it on all the time or anything. Put the bike near a window and connect it up while you're in once a week for eight hours or so and the battery will be tip top.
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: 2bikebill on September 07, 2010, 09:01:05 pm
Thanks, but I had to laugh when you said "put the bike near a window". You'd laugh too if you saw my place. Not possible unless I either knock the garage wall down or uproot a seriously well buried gate post and take the hedge out - bike wont fit through the gap otherwise. That's how it is - run down old cowman's cottage up a path through a narrow gate. Garage outside gate. My little bit of heaven though.  :)
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: clubman on September 07, 2010, 09:15:40 pm
Get the picture and it does sound like heaven too. Anyway, I just bought the headlight, thanks very much for the info.  :)
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: 2bikebill on September 07, 2010, 09:21:09 pm
Excellent. Post a picture when it's on, I've not seen one on a Clubman, Clubman  ;)
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: singhg5 on September 08, 2010, 04:56:12 am
Singh - Thanks for the pic. All is now clear. Why do they fit those smaller lights to U.S. bikes....?   ???
Scott - yes I'd missed the point about adjustability. Mine seems fine as fitted, to my untutored eye....

Looks good though, don't it....  ;)

It has that killer look of a Tiger - ready to pounce !  Awesome.
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: gashousegorilla on September 08, 2010, 05:57:54 pm
singh, did you get that wonderfull letter in the mail, from our state, regarding inspections? ::)
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 08, 2010, 05:59:15 pm
Just keep the stock stuff on the shelf and install for inspections as needed.

Scott
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: singhg5 on September 13, 2010, 01:26:45 am
singh, did you get that wonderfull letter in the mail, from our state, regarding inspections? ::)

GHG:  Now that I read it, I think that we no longer have to go for inspection !!  But we still need to have bikes registered.  Then why remove registration decal from license plate, that reminds us when to renew registration ? What am I missing.  Any thoughts or is it being NJ !  
Title: Re: Tribar 7" Conversion
Post by: gashousegorilla on September 13, 2010, 03:10:40 am
GHG:  Now that I read it, I think that we no longer have to go for inspection !!  But we still need to have bikes registered.  Then why remove registration decal from license plate, that reminds us when to renew registration ? What am I missing.  Any thoughts or is it being NJ !  
That is correct, no more inspections!!! I have no idea why we have to remove the registration sticker? Just Jersey being Jersey I guess? Yes, it reminds us, but it also reminds other people to ;), particularly when you forget to put the new one on ::) Maybe they just want everything off the plate so there's no confusion as far as the Police are concerned. Maybe some officers thought the old registration stickers were inspection stickers? Thats the only sticker that was on most bikes.