How to Replace Light Bulbs on a 2025 Honda Fury VT1300CX

Honda Fury VT1300CX · 2025 · Light Bulbs

Light Bulb Replacement Guide: 2025 Honda Fury VT1300CX

This guide covers every exterior light bulb position on the 2025 Honda Fury (VT1300CX), including the headlight (low/high beam), front and rear turn signals, tail/brake light, running lights, and license plate light. The Fury is a chopper-style cruiser powered by a 1,312cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine, featuring an elongated front fork, wide rear tire, and distinctive low-slung profile.

Quick Reference Bulb Table

Difficulty & Time Estimate

• Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate (1 out of 5)
• Estimated Time: 20-40 minutes depending on positions replaced
• Best Done: In a well-lit area with the bike on a stand or level surface

Complete Tool List

OEM Part Numbers & Aftermarket Alternatives

Note: Honda part numbers use model-specific suffixes. Verify exact part numbers with your Honda dealer or owner's manual.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Headlight (H4) — Low and High Beam

The 2025 Honda Fury VT1300CX uses a single H4 halogen headlight bulb providing both low and high beam functions, housed in the classic round cruiser-style headlight bucket mounted on the elongated front fork assembly.

Step 1: Turn the ignition OFF and allow the headlight to cool for at least 10 minutes.

Step 2: Loosen the headlight bucket clamp ring or access the rear of the headlight housing. On the Fury, the headlight is mounted to the upper fork bridge, providing relatively easy rear access compared to faired motorcycles.

Step 3: Carefully disconnect the electrical connector from the base of the bulb. Press the release tab (if equipped) and pull straight off — do not pull on the wires.

Step 4: Remove the rubber dust boot sealing the rear of the headlight housing. Pull evenly from all sides.

Step 5: Release the wire retainer clip holding the bulb. Press the clip downward and inward, then slide it away from the bulb tabs.

Step 6: Pull the old H4 bulb straight out of the housing. Do not grip the glass — handle by the metal base only.

Step 7: Open the new H4 bulb and handle by the base using nitrile gloves. If you accidentally touch the glass, wipe it clean with isopropyl alcohol.

Step 8: Insert the new H4 bulb into the headlight housing. Align the three-tab metal base for correct orientation (H4 bulbs have one larger top tab and two smaller lower tabs offset for alignment). Push firmly until fully seated.

Step 9: Reinstall the wire retainer clip over the bulb. It should snap securely.

Step 10: Reinstall the rubber dust boot. Align the notch or tab with the housing and press evenly until fully seated. Verify no gaps.

Step 11: Reconnect the electrical connector, pushing firmly until it clicks.

Step 12: Before fully securing the headlight bucket, test with the ignition ON. Cycle between low and high beam to confirm the H4 bulb functions correctly for both filaments.

Step 13: Realign the headlight bucket and tighten the mounting bolts. Tighten evenly — snug but not forced.

Step 14: Verify headlight beam alignment (see Tips section below).

Front Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

Step 1: The front turn signals on the Fury are mounted on stalks along the lower fork legs, in keeping with the chopper styling. Access the rear of each turn signal housing.

Step 2: Pull the rubber access grommet at the rear of each turn signal housing back to expose the bulb socket.

Step 3: Turn the socket counterclockwise approximately a quarter-turn and pull it straight out of the housing.

Step 4: Remove the old 1157NA amber bulb by pressing it gently into the socket and turning counterclockwise to unlock the bayonet base.

Step 5: Install the new 1157NA amber bulb. Push into the socket and turn clockwise until it locks securely.

Step 6: Test by activating the turn signal with the ignition on and observing the amber flash.

Step 7: Reinsert the socket into the housing and turn clockwise to lock.

Step 8: Reseat the rubber grommet completely to seal against moisture.

Rear Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

Step 1: Access the rear turn signals from behind the rear fender, on each side of the license plate bracket area.

Step 2: Pull back the rubber access grommet on each turn signal housing.

Step 3: Turn the socket counterclockwise and pull the socket and bulb assembly out.

Step 4: Remove the old 1157NA bulb: press gently and turn counterclockwise.

Step 5: Install the new 1157NA amber bulb: push in and turn clockwise to lock.

Step 6: Test before reassembly.

Step 7: Reinsert the socket and turn clockwise.

Step 8: Fully reseat the rubber access grommet.

Tail / Brake Light (1157) — Dual Contact

Step 1: Locate the tail light housing at the rear of the Fury, integrated into the chopper-style fender assembly below the solo seat.

Step 2: Remove the Phillips screws (typically two) that secure the rear lens cover to the tail light housing.

Step 3: Gently lift the lens cover to expose the bulb socket(s) inside. Note any alignment tabs or gaskets.

Step 4: Identify the 1157 tail/brake socket (center or primary position in the housing).

Step 5: Turn the socket counterclockwise and remove it.

Step 6: Remove the old 1157 bulb: push in and turn counterclockwise.

Step 7: Install the new 1157 dual-contact bulb: push in and turn clockwise. Note the offset pins ensure correct orientation.

Step 8: Reinsert the socket into the housing and turn clockwise.

Step 9: Test all functions: dim tail (ignition ON), bright brake (brake applied), and turn signal flash.

Step 10: Reinstall the lens cover, ensuring the gasket is seated evenly, and tighten the Phillips screws.

License Plate Light (194 / W5W / T10)

Step 1: Locate the license plate light mounted on or near the rear license plate bracket, which on the Fury is positioned low on the wide rear fender.

Step 2: Remove the Phillips screw or push clip securing the license plate light housing or lens cover.

Step 3: Gently pry the lens cover or housing open to access the wedge bulb socket.

Step 4: Pull the old 194 wedge bulb straight out of the socket.

Step 5: Push the new 194 bulb into the socket, ensuring correct orientation.

Step 6: Reinstall the lens cover or housing and secure with the screw or push clip.

Step 7: Verify illumination with the ignition on.

Front Running Lights (1157) — Separate Circuit

Step 1: The Fury is equipped with dedicated front running lights mounted in the turn signal housings, operating on a separate illumination circuit from the turn signals.

Step 2: Use a 10mm socket to remove the fasteners securing the front turn signal housing to the mounting bracket. Carefully support the housing during removal.

Step 3: Disconnect the electrical connector for the running light circuit. Note the wire routing through the fork leg or bracket.

Step 4: Turn the socket counterclockwise approximately a quarter-turn and pull it straight out of the housing.

Step 5: Remove the old 1157 running light bulb: press gently and turn counterclockwise to unlock.

Step 6: Install the new 1157 bulb: push in and turn clockwise until it locks securely. If replacing the turn signal bulb in the same housing, verify both the 1157NA (amber) turn signal and 1157 (clear or warm white) running light are correctly installed.

Step 7: Test with the ignition ON — the running lights should illuminate immediately without the turn signal activated.

Step 8: Reinsert the socket into the housing and turn clockwise to lock.

Step 9: Reconnect the electrical connector and route wires cleanly along the fork leg bracket.

Step 10: Reinstall the housing fasteners and tighten to specification. Verify the running light and turn signal both function independently.

Tips, Warnings & Common Mistakes

Headlight Alignment After Replacement

1. Park the Fury upright on level ground, 25 feet from a flat wall.
2. Measure the distance from ground to center of the headlight.
3. Draw a horizontal reference line on the wall at the measured height and a second line 2 inches below.
4. With low beam active, the top of the bright zone should be at or below the lower line.
5. Adjust using the adjustment screws accessible on the headlight bucket mounting bracket.

LED vs. Halogen — Pros and Cons

LED Turn Signal Note: Some Honda models monitor turn signal circuit load. LED bulbs may cause rapid flashing. Use model-specific LED-approved bulbs or add load resistors.

Legal Notes & Important Warnings

• All lighting must comply with DOT standards.
• Turn signals must emit amber light in all states.
• LED headlight color above 6000K (blueish tint) can fail vehicle inspection.
• The Fury VT1300CX has a DC lighting circuit — the headlight and running lights are always on when the ignition is on.
• JIS Screw Warning: Honda uses Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) screws, not standard Phillips. Using a standard Phillips screwdriver can strip screw heads. Invest in a JIS driver or high-quality Phillips.
• Cruiser Styling Note: The Fury's elongated fork and chopper-style front end means vibration patterns differ from sport bikes. After long rides, periodically verify that all light housings and bolt fasteners remain tight, particularly the headlight bucket and front turn signal stalk mounts.
• Wide Tire Clearance: The Fury's 200-section rear tire limits lateral access around the rear fender. Plan your approach to the tail light and rear turn signals carefully, working from underneath or by temporarily loosening adjacent trim pieces if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Verification Notes for 2025 Model Year

The 2025 Honda Fury VT1300CX shares its lighting platform with the broader Honda VT1300 cruiser family. Verify the following against your owner's manual:

To verify all specifications, check your 2025 Honda Fury VT1300CX owner's manual included with the motorcycle, or access it through the Honda owner portal at owners.honda.com.

This guide was prepared using Honda OEM service manual specifications and established industry bulb cross-references for the VT1300CX cruiser platform. Always verify against your specific owner's manual before performing maintenance.