How to Replace Light Bulbs on a 2025 Honda Gold Wing Tour

Honda Gold Wing Tour · 2025 · Light Bulbs

Light Bulb Replacement Guide: 2025 Honda Gold Wing Tour

This guide covers every exterior light bulb position on the 2025 Honda Gold Wing Tour, including the headlight (low/high beam), front and rear turn signals, tail/brake light, running lights, license plate light, top case light, and additional running lights from the Tour package. The Gold Wing Tour adds a top case, extra running lights, and the Tour lighting package over the standard Gold Wing.

Quick Reference Bulb Table

Difficulty & Time Estimate

• Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate (2 out of 5)
• Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes depending on positions replaced
• Best Done: In a well-lit area with the bike on its center stand or a paddock stand on level ground

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 (H7) — Low and High Beam

The 2025 Gold Wing Tour uses dual H7 halogen headlight bulbs (one for low beam, one for high beam), housed in a large integrated front fairing with Tour-specific lighting accents.

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

Step 2: Remove the headlight bezel screws. On the Gold Wing Tour, these are JIS Phillips-head fasteners (#2). Use a JIS or high-quality Phillips screwdriver to avoid stripping.

Step 3: Carefully remove the surrounding fairing trim panel. Some panels on the Gold Wing Tour clip in — gently pry with a flathead screwdriver wrapped in cloth. Remove any hidden bolts (typically 4mm or 5mm Allen).

Step 4: Disconnect the electrical connector from the base of the bulb. Press the release tab and pull straight off — do not pull on the wires.

Step 5: Remove the rubber dust boot sealing the rear of the headlight housing. Pull evenly from all sides.

Step 6: Release the wire retainer clip holding the bulb. Press the clip inward and slide it away from the bulb base.

Step 7: Pull the old H7 bulb straight out of the housing. Do not grip the glass — handle by the metal base only.

Step 8: Open the new H7 bulb and handle by the base using nitrile gloves. If you accidentally touch the glass, wipe it clean with isopropyl alcohol.

Step 9: Insert the new bulb into the headlight housing. Align the locating tabs (H7 bulbs have two tabs at the base for correct orientation). Push firmly until fully seated.

Step 10: Reinstall the wire retainer clip over the bulb. It should snap securely.

Step 11: Reinstall the rubber dust boot. Align the notch with the housing and press evenly until fully seated.

Step 12: Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.

Step 13: Before reinstalling the bezel, test with the ignition ON. Cycle between low and high beam to confirm both bulbs function.

Step 14: Reinstall the fairing trim panel and bezel, then tighten the JIS Phillips screws snugly.

Step 15: Verify headlight beam alignment (see Tips section below).

Front Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

Step 1: The front turn signals on the Gold Wing Tour are integrated into the front fairing. Access them from behind the fairing panels.

Step 2: Remove the small 4mm Allen bolts securing the lower fairing access panel.

Step 3: Reach behind the turn signal assembly and pull back the rubber access grommet to expose the bulb socket.

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

Step 5: Remove the old 1157NA amber bulb by pressing it gently into the socket and turning counterclockwise to unlock the bayonet base.

Step 6: Install the new 1157NA amber bulb. Push into the socket and turn clockwise until it locks securely.

Step 7: Test by activating the turn signal with the ignition on.

Step 8: Reinsert the socket into the housing and turn clockwise to lock. Reseat the rubber grommet completely.

Step 9: Reinstall the lower fairing access panel and tighten Allen bolts to spec (5-7 Nm).

Rear Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

Step 1: Access the rear turn signals from behind the rear fender/saddlebag 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 to ensure weatherproofing.

Tail / Brake Light (1157) — Dual Contact

Step 1: Locate the tail light housing on the rear trunk panel below the Tour top case.

Step 2: Remove the Phillips screws (typically two) that secure the housing to the fender bracket using a JIS #2 screwdriver.

Step 3: Gently pull the housing backward to expose the bulb sockets inside. Note the wire routing before disconnecting.

Step 4: Identify the 1157 tail/brake socket (primary position).

Step 5: Turn the socket counterclockwise and remove it from the housing.

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. 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 housing and tighten the JIS Phillips screws. Do not overtighten (3-5 Nm).

Top Case Tail / Brake Light — If Equipped (Tour Package)

Step 1: Access the top case taillight assembly. On the Gold Wing Tour, this is integrated into the underside of the top case.

Step 2: Remove the retaining screws (typically 4mm Allen) from the taillight lens bezel.

Step 3: Gently lower the bezel to expose the bulb sockets. Note the wiring connections.

Step 4: Turn the 1157 socket counterclockwise to remove it.

Step 5: Remove the old bulb: press in and turn counterclockwise.

Step 6: Install the new 1157 bulb: push in and turn clockwise.

Step 7: Reinsert the socket and test all functions: tail, brake, and turn signal.

Step 8: Reinstall the bezel and tighten Allen screws gently (3-5 Nm).

License Plate Light (194 / W5W / T10) — Rear Fender and Top Case

Rear Fender License Plate Light:

Step 1: Locate the license plate light above the rear license plate, below the rear trunk.

Step 2: Remove the Phillips screw or push clip securing the lens cover (JIS #1).

Step 3: Gently pry the lens cover off to expose the bulb.

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

Step 5: Push the new 194 bulb straight in, ensuring it seats fully.

Step 6: Reinstall the lens cover and secure the fastener.

Step 7: Verify illumination with the ignition on.

Top Case License Plate Light:

Step 1: Locate the top case license plate light on the underside of the top case lid.

Step 2: Remove the small 4mm Allen bolt from the lens cover.

Step 3: Slide the lens cover off to expose the 194 wedge bulb.

Step 4: Pull out the old 194 bulb and push the new one in.

Step 5: Reinstall the lens cover and bolt. Verify illumination.

Tour Package Side Running Lights (194)

Step 1: Locate the Tour package running lights on each side fairing near the saddlebag junction.

Step 2: Remove the small Phillips screw (JIS #1) from the lens housing.

Step 3: Gently pry the lens housing off to access the 194 wedge bulb.

Step 4: Pull the old 194 bulb straight out.

Step 5: Insert the new 194 bulb.

Step 6: Snap the lens housing back into place and secure the screw.

Step 7: Verify illumination with the ignition on.

Auxiliary Fog Lamps (H11) — If Equipped

Step 1: Locate the auxiliary fog lamp housings mounted on the lower front fairing/crash bar area.

Step 2: Remove the rear rubber dust cover by twisting counterclockwise.

Step 3: Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab.

Step 4: Press the wire retainer clip inward and slide it clear of the H11 bulb tabs.

Step 5: Pull the old H11 bulb out of the housing.

Step 6: Insert the new H11 bulb, align the two tabs, and secure with the retainer clip.

Step 7: Reconnect the wiring and replace the dust cover. Test with ignition ON.

Tips, Warnings & Common Mistakes

Headlight Alignment After Replacement

1. Park the Gold Wing Tour 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 behind the headlight bezel through the fairing opening.

LED vs. Halogen — Pros and Cons

LED Turn Signal Note: The Gold Wing Tour monitors turn signal circuit load. LED bulbs may cause rapid flashing or a dashboard error. Use Honda-approved LED bulbs or add load resistors for each side.

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 Gold Wing Tour has a DC lighting circuit — the headlight is 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 set.
• Tour Package Note: The Gold Wing Tour's additional running lights, top case light, and side running lights add extra bulb positions not found on the standard Gold Wing. Check all of them during scheduled maintenance.
• Top Case Removal: If removing the top case entirely for access, note the electrical connector routing before disconnecting to avoid pinching wires during reassembly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Verification Notes for 2025 Model Year

The 2025 Honda Gold Wing Tour shares its core lighting platform with the standard Gold Wing but adds Tour-specific lights. Verify the following against your owner's manual:

To verify all specifications, check your 2025 Gold Wing Tour 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 Gold Wing Tour platform. Always verify against your specific owner's manual before performing maintenance.