How to Replace Light Bulbs on a 2025 Honda NT1100

Honda NT1100 · 2025 · Light Bulbs

Light Bulb Replacement Guide: 2025 Honda NT1100

This guide covers every exterior light bulb position on the 2025 Honda NT1100, including the headlight (H7, low/high beam), front and rear turn signals, tail/brake light, running lights, and license plate light. The NT1100 is an adventure touring motorcycle derived from the Africa Twin platform, featuring a small windscreen and practical, well-shielded lighting components.

Quick Reference Bulb Table

Difficulty & Time Estimate

• Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate (1 out of 5)
• Estimated Time: 20-45 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 (H7) — Low and High Beam

The 2025 NT1100 uses separate H7 halogen bulbs for low beam and high beam, housed behind the compact front fairing with a small windscreen mounted above the headlight unit.

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

Step 2: If needed, remove the small windscreen from the front fairing. The NT1100 windscreen is held by 5mm Allen bolts — remove them carefully and set the windscreen aside on a soft surface.

Step 3: Remove the headlight housing screws. On the NT1100, these are JIS Phillips-head fasteners (#2). Use a JIS or high-quality Phillips screwdriver to avoid stripping.

Step 4: 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 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 tabs.

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 or tab with the housing and press evenly until fully seated. Verify no gaps.

Step 12: Reconnect the electrical connector, pushing firmly until it clicks.

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

Step 14: Reinstall the headlight housing and tighten the JIS Phillips screws. Tighten evenly — snug but not forced.

Step 15: If removed, reinstall the small windscreen and tighten the 5mm Allen bolts to 5-7 Nm.

Step 16: Verify headlight beam alignment (see Tips section below).

Front Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

Step 1: The front turn signals on the NT1100 are mounted on adjustable stalks near the fork legs, integrated into the fairing design. 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, underneath the seat/tail section.

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 on the rear fender below the tail section.

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.

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

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 housing and tighten the Phillips screws to 3-5 Nm.

License Plate Light (194 / W5W / T10)

Step 1: Locate the license plate light above or adjacent to the rear license plate bracket on the fender.

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

Step 3: Gently pry the lens cover off to access the 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 and secure with the screw or push clip.

Step 7: Verify illumination with the ignition on.

Auxiliary Lamps (H11) — If Equipped

Step 1: Locate the auxiliary lamp housings mounted on the crash bars or fork leg mounts (factory accessory or dealer option).

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

Step 3: Disconnect the electrical connector.

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 NT1100 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 through the fairing opening.

LED vs. Halogen — Pros and Cons

LED Turn Signal Note: The NT1100 monitors turn signal circuit load. LED bulbs may cause rapid flashing. 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 NT1100 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.
• Adventure Touring Note: The NT1100 shares many parts with the Africa Twin platform. If you cannot find NT1100-specific bulbs, cross-reference with Africa Twin parts — but always verify against your owner's manual first.
• Windscreen Removal Note: The small windscreen must be removed for best access to the headlight bolts. Use a soft cloth or mat to lay the windscreen on to avoid scratching.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Verification Notes for 2025 Model Year

The 2025 Honda NT1100 shares its lighting platform with the Africa Twin adventure touring lineup. Verify the following against your owner's manual:

To verify all specifications, check your 2025 NT1100 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 NT1100 adventure touring platform. Always verify against your specific owner's manual before performing maintenance.