Headlight problem and speedo

Hey fellas doing some work on the bike these past couple days and while looking it over here and there, I realized the bolt holding the headlight to the bracket (or ear??) Was loose so I grabbed it and heard stuff fall in behind the lense which was the nut and possibly a washer. Now I realized why it was just sitting there. Sorry if it's a stupid question but what's the best way to go about taking the headlight out and retrieving the nut?

Part 2: I want to replace the whole clunky speedometer for a mini single speedo. Now with that said, where would I find a reasonably priced one that is accurate and the right ratio for a 1980 xj650 maxim?
Thanks in advance for passing on the knowledge it's very appreciated over here in Southwest PA!

 

I assume I know what you are asking. If I'm wrong feel free to let me know. If you had a nut or washer fall INTO the headlight bucket itself...

There are two screws on the sides of the bucket. One per side. Mine have a spring on them to adjust the angle of the head light. Remove them and gently pull the headlight out. If it's like most of our bikes it will look pretty messy. Your washer and nut should be laying around in there. The trick to getting it all back in is to try and lay the wires in a circular motion doing your best to distribute them evenly on the sides so it doesnt "bunch" up. That part can be tedious.

Hope that helps!

Btw: If you edit your signature to include your year make model and location it makes it easier to help.

 

Thanks ryan
I only have one screw with a spring on the inner right side of the headlight and I took that out with the spring but it's not coming free I pried it a little but I don't want to break anything. Now without that screw it just turns side to side

 

That's the side-to-side aiming screw. Put it back after you get it apart. It screws into a little nylon block; don't lose that in the process.

There are two phillips head screws in the shell at about the 4:00 and 8:00 positions, about a half inch back from the joint between the shell and rim.

You remove those, then pull the rim and headlight out at the bottom to get it free. There is a tab at the top that engages the lip of the shell.

 

Thanks for the advice fitz that worked for me. Since you're here maybe you can share your wisdom on this shifter problem that started acting up. I was driving it around the block last weekend and I noticed when I tried to down shift it wouldn't go any lower than 2nd. So I made it home and tried to get it into neutral for about 5 long minutes and after slightly nudging it up and down i finally got it. It's kinda hard to explain it rather than seeing. It's like there's too much play In between those gears. So my question is this: should I replace the clutch? Would like to hear ur advice thanks


P.s no ideas on the speedo anybody ?

 

check out http://www.mikesxs.net/products-46.html#products for mini speedos, if you get one with indicator lights it will require some wiring, but there are threads on here with people who have done it

 

RE: Your shifting problem. While the clutch will eventually need to be rebuilt, doubtful that's the cause. A dragging clutch only makes it hard to find neutral.

More likely, one of two things is happening: Either you have a broken spring in the shifter "mousetrap" OR your primary chain guide has begun to disintegrate and pieces of it are jamming in the shift forks.

Either problem is diagnosed by removing the rear left cover, the one the shifter shaft comes through. You'll want a new gasket.

With that cover off, you'll be able to inspect the shift mechanism and its springs.

You'll also be able to look into the transmission thru a large round opening in the inner case just above the shift mechanism, and with a flashlight and inspection mirror you should be able to see (and remove) any hunks of black plastic obstructing the shifter forks. If this is what's happening, the long-term fix is to split the cases and replace the chain guide.

Both are relatively common problems; it could be either.