Motorcycle Repair: Speedometer Bulb Replacement, honda cb750f, silicone spray

Question
Hi Bill, I have a 1981 Honda CB750F Supper Sport and I'm in the process of trying to change a burnt out bulb in the speedometer. I have everything disconnected from the unit and the upper & lower case off but I'm having some difficulty getting the bulb holder out of the speedo casing. It looks like it should just pull out but it doesn't want to.  Any recommendations on how to get the rubber holder out without destroying it.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Jeff, try twisting the bulb holder rubber about 90 degrees, if you can, rather than just pulling it straight out. Judicious use of some silicone spray around the meter/bulb holder will help.

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb750f-750-super-sport-1981-usa_model7242/partslist/F

It is just 30 year old rubber and depending on where you live, how it was stored, the rubber could just be stuck, melting, disintegrating or hardened.  Nothing else is holding it in there.

Bill Silver