Motorcycle Repair: Replacing Headlight on 1979 CX500, brake caliper, wheel and axle

Question
Hi Jack,  I have recently purchased a 1979 CX500 with a Windjammer Fairing. (from the same or near the same period) It was professionaly mounted and the electrical seems to be in perfect order.  I was also given the original headlight parts in a box. He claims everything is there.  After inspection I noticed that to mount the ears for the light you would have to take apart the front end. As they do not clip on.  My question is. Is this a really tricky job to try attempting myself. I have no lift or anything so it would be on the center stand only.  I have gotten some quotes from some people but I would like to do it myself it possible.  I would just like some advice as to how difficult you may think this job is?  Estimates are between 200 and 300 dollars to replace the headlight!  Also I am not totally sold on stock either. IF you know of an easier headlight assembly I could buy or put on I would be interested too. I am actually considering making this bike into a cafe racer style bike in the future when money allows so if there is something I could put on now I would rather spend the money on a cool headlight then labor to put on one I am not that sold on. (not that into the plastic casing the cx has.)  Thanks in advance.  Take care.
Chris

Answer
Hi Chris...

To be honest with ya, it's a pretty simple task to reinstall the original headlight. Start by putting the bike on the centerstand, then use a small jack under the front of the motor (make sure it's a solid strong area) and lift the front wheel off the ground just enough to remove it. Remove the brake caliper (no need to break the hydraulic line), remove the fender, remove the axle and wheel. Now do each fork leg individually. loosen the triple tree pinch bolts that hold the fork tube and pull the fork tube down until the headlight bracket will slip in, then pull the fork tube back up and tighten the pinch bolts. Do the same on the other side, then reinstall the wheel and axle, the fender and brake caliper. Take out the jack and bolt on the original headlight!! I can do that job in less than an hour (approx. $70 labor) so I'm kinda shocked that you have got quotes at 200 - 300 dollars, but maybe there is an added problem I am unaware of. As for the question of using an aftermarket headlight... I'm sure there are some available thru places like Tucker Rocky or Biker's Choice, but they won't be cheap!! Besides, part of the glory of turning a classic like yours into a cafe racer is in trying to incorporate as many of the original parts as you can. That's the way it was done in Ole School days!! Good Luck to you Chris!!!

Jack