[Pilotguy]

So I think that I may need to adjust my headlight. It seems that at 35-40 miles an hour I am riding faster then the light hits the ground for the 2 second rule. I have read in multiple places that you should have the bike on a level ground 25 ft from a wall. That is where I have my issue. I have quite a slanted driveway, so I have maybe 10 ft in front of the bike when parked in the garage on a level surface. Is there another way to adjust the headlight with this short of space. My worry is that if I take it to a parking lot to use a wall, I may screw it up worse and then have to ride it home like that. I would rather do this in the safety of my garage. Thanks

 

[C5rider]

Well, there's always a formula: Headwinds: How To Aim a Headlight

But what I do is toss a screw driver in my pocket and do a quick loop of my neighborhood at night. If it works there, I'm pretty content to leave it be. Yes, I'm mindful of other drivers, but I also enjoy seeing at night. There's a point between blinding others and me seeing safely.

I watch for the "hot spot" and place that where it's beneficial for the speeds/style of driving that I do (slow!). :lol:

So long as you're adjusting the two screws that change the aim of the light, there really isn't anything that can be harmed. check out this fische from Ron Ayers. Part number 5 is what you will be adjusting. If it doesn't go in the direction that you want, simply turn it back the same amount and it's like it never happened!
1998 Honda VT750C A HEADLIGHT | Ron Ayers

 

["Captain D"]

That reminds me, after the clutch install today, I need to repair & adjust my headlight tonite...
Good Luck,
D

 

[7xclm]

Quote; so I have maybe 10 ft in front of the bike when parked in the garage on a level surface. Is there another way to adjust the headlight with this short of space.

You will need some tape, ruler, screwdriver too fit the adjustment screw and a second person.

First sit on the bike then have the second person measure the distance between the center of the headlight too the ground.

Second go over too the wall and place a piece of tape on the wall at the same height you measured on the bike.

Third while sitting on the bike with the headlight on have the second person adjust the headlight up and down only where it is just a couple of inches below the tape on the wall.

Fourth take a test ride at night and see if it is ok. If not make another adjustment until you are satisfied.

 

[John Hopkins]

Our laws are not too much different to yours, I think as long as your headlight doesn't point higher on full beam than the actual height of the lamp itself you are ok. But from your description that is not really your problem, you are complaining about lack of light and you don't say where you are or what bike you are riding..

It might help in advising if you fill in the user CP at the top of this page.

You say you have 10ft in front of you, then providing the reflected beam is not higher than the headlight and not ridiculously lower that is all the light you will get without changing the bulb.

John.

 

[jpr1968]

You could always go to a building parking lot somewhere and make the adjustment. It only takes a few minutes.

 

[Dingo.]

Warehouse walls work. Just be prepared to explain to cops why you're lurking at a warehouse at night with a ruler and screwdriver-oh, set them down slowly when they light you up.

Dingo.

 

[jpr1968]

Warehouse walls work. Just be prepared to explain to cops why you're lurking at a warehouse at night with a ruler and screwdriver-oh, set them down slowly when they light you up.

Dingo.

I can see it now.

 

[John Hopkins]

Most of our cops don't have guns, they will drive up to you and if you don't run away, ask you what you are doing..

But then again, most of us don't have guns either.

John.

 

[IGeeky1]

love the bike C5rider!

 

["Captain D"]

It`s dark out now, aiming is easy when dark

 

[Furball Zen]

A properly adjusted headlight works wonders

 

[swifty2014]

A good rule of thumb when I was working on foreign cars was at 20 feet the headlight hot spot on HIGH beam should be straight level with the center of the light.
Low beam drops automatically so high beam was a good setting reference.
Just go out in the street after dark with another person holding a piece of cardboard or 2X4 or something to see the beam.

 

["Captain D"]

It`ll only be dark a couple more hours, then you`ll hafta wait 12 hours for dark to return

IF you wanna do it in the dark

 

["Captain D"]

Speaking of lights...
Big Dog has had problems with his "cornering" or "Passing" or "Light bar" or "Spot"
Lights, whatever you wanna call them...
But the shop has not fixed them in the three years I`ve been riding with him...
I now have this problemchild in the shop here...
I will get it fixed!!! AND Aimed correctly...