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-   -   Headlight adjustment (http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=78352)

Stu 01-10-06 11:29 PM

Headlight adjustment
 
Last week adjusted my headlights to make sure they were exactly straight ahead, and instead of angled down, are exactly level. I know they should be 1 degree down, but I like them level!
I haven't driven at night yet, but am really enjoying them reflecting off the cars in front and street signs.
Pretty simple so I haven't posted how to unless anyone asks - it should be in your manual.

A top tip for winter coming up.

(especially as Mr fancy pants bulbs says his lights are not good at night :roll: )

Paul C 02-10-06 02:26 AM

+1 on adjusting for vision, not for code.
Where I live, besides the traffic problems with cars, we have abundant wildlife of the large variety, and they have no use for traffic rules. One of the most noted motorcycle safety experts in the USA died this year in a collision with a deer. Where I live add elk, moose, antelope, and domestic cattle and horses to the mix, plus feral horses- you get the idea.
The OEM headlamp on my naked model does OK when set properly- I took it out on a dark road, no street lights and an overcast night to set it for optimal down the road light. Driving lights may also be an option, but I worry about overtaxing the charging system.
I keep to the speed limit after dusk, and slow down in wooded areas.

Luckypants 02-10-06 09:15 AM

Are you talking about dipped or main beam here? If you have swivelled you lights up so they are like main beam on dip, you are beaking the law and really ****ing off on coming drivers. If you dazzle me with your badly adjusted dipped beam, expect to be blinded by my full set of spots on the front of the 4x4 :evil: Dipped beam angled down correctly should still illuminate the kerbs and signage, as the dip is shaped to throw more light to the left. So if dip is not giving sufficient range, use main beam!

But if you talking about main beam, forgive me my little rant :oops:

TSM 02-10-06 09:16 AM

Yep you will possably get pulled for that and fail an MOT when time comes.

There is a reason for them to be dipped and why you have HIGH beams.

Plus when you are on the throttle the rear will squat making them even higher, also extra weight on the rear will bring them up further.

Law 02-10-06 11:01 AM

Re: Headlight adjustment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu
(especially as Mr fancy pants bulbs says his lights are not good at night :roll: )

Who's Mr Fancy Pants Bulbs? Spill the beans!

Stu 02-10-06 11:03 AM

Yes I mean dipped.
Acknowledged for MOT - simple adjustment in 18 months time
It was adjusted with me sitting on it, so shouldn't point higher (acceleration excepted).
I would say they reach up to the bottom edge of windows on cars i.e. not in faces. If it proves to be a problem at night, then I can easily adjust lower.

But my point is they are definitely better than the top edge of the light hitting the road 50 yards in front of me.

Stu 02-10-06 11:09 AM

Re: Headlight adjustment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Law
Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu
(especially as Mr fancy pants bulbs says his lights are not good at night :roll: )

Who's Mr Fancy Pants Bulbs? Spill the beans!

click

Luckypants 02-10-06 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu
I would say they reach up to the bottom edge of windows on cars i.e. not in faces. If it proves to be a problem at night, then I can easily adjust lower.

OK point taken, not toooooo high, but a little high IMO. There will be some 'bleed' at the edges of the beam that could cause dazzle, especially if you are travelling uphill. The dipped lights on my car were a similar height from new and I got lots of folks flashing me. I have knocked them down slightly so they are not quite so high and now there seems to be no problem.

50m in front sounds like they were set only a little low, dipped is only meant to light the road a short distance in front, say 60-80 meters. Anything more than that and you should be on full beam.

BUT - I understand if you live in an urban area, there may be no chance to use full beam that often, so tweaking the dipped beam might be a good thing.

Law 02-10-06 01:24 PM

Re: Headlight adjustment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu
Quote:

Originally Posted by Law
Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu
(especially as Mr fancy pants bulbs says his lights are not good at night :roll: )

Who's Mr Fancy Pants Bulbs? Spill the beans!

click

Hit the nail on the head?? What does that.....hang on is it me?? My light bulbs are better than standard, I was just complaining about not going above 40mph on dipped on a very dark bendy B road cos of oncoming cars.


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