[jsek29]

How far out in front should the beams from the headlights be hitting the ground? Mine seem to be pointed awfully low, illuminating the pavement about 8 - 10 ft. in front of the bike. Any thoughts on the best way to align them properly?

:afro: :afro: :afro:

 

[J-Pip]

I have after market bulbs, I either get high beams or low beams. I set my high beams to a in-betwen level.

 

[Devious2xs]

Put you bike on level ground facing a wall or garage door 25 feet away.
-Sit on the bike, and have someone measure very accurately to the center of the headlights.
-Turn on the lights and measure the center of the beam on the wall or door. It should be the same, so that the beams are parallel to the ground.

Look at the light pattern on the wall or door. adjust the headlight so that the two light patterns display the best area for you.

Some bulbs and reflector housings will throw a different pattern, and the light will have different colors in the outside edges - sometimes with a sharp line. Everyone is a bit different, so adjust the pattern to cover the area that suits you best.

I hope this helps.

 

[jsek29]

Gracias Dev. That is exactly what I was looking for. I didn't know the distance over which to set the beams parallel to the ground.

:afro: :afro: :afro:

 

[Guest]

my patern changed with the new bulbs and I used garage door also. Sean...

 

[mowtrhed]

ALTERNATE METHOD.

I didn`t have 25' of level ground. So I put a 2x4 under the side stand in my shed (which is fairly level). I had a small 9" plastic level (about $1.50 at the hardwear store). The lenses on the headlight aren`t flat, so I put it against the chrome rim. Adjusted lights to level. Went for a ride, & was surprized to find the adjustment perfect.

 

[MrBiff2You]

I adjusted mine by buying a BMW to ride at night. Even with good aftermarket bulbs and proper alignment they wheeeeeeeeeez on the S3.

Pip - Which bulbs did you get?

 

[mowtrhed]

I realized the adjustment was way off, after riding my `84 Honda XL350 dual sport on the same roads at night. The XL worked way better.
The Speed3 was set too low, & the left beam was pointed too far left. No complaints now.
What`s a BMW ?. Isn`t that a car for rich people ?. I can`t afford one of those for the night time ;D.

 

[doug]

i always thought a bmw was a poor man's mercedes

 

[Brrapp]

What`s a BMW ?. Isn`t that a car for rich people ?. I can`t afford one of those for the night time ;D.

you dont have to be rich to own one of the Bavarian Motor Werks finest!

 

[MrBiff2You]

It's like a Speed Triple, only it puts 150hp/90Lbs on the tire with the factory exhaust while pampering me with electronically adjustable suspension, heated grips, ABS, and a gas guage. Oh, and the dealer details it during service when they provide me with a loaner bike.

:twofinger:

 

[dr_gallup]

I saw an 840 as I was leaving the bar this evening. One of the few good looking recent BMW's. It would be an OK ghetto ride.

 

[mowtrhed]

Oh!,
BMW`s are for people who need to be pampered :gayaway:
So... do ya ride the Triple when you need abit of punishment ? :d:

 

[J-Pip]

I adjusted mine by buying a BMW to ride at night. Even with good aftermarket bulbs and proper alignment they wheeeeeeeeeez on the S3.

Pip - Which bulbs did you get?

They're PIAA's, I don't know which type or model though, the previous owner put em in. They were $50 a pop though.

 

[crashmasterd]

What`s a BMW ?. Isn`t that a car for rich people ?. I can`t afford one of those for the night time ;D.

you dont have to be rich to own one of the Bavarian Motor Werks finest!

Don't be dissin' on the Isetta. That be major cool. I seen a guy drag racing one o' them with a 1835cc AirCooled VW engine crammed into it. Freaky fast, and scary!

 

[Garp]

Gracias Dev.  That is exactly what I was looking for.  I didn't know the distance over which to set the beams parallel to the ground. 

:afro: :afro: :afro:

If they are parallel, does the distance from the door matter  ???

 

[MrBiff2You]

Yes.

 

[Brrapp]

If they are parallel, does the distance from the door matter ???
[/quote]

Yes,
the center of the beams will be parallel, but the spread of the beam will change the height of the top and bottom. Too far away and you cant tell where the center is, too close and there wont be enough error to tell if it needs correction.

AND, make sure you are using high beam, when you dip your lights they will drop to the side away from oncoming traffic. The number of times people have set their lights wrong before coming to me for a roadworthy was ridiculous.

 

[MrBiff2You]

^What he said.