Inspection
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,692
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From: Syracuse,NY
Inspection
I just got the bike inspected last week but I know they just did the 3 minute check and never touched the headlight. Lowbeam is like highbeam should be and highbeam is almost in the trees. Is there a standard so I can lower the beam to specifications? Can't find it online for NY.
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ho...ing/index.html
So how are you supposed to aim the beam? A lot of riders simply adjust until the light startles oncoming drivers--and then back off a half turn. Believe it or not, there are official recommendations. Find a flat patch of ground with a white or light-colored wall at one end. (You may have one of these right there at home--it's called a driveway.) Place the bike 25 feet from the wall or garage door (4). Measure from the center of the headlight to the ground with the bike level (5). Now go over to the garage door and mark one line at the same height above ground, and another two inches lower (6). Use a carpenter's level to draw a horizontal reference line (7).
Switch on the headlights and mount the motorcycle. The low beam's upper cutoff point should rest right on the lower line (8). Because most bikes have combined high- and low-beam reflectors, setting the height (and checking to see that the beam is centered along the bike's long axis) is about all there is to it. But if you have separate high beams, make the center of the high beam land on the upper line. That's it. Button everything up--don't leave that screwdriver poking through the fairing--and enjoy autumn knowing you're ready for the dark, short days of winter. Brrrr.
Switch on the headlights and mount the motorcycle. The low beam's upper cutoff point should rest right on the lower line (8). Because most bikes have combined high- and low-beam reflectors, setting the height (and checking to see that the beam is centered along the bike's long axis) is about all there is to it. But if you have separate high beams, make the center of the high beam land on the upper line. That's it. Button everything up--don't leave that screwdriver poking through the fairing--and enjoy autumn knowing you're ready for the dark, short days of winter. Brrrr.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Republic of Texas
You actually wanted an inspection. All I ever want is the sticker that I am required to have. Person doing the inspection may know bikes but he may not--I know my bike. Easiest way for me to set the headlight is get the bike on the road stopped with the *** or asses that are going to sit on it and start adjusting till the light hits where I want it on low beam. Parking lot would work if it is big enough. Light angle changes with weight on suspension. Trial and error with true weight on the bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Upstate New York
I have no level spot 25 feet from a wall anywhere around here, so I take a more pragmatic approach. I go out to the back river road at night. There's no traffic, and I have a mile of straight, level road. I set the high beam to see as far down the road as I can without lighting up the trees (while sitting on the bike, of course). I then let the low beam be where it will be. This has always worked for me.
It's not scientific, but it is practical, and easier than explaining to the local police why I'm in an empty parking lot at night with a measuring tape, making chalk marks on somebody's wall and parking lot.
After all this, if somebody attempted to "aim" my headlight during an inspection, I'd be seriously ANGRY!
It's not scientific, but it is practical, and easier than explaining to the local police why I'm in an empty parking lot at night with a measuring tape, making chalk marks on somebody's wall and parking lot.
After all this, if somebody attempted to "aim" my headlight during an inspection, I'd be seriously ANGRY!
Last edited by Uncle G.; Jun 27, 2010 at 08:50 AM.
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From: Honah Lee
This works
This works and should satisfy state inspection. Works best at dust or at night. Set on bike and using pull tape measure from ground up to center of main headlight. Step off 25 feet on a half way level floor to a wall or piece of card board an make a mark the same distance up. Turn on head light on HIGH BEAM. Center of beam should be on mark. Also bike should be setting square to wall since light should be equal to left and right of mark. You can take it from here if its not. I always loosen mine and move it. However I usually just get a large hammer and tap the headlight on my paying clients since I usually am in a hurry to get to my next job and I work on piece work.
P.S. I had a new 2005 bike in 05 and when I got it I drove it to work. Got off at 12AM and a long dark interstate drive from home. I was amazed to realize that the headlight was aiming on the road down at 10 feet
P.S. I had a new 2005 bike in 05 and when I got it I drove it to work. Got off at 12AM and a long dark interstate drive from home. I was amazed to realize that the headlight was aiming on the road down at 10 feet
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 27, 2010 at 09:52 AM.
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