Headlight adjustments
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 422
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From: Brookville, Ohio
RE: Headlight adjustments
I haven't done this procedure but it is outlined in my 2005 Softail owners manual. I would think the 2003 and 2005 would be the same.
They recommend the light be adjusted when a new owner gets the bike or where there is a change in load such as additional luggage etc.
It is a little vauge about when to stand the bike up and when to load it on domestic units VS international units but I think this would work.
You will an area with minimum light or do it at night.
1. Measure 25' back from a vertical wall and mark a line on the ground.
2. Line up you front axel on the line made in step 1, making sure the bike is straight in line with respect to the wall, front wheel and rear wheel.
3. Get a vertical measurement from the ground to the center of the headlight. You may need to use a level or something to get a good measurement.
4. Mark a horozontal line on the wall that equals the vertical distance measurement obtained in step 3.
5. Load vehicle with rider, passenger if normally present, and cargo. Switch on the high beam.
6. With the bike upright and everything lined up straight ahead check the beam alignment.
7. The main beam, which is a broad, flat pattern of light, should be centered equally above and below the horizontial line on the wall.
8. The main beam of light should also be directed straight ahead. Properly adjusted headlamps project an equal area of light to the right and left of center.
9. There is a vertical adjustment bolt/nut at the base and rear of the headlight and a horizontal adjustment bolt on the bottom side of the lower tree.
10. Vertial adjustment bolts/nuts should be torqued to 35-45 ft. lb. (47.5-61.0 Nm).
11. Horizontal adjustment bolts/nuts should be torqued to 30-35 ft. lb. (40.7-47.5 Nm).
12. You may have to tinker with it until everything lines up.
Hope this helps......
They recommend the light be adjusted when a new owner gets the bike or where there is a change in load such as additional luggage etc.
It is a little vauge about when to stand the bike up and when to load it on domestic units VS international units but I think this would work.
You will an area with minimum light or do it at night.
1. Measure 25' back from a vertical wall and mark a line on the ground.
2. Line up you front axel on the line made in step 1, making sure the bike is straight in line with respect to the wall, front wheel and rear wheel.
3. Get a vertical measurement from the ground to the center of the headlight. You may need to use a level or something to get a good measurement.
4. Mark a horozontal line on the wall that equals the vertical distance measurement obtained in step 3.
5. Load vehicle with rider, passenger if normally present, and cargo. Switch on the high beam.
6. With the bike upright and everything lined up straight ahead check the beam alignment.
7. The main beam, which is a broad, flat pattern of light, should be centered equally above and below the horizontial line on the wall.
8. The main beam of light should also be directed straight ahead. Properly adjusted headlamps project an equal area of light to the right and left of center.
9. There is a vertical adjustment bolt/nut at the base and rear of the headlight and a horizontal adjustment bolt on the bottom side of the lower tree.
10. Vertial adjustment bolts/nuts should be torqued to 35-45 ft. lb. (47.5-61.0 Nm).
11. Horizontal adjustment bolts/nuts should be torqued to 30-35 ft. lb. (40.7-47.5 Nm).
12. You may have to tinker with it until everything lines up.
Hope this helps......
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