Dumb question: Headlight?

[TomT]

I noticed that my headlight's aim is to high. How do you adjust the aim on it?
Thanks in advance,
Tom T
Lynchburg, VA

[PAVALKER]

IS there a pivot point where it mounts?

I assume it is the bike in your avatar pic.

[TomT]

I was looking for a pivot point, but didn't see one. Yes, it is the Red and White Valk.  I'm thinking there might be screws like on a cars headlight for adjusting up and down, but not sure.
Thanks,
Tom

[PAVALKER]

Alrightie then......   remove the trim ring and you will see adjustment screws located around the edge of the light.  Check out this diagram here and you will see them....  item number 3 are the adjustment screws I believe.  But check your light to make sure those adjust it.


http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=148151&category=MOTORCYCLES&make=HONDA&year=1999&fveh=3467

[MarkT]

Looking at the headlight from the front, there are two holes to insert a screwdriver at approx 4:30 and 7:30 positions.  Insert a phillips screwdriver in the 7:30 hole. Clockwise raises it, & vice-versa.  I find it's helpful to put a sheet of cardboard standing in front of the headlight so I can see what I'm doing to the beam.  Then take it for a spin to see the effect.  I've found that when I change the bulb, the beam usually needs adjustment as the filiment is in a slightly different position.  Sometimes I'll just throw a screwdriver and a flashlight in the luggage and go set it on the side of the road.  I set mine by where it puts the high beam.

[TomT]

Good morning,
Thanks guys! I'm going to go out and work on it this morning. Got the lawn mowed yesterday, and Joanne sleeping today. So today, I get to play!!!
Thanks again,
Tom

[Big Rig]

I did mine when I had the speaker cover off on the fairing....

I have been having an on going problem with my left blinker loosening...

[Madmike]

try this...........

http://webmaster10.com/ldr/headlight_aiming.html

[John Schmidt]

Alrightie then........remove the trim ring ......

 
Not necessary, follow MarkT's advice for locating the adjusting screws and the post telling how/where to aim it. I was looking for that myself but MadMike beat me to it. I've used that same procedure often, keep in mind when traveling with a load in back your light will be higher. If your riding is two-up a good share of the time you might want to use a happy medium on the elevation.

[Earl in Pensacola]

I never thought about this as another benefit of having #416 air shocks, but I just add or reduce the shock psi a lb or two to adjust  the headlight.  Really!!

[TomT]

Got R Done gents! Thanks for the advice!

[redflash]

Good link Mike, the one I googled said the same thing, but 25 ft instead of 17 ft. I'll go for a spin and see how it worked. I had mine off when I did the steering head bearings at 64,000 and it's needed a tweak since. 

[Tundra]

(1). Find a flat patch of ground with a white or light-colored wall at one end. Place the bike 25 feet from the wall or garage door
(2). Measure from the center of the headlight to the ground with the bike level
(3). Now go over to the garage door and mark one line at the same height above ground, and another two inches lower
(4). Use a carpenter's level to draw a horizontal reference line (or masking tape)
(5). Switch on the headlights and mount the motorcycle. The low beam's upper cutoff point should rest right on the lower line
(6). 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.