headlight alignment

[Doc X]

Have Valk interstate and would like to know the proper alignment of the two headlights. The vertical height and the horizontal beams. I think you project them onto the wall , but I don't know at what distance and what height.
Thanks,
Doc X

[Warlock]

Get someone to measure half way of your headlights to the floor. Take and make a line 2" shorter than you measured on the wall.  The distance from the headlight to the wall should be 17 feet.
David

[Ricky-D]

Well now, there's more to it than just a simple measurement!

Consider how you will be riding. One or two up. And just you own mass will affect the headlight beam considerably. Two even more!

The softness of the shocks make a difference too. When they are at the soft setting versus the hard setting, it makes a large difference in the headlight  illumination of the road ahead. (aiming that is!)

The best is to drive down a dark road and observe what the illuminated road looks like on high beam and low beam. It will be very apparent then to know if the lights are too low or too high.

I mean, if the lights are illuminating the trees canopy then you could assume they are set a bit high, likewise if they are lighting up the tread of the front tire - you know what I mean!

***

[Warlock]

Well now, there's more to it than just a simple measurement!

Consider how you will be riding. One or two up. And just you own mass will affect the headlight beam considerably. Two even more!

The softness of the shocks make a difference too. When they are at the soft setting versus the hard setting, it makes a large difference in the headlight  illumination of the road ahead. (aiming that is!)

The best is to drive down a dark road and observe what the illuminated road looks like on high beam and low beam. It will be very apparent then to know if the lights are too low or too high.

I mean, if the lights are illuminating the trees canopy then you could assume they are set a bit high, likewise if they are lighting up the tread of the front tire - you know what I mean!

***

Have to beg different. You still use the same method of measurement.
David

[Doc X]

Warlock, is the beam on low beam to hit the 2'' lower mark on the wall?

Thanks,
Doc X

[Dave Weaver]

When I want to adjust lights or spots on car, truck, or bike, I drive to a deserted country road and adjust height and width accordingly.  I will then test drive for a few miles, then re-adjust if necessary.  I like to do it this way so I get real life simulation.

[Tundra]

Try this Doc...

(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
(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.

Step 4. You can substitute masking tape and make your mark on that, instead of your wall.
  I took my measurments on the side of the local grocery store after hours.

[Warlock]

Warlock, is the beam on low beam to hit the 2'' lower mark on the wall?

Thanks,
Doc X

Should be on low beam. It should also run just a little to the right of center and then start to run down a little.
David

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

If you ride two up alot after dark it gets a little harder to aim. The last time wife and I went to Lakecharles La. on a boudain run coming home loaded with about 40lbs of payload  I had to just run the low beams all the way home. Brights were useless. Solo they are just right.

[Warlock]

If you ride two up alot after dark it gets a little harder to aim. The last time wife and I went to Lakecharles La. on a boudain run coming home loaded with about 40lbs of payload  I had to just run the low beams all the way home. Brights were useless. Solo they are just right.

Know what you mean. Kinda a catch 22. Get them set one way then add weight and different setting. Kinda glad I have two Valks. Got one set up solo and the other for 2 up riding. So they keep adjusted pretty well all the time.
David

[X Ring]

Kinda glad I have two Valks.
David

As Smokin' Joe says, "You can't hide money."  

Marty

[Doc X]

Thank Yall, but is it 17' or 25' from the wall?
Doc X

[X Ring]

Hey Doc, found this for you.  http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/122_0310_headlight_aiming/index.html

Marty