Headlight range - adjustable?

Pete7874 · 08-20-2010, 02:34 AM

The range of my headlight (low beam) seems to be really short. How long is it supposed to be and is it adjustable? Mines probably like 20 feet. It's a bit scary driving at night with speeds above 30-40 mph with such low visibility.

alantf · 08-20-2010, 06:26 AM

Do any of your local garages/workshops (for cars) have a beam setter? I'm sure they'd check your setting for very few $$$$$$. All you do is drive/ride up to it, they raise or lower it to the height of your headlight, you switch on your headlight, & it tells them if it's set up correctly. Total time, 30 seconds. :2tup:

Water Warrior 2 · 08-20-2010, 03:17 PM

There are adjustment screws for the headlight. At about 4 o clock and 8 o clock on the head light bucket near the front. L side(clutch side) is the height adjuster IIRC. REquired tools, a screw driver, flashlight and a wall. Go for a ride. Repeat if necessary. Also try a SilverStar bulb from Sylvania, they are brighter but do not draw any more wattage. They do have a slightly shorter life span due to vibration on the GZ but worth the $ if you ride a lot of nights. I have had SS bulbs in my Vstrom for 4 years now with no failures but the bike is also a lot smoother and the lights are not directly mounted to the front end but in a fairing. SS in my Ranger too. Best bulb for the $ in my opinion.

You may also want to install one MR-16 35 watt halogen light similar to the pic. The GZ will not support much more power draw.
The pic is a MR-11 so it is a bit smaller in overall size.

Easy Rider · 08-20-2010, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Water Warrior

Also try a SilverStar bulb from Sylvania,

I've heard that PIAA bulbs last longer.....but are a tad more expensive.
I have no personal experience with either.

Like SOOOO many other questions, I expect that headlight adjustment might be covered in the Fine owner's manual. :biggrin:

Pete7874 · 08-20-2010, 07:25 PM

Doh! You're right. It is in the owner's manual. I only looked in the service manual and did not find it, but I forgot to check the owner's manual.

Thanks everyone!

blaine · 08-20-2010, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

I've heard that PIAA bulbs last longer.....but are a tad more expensive.
I have no personal experience with either.

Like SOOOO many other questions, I expect that headlight adjustment might be covered in the Fine owner's manual. :biggrin:

PIAA bulbs are designed for auxiliary lighting only.They are not for use in headlights.
:2tup:

Sarris · 08-20-2010, 08:15 PM

I align mine (using the adjusters) by placing the bike next to the car approximately 10 feet from my garage wall and matching the bike beams projection on the wall with the car.

I found it helps to have a second person to do the adjustment so you can put your weight on the bike to get them as close to the normal ride height as possible.

It's seems to get pretty darn close.

Easy Rider · 08-20-2010, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blaine

PIAA bulbs are designed for auxiliary lighting only.They are not for use in headlights.

Sorry not true.
They make a "standard" 9003/H3/H4 dual element replacement headlight bulb too.
Ref: www.piaa.com

blaine · 08-20-2010, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

Quote:

Originally Posted by blaine

PIAA bulbs are designed for auxiliary lighting only.They are not for use in headlights.

Sorry not true.
They make a "standard" 9003/H3/H4 dual element replacement headlight bulb too.
Ref: http://www.piaa.com

:oops: I stand corrected.I did not know they made a replacement headlight bulb.Thanks for the heads up.
:cool:

dentheman · 08-20-2010, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarris

I align mine (using the adjusters) by placing the bike next to the car approximately 10 feet from my garage wall and matching the bike beams projection on the wall with the car.

I found it helps to have a second person to do the adjustment so you can put your weight on the bike to get them as close to the normal ride height as possible.

It's seems to get pretty darn close.

:plus1:

08-20-2010, 02:34 AM	#1
Pete7874 Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 65	Headlight range - adjustable? The range of my headlight (low beam) seems to be really short. How long is it supposed to be and is it adjustable? Mines probably like 20 feet. It's a bit scary driving at night with speeds above 30-40 mph with such low visibility. __________________ Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

08-20-2010, 06:26 AM	#2
alantf Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tenerife (Spain) Posts: 3,719	Re: Headlight range - adjustable? Do any of your local garages/workshops (for cars) have a beam setter? I'm sure they'd check your setting for very few $$$$$$. All you do is drive/ride up to it, they raise or lower it to the height of your headlight, you switch on your headlight, & it tells them if it's set up correctly. Total time, 30 seconds. :2tup: __________________ By birth an Englishman, by the grace of God a Yorkshireman.
	0

08-20-2010, 03:17 PM	#3
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	Re: Headlight range - adjustable? There are adjustment screws for the headlight. At about 4 o clock and 8 o clock on the head light bucket near the front. L side(clutch side) is the height adjuster IIRC. REquired tools, a screw driver, flashlight and a wall. Go for a ride. Repeat if necessary. Also try a SilverStar bulb from Sylvania, they are brighter but do not draw any more wattage. They do have a slightly shorter life span due to vibration on the GZ but worth the $ if you ride a lot of nights. I have had SS bulbs in my Vstrom for 4 years now with no failures but the bike is also a lot smoother and the lights are not directly mounted to the front end but in a fairing. SS in my Ranger too. Best bulb for the $ in my opinion. You may also want to install one MR-16 35 watt halogen light similar to the pic. The GZ will not support much more power draw. The pic is a MR-11 so it is a bit smaller in overall size. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

08-20-2010, 07:25 PM	#5
Pete7874 Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 65	Re: Headlight range - adjustable? Doh! You're right. It is in the owner's manual. I only looked in the service manual and did not find it, but I forgot to check the owner's manual. Thanks everyone! __________________ Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

08-20-2010, 08:15 PM	#7
Sarris Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Port Richey, Florida USA Posts: 1,348	Re: Headlight range - adjustable? I align mine (using the adjusters) by placing the bike next to the car approximately 10 feet from my garage wall and matching the bike beams projection on the wall with the car. I found it helps to have a second person to do the adjustment so you can put your weight on the bike to get them as close to the normal ride height as possible. It's seems to get pretty darn close. __________________ Prudent riders live longer than moron riders.
	0