Headlight adjustment

[Big Rab]

Hi Boys, first run in the dark last night, healights way too high on main beam, spotting owls in the trees.
 how do you adjust them?
 thanks

Rab

[greywolf]

Here's the right headlight. The left is a mirror image. Tightening an adjuster pulls the headlight so the bottom adjusters will lower the headlights when turned clockwise.

[Oop North John]

You have got the rear preload somewhere near the correct amount as a small change makes a big difference?

[Big Rab]

thank you boys, will check the preload too, cheers

[bigpie]

Is there a simple to follow guide to setting preload? I've just left it as is.

[Oop North John]

there'll be a whole raft of how to set the sag on bikes on the internet, me I always have my pre-load at 1/2 as I weigh about 95kg, and if the wife is on the back take it up to a couple of clicks off max. Me + wife + luggage then full pre-load.

[greywolf]

Setting both front and back so a loaded bike settles about 40mm from full extension (wheel off the ground) works well. Change the load and the rear setting is affected, not so much on the front which can really be left alone unless a very heavy tank bag or tank panniers are added.

[Oop North John]

Forgot to mention it's only the rear I adjust.

[ajduggie]

Took my CB500 for MOT last week and asked what it would cost to have the headlights on my Wee corrected as I had to lower them myself cos I was getting flashed (blinded) by oncoming traffic. This is what he told me:

Get someone to sit on the bike on a level surface and measure distance from ground to centre of headlight bulbs.
Put a line at that height on a suitable board or wall.
Move the bike So that the headlight is three feet from the board /wall and select main beam.
The light should be on, or just below the marked line. If its higher or lower, then make the necessary adjustment.
Haven't tried it yet, so not sure if it will give a satisfactory setting, but I think I would prefer to have it set using the proper equipment, just for peace of mind.

[Big Al wi the Vee]

I suppose you could just put some more air in the back tyre