DL650 Headlamp alignment with pillion & Ride Comfort

[croptopmartin]

Suzuki V-strom 650DL ABS.  2008. only done about 15,000 miles.
Bike OE specs say 33psi front and 36psi rear with rider only or 42psi with pillion.

The annoying thing for me (weighing 190 pounds) and a pillion of about 140 pounds, the headlamp dipped beam becomes like a main beam and main beam lights the trees above my eye-line.
As the headlamp is always on and it's awkward to keep adjusting the headlamp beam up and down (not always carrying a pillion, and usually not for the whole day).

I have tried cranking the rear preload to maximum, but this makes no difference to headlamp beam with a pillion, but only results in an uncomfortable ride for pillion especially, and myself to a lesser degree.  I have had the bike since new.

 

• Is there something wrong with my suspension?
• Or is this just the way the bike is?

Any advice gratefully received.

[greywolf]

Are you sure you are actually cranking the suspension settings to their full range? Look at the lines on the shock to make sure you can see all 5 lines of a maximum setting. Even if you are cranking it all the way, the adjuster may be low on oil. You should be able to adjust the preload so there is a 40mm or so difference between fully extended and loaded with various weights. A consistent 40mm of sag will maintain your headlight aim. If you can't produce ~40mm of sag, the hydraulic adjuster has a problem or the shock spring is too weak.

http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,7132.0.html