Headlight alignment

[Gonzo]

Does anyone have an actual working procedure for aligning the headlights?

Since I have to do this alone, it's a bit of a problem.

I have it fairly well aligned with an asymptotic method. I adjust it a little closer each time I get at it, but it's time consuming.

The major problem is that is has to be adjusted not on the sidestand, not on the center stand, but with me in the saddle in riding position, suspension loaded normally.

Can't reach the adjuster at that time.

What is the spec on the angle the beam should make? I know it should be very slightly down from horizontal.

I want to have as much road illuminated as possible, yet not blind oncoming traffic.

thanx for the help,
gonzo

[Raven]

Don't forget that you have the electronic adjustment so you can set up the manual adjustment to where it's close and then fine-tune with the electronic switch.

I've set mine such that it's actually HIGHER than I would typically use it in the highest electronic position (for those occassions when I find myself in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night and would like a bit more light) and then adjust it down from there electronically.

YMMV

[Fred D]

Headlight aiming was discussed on the ST Forum a week or so ago. Don't remember if it has what you're looking for.

[DeanR]

Just tried to open another link on this topic and got the same mesage:no permission.
Moderators?

[Mellow]

Just tried to open another link on this topic and got the same mesage:no permission.
Moderators?

That post was deleted. The member that previously provided that information did not wish for it to be provided HERE.

[Mellow]

Does anyone have an actual working procedure for aligning the headlights?

Since I have to do this alone, it's a bit of a problem.

I have it fairly well aligned with an asymptotic method. I adjust it a little closer each time I get at it, but it's time consuming.

The major problem is that is has to be adjusted not on the sidestand, not on the center stand, but with me in the saddle in riding position, suspension loaded normally.

Can't reach the adjuster at that time.

What is the spec on the angle the beam should make? I know it should be very slightly down from horizontal.

I want to have as much road illuminated as possible, yet not blind oncoming traffic.

thanx for the help,
gonzo

I basically get in my alley and while sitting on the bike, not moving adjust it.

It's going to always be different based on how much gear you have loaded.

Here's a great article on it:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/122_0310_headlight_aiming/index.html

[DeanR]

Hmmm. Thanks Joe. Don't happen to know how to properly aim headlights would you?
Hmmm. Simultaneous posts! Thanks

[nm6r]

Center the dash adjuster.

Manually adjust the high beams to aim straight ahead.

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=33466&d=1216476632

Low beams will be perfect.

Done.*


*Fine tuning can now be accomplished to accomodate load with the dash adjuster.

Ray

[dduelin]

Center the dash adjuster.

Manually adjust the high beams to aim straight ahead.

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=33466&d=1216476632

Low beams will be perfect.

Done.*


*Fine tuning can now be accomplished to accomodate load with the dash adjuster.

RayI think you scanned the wrong page of the manual Ray. The headlight vertical adjustment is changed with a flat blade screwdriver inserted from below not behind the headlight motor assembly. Page 3-23 in the service manual shows it. I adjusted mine so the dash knob adjuster can aim them higher than I ever need them then use the dash knob to bring them down to where I want them for whatever load configuration.

[nm6r]

Thanks Dave. I had the right picture for what I wanted to show. The arrow in the picture should have been pointing to the actual screwdriver adjustment. The one you suggested is even better and also shows the horizontal adjustments.

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=33473&d=1216491745

Between the two it should be easy for someone to find the adjustment.

Ray

[dduelin]

And that screw adjustment is very, very fine thread. I turned it forever it seems like to adjust mine.

[Gonzo]

Here is my headlight alignment target.

I set my tires right on a seam in my driveway, and measured the headlight and driving light heights plus the distance from the bike center to make the marks.

Now at least all my lights are aimed, if not in the correct direction, at least at
along parallel lines.

[Mellow]

And that screw adjustment is very, very fine thread. I turned it forever it seems like to adjust mine.

I had a hard time with that too.. so I just stuck my hand in there and turned the gear with my fingers.. works much better.

[MidLife]

Does anyone have an actual working procedure for aligning the headlights?

Since I have to do this alone, it's a bit of a problem.

I have it fairly well aligned with an asymptotic method. I adjust it a little closer each time I get at it, but it's time consuming.

The major problem is that is has to be adjusted not on the sidestand, not on the center stand, but with me in the saddle in riding position, suspension loaded normally.

Can't reach the adjuster at that time.

What is the spec on the angle the beam should make? I know it should be very slightly down from horizontal.

I want to have as much road illuminated as possible, yet not blind oncoming traffic.

thanx for the help,
gonzo

Gonzo,

Raven's method works fine for me. I go out and ride at night and use the dashboard knob to find the ideal setting for the load on the bike. Then back home, with bike on the stand, I put a mark on the wall where the beam is hitting. Then position the knob to one of the "mid" positions and adjust the screw until the beam is back to the line on the wall.

My observation is that there is a "sweet spot" where the ST 1300 headlights work great. Only a little bit higher or lower, and you loose a lot of the beam efficiency. The dashboard adjuster is actually too coarse to find this "sweet spot". The spot can easily fall between two positions of the adjuster.

Once you've experienced this "sweet spot" (easy to find on the long, straight, flat and deserted Texas roads at night), you will know what to shoot for. I take the 12 mm socket with extension (and flash light!) during the "adjustment" night rides to adjust the screw in case the "sweet spot" happens to be between knob positions. Just like Mellow said, you can easily adjust the screw by hand with the extension.