Lights at night

[deanrd]

I've been trying to figure out the light configuration. I tried an ST this summer and didn't think to check the lights. It only occurs to me when I'm driving my Multistrada at night. How are the lights laid out? 2 low beams with a high beam in center? I'm curious about nighttime visibility. Do they work well as stock or do you have to change them?

Thanx - Dean
PS - I'm either trading or selling mine to buy an ST1300A.

[Mellow]

2 Low Beams and 2 High Beams.

Honda does a good job on lights.

The whole headlight assembly is adjustable via a turn-knob on the dash so you can adjust them up or down depending on how loaded down the bike is.

Excellent night visibility out of the box but some still do upgrade the bulbs just to make it better, it can never be too bright..

Hope that helps.

[Tor]

With the two Silverstars up front, I would say the lights on my ST is just as good as full lights on my truck, or close.

[Horst]

In Canada lights are always ON ... is this true across the board ... :confused:

[Mongo]

In Canada lights are always ON ... is this true across the board ... :confused:

yes as far as the USA goes, can't answer abroad.

[vfourlife]

where the light assembly bolts to the inside of the upper fairing, there is a knob on either side. use these to set the lights as high as you want them, then fine tune with the dash knob. enjoy!

[billxp]

How do you know when they're set correctly? How's it done?

Thx,This post will tell you how with pictures. LINK (http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6425&highlight=headlight+adjustment)

Best thing to do is aim it at a wall and watch to see how high you make it, then test drive. Just keep in mind that if you aim them to high you will be annoying other motorist and also your high beam may be way to high. I did trial and error to find the sweet spot.

[Jeff F]

Ooops, I should have searched 1st :o:

Thanks y'all.

[Blue STreak]

In most (if not all) European countries the headlights can be turned off. But the position, or running lights stay on. Sort of like the 'parking lights' on cars.

[dond]

It's not allen head (at least mine's not) but here it is

[MidLife]

There is another good picture and explanations for locating the adjustment screw under

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6013

[pmorritt]

Okay that makes sence. But, on the ST 1300 you can't turn off the low beams, so what purpose does the light serve now ? :confused:
Same as your tailbone--vestal appendage.:)

BTW I have too adjusted the height of my headlights. Drew a line on garage door to mark the orig height, 12mm socket w/long extension--don't need the rachet--turned many times counterclockwise to raise it up about 2". If you look up in there while you're on your back you can see that the plastic bolt is turning a larger wheel. Much better focus of light down the road--no complaints from opposing traffic. The grey thumb wheel on both sides are for lateral adjustments--don't mess with it. :biker:

[uptoblackwood]

aahhhhh.....counter clockwise to raise the beam. Thanks before I get into that akward position. :-)

[tricky_micky]

In most (if not all) European countries the headlights can be turned off. But the position, or running lights stay on. Sort of like the 'parking lights' on cars.

Here in the UK, we do not have to display lights during daylight hours unless inclement weather. (fog, heavy rain etc)

France and the rest of Europe, headlights must be on at all times, both day and night!

However, all new bikes coming into Europe do not have a light switch fitted except for the high and low beam switch, so the lights are always on for new bikes.

Mick

[synergycoach]

In Canada lights are always ON ... is this true across the board ... :confused:
In Australia (Oz) all our bikes are hardwired - it sure helps those in the tin tops to see us.
It is strange to see an old bike come along with its lights off - perhaps the rider has a deathwish.

Terry

[Jeff F]

Tin tops - I like that description

Welcome to the group Terry

[londride]

I just had the Osrams installed today, I noticed a big difference.

I also have the $25 driving lights from Walmart under my mirrors. I cut apart a Pepsi can and used the flat aluminum to deflect the heat. I have had them on my bike for 20,000 miles with no problems.

[GRN]

I added H4ST's, and PIAA 910's on Seng brackets slaved to high beams... reminds me of stage lighting it's so bright. The only reason I went to that extent is the very high density of big furry buggers around here. I aimed the bikes beams out to the side a bit as the Seng brackets really only allow for up/down adjustment and I needed some better road side coverage.

See and be seen!:D

[tdeboeser]

I've read about them both ways... but whats the consensus?

Thanks,

Tom de

[GRN]

I've read about them both ways... but whats the consensus?

Thanks,

Tom de

no shims here, have never heard of any problems from anyone running w/out.

[MidLife]

I think you would find the OSRAM Silver Star H4's a worthwhile upgrade (from 45/45 to 55/60).


While my bike was at WW for a leak repair, based on your quoted suggestion, I had asked WW to install 55/60 bulbs, taking advantage that the bike was stripped.

They did not change the bulbs (no surprise here).

But surprise however when I found a set of 55/60 bulbs in their package in the saddlebags! Looks like WW did put them on the bike after all....just not where they belong!

My questions:

1) Should I consider installing these bulbs even after they have rattled in the bags for about hundred (easy) miles before I discovered them? Ii seems that tumbling in the bag (still in their bulb size cardboard box) would not be much worse than the shock experienced while mounted on the bike, but you may have a different opinion?

2) I do not remember the brand (Can check on it later, but remember that the price on the box is $ 6.50 each, and there is a car symbol on the blue box too). But they are definitely not Osrams. Is there a lot of difference between brands? Would you recommend to stick with what you know works or just use these?

Thanks for your enlightment.

[Mark]

Midlife,

As long as they are the wattage you want put them in and see if you like them.
Reasoning: The package was probably shipped by truck and was bounced around more than in your saddlebags. The packaging is made to keep them from harm...

I would suggest before and after pictures in a garage and in a park after dark (bike aimed out at a field so you can see the differnce both in distance and side illumination).
And post the pictures! :-)

MHO,
Mark

[MidLife]

Midlife,
As long as they are the wattage you want put them in and see if you like them.


Will do. But not myself. The ST has to go back to the dealer to be stripped for a round two of leak chasing, I'll let them install the bulbs then!


I would suggest before and after pictures in a garage and in a park after dark (bike aimed out at a field so you can see the differnce both in distance and side illumination).
And post the pictures! :-)

MHO,
Mark

Right now my comparison is the old trusted Nighthawk. Had to put it back on the road while the ST was at the dealer for a month. I feel better about the intensity of this one eyed lighting than the ST on nightly rides (of course the ST lateral coverage is much better).

And it is not because I have not optimized the ST lights height adjustment. I have. Adjusted it way high in the top position, then turning it down while riding until I found the best height for me. Then set this height to be two down from the top position. This allows me to set the low beam two notches higher in the morning fog, when the high beams are of no use.

Pictures? I guess I can have Wally World digitize paper pics (techno dinosaur here)! (or I could learn how to use the camera in the mobile phone my boss recently forced me to get, and find out how to download the pics from it!).