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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: tussey on March 23, 2006, 03:33:59 PM

Title: Hi-beams not very bright...in fact useless....
Post by: tussey on March 23, 2006, 03:33:59 PM
This is my first bike and it's used. My high beams don't even light up the road they seem to only light up about 4-6 feet in front of me while when they are turned off I can see about 40 feet in front of me. I'm wondering if the guy before me installed my bulb upside down or something.... :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: Hi-beams not very bright...in fact useless....
Post by: weaselnoze on March 23, 2006, 03:45:27 PM
the bulb was probably installed correct.  my guess is that you need to adjust it.  loosen the mounting bolt and move the housing up or down until it is correct.
Title: Re: Hi-beams not very bright...in fact useless....
Post by: RedShift on March 23, 2006, 04:02:24 PM
Have a look at this link from Motorcycleist On-Line: How-To: Your Aim Is True: Headlight aiming explained (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/122_0310_howto/index.html). 

You need to target the beam in the right direction.  There's a Head Light Aiming thread somewhere around here.  I'll search and see if I can find it.

If you want a brighter head light, get a 55w/60w Sylvania SilverStar ST H4 (http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProducts/AutomotiveLighting/HighPerformance/Silverstar/default.htm) or PIAA H4 (http://www.piaa.com/Bulbs/Bulbs-H4.html) bulbs.  Simple replacement -- take anybody 20 minutes or less.
Title: Re: Hi-beams not very bright...in fact useless....
Post by: RedShift on March 23, 2006, 04:06:48 PM
Have a browse of this post, complete with pictures:

Is this a healthy headlight pattern? (http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=14334.0)

Does your beam pattern look like geekonabike's, just not directed properly? 
Title: Re: Hi-beams not very bright...in fact useless....
Post by: RedShift on March 23, 2006, 04:20:52 PM
Here's a post from our friend Kerry: Headlight adjustment (http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=13274.msg112188#msg112188)

Has pictures on the adjustment screws.  If you can match them up with what Kerry shows, you're in business.