RT Headlight Question

[glynnk]

From time to time while riding in a group, I get the occassional question about one headlight being much brighter than the other--the right (my right) one brighter than the left one. When I check them, I can't detect any difference, either on the low or high setting. I always run with all lights on high beam during the daytime hours. From time to time I've noticed the same sort of issue with other Spyders when I'm in front.

Anybody experienced something similar?

Glynn

 

[NancysToy]

This is a headlight alignment issue. The two lights are either not aimed the same, or you may just be riding on steeply banked roads. The projector lens headlights on the Spyder cast a very narrow beam. If you are not looking almost directly at the center, the light seems to dim or disappear during the daytime. People often think you are flashing your lights, for the same reason...as your lights bounce in and out of their line of sight. Two things will help. First, check the headlight alignment to make sure they are exactly the same. If your onlookers report "flashing", you may have to lower them a bit. Be sure and weight the seat with a rider and/or passenger equivalent when you aim them, or they will be too high when you ride. Another thing that helps is using the high beams in the daytime. Raising the low beam shutter gives a fuller beam, so the appearance isn't as touchy.

 

[RAYYOU]

Glynn somebody told me that one of mine was doing this about a month ago and said that it was probably a relay. When I switched to low beams then back to high they both looked
the same. I have noticed this several times since I have been watching for it.

 

[NancysToy]

Glynn somebody told me that one of mine was doing this about a month ago and said that it was probably a relay. When I switched to low beams then back to high they both looked
the same. I have noticed this several times since I have been watching for it.

The headlights both work off the same relay and the same wires, so a relay issue would not likely cause one to be brighter than the other. It is probably merely the effect of the projection lenses, which depend on the angle of view...both horizontally and vertically. A problem with an actual bulb being dim would likely be in the bulb or the connection.

 

[glynnk]

This is a headlight alignment issue. The two lights are either not aimed the same, or you may just be riding on steeply banked roads. The projector lens headlights on the Spyder cast a very narrow beam. If you are not looking almost directly at the center, the light seems to dim or disappear during the daytime. People often think you are flashing your lights, for the same reason...as your lights bounce in and out of their line of sight. Two things will help. First, check the headlight alignment to make sure they are exactly the same. If your onlookers report "flashing", you may have to lower them a bit. Be sure and weight the seat with a rider and/or passenger equivalent when you aim them, or they will be too high when you ride. Another thing that helps is using the high beams in the daytime. Raising the low beam shutter gives a fuller beam, so the appearance isn't as touchy.

Scotty--As usual, thanks for the comprehensive response. Onlookers aren't reporting any "flashing". In the garage with a flat level surface, I can't detect any difference between high or low beam illumination. Both spots appear to be equal in low or high beam settings so I'm assuming it isn't an alignment problem (is that a good assumption?). It may be just the optical effect you mention with respect to the narrow beam. The fact that I've noticed the same effect on other Spyders suggests that the "narrow beam" issue may be the culprit.

By the way, hope you and your family have healthy and prosporous New Year!

Glynn

 

[RAYYOU]

Thanks Scotty, maybe I have one less thing to worry about.