2019 headlights beam

[Kryton 2]

I've noticed ever since i've picked my new bike up in the summer, that the wonderful new headlights have been causing issues.... to other drivers. To be fair i've not really noticed any issues, until the clocks changed. I use my bike for commuting, and since i now drive home in the dark, been getting a number of drivers flashing me, thinking i have the main beam on. I've also noticed i'm not seeing the road illuminated much either, but i think i have been lighting up the moon regularly, or so it seems.

Now i've only just had the first service done on my bike, not been riding much due to health issues, but back in the saddle atm. I mentioned the lighting issue at my dealership when i took the bike in, and the mechanic decided to have a look at the light setting with me sitting on the bike, especially as i'm bit of an fb, so makes sense i'm sitting on the bike while he adjusted the lights.

It would seem i was correct, the lights were really badly out, practically pointing to the sky. Had to lower both sides considerably, but now, what a difference. Two major important changes have now occurred. Firstly, i can now see the road illuminated in front of me, and i have to say, what a difference the LED lights make, once adjusted properly. So clear it's like daylight, wonderful. Secondly, i'm not blinding other drivers, which is obviously a plus.

The moral of this little story, go check to see if you're lights are adjusted properly. Certainly mine weren't and i have to assume others have the same issues, probably don't realise it. Remember it's not about blinding other drivers just to be seen, your lights on the new model are bright enough anyway, especially at night.

[V-Coaster]

Good reminder K2
I never ride at night so never think of checking headlight aiming.
These lights are great though. Every bike I've had in the past I have added aux leds  for visibility to other drivers but this one I don't need to as they are so nice and bright.

[Vespista1960]

It's strange. Mine also was badly adjusted when new. It enlightened the top of trees on the border of the road.
What do they think at the factory?
I discovered that the headlight adjustment on my19 is even more uncomfortable than it was on my15

[9094]

Agree everyone should get their lights aligned. Literally can be night and day difference. My Versys isn't bad, However I do need to tweak them since adding the lowering link. Too high now. I did re-aim the spots after. The last several Japanese machines I've bought ALL had the high beams hitting the road about 60(?) ft. out,  As did my Celica. They were not safe to drive at night. 25 mph was scary. I'd tried the brighter, more expensive bulbs, no help, and after a proper alignment they were almost too bright. I suspect the dealers around here never even check the alignment.

My method for doing it yourself is to find a dark, flat, straight country road, preferably with trees or tall weeds down each side, (or possibly a nice long flat alley with no lights in an industrial district) sit on the bike in your lane, normal spot and have an assistant (preferably) tweak the adjustments so the bright spot from each beam is centered in your lane (or just barely overlapping each other side-to-side in a car or dual-light setup) and as far down the road as possible without lifting the bright spot off the road surface. Amazing difference, and no one ever flashes me. And rarely get flashed when left on hi. Can help to unplug the other lights and do 1 at a time on a car or bike with dual/quad lights. And you will get a LOT more exercise doing it by yourself and climbing on and off a couple dozen times or more.

Shop I used to go to did headlight alignment, charged something like $75, but he would put the car with you in it on his lazer-leveled, perfectly flat wheel alignment machine and then dial the lights in perfectly. Too bad he retired and no one took over his shop.

[Huckleberry]

Couldn't agree more about the value of checking light alignment.  Last couple bikes I've bought were almost comical where they were pointing.  Pretty sure the the inspectors confirm they light up, not where they light up.

[TYKE]

Very good posting.. I will check mine by using the back of my garage door

However I don't ride at night so I can assume that they are correct as other oncoming drivers haven't ever complained

My dealer is extremely particular (Kawasaki Elite Dealership) and has extremely high standards, so I presume that mine were adjusted correctly when the bike was PDI'd   

[Kryton 2]

Originally Posted by V-Coaster

Good reminder K2

K2... like it

[thebakinator]

I had the very same problem with my 2019.  I never felt that I could see and oncoming drivers would flash their headlights at me.  Everyone kept telling me how awesome these LED headlights are, but my experience was terrible.  I ended up adjusting them and now they are great! 

Dave

[stlee29]

   TQ

[PhillH]

I also had mine adjusted at the first service - massive improvement but I still get flashed at night as they remain too high despite being on the lowest setting.