Multistrada 1200 / MTS1200 Headlight Adjustment

Multistrada 1200 / MTS1200 Headlight Adjustment

See also: Multistrada 1200 / MTS1200 HID headlight / headlamps conversion (1)
by Ducatisti.co.uk member StevePL

See also: Multistrada 1200 / MTS1200 HID headlight / headlamps conversion (2)
by JohnW…a somewhat different install to StevePL’s (below) but the same idea.

See also: Multistrada 1200 – Headlight, dual dip / high beam modification

See also: Multistrada 1200 – Fitting spotlights / LED Spot Lights Installation

Multistrada 1200 headlight alignment and height adjustment 

It’s well worth checking the adjustment of your Multistrada 1200’s headlights, it seems that many bikes are coming from the factory with incorrectly set headlights (e.g. dip / lo beam dazzling oncoming traffic at night [set too high…which will also result in poorer performance of the main / hi beam]). So to get the best from the MTS1200’s, to be frank, not so brilliant OE headlights follow the following procedures to check and adjust if necessary.

From the Multistrada 1200 Workshop Manual (see later for additional advice;-)…

Multistrada 1200 Headlight Adjustment

Beam setting (fig. 184)
When checking beam setting, put the motorcycle upright. Tyres should be inflated at the correct pressure and one person should be sitting astride the motorcycle, keeping it at right angles to its longitudinal axis.

Place the motorcycle opposite a wall or a screen, 10 meters apart from it, Draw a
horizontal line on the wall at the height of the centre of the headlight and a vertical one in line with the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle. If possible, perform this check in dim light.

Switch on the low beam headlight. The height of the upper limit between the dark area and the lit area must not be more than nine tenths of the height of the centre of the headlamp from the ground.

Note: The procedure described here is in compliance with the Italian Standard establishing the maximum height of the light beam. Owners in other countries should adapt this procedure to the regulations in force in the country where the motorcycle is
used.

The height of the headlight beam can be adjusted using the adjusting screws (1, fig. 160) located at the bottom on the sides of the headlight. Turning the screw (1) of the headlight clockwise, the light beam will move downwards: turning it in the opposite direction, will move it upwards.

The side position of the headlight can be adjusted using the adjusting screws (2) located at the centre on the upper part of the headlight. Turning the screws (2) on the left side of the headlight clockwise, the light beam will move to the right:
turning it in the opposite direction, will move it to the left. To move the light beam in the same manner, turn the screw (2) on the right side of the headlight, inverting the direction of rotation.

Warning: The headlight might fog up if the vehicle is used in the rain or after washing. Switch headlight on for a short time to dry up any condensation.

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How to Adjust a Motorcycle Headlight

The following is an extract from MotorCyclist.com and eHow.co.uk (follow the links below for the full articles)

See also (UK owners):
MOT Manual for Motorbikes – 1.2 Headlights

MOT Manual for Motorbikes – 1.6 Headlight Aim 

1) Find a patch of level ground (preferably paved or concrete) in front of a light colored wall or garage door. You will need to make your adjustment 25 feet away from the wall or door, so the ground must be level between the two points. Measure 25 feet away from the wall, and mark the spot with a piece of masking tape. When you make your adjustment, you will position your front wheel on the masking tape mark.

2) Measure the height from the ground to the center of your headlight. On either the wall or garage door, make a pencil mark the same height as your headlight height measurement. Using a carpenter’s level, draw a straight line across your pencil mark, and then align the top edge of a piece of masking tape with the line. This will be your reference point for adjusting your headlight’s high beam. Make another mark two inches lower. Draw a straight, level line, and then align the top edge of a piece of masking tape with this second line. This is your low-beam reference point.

3) Sit on the motorcycle, holding it straight, with the headlight pointed straight ahead and the front tire on your masking tape mark. The low beam’s upper cutoff line should align with the lower piece of masking tape. The high beam should align with the upper piece of masking tape. If the beams line up anywhere but dead center on the masking tape lines, turn the adjusters as outlined in your service manual until the beams are perfectly centered and shining on their marks.

4) Ride the motorcycle, especially on bumpy roads, over train tracks, or any other rough surface that could jostle your headlight out of adjustment. Bring the motorcycle back to the spot where you adjusted your headlight, position your front wheel on the masking tape mark and test the light again. If the light is still positioned dead center, then you are set. If the light has moved slightly, then readjust the beam, test-ride it again and retest. If the light has moved significantly, you may have a faulty or broken adjuster that will require repair.

http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_5852411_adjust-motorcycle-headlight.html

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/122_0310_headlight_aiming/index.html

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