Delboy's Garage, 'Headlight Aim' Explained

[@adrianrainbow1995]

You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar, no big ups, no shout outs, no fannying around, straight and simple. Many thanks to you, and your charming assistant Penny.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you so much for your very kind words Adrian, we're glad you enjoy the videos and really appreciate your generous feedback, Take care and keep safe. Del.

[@josephbrown9883]

Brilliant video. I just upgraded my 2010 Harley Davidson Ultra Glide Classic head light and spots to LED. After watching your video, I realized that if I tried to ride with the set up I had I would have blinded everyone on the road. That was on low beam. High beam would have blinded low flying aircraft. Thankfully I saw your video, avoiding disaster. Keep up the good work.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Joseph, Thanks for your kind feedback my friend, im glad the video was able to help you out.. and Ultra Classic... that's one awesome bike buddy... Ride safe and enjoy the sunshine.. summer's coming..

[@juliotolaini6212]

Very helpful precise and detailed guide. Helped me set the aim on my bike which had been way off, blinding drivers. Many thanks Delboy!

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad it helped!

[@lhb800]

Last week my little bike failed it's MoT on headlamp - having followed this guide yesterday, today it passed. Cheers!

[@deathanimate]

Huh, I've always used the "Drive at night and adjust" method. I guess I've always known that there was a way to set you headlight, but never thought to look it up. I hardtailed my Harley this past winter and adjusting the headlight is still something I haven't done yet. Thanks for this!

[@GeorgeGreavesGuitar7]

Love the way you explain things, repeating the key points and very logically!

[@shanemcredmond9751]

I can remember watching this video ages ago, today I am trying to raise the headlights on my R1. I remembered this video and watched it again. very informative Del, you have a great way of explaining things. Let me tell you one thing tho, the headlight set up on the r1 is a right pain in the a*se to adjust.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Shane, im glad the video can help... i had a Blackbird that was the same.. took an hour just to get all the inner panels off to get to the adjusters... good luck with the R1 fella.. ride safe.. del.

[@benjolley4120]

I know it's an old video, but just wanted to say thanks! Just fitted a fly screen on my Triumph Speed 400, thought my light had dropped a bit so I set it to how it looked in a photo from collection day. Beam is now pointing 3/4 the way up my wardrobe in the garage! Oops! Thankfully it has been light when I've used her! Job for tomorrow to reset to where it should be! Lol Thanks for the video! 😊👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad to help, and congratulations on your new bike!

[@glennkelly6743]

Spot on my Bro from the other side of the pond! We do not have the MOT inspection in the States, but I wish we did. My opposing traffickers appreciate your insight! Cheers mate!

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Glenn, good to hear from you all the way from the States... ride safe buddy, all the best, D&Px

[@RenchRanch]

Extremely useful info! You can see the facet pattern on the headlight lens with the upward cast to it. I am also willing to bet the pattern on the E3 lens is different than a DOT US spec Scrambler would have due to the traffic being on the other side of the road. Excellent! Certainly worth the support of a Patreon membership and valuable. Thanks for making the vid. Cheers! Mike

[@Moonfleet41]

+Michael Rench Hi Mike, I considered whether to cover that lens section and explain how it works, but wanted to keep the video concise... the E4 lights have no cast either side, but any light with a cast is easily dealt with when we go to Euro and switch road sides, you just cover that 'pie slice' section of lens with black tape, as long as you don't cover more than 50% of the lens you're good to go! You can also cover it with a yellow diffuser, which they usually sell at the customs gate lol ! ...

[@jillz1300]

I just need to say I have watched a lot of your videos, and not to take anything away from anyone else. But your videos are all great, keep it up. Y'all are awesome!

[@Moonfleet41]

+Jill Zolun Thanks Jill, you are so kind! You have no idea how encouraging it is to receive such generous praise...there are many great creators on the Tube, but also some who are very successful that don't have much to offer, it's a constant battle to keep the contet interesting, so we really appreciate your kind support... take care and thanks for getting in touch, Del & Penny

[@barrymorehen2390]

cheers del this was something I was researching yesterday as I have just built my bandit from scratch and will be going for not soon but your vid has simplified all the complicated ways I found on the net cheers bud ride safe👍

[@Moonfleet41]

+Barry Morehen Hi buddy, that's very kind of you, I know what you mean, just try looking up the government sponsored websites and you need to be able to read Chaucer, and understand it, before you can evern get close to understanding anyting on the .gov websites lol ! Thanks for watching!

[@750spud]

Cheers D & P, back to basics, the street fighter is a proper good long term but this is the bread and butter stuff and the reason why we all started watching in the first place. Great job.

[@Moonfleet41]

+750spud Thanks buddy, had a few videos to kill whilst stocking up on parts and materials, and getting ready to carry on with the project, back to business from the next video !

[@glfsn]

Thanks for shining a light on this often overlooked subject.

[@Moonfleet41]

+Hunter Thanks mate, these days bikes are so efficient and reliable, that this has become the kind of triviality that bikes now fail on... if you know how to set it up, then you won't even fail on that !

[@JamesMcCreadie71]

Never worry about being boring, this is good stuff... bikes are finely tuned instuments like spitfires so need fine tuning which means detail, you guys will never bore us. Great vid Del and Penny, really enjoyed it and am looking for a wall as I've just taken he old man fairing off the Bandit 12 and put the 7" round headlamp back on with some aftermarket black brackets, I've Cobra lines coming and a Simmi carbon fibre can coming with some Black Widow down pipes, will be phoning the insurance folks to get the value bumped up. I also have a GSXR 1000 K8 rear shock coming. I've got the bug with your fighter project. I want the Bandit to be an extension of my spirit and not some old tired thing, which I'm not. Thanks again guys, loving the whisky and your vids, you have to have whisky, it just wouldn't be right! No!

[@Moonfleet41]

+James McCreadie Hi buddy, if I wasn't driving tomorrow, I'd join you in a few lol ! Thanks for watching fellah, very much appreciated, as always mate !

[@JamesMcCreadie71]

+Moonfleet41 that's quite enlightening that... I don't have a garage or even a wall but I do have a drive, tripod and whiteboard. So there's me out at 10.30pm, like a mad scientist. I've got the height of the beam right but boy does it pitch up to the right, I mean I should be driving on the right, it's totally pointing the wrong way, I did buy beam deflectors because the mechanic I use told me it was pointing the wrong way. I looked for an adjuster on the Bandit headlight but it's too dark tonight and getting cold so knocking it on the head tonight. I reckon it a US or Euro lamp I've got! It's opposite to Penny's bike in your vid.

[@Moonfleet41]

+James McCreadie Sounds like it James, but at least, hopefully, with the video, you can what's what... need some daylight like you so to have a proper look... let us know how you get on !

[@owloped405]

Thank you. I'm in the USA and we have an annual inspection. I'm unsure if the rules vary from state to state. I saw someone in Texas do the distance rules there but I'm in Massachusetts. I own a Street Twin (used) and I suspect the lamp is WAY off. All the information I found was on replacing the lamp, not adjusting it. So this is appreciated. All I need do is find the up/down and Left Right for my state and I think I should be fine. But frankly, as you say, I need it right for safety. I knew it had to be done but had no idea how to do it. Much appreciated.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you my friend,I've always had a common sense attitude to these things and I take the view that safety is one thing and rules/regulations are another, so if you can't find any information, then do it the long way.. park the bike facing your car but off-set as if you're riding along the other side of the street, face the head stock of the bike forward and turn the lights on... then sit in your car and see if it's glaring at you... judge whether you need to tip it down a bit... I know it's a bit long winded and you'll need a bit of space in an empty street, but it works in real time and ensures you won't be blinding any on coming drivers... good luck with your inspection !

[@ed_richards47]

A very useful video for the "How to" library. Thanks again, D & P.

[@Moonfleet41]

+Edward Richards Thanks buddy!

[@hkpr-ro6ui]

Thanks for the advice. Interesting to see an old CZ in your collection there. My first bike was a CZ 125. Boy, what a strange bike!

[@geebopbaluba1591]

5h4k35p34r3 I had a 72 cz125 and never really liked it at all

[@Stamenbelchev]

That was really well explained. Thank you! I guess, in the parts of the world where we drive on the right side on the road, the 2% line should be to the right of the center, wright?

[@robertbaxter4021]

Thanks for this. I've been afraid to ride my bike at night because I know the headlight wasn't properly adjusted. I was going to wait til MOT and get them to do it. Now I've done it myself

[@Moonfleet41]

Good news mate, a great little skill to have under your belt!

[@mikekristin7201]

Super helpful even here in the states. Cheers from a fellow Triumph rider

[@Moonfleet41]

Most welcome buddy.. Ride safe.

[@MrAlmar07]

Great video Del & Penny. There's no M.O.T over here in Ireland, although there's talk of it coming in. A easy to understand how to of how the headlight is all set up. Ride safe, Cheers, Al.

[@Moonfleet41]

+Alan Bell Thanks Al, glad you enjoyed it, it's odd that most countries in Europe and USA don't have MOT, can't see the point in it any more with modern standards, but heyho!

[@vincenttisor7199]

Alan Bell p

[@MrGary8839]

Thanks for this , a very clear explanation of what the dimensions actually mean.

[@Moonfleet41]

Most welcome Gary. Glad it was helpful!

[@peterpiscopo1]

Thank God for a Quality Mechanic!!!

[@FoxFaderWorld]

From the US, you are always a big help. Thank you very much.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks my friend, that's very kind of , always love to hear from our brothers across the pond, ride safe, keep in touch, Del

[@theccryder1152]

very good info guys, due my MOT next month I will be checking that in the morning. ride safe

[@Moonfleet41]

+CC Ryder Thanks buddy, pays to be prepared aye!

[@PaulHSmith-bp6kx]

Great video. I assume the verticle 2% line would be right of the center verticle line for countries such as the US that drive on the right side of the road.

[@Moonfleet41]

You are correct, flip everything for driving the other side of the road !

[@techtinkerin]

Went out for the first time at night on a new bike, main beam was pointing at the sky and the road was pitch black😂 thanks very helpful 👍😎

[@Moonfleet41]

No problem 👍

[@HoldSimp]

Could not agree more. Finally the answer iv been looking for. Cheers Delboy you never let us down☺

[@Moonfleet41]

+Ian S Hi Ian, sorry it wasn't sooner mate, but been up against it with the new garage... glad it could help you mate !!

[@HoldSimp]

A massive help. Loving the new videos I cant wait to get home after my long days bus driving to and from manchester to watch them. Keep up the great work...

[@mgtfmanify]

@@Moonfleet41 0p.

[@mgtfmanify]

What is that song? .

[@kiwi-on-a-bike660]

Excellent clear and lucid tutorial. Cheers.

[@Kheldarren]

That's good info even to us across the puddle. Even if the standards are different it still shows how to meet standards and a novice can use this and simply adapt it to their local measurements. Nice job.

[@Moonfleet41]

+Kheldarren Thanks buddy, it certainly is more a safety issue, than a legality one... and just good common sense!

[@Orenchis]

Cheers Del, I had no idea headlight aim was this involved. I noticed on my Hornet there are little direction arrows on either side of the headlight (near the bolts) and when lined up parallel to the ground the headlight appears to aim down as it should. I'll need to check mine out and see for sure. MOT basics is such a great topic to cover for the DIYer like myself. Thank you once again !

[@Moonfleet41]

+Orenchis That's right buddy, those arrows are actually a fatory set up facility - when the dealer un-boxes the bike from the crate, and sets it all up during PDI, it gives them an instant point to set the light correctly... which is the same reason there are holes in the handlebars and pegs in the switch blocks, so the switches are in the correct place first time!

[@dickiedreeling1354]

thank's Delboy fantastic video and advice no MOT here in Ireland taught my headlight on my shadow was high have it sorted now cheers mate🏍

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad it helped buddy -appreciate your support!

[@jeherronjr]

Hey brother, Hoping that all is well with you and yours, Headlight = Check Delboy tutorial = check again, thx again Living the good life

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad it helped you brother, good luck with it.

[@owenteamtraceur]

Thanks very much, a bit out of my depth but I replaced my headlight to an LED setup so I need this to make sure I’m good! Many thanks!

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad it helped mate!

[@rmulchi]

Thank Del&Penny. I've tried to find some guidance I could use to set my beams correctly but all I can find here are guidelines where the bike has be to be 25 feet away from the wall and my little garage/car port is not that long. I couldn't use the house wall either because the ground is slanted. Now, 12 feet, I can work with that! SeattleRod.

[@Moonfleet41]

+rmulchi Hi Rod, good to hear from you again buddy... yeah, 12.5ft is the British MOT standard, and those tolerances work with that distance, the most important thing is that the beam doesn't shine above your 0% line and if you have a side cast (in your case to the right) then that must not raise above the centre line until 80mm from the vertical 0% line... all as in the video buddy, glad it can help buddy!

[@martinhodgson3602]

Hi Del, a 'Brilliant' tutorial ;-) and Penny, Great camera work :-)Martin / Wiltshire

[@Moonfleet41]

+Martin Hodgson Thanks Martin, I try to capture everything Del explains that I would wanna see if I was watching - thanks again Penny!

[@santaslittlehelper760]

Great stuff thanks mate, just put an led on my sv650 and been looking for this

[@Moonfleet41]

No problem 👍

[@400sforever]

Good vids as always never know one day we might have you bridging the missing motorcycle program gap

[@Moonfleet41]

+400sforever Now wouldn't that be cool... thanks buddy.

[@atthesummitMTBskills]

Great video and sorted my headlights in no time. Seems they were pointing at the floor, hoping this means I can see ahead at night now.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks buddy, glad the video could help you out - hope you get it all sorted !

[@Dave-in-France]

Hi Guys, another excellent vid. Just for your info - no mot for bikes in France, EVER !!!

[@leddielive]

+David Jebson (thebiglad) Perhaps I should register my bike in France & then just ride it in the UK. Do you think that would be legal, I don't see why not?

[@Dave-in-France]

Mark Leadbeater I think you might run into problems trying to do this. To register a bike in France you need to have an address in France that you can justify as yours, with utility bills etc. Where would you insure the bike - England or France? If it's England are you sure you can insure permanently a French reg bike with a UK company?

[@motoedd2437]

Thanks a bunch Dell & Penny..another well explained video..Top Team...

[@Moonfleet41]

+motoedd Thanks buddy!

[@mintylarge8944]

cheers del very easy to follow and now i understand fully cheers

[@kev.j.goodwin8612]

Great tutorial as always......but my 2018 T100 doesn't have any means to make the horizontal adjustment. Both owners' and workshop manual both say only vertical adjustment is available. Manuals that cover the older models do show the horizontal adjusting screw that I'm familiar with and what DB talks about.. Web searches appear to suggest a recent change in regulations to limit beam adjustment to the vertical plane only - I guess that horizontal deflection is built into the headlight itself. Anyone confirm, contradict or know more? Cheers.

[@bccapone837]

Great video and I followed everything to the T , I have one issue regarding mot tho , basically I only ever ride with a pillion so I set the headlights up with both of us on the bike with the dipped beam line about three quarter's of the way up between the 20mm and 80mm mark as my headlight is 830mm high , but when the wife gets off the beam goes slightly below the 80mm threshold , I don't want the mot place to set it up for one rider every time as we dazzle on coming traffic . Have you ever faced this problem or am I missing something simple , I also have the suspension set up for the pillion too 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Moonfleet41]

No, I set mine for solo rider, take it for MOT, once it passes, then set it for how you're going to ride it every day, and if that means a pillion, then set it for that!

[@bccapone837]

@@Moonfleet41 brill thank you 👍🏼

[@davecrouch44]

can't wait to see more of the Streetfighter build !!!!!!

[@Moonfleet41]

+spike little Parts arriving thick and fast, update video posted!

[@philcore1336]

Very informative, I've learned some thing new today, cheers guys.

[@Moonfleet41]

+Phil Core Thanks Phil !

[@jonathanmellish4439]

Thank you. I am going to try making a chart for my Honda Cub which let’s face it has almost useless lights 😁

[@James-co8pk]

Its going to be one those videos i will be revisiting in the future, no doubt.

[@Moonfleet41]

+Spin Dryer That's the aim my friend, poke it in your saved box, or your favourites, and use it some day when you need it ! Thank You

[@JasonDedicatoria]

I think this is the only video that explains headlamp aiming in detail..i have one question though..what should be the height of the projected light when you use the high beam? should it not go over your 0%?

[@Moonfleet41]

Its all explained in the video Jason, the high beam doesn't matter.. it effectively a flood light..!

[@JasonDedicatoria]

i see..because i had my mechanic install a new led headlights..the low light seems ok and lits up the road pretty well..however..when i switch the high beam on..its so high you could see the tip of the trees on the road up ahead..its like a projector for a cinema..

[@toyfoxokey]

Good info, I need to check my beams. Perhaps that's why all the squirrels in my neighborhood have been wearing sunglasses.

[@Moonfleet41]

+Okey Akers haha - it's not the squirrels, it's the badgers that'll get you lol !

[@ChrisDalvikBxl]

Nice one mate! Funnily enough there is no legal recuirement of mot in belgium for motorcycles. I get my bikes check at my dealer every year anyway! These things as you say are very important for your own safety as other road users'! Ride safe

[@Moonfleet41]

+Chris Dalvik Hi Chris, so many countires have no MOT any more that I think it's only a matter of time before ours is abolished... bikes are so reliable and safe now, which is why the most common failure is a simple thing like headlight aim !

[@RobMatthews21]

Fantastic video. Thank you. Does anyone know if I use the same measurements (80cm) but to the right of the centre if this will set it right for the Spanish MOT equivalent?

[@davidbates5310]

another great vid del. i now have a perfect beam, cheers mate

[@Moonfleet41]

Nice one mate, glad it helped !

[@Jarv263]

Best explained video I can find, spot on fella 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@johnfox2113]

Hi Del; Just to let you know bike passed the mot. Got the proper tools and the wd40 loosened up the screws. Cheers for your help. Just like to point out a bad thing about mot for bikes in N. Ireland, dont know if this happens in England, but we now have to put the bike in rollers to test the breaks. What happens is when you break the bike is kicked back which actually caused my bike throusers to scuff the tank. It might polish out, I have no tank protector because I have a cruser, but I might get one now. Looks like a dangerous thing for new riders, I found it a bit dodgy

[@Moonfleet41]

+John Fox Hi John....congratulations mate, thats good news... yes we have the same brake test here...but the MOT tester does it.. he sits on your bike and opperates the machinery with a remote button... same you picked up a scuff... just get busy with the T-Cut, perhaps you can get rid of it..! good luck.. and thanks for your support... Del.

[@atostesjr]

You are simply the best.. Thank you!

[@SeamusDempsey-k8x]

Delboy was not clarific about how he got the position for the top Blue Line and where it is positioned in relation to the Dotted Horizontal Line; what is it in proportion to and a percentage of? I am very enthusiastic about this method of positioning the headlight and I will have to use it very soon.

[@orchardwood8650]

Yes, I'm confused by that as well. The info on UK Gov website doesn't help either... Here's my best guess... Assuming the distance from the headlight to the test surface is 12.5 feet or 3810mm. I believe the % values are based on a % of the distance (3810mm) rounded up to the nearest 10mm -850mm 0.5% 3810 x 0.005 = 19.05 (20mm) 2.0% 3810 x 0.02 = 76.2 (80mm) +850mm 1.25% 3810 x 0.005 = 47.625 (50mm) 2.75% 3810 x 0.02 = 104.775 (110mm)

[@par1sak1]

Very informative video. Is there an adjustment to change a RHD pattern to a LHD one?

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi buddy, sadly not, most headlights aim one way permanently for left, or right, hand drive, the bets you can do if you have a faceted lens is cover up the triangular section that casts the beam one way, I believe that usually gets you through MOT, but if you have a clear lens, and the rear reflector does the aiming, then you just need to change the headlight completely for a British one (if you're in Britain obviously).

[@johnfox2113]

cheers Del. Thats interesting about tester sitting on bike. Do people put tank procters on cruser type bikes? Yamaha 950a midnight star. Many thanks - John

[@Moonfleet41]

+John Fox Hi John, no, never seen a tank protector on a cruiser bike... but there is a way to protect them, and believe it or not, it's staggeringly simply! There's a product you can buy in stationery shops called 'Fablon' - I used to use it in the Army for laminating ordance survey maps. so they didn't get wet in the rain! IT's basically, a flexible sticky back plastic, that's completely clear, so you can cut sections of it, the size you need to protect your tank area, and stick it over the paintwork after you've waxed it... this will protect it all day long... you can even put two layers in heavy rub areas, and if you need to stretch it over curves, then warm it with a hairdryer, like the car wrapping guys do... hope that helps! Let me know how you get on!

[@johnfox2113]

Thanks Del. I have not heard of Fablon, must check it out, although I have some clear vinyl wrapping, might be a bit thick for the tank. Got the scuff out with polish :-D. Just watched the first of your Q & A video from couple of weeks ago, it was educational and entertaining, really enjoyed it. Many thanks - John

[@markleong4580]

Thanks

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you so much for your kind gift, we're glad the video was able to help you!

[@markleong4580]

@ these videos are hardwork, patience and perseverance. Appreciate you guys for running the endless marathon.

[@Moonfleet41]

@@markleong4580 Thank you so much Mark, it's nice that someone recognises that, after 14 years it truly is a marthon, often in the face of never ending blight and disrespect, but thats social media for you.. if it was easy then everyone would do it.!!!

[@martinsmith1447]

Really well explained as normal!

[@squareyes1981]

No mandatory inspection for bikes here in Ireland! Thanks for sharing- I always wondered how it was done.

[@Moonfleet41]

+Ian O'Riordan Hi Ian, yeah, we keep hearing that the days for the MOT test are numbered, bikes are so much more well made these days, and the pass rate is so high these days that it's largely irrelvant, which is why the most common failure is something as trivial as headlight aim...!

[@stevetaylor8698]

Most mot stations don't measure it anyway, they just flick the switch to see if the light comes on.

[@stevieklau]

Take great video as always.. But I have a question.. Just went through the Mot but luckily passed but the inspector said my headlight would have failed as its set up for Europe. Inspected the light myself and in deed the glass screen had and extra bit that goes down past the centre on the right hand side(looking at the bike directly) looking at the triumph part list there seems to be left or right dipped headlight assemblys for the scrambler I'm assuming I need to buy the correct assembly and this can not be fixed with my current head light?

[@markgr1nyer]

Good job your not covering types of bulbs lol. I currently have HIDs on my thunderace (flew through MOT as they are not allowed to dismantle the bike to look for CE marks) but changing them to LEDs sometime this week when they come. Perks of 80% night time riding lol. See if it passes the MOT next year or if I have to do a quick swap out

[@davidschwartz9636]

Hi Del and Penny. Thanks for this video, and the clear easy to understand way you explained things. One question: I'm a huge lump of a guy and heavey. If I set up my headlight aim with me seated on the bike, what hapens when the mechanic at the local garage does my mot, as he's only a little guy? - Surely, when he's on my bike the beam will show too high? Regards David.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi David, certainly a valid consideration, but don't overthink it mate, the MOT guys are clever human beings, they understand things like that and if when he checks it, he comments it's a little off, just ask if you can sit on it (as you will be the rider) and can he check it again... trust me mate, it won't be a problem, he'll be happy to get round that with you... thanks for your kinds and we hope you're keeping well there?!

[@v.anthonymeade4056]

What is the 2% distance to the left in mm? Ah 80mm. Found it on the second look. Great job.

[@tinnaschlessinger6855]

I have a question that is on the subject of headlamps, perhaps you can help me with? If I change my bulb from the halogen to led, do I need to change the wiring, a circuit, or something else?I keep hearing that it is a low draw and will not work on my 1989 Sportster???? so what do I need in order to get the LED headlamp to brighten my night rides? or do you have a less expensive practical idea for someone like me who does a lot of riding in the dark, rain and fog? (i live in Eugene Oregon USA ) Thank you, always enjoy your knowledge I've got so much appreciation for your ability to articulate in a manner that is so easy to understand, you're a wonderful teacher! Peace health and laughter to Penny and yourself Sincerely Tinna

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Tinna, how cool to hear from you! There are a couple of options with your headlight, one simple and slightly lower cost which will improve the lighting a little and another will be an awesome upgrade that does cost a little more! Firstly you can simply fit LED plug in bulbs, certainly for your tail lights and turn signals... as for the headlight, you could invest in a later model Harley LED headlight if you wanted to invest the money... but a great affordable option is something called a 'HID kit'... it stands for High Intensity Discharge and is a special bulb that goes in place of your factory bulb, and it comes with a special transformer that piggy back plugs in to your wiring harness, it's simple to fit and will give you awesome light improvements .. there are no complicated changes to your existing wiring loom, just follow the instructions in the kit, they are usually 'plug and play' .. have a look for one for your bike, they're usually available online , best of luck, and let us know how you get on, all the best, D&Px

[@tinnaschlessinger6855]

@@Moonfleet41 Thank you so much ,one day when I win the lottery or find Aladdins lamp,I will give you a syndicated television program ,so everyone will know how amazing intelligent and kind you both are😉also you can tear my bike apart and give Pennys a vacation😅😄😉peace T

[@aljotock]

HI Del & Penny, I've got a 2009 Harley Dyna Superglide with just the one rubbish Harley headlight. Could you do a video on how to fit a pair of upgraded lights... the proper way some time please, when you're not busy LoL. Its really the wiring of them and where to get the power, if you need relays etc etc I need help on. Massive thanks to you both! x

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, that's a cool project, sadly I can only work on the bikes we have, I'd need to have the lights and wiring and everything here in order to make the video, and I can't do that to my Switchback as it has the nacel headlight... it's pretty easy to piggy back the wires from the existing plug straight across to a second plug, but have you, maybe, considered fitting a larger headlight, maybe up to a 7" and fit a HID conversion, which is real easy, comes with instructions and will at least treble the amount of light you kick out, and best of all, you avoid that rather unfortunate twin headlight boobs look... lol

[@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger]

Excellent explanation and great video as always guys :)

[@Moonfleet41]

+CaptainCranky Thank you mate, much appreciated!

[@johnharan1704]

Great video. Very helpful. Many thanks

[@Moonfleet41]

Most welcome. Glad it was helpful!

[@Baloovanz]

If you have two headlights on a sportbike would you put the centre cross in line with each bulb separately or in the centre between headlights?

[@Moonfleet41]

Twin lights should give an identical beam pattern that should be a single image on the wall, so adjust them in an identical way to keep that image singular.

[@Baloovanz]

@@Moonfleet41 ok great thank you.

[@Techathy]

Nice one. Explained really well.

[@charleshall5576]

I have a question concerning headlight adjustment on a Sportster. According to the service manual for the 2001 sportster headlight aiming is done at 25 feet at a height of 35 inches while running high beams. so the question I have is if you adjust your light according to the service manual would it pass the British MOT?

[@Moonfleet41]

+Charles Hall That's a question for an MOT tester, I took this spec from the MOT.gov. website...

[@v.anthonymeade4056]

So I am guessing that the lower red line 110 mm in this case is the lower limit point of aim. Correct?

[@fijiarc2090]

Correct 👍

[@dadodasler9730]

great video, del.. thanks! could you make a video on how to make both left and right headlight bulbs work on low and high beam (the correct way)?

[@Moonfleet41]

Are you sure you don't have a bulb half gone Jerry, most bikes with twin lights work both already, it's very rare to find one dip and one main... if it was designed that way, then you would probably have different lenses, which would mean you'd have MOT problems because they are supposed to work separately according to the lens applied, you don't say what biek it is mate...

[@dadodasler9730]

well, del.. mine's a vfr750 rc36 and they both do work on low and high beam.. previous owner said he modified it this way because from factory just one is supposed to light up.. i was looking for a video to learn how it's modified properly so i can check if that's been done to my bike.. apparently if you do it wrong you're gonna put more load or drain the battery when you store the bike (so many rumors on the web i don't know what to believe).. i found a video here on youtube if you look at 1:07 (kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKrIhGWdhpyJorc) with just one light on.. there are other videos though with both lights on.. also, a friend of mine has an sv650 k2, just one light is on with low beam, on high beam right bulb lights up.. the previous owner of his bike said that's the way it's supposed to be? man i'm confused and sorry for this wall of text

[@Moonfleet41]

@@dadodasler9730 Hi again mate.. ok, i don't have a video on that im afraid.. and without seeing the bike up close i can;t really guess because id need to see what the factory left you with to begin with.... but rather then just say "sorry i cant help"... how about looking into an HID conversion.. i put one on my Hayabusa, and it was incredible, lit up the street like daylight.. and that had just the one single light !.. maybe an option for you buddy..! good luck with it.. Del.

[@benjo1081]

tried it after watching this vid. very helpful!

[@alexanderwhyte9773]

Del ... I have the 2012 daymaker light, i set my passing lamps, my dip light is set, my mot pass would suggest all ok ... BUT, when i flick on highbeam the beam goes down lower than dip ??? a mystery.

[@khairulkrr0361]

Left to right centre is centre of the bike or the bulb? My bike have 2 headlight

[@OkieBobby]

I'm curious (e.g. confused) about the 2% horizontal marker being 80mm. 80mm is 2% of 4000mm. If so, then seems like the distance should be 4000mm (about 13 feet) instead of 12.5 feet. Either that, or the 2% marker should be 76mm, if the distance is 3810mm (or 12.5 feet). Warning: I'm a novice, and don't live in the UK. I can do math though. Just not sure what we are trying to measure 2% of. Oh, and thanks for the video. Very well done, and helpful.

[@markjames4939]

You beat me to it Del. In one of your older uploads, I think it was when you were putting the Motone indicators on the scrambler and had the guts of the headlamp open, you mentioned that you had a mark on the door (of the Old garage!!) for re-setting the light. I've put the black motone's on my bonnie now and was about to ask you hw to do this...You my firend are a gentleman and a bloomin mind reader!! Cheer Del, as always worth watching.....Now....where did my wife put her whiteboard?? Doyou think she'll notice its missing??

[@Moonfleet41]

+mark james Cheers mate, not as much as she'll notice if you use one of the sheets lol ... glad it could help you out, we do try to please lol !

[@BeardofHoneySoul]

Great vid.Top notch information for us wanna bees! It's hard to believe it's that darn technical!!Sending off the master to get production on the CDs! I'll send you a pic of the cover.

[@Moonfleet41]

+BlueOnion Hey Ron, just a note on your Harley, if you have the top mounted headlight, the one that kinda hangs under a cap from your top tree, then flip off the disc cover and there's a huge nut inside, if you break the tightness on that nut, your headlight dangles around like a Buffalo's balls lol ... you can set it where you want it, then tighten the nut.... Fantastic news on the music, I remember our first conversations about it, seems like years ago... you must have put so much work in to it! Nothing has changed, am still locked and loaded over here, ready to do full on promotion and get the word out there and get them selling... just say when you're ready! All the best, D&Px

[@hkpr-ro6ui]

What is your 2% / 80mm measurement calculated on please?

[@UbastiLee]

5h4k35p34r3 exactly what I was just thinking!

[@UbastiLee]

It has been partially answered further down. It’s 2% of the distance of the bulb from the test board. 12.5 ft is 3810 mm. 2% of that is 76.2mm. It’s been rounded to the nearest cm.

[@hkpr-ro6ui]

@@UbastiLee Many thanks. Appreciate it.

[@PaulSmith-yu6qk]

hi del, is it the procedure for a bike with two headlights like my Thunderbird storm. love the videos and the friendly banter between you and Penny pitstop. cheers from Ottawa Canada

[@Moonfleet41]

+Paul Smith Hi buddy, yes, exactly the same procedure, both the bulbs wil lbe at the same height, so you can get your hoizontal '0%' line from that and push the bike against the wall and take your vertical line from the centre of the tyre upwards, and although you have twin lights, the point where the lines cross is your 'zero central'... as you drive on the right, then mark your 2% line 80mm to the RIGHT of your centre line and then from 12'6" back (and take care to push the bike straight backwards), you can measure your beam lift and dip angle... it's only important on dip beam with your bike, thes rest of the spec is in the video, as I imagine your lights are above 850! Just an important note, this is UK law, not Canada, so you may check with your local authorities in case you have different requirements! Thanks for your kind support and comments, ride safe, D&P!

[@maurodisalvo4173]

there is a video for the headlight of the thunderbird commander.

[@amphilex]

Thanks, just the explanation I needed.

[@leddielive]

Is it true that the max bulb wattage in the UK is 55 watts? My old 1200 Bandit has a very poor yellowish glowing front headlight & I wondered if you had any suggestions on how I could improve it, it's a fared model with the square headlight, thanks Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

+Mark Leadbeater hi Mark, no there's nothing legal about that, it's just the default norm... normally 55w/60 and you can up-grade to 100w but you start to stretch the wiring and you can over-heat the headlight unit, your best solution my friend, seeing as you have the faired version, is a HID kit... have a research on Google and have a squint at Ebay, kits start about £50 and you get a wonderful, cool running, far reaching white light... and it's at least 4x better than the factory rubbish.. had one in my Hayabusa and was just awesome! All plugs in, easy to fit with simple instructions mate... comes with a couple of matchbox sized black boxes to clip up and hide away, so you just need to be tidy and creative with where you install it all... see how you get on with that mate!

[@leddielive]

+Moonfleet41 I think your idea is the best as I've over heated the headlight units on my car before using 100w bulbs, causing the plastic lenses to melt & turn a horrid yellowy brown colour in the process.

[@paulkennedy7742]

Hi Delboy, many thanks for the great video. I have one simple question, does the bike have to be on its centre stand when all this measurement is done?

[@Moonfleet41]

Just upright by any means mate.. the MOT tester will actually sit on the bike while carrying out the headlight aim test.. but it's hard to adjust it while sitting on it.. so centre stand or paddock stand will do.!

[@donchapman7932]

I assume that in the States we should skew the beam to the right by 2% rather than to the left. Correct?

[@Moonfleet41]

Correct, depending on American road law of course...

[@spifspaf6757]

Interesting video as always, cheers for the help with the USD forks a while ago but I've got another query, I've picked up an old 97 GSXR 600 track bike for sweet fa (bear in mind I play with 2 stroke singles 😅) it sat for about 4 years but it ran when we bumped it, I thought being carbs to clean them... Did that bit fine... Now it won't run and I'm possibly thinking it could be the way I did the throttle body cables, there was 2 on a wheel so I just nipped them up and it won't start (I've stripped inline 4's before (mums bandit 400)) and I don't even know where to start if I'm honest, could the bowls need balancing? Is there a certain way to do the throttle cables? Sorry for the long one but I'm seriously lost in this thing, is there perhaps something that always catches people out? Thanks for reading, any lead would be great thanks

[@Moonfleet41]

+Spif Spaf Hi buddy, online diagnostics is never easy, I don't quite know what you mean with the throttle cables by 'nipped them up'??? But one thing that springs to mind, if this bike sat for 4yrs, am presuming you stuck fresh petrol in the tank and then ran the bike??? That could have been the problem... the first thing that happens with dried out old carbs, is that the fresh petrol releases all the flaky, dried on cak and drags it in to the jets bunging the carbs up - you say it won't run, is it turning over, or you getting spark, are you getting fuel??

[@spifspaf6757]

Moonfleet41 sorry if it was a but vague 😅 but I'm a bit out of my league here, the throttle body has two cable either side of a wheel for the slide lift, I just put them back on and nipped them up until the throttle felt as it should, but I was thinking like a YVPS could there also be something on the throttle body on the Suzuki's or just two cables? Its turning over and I'm getting fuel and a spark, I'm going to rip the carbs back off and see if what you said is the problem, thanks for the help

[@jonboy-kb1jj]

Well explained, I never knew any of that. 👍🏻

[@brandywell44]

Thanks both, really worthwhile video.

[@davidclarke2645]

I've bought a honda 550sc nighthawk from America. Will I need to change the headlight to suit uk roads or is the headlight change not necessary. I know European cars need changing because of the direction of beam but bikes only have one headlight. Are American bikes beam different from the uk. Can someone please help me asap!!!!

[@suzuki750stu]

A very knowledgable video buddy, thanks for sharing it, really interesting, regards Stu 🔧🔧👍👍

[@Moonfleet41]

+suzuki750stu Thank Stu, little jobs that often get overlooked aye?!

[@arthurlynch1549]

thanks del our mot centres here are goverment run like aircraft hangers with six or seven lanes all civil servants so that out will see what happens when time comes in march been like this in norn iron for decades dont know where you find the time cheers ardie take care both of you

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Ardie, it is a lot of work, but it's nice to know it's appreciated!

[@rautenflechter]

Hi there. Maybe not exactly on the point but maybe you can give some advice on headlight bulbs for the Triumph Scrambler. The light is not too good. Is there a brighter bulb that can be used 1:1 without burning the cables? Ride safe, Ber

[@Moonfleet41]

+Bernhard Geisler No buddy, you'll burn the cables, simply upping the wattage on the bulb is a bad idea, causes huge heat build up inside a plastic light shell full of plastic covered wiring, have a look into a HID kit maybe?

[@rautenflechter]

Many thanks Del. Always helpful your advice.

[@hughiemg2]

Thanks, useful and informative as always!

[@GeographicalWatermelon]

Hi DG, would any of the headlight protectors or a headlight x block the light throw? are these even safe to install?

[@Krizla4]

Well actually, here in Belgium we don't have MOT for motorcycles. :D An extra reason to check this myself. :)

[@Moonfleet41]

+Kris Schobben Yeah, think MOT days here are numbered lol! Always good to keep your bike safe...

[@daiman56]

Well needed info, thanks.