R1200R Headlight Aiming

[larrybenitz]

My new '09 R1200R is terrific in every sense, except for the low beam headlight performance. I literally get about 40 feet of illumination. (The high beam is fine.) If I read the rider's manual correctly, it is not adjustable for height, only for RHD/LHD configurations and is basically set by the rear shock preload (Bike is carrying nothing but my 205 lbs and the shock is set about one click firmer than the red dots. Can someone advise if I can adjust the headlamp up somewhat, without making the highbeam a search beacon?

[mervingry]

check if your low beam bulb is seated correctly in its socket. I encountered a similar problem with my F800St after I replaced the high beam bulb - it was aimed too high. Re-installed it, and to my surprise, the aim was perfect.

[deilenberger]

It's really easy to adjust it up/down/left/right.

The mounting screws on the R1200R headlight just need to be loosened a touch, and it can be pivoted up/down quite easily. Left-right requires they be loosened more.

Best way to adjust it - find a level parking lot with a wall at one end. Get some blue painters tape. Pull up to the wall - sitting on the bike - make a note of exactly where the horizontal cutoff line falls on the wall - and then get off and mark it with the blue tape (the remembered line..)

[This is easier if you have a helper to mark the wall with the tape.. :wave]

Get back on the bike and push it backwards about 40 feet. Look at the wall - the horizontal cutoff line should have dropped about 2"-3" below where it started out.

Obviously loading of the bike (like adding a pillion passenger, or lots of luggage) will change the setting - but that's what the adjustable preload knob under the seat is for - if you add weight - adjust the preload to level the bike out again.

EDIT: That all said - the lowbeam isn't terribly impressive. I rode home last night through a deer-infested state park near me - and I was thankful for my Hella FF50 auxiliary lights. As long as there weren't oncoming cars - those lights were on - and the roads became like daylight. Auxiliary lights are a good thing..

[larrybenitz]

Thanks guys, I thought I could do it by loosening the screws, but he owners manual says it not adjustable and to take it to the dealer. As long as I know I'm not breaking anything, I'll play with the adjustment. Thanks again!