Headlight Adjuster

[timsatx]

I know some of you have made your very own special headlight adjusting tool. Can give me some details on it? I need to adjust mine down. Since I replaced my rear tire with the correct size tire my headlight shines a bit high.

[Vic Salisbury]

Now, if looking from the top at the back of the headlight, see the silver disc with three holes in it? You can cut off the end of a handle, wooden dowel, tap in three paneling nails, cut the heads off, and you have a handy dandy adjuster. Especially handy when on the road. This one resides in my tank bag all the time. Got this idea, I do believe, from Guy Young years ago. Works great and you can better see the results of your adjusting.

I reach in from the left side of the handlebars from the top, no need to remove the cover under the headlight.
 

[yoman]

I thought you used a phillips head screwdriver?? Mine needs adjusted, I turn and turn and nothing happens. More info please.

[Vic Salisbury]

You can do the phillips screwdriver from underneath, but your are engaging teeth on that disc trying to make it turn. The disc is like a gear, there is no "phillips screw-head" in there that the screwdriver will fit into.
 If things aren't lined up perfectly, angle of the dangle not just right, it can be a challenge to get it  to work as advertised.

The first time I tried with a phillips, I had to look through the top to see what was happening, and then was able to "get it". Then I made this tool, good to go.

HTH

[timsatx]

That looks like it would work. What is the spacing on those nails?

[Vic Salisbury]

 I believe the diameter of the dowel (I cut off the end of a broken broom handle) is 1".

 I got the initial spacing by taking a piece of aluminum foil and pressing it up against the disc to get an impression of how far apart the holes were. I'll take a look at it later tonight and get a measurment.

[yoman]

I got the initial spacing by taking a piece of aluminum foil and pressing it up against the disc to get an impression of how far apart the holes were.

Nice tip, that one is going into the mental tool Box.

[kzz1king]

Nice tip, that one is going into the mental tool Box.

I think my mental toolbox has too many holes in it

[Vic Salisbury]

mine too, like a sieve I say  LoL

I measured the distance, as looking at the nails like a triangle, 1/2" apart

HTH

[Squishman]

This post is good timing for me. I just got a Xenon HID set up and will be installing it tomorrow.
I previously had no need to adjust the stock light, so I was unaware of those adjusters.
What is wrong with a long screwdriver? Not very accessible? Or do you need a really long one? Mine is just long enough to adjust the carbs.

[kzz1king]

Do yourself a favor and forget the screwdriver. I found it a major pain. Spend 15 minutes or so and made one of these. Now I fiddle with the adjustment alot because it is so easy. My 2 cents.
Wayne

[Squishman]

Do yourself a favor and forget the screwdriver. I found it a major pain. Spend 15 minutes or so and made one of these. Now I fiddle with the adjustment alot because it is so easy. My 2 cents.
Wayne

Ok. Good to know before I put the stuff back together.

edit: I just found a plastic knob that will work!