Is this normal for the lights?

[Glennn]

G'day All,

Looking at a recent video taken of me and the mighty GTR at a rally I noticed this strange throw of the light pattern.  I don't know any other GTR owners locally, so was wondering if the two bright spots on the ground are normal, or if I have something seriously out of alignment?

[Son of Pappy]

Extremely common.  Start twisting the adj knobs till ya get em where ya like em.

[AZ-ZG]

Normal. 

[Glennn]

Extremely common.  Start twisting the adj knobs till ya get em where ya like em.

So this is suggesting they are too low? I've ridden at night and the normal lighting appears no worse than any other bikes I have had - just that seeing this pic had me wondering..?

[Conrad]

Even properly aimed headlamps have those little patches of light in front of the bike. 

[maxtog]

So this is suggesting they are too low?

No it does not.

The pattern is normal and will not vary with aim height.  You should adjust the headlights properly according to the procedures in the manual to optimize your visibility but without blinding oncoming traffic.

If you think that pattern is strange, you should see what I get with the HID bulbs.  Very strange.

[VirginiaJim]

Extremely common.  Start twisting the adj knobs till ya get em where ya like em.

I believe that those are the 'city lights'.  If you are satisfied with the stock illumination at night that's probably what it is.  The early bikes came with the lights maladjusted pointing directly down at the pavement.  I can't believe that it's still happening with the  12s.

[maxtog]

I believe that those are the 'city lights'.

I am almost positive those spots are from the main headlights, not the city lights.

The early bikes came with the lights maladjusted pointing directly down at the pavement.  I can't believe that it's still happening with the  12s.

When my 2011 was delivered, the headlights were pointed very, very low.

[VirginiaJim]

I am almost positive those spots are from the main headlights, not the city lights.

When my 2011 was delivered, the headlights were pointed very, very low.

So, about 98% positive? 

[maxtog]

So, about 98% positive? 

99.35473%

[VirginiaJim]

Can't argue with that.

[C1xRider]

G'day All,

Looking at a recent video taken of me and the mighty GTR at a rally I noticed this strange throw of the light pattern.  I don't know any other GTR owners locally, so was wondering if the two bright spots on the ground are normal, or if I have something seriously out of alignment?

Those are your indicators to show you that your headlights are working.  That way you don't have to get off the bike to look, even in daylight.   

I never paid any attention to them, until I got the HID kit.  Since I had a couple of "hot start" failures, I now check them every time I start the bike.  Easy to do, and only takes a second for piece of mind.

[Glennn]

Thanks for the replies, everyone, will now chalk it up to normal. 

I don't ride often at night, but am comfortable that the lights are in a reasonable position to light the way.

[stevewfl]

This thread is slam full of win

[B.D.F.]

Bada Bing! Give that man a cheroot. They are called 'telltales' and do exactly what 'dis guy sez they do- let the rider know the headlights are working.

For anyone who continues to doubt where the light is really coming from, kneel down in front of a running (but not moving- safety first :-)  ) C-14 and look up where the light goes down and you will note that it is coming from a specific facet in the headlight reflector bucket(s). If you have HIDs you will note the same thing but your retina may sting for a few minutes.

Brian

Those are your indicators to show you that your headlights are working.  That way you don't have to get off the bike to look, even in daylight.   

I never paid any attention to them, until I got the HID kit.  Since I had a couple of "hot start" failures, I now check them every time I start the bike.  Easy to do, and only takes a second for piece of mind.

[maxtog]

Bada Bing! Give that man a cheroot. They are called 'telltales' and do exactly what 'dis guy sez they do- let the rider know the headlights are working.

You actually think it is an intentional part of the design?

[C1xRider]

You actually think it is an intentional part of the design?

I do.   

[B.D.F.]

Yes. There is a facet in the headlight reflector bucket that creates the spot of light on the ground and it is there on purpose, and for the reason already stated- to alert the rider to the headlight functioning.

Brian

You actually think it is an intentional part of the design?

[VirginiaJim]

I'm really surprised that this is by design.  Happy, though.  Yet another reason to like the bike.

[maxtog]

I'm really surprised that this is by design.  Happy, though.  Yet another reason to like the bike.

I had always wondered if it was intentional- now I am convinced it is.