Stupid headlight aim question

[FlightRisk]

On full beam is the brightest spot supposed to be dead centre of the road ahead?

My headlight is shite. I can't figure out if it's just shite or maladjusted but it's currently only really effective at lighting up tree branches and hedges to my left. I tried turning the awkwardly placed L/R adjustment screw but couldn't see it having any effect.
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Honda CB500S

[iooi]

Point your bike at a wall and watch it move.....

Or take it to a garage and get them to check alignment.
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Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[BTTD]

You can google the rules for adjusting headlights, but in summary you'll need a wall, a tape measure and probably some tape to mark the height on the wall.
It's bit of a faff, and much easier if there's someone to sit on the bike while you fiddle with things.

Unless someones got an easier way they can suggest?


Also, some stock headlights are awful. MOT tester asked if my Triumph headlights were original (they were) as they had almost no pattern to them. I've since changed them for much better reflector units, which also light up the road properly.

[RhynoCZ]

Get out on your bike at night, get to a unlit road, set the headlight there. CB500S headlight should be a tool-less job. Just in case, take a Philip's head screwdriver with you.

It's pointless doing it in your garage, since you are not aware of where the light should be pointed.
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[Suntan Sid]

This video tells you everything you need to know:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyXUnfbATNQ

I used it to set up my project bike's headlight, it passed the MOT with no adjustment required.
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"Everybody needs money, that's why they call it money!"

[roadracejoe]

Point your bike at a wall and watch it move... Erm.., I've been watching all day and it hasn't moved yet !!!

[iooi]

[Taught2BCauti...]

Check that the bulb is seated correctly, and that the metal flange that holds it in place is not bent or damaged.

If the bulb filament is not in the correct position within the reflector, the beam will be all over the place!
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Honda Varadero XL125(V8)
www.TheFutureIsHere.eu

[UncleFester]

Check the condition of the reflector and the lens also - if you have a non OEM lens fitted without the beam aiming stuff the pattern is shit.

https://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/CB500R-1994/part_4512/

Replacement OEM units are dirt cheap - assuming yours is like this.
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2017 Z1000SX