Triumphrat

Decado · 11-17-2009, 06:03 PM

I've got an 09 S3 and every now and then I get a comment or lights flashed at me to tell me I'm on full beam when I'm not. The lights are stock, working fine, but do seem extremely bright.
Initially I took the view that this was a good thing, being visible etc.

Tonight though some guy in a cage decides to slam on the anchors inviting me to run into the back of him (I didn't) because he's decided I'm on full beam and obviously deserve to have my leathers as well as my brakes tested. After exchanging a few words, I resisted the temptation to put boot to wing mirror and went on my way. Just wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience or are the bright lights particular to the 09s?

rnexussix · 11-17-2009, 06:06 PM

Are the lights adjusted properly (angle) ? Even low beams can be annoying if they are not pointing in the right direction.

DEcosse · 11-17-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnexussix

Are the lights adjusted properly (angle) ? Even low beams can be annoying if they are not pointing in the right direction.

You might also want to validate that you have the correct lenses in your bike and they didn't put Euro/US lamps in there by mistake!

ratt65 · 11-17-2009, 10:02 PM

I have a 09 as well...same problem. I get mean looks when behind some people but nobodys tried to slam on their brakes yet.

Ratt65

mnhoulden · 11-17-2009, 11:26 PM

Is there a system or measurement you can use to set the height of your lights? Like if you pull up to a wall a set the height and direction of your headlights?
I too get flashed alot on my 07.

DEcosse · 11-18-2009, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnhoulden

Is there a system or measurement you can use to set the height of your lights? Like if you pull up to a wall a set the height and direction of your headlights?
I too get flashed alot on my 07.

Here you go - http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/aim/aim.html
From same source as the Cibies I purchased

That works for the US guys (& Euro) at least - cut-off for UK will be opposite.
An addition from me with respect to that procedure, I think since the lights are so close together on the S3 it may be easier to unplug one then the other and align them separately so you can differentiate them easier.

Robert Kemp · 11-18-2009, 12:36 AM

Having same problem on my 09 speed triple went back to dealer and
had them checked said they where slightly high and re-set them but still getting flashed alot how would you no if the lens was wrong?

Martin_R · 11-18-2009, 01:55 AM

The 05 onwards reflector distributes the light to all sorts of interesting directions, even when the height is adjusted. You have probably noticed how well the road signs (above/left/right) are getting lit when you ride by.

Apart from setting rear preload and adjusting the headlight height there really isn't much you can do. Some light will still be on the oncoming traffic.

TTNorth · 11-18-2009, 03:24 AM

The first time i rode it in the dark it was 100km trip and i got flashed about 10 times when it was on low beam.
I am taking it into the dealer soon and try and get it sorted.

S3Partisan · 11-18-2009, 07:41 AM

I thought the lights on my 07 S3 were brilliant. Very wide beams from the reflectors, used to light up everything on dipped, and they were properly adjusted.
Very occasionally I got flashes from cars but no more than I noticed on any other bike.
I once had a guy on an ST comment how bright they were when I was following him.

Only now I changed to a Sprint ST do I realise how good they were. The projector lights on the ST are absolutely poo, even the main beam!

As long as the lights are adjuster properly on the S3 I wouldn't worry about them being too bright. I don't think they're brighter than any modern cars.