Triumphrat

jfd999 · 03-23-2008

I'm very happy with my new Sprint. It's an absolutely wonderful bike, but after my first nighttime ride, I have to say I'm a little disappointed with the "improved" headlights. Perhaps I expected too much. The light pattern is fairly small, like a mini-mushroom cloud, even on high beam. There's very little light to the right and practically none to the left. At about 50 mph, I really felt like I was outrunning my lights. In other words, I couldn't see far enough to feel comfortable at speed.

So, now I'm seriously thinking about some aux lights like the PIAA or Motolights. My dealer recommends and sells the PIAA 1100X lights. I may get them installed on my first service next week.

I am a little concerned about the power draw of these lights given the Sprint's relatively low alternator output. I may end up buying the 35W lights instead of the 55W ones as some on this site have recommended.

Given how much fun I'm having with my new bike (even while taking things easy during the break-in), I consider this issue a relatively minor one.

Cheers,
Joe

F4sSprintST · 03-23-2008

The common complaint is the light beam PATTERN

Is this a European requirement that we just get stuck with?

Pickle Jim · 03-24-2008

It's worth checking the setting of the headlamps,
There was a link in a recent thread to a set of instructions for beam setting dependent on what country you were in.
I just checked mine today and they all needed raising quite considerably.

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/aim/aim.html

That's the shortcut I was looking for!

sincity337 · 03-24-2008

Folks,

I too was disappointed with the "Factory" setting mine was delivered with ('06). I adjusted them up quite a bit, and now I don't feel like I am over-running the lights. However, the adjustment didn't fix the cut-off in corners problem. I, like may other folks here, are still considering adding aux. lights to the bike.
+1 on the recommend link for headlight adjusting...

oldndumb · 03-24-2008

jfd999,
Re-aim your headlights. One consideration sometimes overlooked is that the re-aimming needs to be checked with the rider siting on the bike.

The re-aimming will impove the light situation somewhat, but if you do a lot of night riding, you probably will still not be satisfied. The MotoLights or PIAAs are the ticket. Some people don't like the fork mounts, but they illuminate into the turns.

I run 55Ws and they are no problem above idle. If I am in stop and go traffic, I don't have them on, so it is no big deal.