Warning! The automatic-on headlamp feature provides increased visibility of the rider to other motorists. Be sure headlamp is on at all times. Poor visibility of rider to other motorists can result in death or serious injury.
Note. Adjust the headlamps of motorcycles with multiple beam headlamps to converge into one pattern.
1. Check the tire pressure.
2. Adjust the rear shocks for the rider and intended load.
3. Fill fuel tank or add an equal amount of ballast.
Note. Choose a wall in minimum light.
4. See Figure 1-86. Park the motorcycle in a line (1) perpendicular to the wall.
Figure 1-86. Headlamp alignment: Sportster Models: 1. Perpendicular line; 2. Vertical line; 3. 25 ft (7.6 m); 4. High beam bulb center line; 5. Horizontal line 2.1 in (53.3 mm) lower than bulb center line
5. Position motorcycle so that front axle is 25 ft (7.6 m) from wall.
6. Draw a vertical line (2) on the wall.
7. With the motorcycle loaded, point the front wheel straight forward at wall. Measure the distance (4) from the floor to the center of the high beam bulb.
8. Draw a horizontal line (5) through the vertical line on the wall. Place line 2.1 in (53.3 mm) lowerthan the measured bulb centerline.
Note. The headlamp is aligned when the light beam hot spot is centered over the intersection of the lines.
9. Verify headlamp alignment. Adjust as necessary.
Headlamp adjustment
| FASTENER | TORQUE VALUE | |
| Headlamp horizontal adjustment: XL 1200X/C/C ANV/CP/CA/CB/V | 30-35 ft·lbs | 40.7-47.5 Nm |
| Headlamp vertical adjustment: XL 1200X/C/C ANV/CP/CA/CB/V | 30-35 ft·lbs | 40.7-47.5 Nm |
| Headlamp clamp nut: XL 883L/N/R, XR 1200X | 120-240 in·lbs | 14-27 Nm |
Adjustment: XL 1200X/C/C ANV/CP/CA/CB/V
1. Set horizontal adjustment:
- a. See Figure 1-87. Loosen the horizontal adjustment screw (3).
- b. Turn the headlamp right or left as necessary to direct the light beam straight ahead.
- c. Tighten the horizontal adjustment screw to 30-35 ft·lbs (40.7-47.5 Nm).
Figure 1-87. Headlamp adjustment: XL 1200X/C/C ANV/CP/CA/CB/V: 1. Locknut; 2. Vertical adjustment bolt; 3. Horizontal adjustment screw
2. Set vertical adjustment:
- a. Loosen the locknut (1) for the vertical adjustment bolt.
- b. Tilt headlamp up or down to properly aim it at the horizontal line on the wall.
- c. Tighten headlamp locknut to 30-35 ft·lbs (40.7-47.5 Nm).
Adjustment: XL 883R/L/N, XR 1200X
1. See Figure 1-88. Remove snap plug (1) on top of headlamp bracket (2).
Figure 1-88. Headlamp Adjustment: XL883R/L/N, XR 1200X (XR1200X shown): 1. Snap plug; 2. Headlamp bracket; 3. Clamp nut
2. Loosen headlamp clamp nut (3).
3. Tilt headlamp up or down to properly aim it in relation to the horizontal line and, at the same time, turn it right or left to direct light beam straight ahead.
4. Tighten headlamp clamp nut to 120-240 in·lbs (14-27 Nm) after lamp is properly positioned.
5. Install snap plug in headlamp bracket.