Couple questions about the headlights on the 636.

[heckel]

First of all, when I am driving at night, the low beam only lights up about 15 to 20 ft in front of me. That makes it very uncomfortable to drive over 40mph or so because you just can't see the road very well. The high beam works great, but also blinds oncoming traffic. Has anyone else noticed this? Maybe there is an easy headlight adjustment or something?

Secondly, is there a good solution to make both headlights work as low beams? I would still like to have the high beam option, but everyone thinks that one of my lights is burnt out while I'm driving around without it on. Maybe there is a mod that allows both lights to be on but still have a high beam available?

[CrazyCracka]

I have heard that there is fix to be able to keep both headlights on all the time but me personally wouldnt do it. If I ever feel like I cant see I just turn on my high beams anyways. I figure since the high beamn is on the right side its a farther away from oncoming traffic so eff it lol. Otherwise just flip it on and off like you would a car. I keep my high beam on all the time during the day just to up my visability. But my super night vision face shield that james bond let me use helps out a bit too!

[Glaxtx]

Have you tried adjusting the low beam up a little so it shines further? Maybe you got a lazy person assembling it at your dealer. I don't recall having that problem. I personally got a set of Silverstars almost immediately, and replaced the stock bulbs. They're a decent amount brighter, especially the high beam. I don't use the high very often, since a lot of my night driving usually involves more traffic that I don't care to blind. I'd say start there, and see where it gets you. Sometimes Autozone or O'Reilly's has them on sale, but not sure if they are right now. On a side note, how far are you from Hallett? Check out http://www.cmraracing.com/ and look at their schedule. They'll be back up there again at the end of July, and it's usually a good time if you're in to the racing side.

Nice bikes, both of you!! It's like the Black 636 club in here now.

[irishcarbomb]

so what if it blinds other drivers, atleast they see you...my low is on all day and at night my high is on no matter what...atleast they see you

[heckel]

Originally Posted by Glaxtx

...On a side note, how far are you from Hallett? Check out http://www.cmraracing.com/ and look at their schedule. They'll be back up there again at the end of July, and it's usually a good time if you're in to the racing side...

Actually thats only about fifteen minutes or so from where I live. I completely forgot that that was even there. Will they let you go out there and ride on the track on certain days? It would be fun to ride without having to worry about cops or traffic.

[Glaxtx]

Originally Posted by heckel

Actually thats only about fifteen minutes or so from where I live. I completely forgot that that was even there. Will they let you go out there and ride on the track on certain days? It would be fun to ride without having to worry about cops or traffic.

If you follow that link, you should be able to get to the Hallett page. There are probably 2-3 schools to choose from, if you want on the track. I think that track has their own, if I remember correctly, and you can join in for about $100-135 for the day, plus leathers, which if you don't own, can probably be rented in the $50-100 range, including boots, and possibly gloves. I'm down in Texas, and hit a track day here, but it was slightly on the higher range, compared to the other tracks in the circuit. If it's the same up there, if you show up on race Sunday with your bike, be sure you've got helmet, and maybe gloves, they have a spectator ride. It's usually right after lunch, in the 1 o'clock range, and you can follow a track vehicle around, along with the other 100 or so people there on bikes. It's slow paced, but heck, you get to ride on the track! The CMRA races at 4 tracks in the area, I've hit one, and trying to hit the other 3 with the intention of setting up a team for next season. If that all pans out, and I end up hitting a track day up there, I'll be sure to let you know. Would be nice to meet up with a fellow forum rider.

[jimmyh]

Originally Posted by irishcarbomb

so what if it blinds other drivers, atleast they see you...my low is on all day and at night my high is on no matter what...atleast they see you

And then you wonder why people hate guys on "crotch rockets." That is why.

When I am king, high beams will be illegal, on any vehicle. (And horns too. )

[luvda6R]

Originally Posted by jimmyh

And then you wonder why people hate guys on "crotch rockets." That is why.

yep

[ervins]

I ride high also and keep both on...Its not like they are brighter than a cars highbeam. My life is more important than why people hate on sportbike riders. Again part of my rationale is deer galore and a state notorious for bad drivers.

[irishcarbomb]

Originally Posted by jimmyh

And then you wonder why people hate guys on "crotch rockets." That is why.

fine with me...the only people i'm out to make friends with on the bike is other bikes. cars are the enemy when i'm on two wheels

Originally Posted by ervins

My life is more important than why people hate on sportbike riders.

+1,000,000

[ninja636billy]

Originally Posted by irishcarbomb

so what if it blinds other drivers, atleast they see you...my low is on all day and at night my high is on no matter what...atleast they see you

Word, and ditto. I ride with my hi-beam on 24-7.

If you think about it, it doesn't blind oncoming drivers as bad as you think. The hi-beam is on the right side, so its not directly in their face, and is another reason why they kept the hi-beam on one light instead of 2. Out of all the oncoming cars I passed, only one flashed their hi-beams at me, and it's either cuz they were stupid, or cuz i was goni around the corner when they were and I guess it shined on them.

Originally Posted by jimmyh

When I am king, high beams will be illegal, on any vehicle. (And horns too. )

That isnt a great idea, cuz I dunno how many near misses I have witnessed because someone used their horn.

Sadly, most people just use their horn during roadrage, and not for what it was intended to be used for.

And for the hi-beam thing, they should just put sensors on cars/bike helmets that made car's hi-beam's auto turn off when an oncoming car approaches a certian proximity of the vehicle of the driver not payin attention to their hi-beams.

[ervins]

Good points on everyone side...We are all still 636 riders and it is good we promote better examples to others that not all riders are idiots. Safety first and gear up all!

[CrazyCracka]

So I think everyones basically sayin ride with your highbeams all the time, I would agree.

[rwalton1129]

I had actually never thought about riding with it on constantly. I did not have the problem about the low visibility low beams though. I have also purchased some silverstar lights and they are better. As for the high beams I think I will probably be riding with them on 24-7 know after hearing that I would not be alone.

[cdn.zx.Glen]

I'm just sick of people telling me I have a headlight out!!!

[rwalton1129]

I feel you on that one.. the dealer that I bought my bike said it was some new kind of law or something about having one on for lows and both on for highs. I do not know though it could vary from state to state.

[Always4Kawis]

Hey Heckel! I'm an Okie too! Born & raised in Tulsa. Partied at Eskimo Joe's in Stillwater many times!
I agree with your assessment of the headlights as well. I do very little night riding but have noticed the low beam doesn't seem to extend very far out in front when I have.
Go to kawiforums.com and do a search for 'headlight mod" and similar. You'll find plenty of reading about people who have done this.

[AlmostStock]

go buy a HID conversion kit and you are all set!!! cheers!

[Pistobah]

+1 on riding with both on at all times. I do the same thing, unless i'm riding with a group.

[heckel]

Originally Posted by Always4Kawis

Hey Heckel! I'm an Okie too! Born & raised in Tulsa. Partied at Eskimo Joe's in Stillwater many times!
I agree with your assessment of the headlights as well. I do very little night riding but have noticed the low beam doesn't seem to extend very far out in front when I have.
Go to kawiforums.com and do a search for 'headlight mod" and similar. You'll find plenty of reading about people who have done this.

That's cool. Where do you live now? I was born and raised in Miami, Ok and have been here in Stillwater for about six years now.

<edit> I just notice your location. Lawrenceville GA is it?</edit>