Topic: 09FLTRSE3 Improper headlight adjustment FROM THE FACTORY!!! (Read 6808 times)

2009FLTRSE3 · « **on:** February 13, 2009, 01:48:43 AM »

I just took by 09 FLTRSE for a night ride and noticed the headlights are pointing down. I took it to the Dealer today and they said if the lights are adjusted correctly the Bezel will not fit correctly. I am waiting for some special HD rep to come to that dealer to look at the bike.
Has anyone heard of this problem or these special reps??

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #1 on:** February 13, 2009, 05:25:45 AM »

Quote from: 2009FLTRSE3 on February 13, 2009, 01:48:43 AM

I just took by 09 FLTRSE for a night ride and noticed the headlights are pointing down. I took it to the Dealer today and they said if the lights are adjusted correctly the Bezel will not fit correctly. I am waiting for some special HD rep to come to that dealer to look at the bike.
Has anyone heard of this problem or these special reps??

Installing HIDs would fix that in a heartbeat!

hogasm · « **Reply #2 on:** February 13, 2009, 06:34:10 AM »

Quote from: 2009FLTRSE3 on February 13, 2009, 01:48:43 AM

I just took by 09 FLTRSE for a night ride and noticed the headlights are pointing down. I took it to the Dealer today and they said if the lights are adjusted correctly the Bezel will not fit correctly. I am waiting for some special HD rep to come to that dealer to look at the bike.
Has anyone heard of this problem or these special reps??

So why didn't the dealer find this on his Dealer Prep, that you paid handsomely for

2009FLTRSE3 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 13, 2009, 12:53:24 PM »

Very good point i will be having that conversation with the Dealer who preped it!

Screamin · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2009, 12:59:17 PM »

Quote from: 2009FLTRSE3 on February 13, 2009, 01:48:43 AM

I just took by 09 FLTRSE for a night ride and noticed the headlights are pointing down. I took it to the Dealer today and they said if the lights are adjusted correctly the Bezel will not fit correctly. I am waiting for some special HD rep to come to that dealer to look at the bike.
Has anyone heard of this problem or these special reps??

Wow, that's quite a statement. Headlights won't fit if adjusted properly. Got another dealer close by?

GregKhougaz · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2009, 01:11:19 PM »

Quote from: 2009FLTRSE3 on February 13, 2009, 01:48:43 AM

I just took by 09 FLTRSE for a night ride and noticed the headlights are pointing down. I took it to the Dealer today and they said if the lights are adjusted correctly the Bezel will not fit correctly.

Oh my! That's about the worst case of b__l s__t I've heard in a while!!

Adjust the lights by turning the two 4.5 mm hex nuts inside the fairing. These nuts are in front of the forks and face the rider through the inner fairing. Turn both equally clockwise to raise the light pattern. The stops are plastic so do not force. If that does not help, you may need to remove the outer fairing. If the outer fairing is not properly "hooked" onto the two mounts on either side of the radio, the headlights will point down. It's a typical problem with the Road Glides. The dealer just did not want to spend the time to check. Maybe if you suggest they do....

Just in case: Taking the fairing off is not the easiest procedure. If you've not done it before, check the manual... Cover the front fender to avoid scratching it. Whether you of the dealer does, think about what else you might want to do while it's off. (Hidden antenna, xenon lights, amp., speakers, etc.) Good luck!

GK

Screamin · « **Reply #6 on:** February 13, 2009, 01:25:43 PM »

Quote from: GregKhougaz on February 13, 2009, 01:11:19 PM

(Hidden antenna, xenon lights, amp., speakers, etc.) Good luck!

GK

Garage door opener

grc · « **Reply #7 on:** February 13, 2009, 02:54:13 PM »

Quote from: GregKhougaz on February 13, 2009, 01:11:19 PM

Oh my! That's about the worst case of b__l s__t I've heard in a while!! Adjust the lights by turning the two 4.5 mm hex nuts inside the fairing. These nuts are in front of the forks and face the rider through the inner fairing. Turn both equally clockwise to raise the light pattern. The stops are plastic so do not force. If that does not help, you may need to remove the outer fairing. If the outer fairing is not properly "hooked" onto the two mounts on either side of the radio, the headlights will point down. It's a typical problem with the Road Glides. The dealer just did not want to spend the time to check. Maybe if you suggest they do....

Just in case: Taking the fairing off is not the easiest procedure. If you've not done it before, check the manual... Cover the front fender to avoid scratching it. Whether you of the dealer does, think about what else you might want to do while it's off. (Hidden antenna, xenon lights, amp., speakers, etc.) Good luck!

GK

That would be my guess. Of course, that bezel comment from the dealer is a winner also. It never ceases to amaze me what kind of crap these clowns try to feed us. Damn shame that dealers and service departments aren't required to have at least a smidgen of mechanical knowledge or aptitude, much less the intimate knowledge of their products we would expect.

Jerry

GregKhougaz · « **Reply #8 on:** February 13, 2009, 04:45:16 PM »

Quote from: Screamin on February 13, 2009, 01:25:43 PM

Garage door opener

Good idea but NO!! Sorry to disagree Screamin but for the SERG, you can Velcro to the underside of one glove box cover a battery powered opener. Cost: under $30. Works perfectly. The HD kit: 91558-01A fits in the fairing but is $129!!! Why

Even if you don't have the SERG, surely you could Velcro somewhere or just have it on you key chain.

arcticdude · « **Reply #9 on:** February 13, 2009, 04:54:14 PM »

Yeah, but you don't have to ever replace the battery in the moco one! And if that $80 is bothering you, just send that RG this way, I'll make sure it gets taken care of REAL GOOD!!!!

2009FLTRSE3 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 13, 2009, 05:01:21 PM »

One thing is for sure I will not be removing the faring, this is a job for the warranty I paid through the nose for. Besides how does an elite department of HD have an issue like this, it’s disappointing. As far as the garage door opener, I keep it in my side pocket of my jacket 007 style.

arcticdude · « **Reply #11 on:** February 13, 2009, 05:05:31 PM »

If they're too stupid to properly align the headlight and give you a statement like they've given you, I wouldn't care if I'd paid them $5k for the warranty, it wouldn't be going back to them. I'm in that situation right now. I have 2 different local dealers, but I ride alomst 100 miles to get to one that will properly fix the bike when it needs it. I'll do all the little stuff myself, thank you very much. I would run as fast as my fat a$$ would take me away from that STEALER!

2009FLTRSE3 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 13, 2009, 05:15:23 PM »

agree 100% I purchased the bike in Casper Wy, but have taken it to the Dealer in SoCal who are the ones who gave me the statement. They are waiting on a Factory rep to look at the bike. When he can come in they want the bike again.

GregKhougaz · « **Reply #13 on:** February 13, 2009, 06:24:42 PM »

Quote from: arcticdude on February 13, 2009, 04:54:14 PM

Yeah, but you don't have to ever replace the battery in the moco one! And if that $80 is bothering you, just send that RG this way, I'll make sure it gets taken care of REAL GOOD!!!!

Mr. articdude,

With all due respect,

you sound just like the HD guys!!

How hard it is to replace a battery every five years or so?

The $90+ is still in my hands

not HD's so, no, it does not bother me.

If I can make it work for 20% of their cost... I'm happy!

If you're offering to detail my SERG, I accept.

Come on down here (or invite me to wherever the heck "right here" is). We'll go for a ride, have a drink

and detail them together. Hey what ever works!!

Let's ride!

GK

2009FLTRSE3 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 13, 2009, 09:30:58 PM »

I might sound just like the HD guys because I was regurgitating what they told me. I know without a doubt I could identify and rectify the situation. But the way I see it is for the price I paid I shouldn’t have to get dirty or lose any riding time. As a matter of fact I will be pushing for credit of my Dealer setup fee.
Beer sounds good I think I will go have one!!

HDDOCFL · « **Reply #15 on:** February 14, 2009, 07:47:08 AM »

Regaurding the garage door opener, I found a hole just under the seat in the frame that would accept a trip meter switch, wired the 3 volt opener to the trip switch and soldered the opener switch to the opener and have the opener soldered for open. Reach down with right hand and hit the switch to open or close the garage door. velrowed the opener to the under side of the ABS brake module under the right side cover, Half hour job and no drilling. Doc

bribe36 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 14, 2009, 01:02:36 PM »

Quote from: 2009FLTRSE3 on February 13, 2009, 01:48:43 AM

I just took by 09 FLTRSE for a night ride and noticed the headlights are pointing down. I took it to the Dealer today and they said if the lights are adjusted correctly the Bezel will not fit correctly. I am waiting for some special HD rep to come to that dealer to look at the bike.
Has anyone heard of this problem or these special reps??

My SERG was delivered with the lights out of wack too. Dealer fixed them in under 5 minutes with no special tools.

Highjagger · « **Reply #17 on:** February 15, 2009, 10:19:26 AM »

Quote from: bribe36 on February 14, 2009, 01:02:36 PM

My SERG was delivered with the lights out of wack too. Dealer fixed them in under 5 minutes with no special tools.

Did your dealer remove the outer fairing for fixing the headlight ? Or only the bezel ?

2009FLTRSE3 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 15, 2009, 05:16:11 PM »

Not they did not remove the outer faring only the brezel, and mabey i should go to alberta to get my american moto fixed???

veech · « **Reply #19 on:** February 15, 2009, 11:14:17 PM »

The MoCo garage door opener is really nice...just flip your bright lights switch up and down once and your door opens...no need to reach into your pocket or anywhere else. This is really convenient, especially when wearing gloves. Wires into your headlight wires so you do need to remove the fairing to install though.

bribe36 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 16, 2009, 01:07:56 AM »

Quote from: Highjagger on February 15, 2009, 10:19:26 AM

Did your dealer remove the outer fairing for fixing the headlight ? Or only the bezel ?

It was only a 5 min fix so I don't think they removed any part of the fairing

Highjagger · « **Reply #21 on:** February 16, 2009, 02:36:35 AM »

Where do you find this garagedoor opener ?
Is it HD ?
( with the switch up the lights )

Screamin · « **Reply #22 on:** February 16, 2009, 07:07:33 AM »

The kit - http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/gma_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442250285&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374309148480&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374309148480&bmUID=1234785941532&bmLocale=en_US

Because I already have a remote opener from the red bike I only need a transmitter, part number 91561-01A

I really like it a lot.

veech · « **Reply #23 on:** February 16, 2009, 09:57:41 AM »

Yes, Screamin described the same one I was talking about as well. If I remember correctly, you can pair up to 8 transmitters with the receiver (maybe only 4 though, it's been a while and I can't remember for sure). In addition to my bike's built-in transmitter, I also bought some key fob transmitters that I put in our cars, all working with the same receiver-pretty handy (although a bit pricey as usual with HD).

Highjagger · « **Reply #24 on:** February 16, 2009, 11:08:04 AM »

Only for US , Why ?
I gues : a german law forbids it to use the headlight wire as antenna .

veech · « **Reply #25 on:** February 16, 2009, 11:13:28 AM »

Hmm, I'm not sure if it uses the headlight wires for an antenna or not. I thought it just used them for the switching mechanism and to draw power from, but it is certainly possible it uses the wires for transmitting as well. If I had to guess however why it is not available in Germany, I would say it has more to do with the receiver end which plugs into a 120V outlet...

Highjagger · « **Reply #26 on:** February 16, 2009, 11:16:00 AM »

Maybe that is the reason , i guess you are right . Hmmm

Twolanerider · « **Reply #27 on:** February 16, 2009, 11:16:35 AM »

Quote from: veech on February 16, 2009, 11:13:28 AM

Hmm, I'm not sure if it uses the headlight wires for an antenna or not. I thought it just used them for the switching mechanism and to draw power from, but it is certainly possible it uses the wires for transmitting as well. If I had to guess however why it is not available in Germany, I would say it has more to do with the receiver end which plugs into a 120V outlet...

It's a little omnidirectional transmitter. The bundle of wires in the fairing wouldn't be an effective antenna.

veech · « **Reply #28 on:** February 16, 2009, 11:18:12 AM »

Either that or because of how the laws allocate/distribute wireless frequencies which vary from country to country...

Highjagger · « **Reply #29 on:** February 16, 2009, 11:26:22 AM »

But i found no details about the special band of the frequency that is used by this HD transmitter.

veech · « **Reply #30 on:** February 16, 2009, 11:59:36 AM »

Me either, but my experience from when I worked at Motorola (a big wireless manufacturer) showed that these types of design issues where always a concern when manufacturing electronics. Even power frequencies are different, but I am just speculating here anyway. Sorry though that you can't get these there as they are pretty nice.

BTW, during my years at Motorola I did have the opportunity to travel to Munich on a business trip-I LOVE Germany!!! (My first wife was German too.)

Highjagger · « **Reply #31 on:** February 16, 2009, 12:06:55 PM »

No chance to get this , Hmmm . Saves my bucks , muhuhuhahaha .

veech · « **Reply #32 on:** February 16, 2009, 12:31:05 PM »

Oh don't worry, HD will find another way to seperate you from your money! $:-\$

Highjagger · « **Reply #33 on:** February 16, 2009, 03:20:53 PM »

HeHe , sure , the MoCo will ,
( the hell knows how ! )

UFO_HOG · « **Reply #34 on:** February 19, 2009, 09:40:51 PM »

Quote from: 2009FLTRSE3 on February 13, 2009, 01:48:43 AM

I just took by 09 FLTRSE for a night ride and noticed the headlights are pointing down. I took it to the Dealer today and they said if the lights are adjusted correctly the Bezel will not fit correctly. I am waiting for some special HD rep to come to that dealer to look at the bike.
Has anyone heard of this problem or these special reps??

Finally got a chance to ride mine last night. My headlights were also pointing at the ground. I took out the 4.5mm socket and proceeded to turn it to bring them up. Turned it 2 full turns and the light didn't budge. Reached around and wiggled the lights, heard a pop, and the lights came up to the perfect position. They're adjustable, you just have to help them along.

Author Topic: 09FLTRSE3 Improper headlight adjustment FROM THE FACTORY!!! (Read 6808 times)

hogasm