General
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. (00030b)
Check headlamp for proper height and lateral alignment:
  1. Refer to Specifications → Specifications: 2008 Softail Models → Tire Pressures: 2008 Softail Models. Verify correct front and rear tire pressure.
  2. Place motorcycle on level floor (or pavement) in an area with minimum light.
  3. Position motorcycle 7.6 m (25 ft) away from a screen or wall. Measure the distance from directly below the front axle to the base of the screen/wall.
  4. Set mark for alignment purposes.
    1. See Figure 1. For FXSTB, FXST, FXCW, FXCWC, FLSTSB (and International FLST, FLSTC, FLSTF, FLSTN) vehicles, draw a horizontal line 0.9 m (35 in) above floor on screen/wall.
    2. See Figure 2. For FLSTC, FLSTF, FLSTN vehicles, draw a horizontal line level with the center of the headlamp.
  5. Load vehicle with rider, passenger (if normally present) and any cargo. Weight will compress vehicle suspension slightly.
  6. Stand motorcycle upright with both tires resting on floor and with front wheel held in straight alignment (directly forward).
  7. See Figure 3. Turn ignition switch ON. Set handlebar headlamp switch to HIGH beam position.
  8. Check light beam for alignment.
    1. The main beam, which is a broad, flat pattern of light, should be centered equally above and below the horizontal line.
    2. The main beam of light should also be directed straight ahead. Properly adjusted headlamps project an equal area of light to right and left of center.
    3. Adjust headlamp alignment if necessary.
125 feet (7.6 meters)
235 inches (0.9 meters) above floor
Figure 1. Headlamp Alignment: Softail Models (Except Domestic FLSTC/FLSTF/FLSTN)
1Level with center of headlamp
225 feet (7.6 meters)
Figure 2. Headlamp Alignment: FLSTC/FLSTF/FLSTN Domestic Models
Figure 3. Headlamp Switch High Beam Setting
Adjustment (All Models Except FLSTSB)
1. See Figure 4. Loosen horizontal adjusting bolt (2) to adjust headlamp beam side to side.
2. On FXSTC models, tighten fastener to 33.9–47.5 N·m (25–35 ft-lbs). On all other models, tighten fastener to 47.5–61 N·m (35–45 ft-lbs).
3. Loosen vertical adjusting bolt (1) to adjust headlamp up or down.
4. Tighten fastener to 40.7–47.5 N·m (30–35 ft-lbs).
Adjustment (FLSTSB Model)
1. See Figure 5. Set vertical adjustment.
a. Loosen the acorn nut from the vertical adjustment fastener (1).
b. Tilt headlamp up or down in relationship to the horizontal line from the headlamp alignment inspection.
c. Tighten nut on vertical adjustment fastener to 33.9–47.5 N·m (25–35 ft-lbs).
2. Set horizontal adjustment.
3. Loosen the horizontal adjustment fastener (2).
a. Tilt headlamp left or right to direct light beam straight ahead.
b. Move headlamp adjustment mechanism forward to the end of the bracket slot.
c. Tighten fastener to 33.9–47.5 N·m (25–35 ft-lbs).
1Vertical adjusting bolt (2)
2Horizontal adjusting bolt
Figure 4. Headlamp Adjustment: Softail Models (Except FLSTSB)
1Vertical adjusting fastener (with acorn nut)
2Horizontal adjusting fastener
Figure 5. Headlamp Adjustment: FLSTSB