24 replies to this topic

[robelst]

I strongly suspect my imported 2001 TDM850 still has a European headlight. Beats me how it ever passed an MOT, but it clearly dips to the right hand side, which is not only irritating for others but is also not great on B roads with oncoming traffic (can hardly see anything on either the right- of left side).

I suspect a new unit will cost more than the bike is worth so to broaden my choice at the breakers I was wondering if the 99-2002 TDM 850 units are the same as the 96-99 ones?

Thanks in advance

[Stunts]

Robelst - not done much with the 850 but the part numbers are extremely similar on the microfiches at the JBX website. It only lists 1999, 2000 and 2001. Anything before that seems to be a 1992 model. Dunno if this helps but I'm sure someone with more knowledge will be along soon!

[wicklamulla]

as far as i know the 96-2002 850's share the same headlight unit, Robelst i tink you cud prolly adjust it to suit your needs without having to buy an official uk version (if such a ting actually exists)

[Edman]

Rob,

I went though the headlight trauma when I imported me UK bike to France. Here's the UK light:

and here's the new french spec light i bought


Exactly the fookin same part

[tdm850rider]

But does the light dip to the other direction? May be a difference inside/reflector angle.

Too bad its not a Mk1 with the round lamps, you could try swapping them left to right (the entire unit)

[robelst]

But does the light dip to the other direction? May be a difference inside/reflector angle.

All I know is that the headlight on my bike clearly dips to the right and that the bike was originally imported from Europe. Do UK TDMs also dip to the right then?

[danceswithmopeds]

Behind the lamp cluster there are 2 adjustment screws for each lamp. Easy to identify, each has a cross shaped adjuster. 2 on left for H1(low beam), 2 on right for H3(high beam). Top cross adjusts left/right. Bottom adjusts up/down. Bit awkward to reach but easy and logical to work.
Set the bike upright, pointing at your garage door or a wall. Mark your beam position with a bit of chalk or some non-permanent marker. Start with your low beam(left,H1). When you're happy with that, cover it with a piece of card and work on your high beam(H3/right) I bet it's also pointing at oncoming traffic, blinding them.
Take it onto road at night, sitting on it to see where beams are pointing. Adjust again until you're happy.
Count the cuts in the backs of your hands.

[wicklamulla]

Rob,

I went though the headlight trauma when I imported me UK bike to France. Here's the UK light:

and here's the new french spec light i bought


Exactly the fookin same part

notice the H1 & H3 moulded in the lens !!!

Behind the lamp cluster there are 2 adjustment screws for each lamp. Easy to identify, each has a cross shaped adjuster. 2 on left for H1(low beam), 2 on right for H3(high beam). Top cross adjusts left/right. Bottom adjusts up/down. Bit awkward to reach but easy and logical to work.
Set the bike upright, pointing at your garage door or a wall. Mark your beam position with a bit of chalk or some non-permanent marker. Start with your low beam(left,H1). When you're happy with that, cover it with a piece of card and work on your high beam(H3/right) I bet it's also pointing at oncoming traffic, blinding them.
Take it onto road at night, sitting on it to see where beams are pointing. Adjust again until you're happy.
Count the cuts in the backs of your hands.

yes brudder i agree with ya dare but this is better than blisters on yer palms............then again maybe.... we love Dub's here ya know

[Edman]

If you look closely to the left hand lens you can see the part number:

110-3116, and it is the same on both. I understand stuff about the deflector inside, but surely the lens pattern makes all the difference, adn here they are identical - though I know that it is not logical for the exact same light to dip differently

[ROB1]

But does the light dip to the other direction? May be a difference inside/reflector angle.

Too bad its not a Mk1 with the round lamps, you could try swapping them left to right (the entire unit)

The answer to your question is the lights are the same.its the light deflector inside the light which controls left/right of the beam pattern.Spin on this site modded his own import light to dip to the left by taking the light to bits removing the bit in the light making it dip to the right this is how he got it to work correctly.NO adjustment of the screws will fix your problem.hope this helps.

[robelst]

I almost can't imagine there is just a single part that satifies both UK and European legislation for dipped lightbeams. The shape of the beam is seriously asymmetrical, difficult to adjust unless lenses can be rotated / tilted around.

[ROB1]

it is not a part just a bit of plastic-ie very cheap to make the light go to the right.Or as i suspect just not put in for people who drive on the left.take out said bit & ur light is uk spec.NO MONEY just a bit of ur time.similar to the amount of time ur going to use to swop ligt units but with NO expense involved.

[wicklamulla]

it is not a part just a bit of plastic-ie very cheap to make the light go to the right.Or as i suspect just not put in for people who drive on the left.take out said bit & ur light is uk spec.NO MONEY just a bit of ur time.similar to the amount of time ur going to use to swop ligt units but with NO expense involved.

makes sense to me, gotta be worth a try.

[robelst]

it is not a part just a bit of plastic-ie very cheap to make the light go to the right.Or as i suspect just not put in for people who drive on the left.take out said bit & ur light is uk spec.

Interesting. You mean to say "UK-dipping" is the standard on Yamaha production models and US / European versions use inserts? That seems odd, unless the Japanese drive on the left-hand side of the road too?

Not sure if it's the same kind of thing, but I once tried using an adaptor on my Buell's headlight I brought in from Holland, but that seemed to dip its beam to both sides: It was like riding by candle-light, quite romantic but rather frightening. I swapped units in the end with someone who moved to France (and naive enough to expect wanting to stay there apparently ), that made quite a difference

[dapleb]

That seems odd, unless the Japanese drive on the left-hand side of the road too?

Indeed they do.

[robelst]

Finally got round swapping my European headlight with a UK one.

Verdict: Yes, the part-number is the same, the lens-glass looks indentical and have exactly the same code, but despite all this: It dips to the opposite side.
So that's that solved then.

BTW: On the top of the unit there is a number and a "B" printed in white paint on it whereas mine had an "E". Since I have a 2001 model and the headlight comes from a '96 one this could simply refer to a lower serial-number, but since the lights are definitely different it might very well refer to "Britain" and "Europe"?

I am s happy chappy now, no MOT worries anymore

Now then: Anyone interested in a 2001 TDM 850 headlight unit with "Euro-dip"? Just drop me a PM, prolly put it on eBay if nobody responds.

Edited by robelst, 20 January 2007 - 07:30 pm.

[dandywarhol]

Robs right with this one - the lenses are identical but the bulb holder cum projector contains a plastic shape which the beam passes though to "bend" it left or right