Cannot keep headlight tightened and adjusted

More
02 Aug 2011 02:07 #466307 by draboo
The headlight on my 83 kz1100 spectre will NOT stay adjusted. I have tightened the bolts as tight as I dare and it still is loose enough to easily turn up and down. I tried tightening the lower single mount as well, but the rubber is so flexible, it does absoutly no good.

Any and all suggestions are welcome :)

Attachment spectre1.JPG not found


1983 KZ1100D Spectre shaft
Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Motor Head
  • Offline
  • User
  • FIX UP YOUR BIKE RIGHT AND CHEAP
More
02 Aug 2011 09:12 #466329 by Motor Head
Replied by Motor Head on topic Cannot keep headlight tightened and adjusted
In those pictures you posted, the last one, where you show the "Single lower mount". The bolt is missing at the top of that bracket, where it would connect to the head light bracket. It needs a washer to apply even pressure across the slot, which is where the up/ down adjustment is at.
Put a bolt and washer in there and try it, should be fine.

1982 KZ1000LTD K2 Vance & Hines 4-1 ACCEL COILS Added Vetter fairing & Bags. FOX Racing rear Shocks, Braced Swing-arm, Fork Brace, Progressive Fork Springs RT Gold Emulators, APE Valve Springs, 1166 Big Bore kit, RS34's, GPZ cams.
1980 KZ550LTD C1 Stock SOLD Miss it
1979 MAZDA RX7 in the works, 13B...

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
02 Aug 2011 10:46 #466347 by draboo

Motor Head wrote: In those pictures you posted, the last one, where you show the "Single lower mount". The bolt is missing at the top of that bracket, where it would connect to the head light bracket. It needs a washer to apply even pressure across the slot, which is where the up/ down adjustment is at.
Put a bolt and washer in there and try it, should be fine.


I took the pics after dis-assembly for clarification of sorts. I have had the lower mount completely bolted to the light, including where it connects to the headlight. It still will not stay "up". The headlight just keeps drooping down even with the side bolts and the bottom mounts as tight as I can get em without stripping anything. The mounts on the side just do not tighten between the bracket on the forks and the housing. After the side mounts are super tight and the bottom mount is still loose, I can easily move the headlight up and down with little effort. After the lower mount is connected and super tight, I can still do it, but not quite so much. The bottom mount is so flexible in its rubber grommet it does little good. Adjusting it up as far as I can and tightening it still is not enough and it shines almost on my front fender. Seems like a piece is missing, but I looked at the Kawasaki.com's parts fiche and cannot see anything missing.:sick:

1983 KZ1100D Spectre shaft

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
02 Aug 2011 11:01 #466351 by 650ed
I would start by replacing the 5 rubber dampers. There are 3 different part numbers and all are still active (available) parts so they can be ordered. (see diagram below). Ed

Attachment KZ1100HeadlightDampers.jpg not found


1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
08 Aug 2011 16:07 #467745 by Rotten Egg
Replied by Rotten Egg on topic Cannot keep headlight tightened and adjusted
I don't have that model, but it looks in the pics like there is a sleeve inside the rubber side grommets. You could try removing that & adding proper tension without damaging the rubber. You may need fender washers.
A little thread lock or nylock nuts will keep the adjustment.

You could also make a new sturdier bottom bracket, that would be a simple project. There shouldn't be any movement with 3 mounting points. Especially as much as you report.

76 kz900

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Powered by Kunena Forum