I've just got an 88 twin headlamp Tenere after two R80 G/Ss. I can't believe how bad the headlights are. What's the fix? The glass and reflectors look a bit misty and there doesn't seem to be much difference between dip and full beam. I've seen some five and three quarter inch Cibies in the UK M&P catalogue. Anybody done this?

Hi Steve,

I don't know if this information will help, but I see you have not had any replies for some little time - so here goes.

My 3AJ twin headlight unit had a fault when I brought it from Italy. The metal ring holding the bulb was missing and it was an MoT issue. I actually picked up a broken Triumph Tiger unit thinking I could adapt and dip to the left at the same time. The headlight manufacturer and headlight size being the same in both bikes. The fixing lugs and adjustment lugs are welded into different positions, so it did not quite work out and I just transfered the bulb holding ring to save alot of fabrication work. I think going for the M&P items may give you a similar problem.

I have not noticed the headlights being misty. Do you have the rubber covers behind the bulbs to stop the dampness getting in?

My riding is mostly suburban, so I do not have a great need for headlights to see by. However I have fitted Xenon bulbs which are reported as being 30% brighter (and still 60/55w) - they are a good upgrade, and I just bought the Halford (472B - but please check) bulbs for around £11 each.

For your information I am thinking about fitting the 20w halogen bulbs for the front park light(s), and using them as Day riding lights, instead of using the headlights all the time.

Let us know how you get on.

Ciao, Geoff

Thanks for that Geoff. I'll try the new bulbs first, which brings me to the next point - I'll have to raise the beams as they're pointing too far down. How are you supposed to get at the headlights, mounting ring and bulbs? Does the fairing have to come off, or the panel with the instruments on? Or do you lie on your back over the front wheel and poke your head up between its fork legs?!!! I could just set off taking it all to bits but might get carried away. I am the man who dismantled a BMW's rear diff, swinging arm, gearbox and the top engine cover to get at a starter motor which wouldn't work 'cos the battery needed charging!

Steve.

Steve, There are 2 adjuster long screws that protrude down and you can use a Philips from underneath just behind the lower edge of the fairing. The 2 adjusters come from the inner side back edge of the two headlights, so only 2-3" apart. You should be able to get to the bulbs from underneath too, pulling the connectors off the bulb prongs first. The bulb is held in the holder by a circular ring that you just twist off, and then the bulb is loose and free to pull out of the headlight. I must confess I have only done this with the fairing off, and it was some time ago, so I hope my memory is okay!

This link may be useful to you?
http://tenere0.tripod.com/explodedviews.html
Take a look at 37 and 33, but really does not show the detail.

Best regards
Geoff

ps... A further thought, each country/market appears to have a different headlight set-up. You may find an H4 in both, or an H4 & H1 combination, and perhaps only one headlight with a park light, or perhaps both. The H1 would not have a twist ring holding the bulb.

[This message has been edited by GeoffE (edited 18 October 2003).]

Most times it's faster do do things than not to do them. Including dismounting things to get to other things. But there are exceptions.

Steve,
yea, the lighting on my Tenere' is pretty bad as well.
In fact so bad that I tend not to ride it at night!
I find the easiest way to get to the bulbs is from the top, just turn the handlebars in the oppoosite direction so you can get the space.

If you need to remove the headlamps, squat down and look up into the fairing, you will see a bolt in each corner (4 in total). I think they are 10mm. To get to to the top lefthand one you will find it easier if you undo the choke. This will loosen the fairing, from which you can unbolt the headlamps.
First time I took my fairing off it must have taken me a whole afternoon, but as they say, practice makes perfect.

good luck

Geoff

Thanks everybody. I must say that I'm quite pleased with the Tenere, having wanted one since about 1988. I've had it a couple of weeks now and believe it or not the first time it turned a wheel off road was on the first night time section in this year's Edinburgh Long Distance Trial. It earned me a Bronze Medal. I have to say it's not as good as an R80 G/S on the slow, tight stuff, (do I get sacked from the Bulletin Board for saying things like that?) but it's such fun on the harder, fast stuff.

Of course I fell off on a very steep, slimy, rocky section and hammered a massive dint and scratch in the 'Tenere' sticker on the tank. And the previous owner had fitted a brand new tank just before I collected the bike cos the old one had an identical dent!

Thanks again,

Steve.

3AJ are supposed to have smaller tanks [read : dents] than standard. Means you are using it the way it should be!

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.