I realized on my way home from work last night at 10pm that my headlight, even on bright, only illuminates the road adequately to about 15-20 feet in front of me, which seems not very far. I am planning on putting more lights on the bike to make it brighter anyway, but was wondering if this is normal? If the light is not on "bright", it's basically useless at night.

 

they are not very bright, but its also possible yours isn't aligned properly. Check your owners manual on proper adjustment (i think its in there). Of the top of my head, at 20 or 25 feet, the center of the beam should be around 30"... but check, that is just a general guess without bringing out my book.

 

You can always get a brighter bulb. I always run the type designated for off-road use only. I can't remember what the stock bulbs are something like 55/60 watts??? Some have different gas fills too which produce a better and brighter glow. Check out Dennis Kirk or J&P Cycles online, I'm sure they have all types of replacement bulbs.

 

Get a 100/80 bulb. It ain't legal, but you'll be able to see, and it will get you noticed by otherwise blind cagers.

 

Your complaint sounds normal. yes the stock bulbs suck. If you buy a Tourer you can upgarde to HID, but the rest of the line-up has to do with 130watt snowmobile bulbs that will never be legal on the road........ not that anyone could possibly check them.