How can I tell if I have adaptive headlights?

[TOG]

Took a Harley Pan America for a spin the other day. The adaptive headlights were rather impressive. I probably don’t have them on my 2021 GSA, if I have I haven't noticed. Is there a way I can identify this? Don’t tell me to go for a ride and lean over please

 

[siddo]

Look it up on the VIN decoder.
Link at the top.

 

[theoneandonly]

go for a ride and lean over

 

[GSian]

When you switch on ignition for the first time for a while. It will move up and down to find its level.

 

[Loiq]

go for a ride and lean over

when it's dark on a road you know well..... and where there's a corner... cos that could end up with... how can I tell if I've had a massive accident....

what you should see... which is like proper dark magic the headlight will move more than you'd expect....

 

[Stonesie]

Do you have the X DRL or the C... The X is the newer adaptive version.

 

[TOG]

When you switch on ignition for the first time for a while. It will move up and down to find its level.

Thank you for that. I‘ll take a look and see. Just a little bit of help from someone I’ve not met, which has been well received and appreciated. Cheers

 

[listermint]

Sounds mad, but I wasn't sure if my 2019 had LEDs or halogens. The VIN mentioned led spots, but its a German translation so I wasn't sure. Looking at the reflector to me it didn't look like LED setup slightly ribbed at the back but looked like two Xenon like on the right side of the casing.

I went trawling the Internet for a side by side of a GS with halogens and LED for comparisons but could find nothing.

Idiot me looked at the headlight again couple of days later. BMW LED is printed in raised letting right in the middle of the X on the high Beam.

A fool so I am.

 

[Stonesie]

Found a quick video of it in action, if you have the earlier backwards C DRL then it will not rotate to keep the beam level as you corner.

 

[TOG]

Found a quick video of it in action, if you have the earlier backwards C DRL then it will not rotate to keep the beam level as you corner.

Thanks for adding value to the conversation. I’ve now noticed my headlamp does “nod“ at me when I start the bike. I’m usually at the other end of the bike without a great view of that function
However, I havent really noticed the cornering effects of the lights whilst out riding at night. I understand I may not be the most observant rider. But on the Pan America I used the other day it was very effective and you certainly new when it was activated. Gonna pay a bit more attention next ride out.

 

[Spareparts]

With the ignition on only, if you roll the bike forwards/backwards, you can hear the adaptive headlight moving and adjusting itself.