Why do large displacement motorcycle headlights only shine on one side?

Large displacement motorcycle headlights only shine on one side not because they are broken but for safety reasons.

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Large-displacement motorcycles often only light up one side, making many people think that the light is broken. However, the reality behind the fact that the light only shines on one side is related to safety reasons and regulations in some countries.

In European and North American countries, large-displacement motorcycles are often required to have their headlights on during the day to increase visibility for other road users, especially in foggy conditions like in the UK.

Why do large-displacement motorcycles only light up one side?-1
Illustrative Image: Motosaigon

Furthermore, the fact that motorcycles are equipped with dual headlights but only use one light is related to the function of the low beam and high beam.

In some countries, such as the US, there are many places where motorcycles and cars will share the same lane and travel at high speeds.

When both headlights are on, car drivers can easily confuse a motorcycle with a car. Because when both motorcycle headlights are on, the car driver looks in the mirror and mistakenly thinks it is a car that is far away, but in reality, it is a large-displacement motorcycle that is very close. This can lead to accidents.

But when only one side of the headlight is on, this makes it easier for car drivers to distinguish in the rearview mirror, helping to ensure safety when traveling on the road.

According to VTC news

Frequently asked questions

Some motorcycle headlights, particularly those with large displacements, may appear to only shine on one side due to a phenomenon called ‘headlight cut-off’. This is a deliberate design feature intended to prevent glare and improve visibility for oncoming traffic.

The ‘headlight cut-off’ feature is designed to create a sharp contrast between the illuminated and non-illuminated areas of the beam pattern. This ensures that the light is directed downwards and outwards, providing optimal illumination of the road ahead without blinding other drivers.

Motorcycle headlights with a ‘cut-off’ feature use a special lens or reflector design that blocks a portion of the light from shining upwards. This creates a distinct ‘cut-off’ line in the beam pattern, below which the light is focused, providing a bright and well-defined illumination.

While the ‘headlight cut-off’ feature improves visibility for oncoming traffic, it may reduce the overall brightness of the headlight. This can be a disadvantage in certain situations, such as when riding in areas with poor lighting or during low-visibility conditions. Additionally, the cut-off line can sometimes be distracting to the rider, especially if it is not properly adjusted.

Yes, many motorcycle headlights with a ‘cut-off’ feature allow for adjustments to be made. This can involve changing the angle of the headlight or adjusting the position of the cut-off line to optimize illumination and reduce glare.