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SURFACE VEHICLE STANDARD
Submitted for recognition as an American National Standard
J584 REV. OCT93
Issued 1949–12
Revised 1993–10–13
Superseding J584 DEC83
1. Scope—This SAE Standard provides design parameter and general requirements for motorcycle headlamps.
2. References
2.1 Applicable Documents—The following publications form a part of this specification to the extent specified herein. The latest issue of SAE publications shall apply.
2.1.1 SAE PUBLICATIONS—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
SAE J107—Operator Controls and Displays on Motorcycles
SAE J213—Definitions—Motorcycles
SAE J565—Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam Switching Device
SAE J575—Tests for Motor Vehicle Lighting Devices and Components
SAE J576—Plastic Materials for Use in Optical Parts Such as Lenses and Reflectors of Motor Vehicle Lighting Devices
SAE J578—Color Specification
SAE J579 DEC84—Sealed Beam Headlamp Units for Motor Vehicles
SAE J1383—Performance Requirements for Motor Vehicle Headlamps
2.2 Definition
2.2.1 A MOTORCYCLE HEADLAMP is a major lighting device used to provide general illumination ahead of the vehicle. For definition and classes of motorcycles, see SAE J213.
3. Laboratory Requirements
3.1 The following sections from SAE J575 are a part of this document:
3.1.1 SECTION 2—SAMPLES FOR TEST
3.1.2 SECTION 2.2—BULBS
3.1.3 SECTION 3—LABORATORY FACILITIES
SAE Technical Standards Board Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences. The use of this report is entirely voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising therefrom, is the sole responsibility of the user.”
SAE reviews each technical report at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or cancelled. SAE invites your written comments and suggestions.
Copyright 1993 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Printed In U.S.A
90-1202B EG
SAE J584 Revised OCT93
3.1.4 SECTION 4.1—VIBRATION TEST
3.1.5 SECTION 4.2—MOISTURE TEST
3.1.6 SECTION 4.3—DUST TEST
3.1.7 SECTION 4.4—CORROSION TEST
3.1.8 SECTION 4.6—PHOTOMETRY
3.1.9 SECTION 4.8—WARPAGE TEST ON DEVICES WITH PLASTIC COMPONENTS
3.2 Plastic Materials—Any plastic material used in optical parts shall comply with the requirements set forth in SAE J576.
3.3 Color Test—Color of the light from a motorcycle headlamp shall be white, as defined in SAE J578.
3.4 Aiming Adjustment Tests
3.4.1 A minimum aiming adjustment of 4 degrees in each direction from the vertical and horizontal planes shall be provided.
3.4.2 Headlamps with independent vertical and horizontal aiming adjusting mechanisms:
3.4.2.1 The headlamp unit mounting shall be provided with independent vertical and horizontal aiming adjustments. The adjustment mechanisms shall be designed so that neither the vertical nor horizontal aim will deviate more than 100mm (4 in) from the horizontal or vertical planes, respectively, at a distance of 7.6m (25 ft) through an angle of ± 4 degrees.
3.4.2.2 When adjusting screws are employed, they shall be equipped with self-locking devices which operate satisfactorily for a minimum of 10 adjustments on each screw, over a length of screw thread of ±3mm (± 1/8 in).
3.4.3 Headlamps with ball and socket or equivalent adjustment means need not conform with 3.4.2.
3.5 Inward Force Test—The mechanism, including the aiming adjusters, shall be designed to prevent the unit from receding permanently by more than 2.5mm (0.1 in) into the lamp body or housing when an inward force of 222N (50 1bf) is exerted at the geometric center of the outer surface of the lens.
3.6 Clarity of Hot Spot Definition—The geometric center of the high intensity zone of the upper beam of the multiple beam headlamps shall be deamed sufficiently defined for the purpose of service aiming if it can be set by three experienced observers on a vertical screen at 7.6m (25 ft) within a maximum vertical deviation of ± 0.4 degrees The aim for each observer shall be taken as the average of at least three observations.
3.7 Beam Aim During Photometric Test
3.7.1 The upper beam of a multiple beam headlamp shall be aimed photoelectrically so that the center of the zone of highest intensity falls 0.4 degrees vertically below the lamp axis and is centered laterally. The center of the zone of highest intensity shall be established by the intersection of a horizontal plane passing through the point of maximum intensity, and the vertical plane established by balancing the photometric values at 3 degrees left and 3 degrees right.
23.7.2 The beam of a single beam Class C (moped) lamp shall be aimed photoelectrically so that the center of the zone at highest intensity falls 1.5 degrees vertically below the lamp axis and is centered laterally. The center of the zone of highest intensity shall be established by the intersection of a horizontal plane passing through the point of maximum intensity, and the vertical plane established by balancing the photometric values at 3 degrees left and 3 degrees right.
3.8 Photometric Design Requirements
3.8.1 TEST PROCEDURES—Photometric tests shall be made with photometer at a distance of at least 18.3m (60 ft) from the unit. The bulb or unit shall be operated at 6.4 V for a 6 V system and 12.8 V for a 12 V system during the test.
3.8.2 DESIGN INTENSITY REQUIREMENTS—The beam or beams from the unit shall be designed to conform to the intensity specifications in Tables 1, 2, or 3. A tolerance of ±0.25 degree in location may be allowed for any test point.
4. Optional Systems—One half of any headlighting system meeting the requirements of SAE J579 DEC84 or J1383, not including aim, may be used, where applicable, on Class A, B, C, and D motorcycles.
NOTE—Although automotive headlamp units may be optionally used it should be noted that they conventionally supply a lesser amount of low beam light on the left side.
5. Installation Requirements—The following requirements apply to the devices as used on the vehicle and are not part of laboratory test requirements and procedures.
5.1 Beam Switching—The switching of motorcycle headlamps between the upper and lower beams should be by means of a switch designed and located so that it may be operated conventionally by a simple movement of the operator's hand or foot. The switch shall have no dead point between upper and lower beam switch position.
5.2 Means shall be provided for indicating to the driver that the upper beam is on. The upper beam indicator shall be plainly visible to the operator under normal night time driving conditions. See SAE J107 for recommended high beam indicator.
5.3 Semi–automatic headlamp beam switching devices are permitted. See SAE J565.
6. Notes
6.1 Marginal Indicia—The (R) is for the convenience of the user in locating areas where technical revisions have been made to the previous issue of the report. If the symbol is next to the report title, it indicates a complete revision of the report.
PREPARED BY THE SAE MOTORCYCLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE SAE MOTORCYCLE COMMITTEE
3| Test Points (Degrees) |
Min cd | Max cd |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Beam | ||
| 2U–V | 1000 | |
| 1U-3L and 3R | 2000 | |
| H-V | 12 500 | |
| ½D–V | 20 000 | |
| ½D–3L and 3R | 10 000 | |
| ½D–6L and 6R | 3300 | |
| ½D–9L and 9R | 1500 | |
| ½D12L and 12R | 800 | |
| 1D–V | 17 500 | |
| 2D–V | 5000 | |
| 3D–V | 2500 | |
| 3D–9L and 9R | 1500 | |
| 3D–12L and 12R | 300 | |
| 4D–V | 1500 | 7500 |
| Anywhere | 75 000 | |
| Lower Beam | ||
| 1–½U–1R to R | 1400 | |
| 1U–1–½L to L | 700 | |
| ½U–1–½L to L | 1000 | |
| ½U–1R to 3R | 2700 | |
| 1–½D–9L and 9R | 700 | |
| 2D–V | 7000 | |
| 2D–3L and 3R | 4000 | |
| 2D–6L and 6R | 1500 | |
| 2D–12L and 12R | 700 | |
| 3D–6L and 6R | 800 | |
| 4D–V | 2000 | |
| 4D–4R | 12 500 | |
| Test Points (Degrees) |
Class B Min cd | Class B Max cd | Class C and E Min cd | Class C and E Max cd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Beam | 1000 | |||
| 1U–3L and 3R | 2000 | 5000 | ||
| H–V | 10 000 | 7500 | ||
| ½D–V | 20 000 | 3000 | ||
| ½D–3L and 3R | 5000 | 800 | ||
| ½D–6L and 6R | 2000 | 5000 | ||
| 1D–V | 15 000 | 3000 | ||
| 2D–V | 5000 | 1000 | ||
| 3D–V | 2500 | 500 | ||
| 3D–6L and 6R | 800 | |||
| 4D–V | 7500 | 7500 | ||
| Anywhere | 75 000 | 75 000 | ||
| Lower Beam | ||||
| 1–½U–1R to R | 1400 | 1400 | ||
| 1U–1–½L to L | 700 | 700 | ||
| ½U–1–½L to L | 1000 | 1000 | ||
| ½U–1R to 3R | 2700 | 2700 | ||
| 2D–V | 5000 | 4000 | ||
| 2D–3L and 3R | 3000 | 3000 | ||
| 2D–6L and 6R | 1500 | 1500 | ||
| 3D–6L and 6R | 800 | 800 | ||
| 4D–V | 2000 | 2000 | ||
| 4D–4R | 12 500 | 12 500 | ||
| Test Points (Degrees) |
Min cd | Max cd |
|---|---|---|
| Single Beam | ||
| 1-1/2u-1R to 3R | 1400 | |
| 1U-1-1/2L to L | 700 | |
| 1/2U-1-1/2L to L | 1000 | |
| 1/2U-1R to 3R | 2700 | |
| 2D-V | 4000 | |
| 2D-3L and 3R | 3000 | |
| 2D-6L and 6R | 1500 | |
| 4D-V | 1000 | |
| 4D-4R | 12 500 | |
Rationale–Not applicable.
Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO Standard–Not applicable.
Application–This SAE Standard provides design parameter and general requirements for motorcycle headlamps.
Reference Section
SAE J107–Operator Controls and Displays on Motorcycles
SAE J213–Definitions–Motorcycles
SAE J565–Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam Switching Device
SAE J575–Tests for Motor Vehicle Lighting Devices and Components
SAE J576–Plastic Materials for Use in Optical Parts Such as Lenses and Reflectors of Motor Vehicle Lighting Devices
SAE J578–Color Specification
SAE J579 DEC84–Sealed Beam Headlamp Units for Motor Vehicles
SAE J1383–Performance Requirements for Motor Vehicle Headlamps
Developed by the SAE Motorcycle Electrical Systems Subcommittee
Sponsored by the SAE Motorcycle Committee
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