Modern Vespa

Hi, all -- new rider of a 2023 Liberty 150 S. The other day, I took it out in the evening for the first time, and noticed that the illumination from the "passing" bright beam (when you hold the headlight switch all the way down) seemed brighter than the steady bright beam (when you flip the switch all the way up.)

When I stopped, I took a closer look, and it wasn't just perception.

My headlamp is OEM and seems to have two filaments, one forward, one rear, in the same bulb.

On low, the forward filament lights up.
On steady bright, the rear filament lights up.
On passing bright, both filaments light up -- hence a brighter beam than the steady bright.

This is a bit annoying, because the low/forward filament seems to be what illuminates the ground in the near distance in front of the scooter; the bright/rear filament seems to be focused in the far distance and doesn't do a great job illuminating the near field. So for low-speed driving, the steady brights do a *worse* job than the low lights. Passing brights, on the other hand, are great, illuminating both the near field and far field simultaneously.

So -- sorry for the wonkiness -- but this leaves me wondering:
-- Is this two-different-bright-beams deliberate design, or is it a fault in the circuitry (I presume the former)?
-- Has anyone else noticed/been annoyed by this, and if so, is there a fix or workaround? Or should I just play around with my headlamp angle to see if I can improve things?

Thanks!

Sounds right to me. Low beam for in town and when you are on the open road and something is coming towards you. High beam when you want to see further ahead and no-one is coming towards you. Flash to pass is to attract the attention of the person you wish to pass.

Yes, a deliberate design.
Close lighting for lower speed; distant illumination for open roads and higher speeds.
I don't think it would be a good idea to try and light both filaments, simultaneously. Heat and power drain, would be my concerns.

I'm actually very impressed with the Liberty's headlight! For a mono-headlight, I think it does a good job for a little 155cc scooter sporting a 6Ah battery

Since 2017, my every ride starts in the dark.
That doesn't make me an expert of anything,....but I don't hesitate to ride through dark rainy city streets out onto dark rural roads in the rain.

More night riding practice might increase your confidence?
O. S.

Thanks much!