Riding a motorcycle at night is a very different experience. Some riders love it, while others avoid it at all costs. Night riding usually means less traffic and more open space, but also comes with its own set of hazards. Always prepare for colder temperatures with warm clothes, and have a toolkit on hand so you’re not stuck on the side of a poorly lit road. Consider the following to avoid distracted drivers, hazards on the road and being blinded by the light.
Traffic
Even with fewer vehicles on the road, riding after dark comes with its own set of risks. Drunk and impaired drivers are more likely to be out at night. That car coming up behind you might be the only one you see in your mirrors, but it’s important to ride just as cautiously as you would in the peak of rush hour. Keep in mind that oncoming traffic might not have the courtesy to turn their high beams off as they approach you. If you find yourself being blinded by a passing car, try to keep your eyes on the painted white lines along the right side of the road until the car passes. You’ll be able to keep track of your lane without losing your vision.
Visibility
Day or night, it is your job to make sure other vehicles on the road see you. You should always practice defensive riding and avoid unsafe situations. At night this means putting a big emphasis on high-visibility gear. Invest in reflective gear and always check to make sure your lights are working before starting your ride.
Speed
From 2012 to 2016, 50% of fatal motorcycle crashes involved speed and lane departure. You should only be riding as fast as you can see. Less light on the road means less time to react to what would normally be an easily avoided pothole. While the speed limit might be 60 mph, it doesn’t mean you have to go that fast. Always scan the road ahead for animals or debris that may get in your way, and slow down.
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I try not to ride in the night… avoiding extra danger! I do night ride only if necessary.
I ride at night, but slowly and carefully,my cruiser is for enjoying ride, not for speed.have a pair of extra lights (led) and I think I am more visible for the cagers.Eyes wide opened and throtle not so wide… 🙂
I lost a good friend one night we was out about 11:30 a car was out of gas in the right lane I got over into the left lane but my friend did not make it he died in my hands that night and we where only going 35 m p h
I ride my bike in all weather and day, or night, I believe that it makes me a better rider, keeps my skills sharp.
I find that as long as I ride to the conditions and THINK for everyone on the road including myself, then I’m fine.
I practice dynamic lane positions, wear good gear and don’t take unnecessary risks.
Tinted visors are very dangerous at night. Your visibility is decreased by half or more. So try to have a way to carry your clear lense just in case you may have to ride at night. Also keep in mind that it’s super easy to scratch the inside of your lense by wiping it clean. You shouldn’t ever wipe the inside if your lense with a fog free coating. And replacement visors aren’t cheap either.
Riding at night for me is only if I have no other choices..
Very simple other drivers will never 100%, be on watch for you.. so time to push on the impression mentioned under viability above.. it’s your job to make sure you are seen.. look at the other drivers.. if they don’t see you.. your not seen.. And you are at risk.. I take responsibility to be seen and keep myself safe.. no matter that I may have right of way.. I make sure way is clear and I am safe.. if I’m hurt that’s my problem my fault for not being aware.. To that end.. simple words to remember.. “Stay Alert, Stay Alive”
I try not to intentionally go riding after dark but have been riding during daylight hours and caught coming home in the dark. I have had some close calls after dark with lots of traffic and you blend in with the other lights.
Someone once told me to “ride as though you’re invisible and everyone out there is trying to kill you”. So far so good.
Animals are active at night especially at dawn and dusk. The other night we were talking about deer as the area I was in has as many deer as humans. Rabbits then became the subject and I interjected that a bunny likely wouldn’t effect a bike if squared up. On the way home a bunny ran out toward the bike in front of me and retreated only to dart towards me, retreat and back towards the side of my bike. I felt my rear tire go over it. Fortunately we talked about this and my thoughts were correct about not taking any evasive measures. Bottomline animals are active at night. Only go as fast as you want to hit a deer or whatever critters are in your neck of the woods.
…I have been chasing the Moon since 1977 on one kind of Harley Davidson or another, I love riding at night better than any other time, but like it has been said, it is the most dangerous, they “Don’t” see us, and they “Are” trying to kill us, Ride Safe, Ride for Conditions, Ride to Live…!
One rule of thumb for me. I have had to depend on a bike as my only means of transportation. But it’s better not to. If you feel like riding, and you want to ride, then go. But if you ride because you have to. This is not good. We are sharper and sharpest, at different times.