Riding in the dark/night

[Shall78]

Now the clocks have gone back I am going to have to start riding in the dark in some potentially crap conditions, given I am still a learner what tips can you all give me for safe night time riding?

[Dazbo666]

Make sure your visor is clean, and preferably clear of scratches and scuffs.
Also make sure your headlight(s) are up to the job, and maybe do some research into any upgrade/brighter options that may be available.

...and assume that EVERYONE is out to get you. Ride with a health sense of paranoia... which is advisable at all times, but more so with decereased visibility at night
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1st bike (Sept'06 - May'10) : 1991 GPZ500S / Current bike (since Nov 2009) : 2003 Suzuki Bandit 600N
Word of the day : DILLIGAF

[McFlufferson]

If you're particularly bothered, wearing a hi vis vest is always useful. Try to make sure that they can see the hi vis from behind. Perhaps wrap a vest around the grab rail in the back or something. It's very easy from a driver's perspective to mistake your head and rear lights as the lights of the car behind or in front and missjudge the distance. Particularly a problem in heavy rain and fog.

Personally, when riding at night, I slow down when I see a car coming to pull out in front of me. It gives drivers a chance to see you and you a chance to stop safely if they don't.

Also try and be more aware of the road conditions. Maybe even slow down a little to give yourself more thinking time for the road ahead - manhole covers, loose gravel, fuel spills etc.

I've gone off hi vis, but if I'm going anywhere but town and back at night I still wear a hi vis vest.

Give it a couple of weeks riding at night and it should all become second nature if you give it some good practice.
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Think that you'll stay loyal to a loving bike? So did I. Only rich men can afford to stay loyal. The poorer of us will whore ourselves out to any two wheeled monstrosity that will take us.

[carlosthejack...]

https://www.comingsoon.net/gallery/15813/The_Dark_Knight_5.jpg

No?

I hate riding in the dark. I'll do it, but I hate it. No fun at all...
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DonnyBrago: "I think you may be confusing rain and napalm..." Paulington: "It's not what you ride, it's how you ride it."
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[J4mes]

Fit an Osram Nightbreaker lamp in your headlight! Totally changed the "riding by candlelight" experience of taking my Thundercat out at night!

[TheSmiler]

Well if you want to start wearing a hi vis jacket I would recommend getting one of the ones which is a thin stripe. If teflon comes on he will be able show you a picture difference.

Also make sure you have your bulbs sorted charge electrics on a free day, you need them to be at the max considering you will be using more when you are about.

Also whilst it is still light for longer at the moment get some night riding whilst the roads are clear. This will get you used to the headlights of the other riders.
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CB125>CG125>GN125>ER5>K100RS>R1100RS>K100RS
A2 completed 23/07/15 Ready for the Golden Crisp Packet

[janner_10]

Double check your headlight alignment, makes a huge difference if it is wrong. Cost me £8 to get mine sorted. Was well worth the cash.
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Yamaha FZS600 (Now gone to heaven) > CBR600F4i (SOLD) > '99 YZF-R1

[Shall78]

Thanks for the tips going to head out this week after work and get used to it.

[TheSmiler]

[McFlufferson]

I have to say I don't see the worries about the battery running low. I have my lights on whenever I'm out. Day or night. Never had a battery issue (yet) and the lights still work great at night. Normal and high beam.
____________________
Think that you'll stay loyal to a loving bike? So did I. Only rich men can afford to stay loyal. The poorer of us will whore ourselves out to any two wheeled monstrosity that will take us.

[TheSmiler]

[McFlufferson]

Ah yeah true. I guess if the lights didn't turn off with the ignition I'd have drained the battery a dozen times by now.
____________________
Think that you'll stay loyal to a loving bike? So did I. Only rich men can afford to stay loyal. The poorer of us will whore ourselves out to any two wheeled monstrosity that will take us.

[anthony_r6]

Lights tend to need the bike to be switched on to operate. So as long as the keys not in, and in the 'on' position, you should be fine.
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Ted : "Maybe he's agoraphobic."
Dougal : "Jack scared of fighting? I don't think so, Ted."

[Fifteen15]

I always find it easier using a car in front as a scout, especially on unfamiliar roads.
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"Pain is weakness leaving the body, and blood makes the grass grow faster...but I'll wear my gear anyway"