Is it safe to ride a motorcycle after the sun goes down?

This week on MCrider we look at some of the dangers of riding a motorcycle at night and some tips on how you can do so safer.
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Thanks for watching,
Kevin

[@MCrider]

If you are a new rider or a rider who wants to continue to grow (That should be all of us ;) ) and you are not a Member at MCrider you are missing out on the best part of MCrider. Go to www.MCrider.com/Member and get access to the Forums and Field Guide. - The Forum is an active, friendly place where riders share riding tips, ideas, travel photos, and show off their new motorcycles. Riders and instructors from all over the world are active on the forums and ready to share in the adventure with you. - The Field Guide is a section of the forums that have very specific training exercises that you can work on in any open parking lot to develop your riding skills. In addition to these resources, you can discuss every MCrider video, suggest future training videos, read and share gear reviews, and more. By becoming a member you help support MCrider and keep the weekly videos coming but you also get access to a world of riders who share tips and techniques to help us all enjoy the ride and increase our skills. www.MCrider.com/Member

[@TomPenningtonGeorgia]

I always thought it was pronounced MC-rider until I watched the channel. Like MC-Donald’s. :)

[@Hagbayon]

When I was learning how to ride, my instructor exposed me to dirt roads, rainy rides and night rides... It's really speed and control that matters. I ride smooth and slow at night... Thanks for this :)

[@deglobalizator]

I am riding at night mostly, and I learned that constant signaling to anyone, including the incoming traffic by switching between the high and low beams makes me more visible, or it's better to say that the others are becoming aware of my presence in the street. I am using the same technique when I am about to overtake a vehicle in front of me, right before I do it. I know that I might look like a lunatic to the others, especially here in Serbia, but I believe that this is a smart thing to do when riding during a nighttime.

[@v2vortex]

I hear you in my head every time I ride... You are my voice of common sense.... Ride safe!

[@gregoryrapier3021]

I rode 370,000 miles on my 1996 Kawasaki Concourse and so far 54,000 miles on my 2005 Concourse. Out of all those miles at least 190,000 miles were at night.I rode from the 4500 above sea level in the mountains in the Yosemite area to the central valley 62 miles away at 100 feet above sea level and back. So I know how to ride at night. One of the things you didn't cover is animals. The areas I rode you had to watch for animals some big and some small. I have come up on steers and deer. The steer or cows will just stand there so you have to be careful that they don't charge you. I have had that happen but was lucky they didn't get me. The deer can come running out of the trees and bushes so I kept an eye out for the sides of the roads. never hit one yet thank GOD. I was riding through a corner one night (very twisty) area and in the middle of my lane was a raccoon so I waited to the last second (no way to miss it) pulled the bike up (no lean) hit the raccoon and then put the bike back into the lean. I was going slow enough to do this. Another time I was riding up a hill and it was two lanes on my side one going down the other. I saw and owl (Just knew it was a bird at the time) I was in a group of cars and running at 60 mph. I could see that the owl and me would arrive at the same spot but hoped it would pull up as it got to the cars. It didn't I laid down on the tank as the Owl and my windshield came together. The Owl hit me on my right shoulder but because I was laying on the gas tank it didn't knock me off the bike. An owl is big enough to that. You learn the tricks to riding at night if you have to ride at night just ride like you are invisible.

[@hillie47]

I was told that in my area around 40% of all drivers after 10pm is impaired in one way or another. That could be alcohol or drugs and I guess also being tired. It's a massive number and I just don't go out on the bike after 9pm. I basically consider everybody a homicidal maniac out to get me. So far I haven't been hit, but I know it can always happen.

[@davidmoore9449]

Great video, also the older we get, the worse our night time vision gets.

[@pdbordelon]

Riding at night is dangerous...but I think I speak for many when I say there is something exciting and wonderful about the ocassional night ride...the lit up dash, the cool air, focused vision, less traffic, heightened sense of power and speed, etc. Enjoy but we all need to be extra diligent as MCRider suggests. :)

[@67MercuryXR7]

I run a Whelen LIN3 amber strobe on the front of my bike. Have for years. Always will. The difference I notice between having it on or off is incredible. With it on, the left hand turners wait a long time for me to ride by, with it off, they seem more willing to cut it close. It’s all making it home at the end of the day. There is a headlight video of my bike on the RLCycle KZbin channel where you can get a glimpse of the strobe. Just works fantastic!

[@ianwhunter1]

Hi Kevin, good points well made. From my experience I can add the following. I ride both directions of my commute daily in the dark for about four months of the year. 1. I add to your information already stated. Traffic waiting at side roads to turn into the main road find it very difficult to judge your speed on a bike. Always expect them to pull out. 2. Any older riders and drivers that wear glasses, particularly those that require reading glasses find headlight glare in oncoming traffic very difficult to deal with. Expect half of other road users to be in this condition driving home from work. These people can not identify you as a bike or judge your speed. 3. There is a fashion in the UK for cars using driving lights (sometimes instead of headlights) which have no horizontal cut off. Oncoming traffic with these bright, uncontrolled lights can completely obscure your view of your own side of the Road. 4. Rain on the helmet visor illuminated by oncoming headlights makes for a very poor view of the road. Please slow down to be safe.

[@erichoward6809]

I'd recommend the following tip for both night and day driving: when approaching an intersection, and a car's waiting to turn left in front of me or waiting to turn onto the road in my lane, I flash my brights several times to increase their chances of seeing me. Some might think this is a signal I'm giving to go ahead and pull out, that I'm waiting for them or something. But doing it in a random pattern (e.g. flash..flash........flash....flash flash) could help clarify the communication you're trying to convey. Thanks Kevin, another great video. Excellent content again that could save someone's life, like nearly all of your videos. I'm looking for LED lights I can put lower on my fork like you're talking about, to triangulate my lights (I have double lights as you mentioned here, so I need to do something quick).

[@maxthrottle305]

You are no doubt saving lives and preventing accidents with your excellent motorcycle instruction/safety videos. Thank you!

[@kyle-kelliher]

I just wanted to drop by and say thank you. My girlfriend is about to be a new rider and showing her your video's has helped her anxiety about it. She is at her MSF class at the moment I am writing this. I have been riding for 6 years on the street, and 12 years if you include my experience on dirtbikes. Even with my experience and over 100,000 miles under my belt I have gotten better just by watching you.

[@kenestrada7920]

Nice work I would just like to ask you to please discuss dangers of riding at sunset due to blinding glare. Personally if I ever find myself in that situation I will find a place to just hang out until the sun goes down.

[@Mladen_Hadzija]

I am so glad that your channel has 131k subscribers 'cause that number tells me the number of smart drivers all around the world. I am proud to be part of this tutorials. Everything is so simple when you are explaining it. So logic.

[@stanodle7818]

I appreciate all your suggestions. Great video. I want to mention one thing you had said in a previous video about making you on the bike more visible, to swerve a little in your lane with oncoming traffic. I try to remember and do this if I feel threatened at all. Thanks again!

[@The63chicky]

What I was going to say too. Seems to get people's attention well....as long as they're actually looking and not head down in their phone!!

[@pauldavison2116]

I swerve too, as well as turn on my high beams for 1 or 2 seconds when coming to intersections where I see a left hand turning car or a car on the right wanting to turn right into my lane.

[@charlesharrisiii6356]

Yes, I've been doing this for years. Ever since I heard Kevin do a training video. Works beautifully as I've seen several ppl begin to accelerate out in front of me but then smash the brakes, deciding not to turn in from of me. I always do a friendly wave as I drive by no matter what they do as a thankyou for not killing me lol

[@foolishcoyote.]

Learned something new today...2 years later....yet still...no one is ever a champion rider...so one should always endure to be the best rider they can be. Amen....thank you brother for sharing this valuable information. I didn't realize that a car/motorcycle double headlights could throw a person's perception off like that.

[@antondahl8945]

I've done loads of night riding. In many areas traffic greatly subsides at night. And it's cooler than the heat of day. But many animals such as deer are nocturnal,we must be vigil in watching for them. And many folks let their dogs out in the evening. I like the 2 driving lamps with also a headlight on my Honda 750 Aero. It gives great presence. And my 650 Suzuki Boulevard has a convenient high beam flasher separate button. Oddly one of the few extras on a very spartan motorcycle. I'm a huge fan of it's simplicity though. Done with the proper precautions,night riding can be outstanding. Thanks Kevin,a great subject.

[@josea5949]

Kevin, you always have good content and topics on your videos. Kudos to you sir. Thank you for all you do for the motorcycling community

[@allans7281]

Excellent video with Life-saving advice! I especially like the warning of dual head light motorcycles at night- You’re right that does look like a car at a further distance

[@LawrenceBroussard]

I really liked the motorcycle with dual headlights, but that example was a eye opener! Thanks.

[@jeroendaem]

Thanks Mcrider for the handy tips. I should add, though, that here in Northern Europe, not riding at 'night' is undoable in wintertime. Currently, daybreak is between 08.30 am and 09.00 am and dusk falls at around 04.30 pm. You basically go to work when it is still 'night' and come home 'at night'. For the rest: extremely interesting videos! I have already learnt a lot!

[@Ledfndr]

Similar to US states that follow daylight savings time, though we have about an hour more light to yours. In CA right now, sunrise is 7, with sunset at 5 My commute is in the dark too, I only see light at lunchtime.

[@jpc123ful]

Great video MC...that dual headlight info (roadglide) was really surprising. Man I am one of those that love riding my bike at night in the summer. One issue for me anyway is entering a freeway at night and have cars behind me. Its hard to judge the distance and speed of freeway traffic even looking back over my shoulder on a freeway on ramp. I been riding a long time and dont ride to much at night anymore. Thnx for the vid.

[@JPHOT100]

A big thank you from the U.K. I’ve just passed my Advanced Motorcycle Test here but had never thought about the illusion that twin headlights can create. My S1000XR is about to get a significant lighting upgrade...!

[@freedomcamper3440]

Hey Kevin, I’m in my early 20’s and have been riding since I was 8 years old. I’ve rode multiple motorcycles, Yamaha FZ6, Harley softail, And now a Roadglide. My wife and I are Active Duty in USAF and she is retraining into chaplain assistant. Just wanted to let you know it’s humbling watching your videos. Hope to meet you one day, maybe at one of your seminars. Thanks Brennen

[@gpapatgpapat2998]

I don’t make it regular practice to ride at night but the tips provided in this video are very helpful when you have to ride at night as safely as possible. Thanks!

[@1240enzo]

All sound advice Kevin and practices that I adopted right from the start. One obvious thing to improve your night vision is to change out the standard headlight on your bike to an improved headlight with brighter lumen capacity. Lights like the ones produced by Motodemic re their adaptive led headlight although expensive are a sound choice.

[@debo5227]

Also make sure you're not tired at night

[@rickiekm]

More animals are out at night too, especially deer.

[@stephensmith1034]

Richard Mette There ought to be a curfew.

[@garya3056]

Are they still gathering at the deer crossing signs?

[@trey631]

@@garya3056 I do not understand why DOT even make crossing areas for deer in the first place. Take down the signs, and the deer will stay out of the road and in the trees where the belong. :)

[@garya3056]

Tommy Reynolds now you’re talking!

[@christianpaul8889]

Possums are possibly the dumbest creatures on the planet - next to humans. Where I live they seem to love being road mines. Natural instinct is to try to dodge them, but I've tried to override that instinct. Sorry, possum - you lose.

[@moto_jojo]

Thank you Kevin once again for a wonderful video! I commute daily on my bike with a dual headlight. I have heard of this illusion before. But one thing I do that I don't recall being mentioned is to create movement. When I approach an intersection (day or night) I will often move my bike a little left and right to create movement. I believe you mentioned this in another video. However, I think it applies to night riding even more. The illusion can be broken a bit when those headlights tilt and move in ways a car never would. Thank you as always Kevin and to the MC Rider Community as a whole, you guys are great! Be safe and see you on the road.

[@worldofzap]

Wow MCRider, never saw that coming with the Road Glide. I am wondering now the statistics of Road Glide accidents and near misses. I know the Road Glide is very popular right now. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@kingfisherphil]

Great video Kevin and important points to remember, life saver for sure.

[@GearsGadgets]

I appreciate you sharing my video!! Check out my channel here: kzbin.info

[@MCrider]

Thanks for sharing Dan, I have a link to your channel in the description as well. Thanks for sharing your ride in order to help other riders out. Check out Dan's channel here: kzbin.info/door/qaFpZ-Po13iPDQiY3HkQYw

[@brianloebig4139]

Just signed up as a patron Kevin. Looking forward to the field guide. Keep up the GREAT work!

[@hollandbamboo764]

You’ve helped me tremendously. Thank you for being awesome 🙌

[@opticalecho119]

Nighttime cruises on the back roads are exactly the experience I’m looking for on bikes though

[@sergiurusu5316]

Thanks a lot, Kevin!!! you have taught me a tons of knowledge.

[@sonnyhipolito3479]

Thank you, Kevin. Learning a lot from your regular videos. Happy New Year and may God bless you and your family. 🙂😊

[@CLeggKillerBean321]

Very good lesson. I wouldn’t have thought of this. Thank you!

[@SilverFox-fq7xi]

Excellent topic, was waiting for this one. Night riding is on my list traveling up to the farm and family cabin this summer. I’ve done no night riding yet since I got my endorsement. Thanks again for another great video Kevin!👍🏻safe riding🙏🏻

[@traviswienke1604]

I own sleeved safety vests that I use at night, the bright colors and wide reflective stripes help a lot.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

I try to avoid riding at night and even avoid driving at night when I can. Seems that so many cars either have a headlight out, drive with their high beams or have glaring LED or HID lights that are blinding. There always more risk of impaired drivers at night too.

[@mrdojob]

Those fucking LED lights. I wish they were banned. Nissan are the worst culprit. To much light from to small a point means it's like looking into a camera flash.

[@200xcBruce]

Very good advice. I also added a Vizitec rear brake light modulator that can be programmed to do many things. I have mine flash upon applying the brake then goes solid. Just to get the car drivers attention.

[@alexlewis6497]

As always a great video and putting out options. The optical illusion brought home something I hadn't realized, thanks. I ride a Can-Am Spyder but your videos apply to all forms of motorcycle and I enjoy watching them and applying the lessons. I've added extra lights Front & Back, I may look like Christmas tree coming down the road but people see me (I hope). Notice 18 wheelers with all those extra LEDs they look pretty and we notice them. Thanks.

[@MrBiggles53]

I generally don’t ride at night on unfamiliar roads; so I try to wrap up,my travelling while there is still daylight. When I resumed riding after nearly 20 years , I usually drove over routes I planned to take to see the road conditions too. Most of the time, I’ll flicker my headlight/brights to warn drivers when I’m going to pass or approaching intersections with cars, or beep if the driver isn’t looking. Good tips as always.

[@NewYorkCityonTwoWheels]

I feature this video in my latest posts on motorcyclists who save lives. Thank you for all that you do.

[@BenhurAsir]

thank you for such an informative videos, would love to see one about riding older / vintage motorcycles safely .

[@danieldayton3064]

Thanks again, Kevin, for a valuable and informative video. With respect to front lighting, and adding driving lights, it is important to understand how human beings perceive distance, and the speed with which objects at a distance are approaching. Our brains interpret changes in the perceived size of objects that are approaching to judge the speed with which they are approaching. This is why the dual headlights that are close and parallel to one another can fool distant observers as to the distance and approach speed of those motorcycles. When the headlights are close to one another, they can be perceived as a single point of light, which makes judging changes in apparent size nearly impossible. Moreover, the parallel orientation of such lights presents only a one-dimensional object to perceive, again, making it more difficult to judge apparent changes in size. A better solution is driving lights that are NOT mounted parallel to the headlight, such as mounted to the crash bars, or mounted to the brake calipers. That sort of orientation presents a two-dimensional object to perceive, i.e., the "triangle" to which you referred. The changes in apparent size of a triangle or a quadrangle of lights is much easier to judge on an approaching object. On my Victory Cross Country Tour, I have LaserStar LED lights mounted to the crash bars, creating a triangle of light for motorists that I am approaching to see. On my Kawasaki Concours (which has the closely aligned parallel headlights), I have the same model of LaserStar driving lights mounted to the brake calipers, presenting a quadrangle of lights. Also important is to understand just how "invisible" the brake/tail light of most motorcycles can be. I have added additional brake/tail/turn signal lights to the rear of both motorcycles. Anecdotally, I have actually noticed how well those additional lights garner attention from motorists approaching from behind, not only at night, but also during the daytime hours. All of your other tips are equally well received, especially about driving sober. I always look forward to the Friday release of your videos, and deeply appreciate your efforts. Thanks!

[@nonaubiz8939]

As always, excellent advice, brother.

[@irishrider7324]

Awesome information Kevin!!!

[@roamingbeemer]

I have read about studies showing the benefits of the triangle of lights on the front. In addition to street strategies I consider a triangular pattern of lights essential ingredient to my survival on a motorcycle. I include those lights in the cost of the motorcycle.

[@jamesrudd8705]

As always, excellent analysis and advice.

[@all-yw2yr]

Factory headlights on most motorcycles gives you the basic lighting you need, a better brighter headlight will help, I added a strobe light right under my headlight along with a switch that turns it on when desire or needed, I ride with it on at night or when crossing an intersection. Thanks Kevin for the video, happy that rider is ok.

[@Brooklyn12340]

Kevin great video as always I realize that we are discussing 2 wheels I would have liked to hear no alcohol on 2,3 or 4 wheels. Thanks for your time great work!!

[@robertbrunston5406]

Good advice! Thanks Kivin.

[@bootstrapjesse]

Thanks Kevin. My son and I love to ride together at night. This video is a sobering reminder of the increased risks.

[@pedrofeliciano6211]

Great advice, Thank you

[@ridingwithjon3048]

solid stuff. I bought several yards of reflective strip fabric online, and I'm adding it to my backpack and my casual jacket to aid in visibility. You can modify your existing gear to be night-reflective.

[@ThePalmatron]

Another great video...Thanks!

[@darylvarkel7018]

Great info. Also very interested in the camera system.

[@damianarchibald7792]

I occasionally take my bike to work and I work 2nd shift. I never mess around at night. I drive the speed limit and never take my eyes off the road. I tend to drive 5 miles under the speed limit when I'm close to my farm because the area tends to be thick with deer. I recently got a heritage softtail and the hiawatha headlights will help a lot for visibility.

[@MegaNeilneil]

Cheers Kevin. Take care out there

[@djohnson3678]

the turn on light thing got me. . . i was in shock . so thats why the headlights on motorcycles always bounced. ok then . [ not part of what you was saying, but . . .. still true ] yup, that part is true, so is '' DEW POINT '' night falls and the ground is covered in a super light mess of dew drops , and also gives you hydroplaning abilities. awesome video !! 1000 thumbs up !!

[@yazark]

Thanks for the great content and videos. Greetings from Turkey.👍🤘

[@stevejohnson7354]

A big difference at night is I usually can't see if the folks around me are on cell phones. I look for tell tale signs in the day, but at night, hard to tell. Don't know if Kevin has done a show with stats on accidents involving cell phones and how to operate around them, but it may be a good topic.

[@carcucov]

I recommend the 3M refflecting tape. It is good and practical.

[@marinablueGS]

When I got my 2001 Heritage Softail in 2009, I was much concerned about being seen. I have gradually added visibility enhancement over the years, and now currently have all LED turn signals front and rear, sissy bar brake/tail light, strobe module for the brake/tail lights, and the mirrors have forward facing LED turn signals/running lights. Also added accent lighting. Doing what i can to get home.

[@susannejones7698]

Hi Kevin. I would add keeping good distance and offset positioning, to your list. It's easy to be lost among the lights of other traffic.

[@donmoore7785]

I bought an R1200RT, because I am tall and it was what fit my body. The OEM three-across lighting I value as a (n expensive) safety feature. The only time (so far!) someone didn't see me was in sun glare.

[@edgartovar2061]

I'm a new rider and the only riding I do is at night, I ride to work. Good thing I'm seeing this video and I'm learning

[@rogue_ron]

Great info - thanks

[@robh3563]

Unfortunately I work the graveyard shift( Mesa, az) so it's dark going to and leaving work. Replaced my turn signals with the halo led lights, which makes a big difference. As for alcohol, for me it was either or. Couldn't get rid of the bike so alcohol had to go. Great video as always

[@TomPenningtonGeorgia]

My favorite time is blue hour right into the dark. Just have to be safe. If you’re going slow, the lights actually help unless it’s pitch dark or foggy. I ride past deer all the time. It’s like dolphin sightings for me. Nice and slow no crashes.

[@rooster3019]

The biggie here in WV at night is the deer. Way more active at night whenever it is warm enough to ride.

[@HighAway]

i had to look up for this "Overriding Your Headlight At Night" phrase and now I understand what that mean.

[@Condemntheinfection]

I work the night shift so I am always riding at night and early morning. What also doesn't help my situation is I live in New Orleans. I love my city but everyone is drunk, I've seen some scary things. I bought reflective stickers (like what's on the back of 18 wheelers) and slapped that to the back of my helmet. I also have staggered red and blue reflectors holding my plate. I have 2 small circular run/stop/turn lights and one of them I installed a blue dot, it looks funky but it really grabs your attention being mismatched like that, the blue dot is directly infront of thr bulb and it's very bright especially when the other filament lights up. I know the blue dots are illegal but so far, no tickets and it really does make me feel more visible. Ride on and Thanks for your tips!

[@markwhatley9955]

Great information. The other thing to consider is that there are more impaired/drunk cage drivers out at night creating a hazard for even the most sober motorcycle riders.

[@sith1962]

Thanks for the info, I believe that it is hard for car drivers to judge the speed and distance of a approaching motorcycle single head light, so I ride a little slower at night.

[@WildBill33]

Something I have known for years, but became much more obvious when I moved to Las Vegas is “What is behind me, or what did I just drive past”? Driving past very bright store fronts or anything brighter has obscured me from oncoming traffic, in particular those making left hand turns in tourist laden traffic. This is not unique to Vegas, this is Anytown, USA.

[@budfans]

adding two fog lights on your engine guard helps tremendously i had a friend ride down the road coming to me then switch the lights on and off it gives you almost doubles your light output down the road makes you a look like a bigger object.. i always tilt my right one towards side of the road to put more light in the woods so i react faster if any critters try to run out in the road

[@brucesmith7858]

Kevin....you will probably roll your eyes but I ride about 80% of the time at night. Work nights and stay on that schedule on my days off. To add one of my bike is the Road Glide with the duel lights you showed. Now in my case I have put and added Custom Dynamics lights all around. As the service writer at the H-D shop that works on my bike says, “If they say they did not see you, then they need to be off the road”. But also being a safety director I am very aware of my surroundings when I ride.

[@russellhorn6372]

I ride with my fog, or driving lights all the time. I also added more taillights to the back as just the taillight from the factory wasn't that visible.

[@dgross2009]

I can't believe you made drinking and riding the number one reason. It was the first thing I thought of but didn't think you would go there. Thank you. I hate to sound like a fuddy duddy oldster but I'm getting tired of the drinking and riding culture out there which has been going on for years and claiming many of our compadres. For example, they call my sportster a "bar hopper" as well as a girly bike. Harley dealers regularly hold events during which alcohol is served knowing full well it will lead to many riding impaired. And finally there is a popular You Tube motovlogger who regularly bar hops on video.

[@1up5down]

For Alcohol, the effects might dissipate after those times you mentioned, but alcohol will be in your blood for up to 24h+. I do not ever drink the day before if I plan to drive, so I stopped drinking, best thing I did, though I never drank that much anyway but the smallest amount can be that factor that could of saved your life. Love the videos MC Rider!

[@chrisshaw2769]

I have black reflective tape in various places on my KLR, top box, and helmet. Invisible in daylight but lights up really well when lights hit it

[@PwnstarUK]

I have this too its stealth in daylight and lights up white at night. It's really good.

[@AlekreSD]

Good tip for overriding headlight and dual lights. Never thinked about that but its obvious.

[@ericleger8158]

Never THOUGHT about that!!!

[@TheBraveheart55]

Regarding the video with Dan. I think he could have had a better lane position. He was in the right lane and I think if he was in the left lane the driver making the left in front of him would have a better chance of seeing him. Great video!! Thanks!!

[@andremallia6396]

Once again great video Kevin! Some riders tend to think LED inlayed lighting and reflective material on their bike is just a decoration but indeed it's there to make you more visible and hence save your life. Well done Kevin!

[@hughmanatee7657]

I would add that it is much more difficult to spot road surface problems at night.

[@gwynnromano5881]

My biggest worry at night is deer.

[@professorlayabout4878]

gwynn romano and drunks

[@okieiam7236]

Yep. Deer Totaled my bike last summer. Animals are most active at dusk and dawn

[@oklahomahank2378]

Once it is actually dark they are not out as much.

[@wingman1936]

and on the note of deer... how many mailboxes have you slowed down for? especially the ones with orange reflectors on them lol

[@karllued]

Just a few days ago, I was turning from a 50 mph road into a parking lot. I have dual LED headlights. The wind had been blowing, and the corner had collected fine, loose dust. The only reason I know this is I went back in the daytime to see what I had hit. As I was turning, the front tire slid twice. I had to counter steer twice to avoid, "laying her down". After the second counter steer, I hadn't turned enough, and hit the curb with my front tire. This straightened the bike out, and I completed the turn upright. No bent rim, no damage with the exception of one $60 body panel that dragged on the pavement due to the excessive lean. I wasn't going that fast, but assuming the road is worse than expected at night when making a turn is the safest way to make a turn.

[@ralphf8951]

Agree with you all regarding deer. I've seen them fly out of the woods even in the day during rut.

[@afterburner2869]

I came within feet of hitting a huge tumbleweed blowing across the highway in New Mexico one night. Had it been daytime, I would have had no problem seeing it easily, but at night..........

[@garya3056]

Super message and well done, Kevin. While I may be annoying to other drivers, my high beams are on day and night. 🏍👍🏍

[@billbanche4605]

In california leaving high beams on is a moving violation. Ticketed. and I get flashed every time I fail to turn off the high beams in time on the K1600GTL, which btw has the LED driving lights which normally really help cars & trucks to see me. Although not sure today, day riding, driving lights and low beam on: a young guy in sporty car started turning from a blind driveway on my right, to make a left turn onto the road. He saw me in time, but it was too close for comfort, with me going 30mph in a 35 zone. Another Reminder that EVERY DRIVEWAY IS AN INTERSECTION! :) and even with driving lights, big bike, it still happens. I was alert, but I would NOT have been able to stop. In calif we don't have to stop for stop signs, just slow down, this guy hardly slowed down for the stop, but was quick to stop 2 feet from me. I very much appreciate Kevin. and all these remarks people leave, thank you all.

[@garya3056]

Bill Banche Thx for sharing. Glad you’re here to tell the story! Btw, is California still part of the US?

[@billbanche4605]

@@garya3056 some would say that's questionable. :) I say it's the best part of the US. :)

[@garya3056]

Bill Banche - enjoy. Wifey and I never miss Monterey car week and we live in Delaware.

[@johnnylightning1491]

I'd like to see that slow but don't stop in a law book. I'm pretty sure it doesn't exist.

[@FNGMOTO]

Another good option for helmet visors is the transition lens. Darkens during the day and gets lighter as the uv rays dissipate.

[@tomstapelkamp9878]

Are the statistics available for what percentage of the riders that were killed at night were impaired? We all should recognize the increased risk of riding at night but understanding how much more risk is added by being impaired in any fashion may help some riders rethink what they do. Keep up the good work, Kevin

[@patmurphy389]

kevin, i just wanted to point out this to you: Yesterday it was about dusk time, i was driving my school bus. There was a car w/a motorcycle in front of it, but i didn't see the motorcycle until it got closer to me. This was to my right as i was getting ready to pull into the center lane, going to the left, on a four lane highway. The reason i didn't see the motorcycle until it got closer was because on the right side of the car his headlight appeared to be part of the car headlight-it was an optical illusion, because of the positioning of the road, the position of the motorcycle & the position of the vehicle behind him. Weird huh?....anyway, as they got closer i did see the motorcycle & i was surprised because as cold as it is out right now, hardly anyone is riding their bikes. I made the comment, geez, i'm glad i saw him! Later this same biker had to stop on the right side of the road & was adjusting his backpack or something? He then hit full throttle & entered back into the roadway right in front of me(i guess i was in his blindspot?) he didn't use his blinker, but i realized what was going on & shifted into the left hand lane to avoid running into him. He saw what i did & gave me a thumbs up as he pulled in front of me as if to say thank you. I realized afterwards how that optical illusion probably is part of the cause of motorcycle accidents sometimes. At least, i think so. Let me know what you think?

[@bigvince1956]

Thank you very helpful..

[@RasputinReview]

just got a new bright orange high vis helmet, put some high vis tape on the side and back. also have a yellow high visibility vest with high vis tape which i wear at night. Going to get some LEDs light bars on the sides to make me glow on the road.

[@oldseer7610]

Oft times I find that a bike looks like the right or left headlight of a auto. The bike is hidden by the lights of the car behind and is closer then the car. The fortunate thing was, the rider was a good experienced braker which saved the day for him.