The Dangers of Riding a Motorcycle at Night

Spring and Summer are here, it means more motorcycle are on the road and many riding after dark. This week on MCrider let's talk about the extra things to be aware of riding a motorcycle at night and some tips to make your next night ride safer.
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[@jefferythomas4414]

Hi Brandon, my son, my son. If you see this you took my advice and watched this video and subbed to MC Rider!!! Love, Dad.....

[@cameronhicks5225]

Great advice Dad! If my Dad rode he would be suggesting this channel and this video also haha!

[@MCrider]

Where are you at Brandon? Dad is looking for you on here. ;)

[@liammorris6354]

I took inventory of my ride timing last evening. I was aware that my next right turn would be putting me right into the bright setting sun. I chose instead to pull over to a train station for 10 minutes. It made all the difference. I wasn’t fighting my vision against the sun, and I prevented myself from being lost in a trailing drivers sun-blinded vision either.

[@lawrenceharrison7607]

Awesome comment that points out what most of us take for granted. It is wise to know that even if we can see other drivers, they may not be able to see us, don't assume they can. In the early morning before the sun comes up, dew that wont evaporate easily on windshields blocks driver vision considerably, so watch out at these times as well.

[@fredorico41]

Just waiting 10mins can save your life, I live in Australia 🇦🇺, you have to be careful of Kangaroos on out of town and Country roads.

[@dabike]

Who knew the pirate patch had such a purpose? Not only a wealth of motorcycle knowledge but also pirate trivia!

[@MCrider]

MCpiratetrivia.com It looks like that domain is available. ;)

[@silvershadow013]

@@MCrider Aargh!!! ☠

[@BeingHumanInSouthAfrica]

The other thing worthwhile doing is driving behind a car (not too close; and if you're in South Africa then you don't want the car to think you're following it) and allowing the car's headlights to light up the road for you. - Obviously this needs a car. I've found that even if I'm riding 10 or 20 km/h less than the speed limit, it's ok. I get home and I get to see ahead.

[@davolbc]

I find the fault with that would be intersections. This is because the person you had about ready to make a left across your lanes sees only the car and thinks it's clear after that. So after the car ahead of you passes the intersection the oncoming car making the left hand turn might turn directly into you. I always want to make sure all cars see me so I may lean or swerve as to alert the occupant of the vehicle that is going to turn that I am not a street light. I also use my headlight flashers.

[@davehamilton8034]

Here in Pa. we deal with what I call the "3 D's" at night. Deers, drunks, and dumb asses. Now granted, we can encounter all three in the daytime. But at night, it's WAY more likely. I really try to not ride at night, but it happens from time to time. Extra caution is definitely called for. Youda best, Kevin!!😎

[@jguilletjr]

You mentioned Dead Animals on the road. One thing I would like to add. Day or night the animal may only be injured, and not dead. It may move as you approach it so be aware. This may sound far fetched but just keep it in mind.

[@garethdv]

I work night shifts in a hospital and ride all the time at night. That clip in the beginning is a common occurrence to me specially being in a country where nobody follows the traffic rules police included.

[@premswarooppaul1109]

The same issues in my country as well. Ride safe and defensive. Best wishes

[@ironhorserider1066]

Keep on paying attention.these lessons are a great tool.saved my life a bunch

[@chadmartin6334]

Geez seeing that opening makes me wonder sometimes why I ride a motorcycle. So many people have their heads up their you know what

[@WhackBytch256]

Escape routes aren't only for at stops. Always know where yours is.

[@30pvfd]

Will not ride at night too many idiots and drunks I don’t drink but makes me wonder all the bike nights and riders drinking makes no since bikes and booze don’t mix

[@fernandolacerda3f]

I ride since my teens, now in my late 30s with 10+ years of experience I still avoid travel at night... Motorcycles are my main way of transportation, even when traveling, unless I have my whole family with me, but due to my tight agenda most family trips are made by my wife, she drives everybody wherever they want and I catch up with them later in my motorcycle, but sometimes the destination is too far away from where I'm working, so I have to ride at night, you said everything right, I'd add two more things, insects... Most places have bug problems, when your visor gets hit by bugs a lot it tends to obstruct your vision, and if you have rain then it's a lot harder, so take a bottle of water or alcohol with clean sheets for cleaning from time to time... two, light yellow glasses, I bought as a night drive, them helps to clear a little bit of the distortion from the others vehicles headlights, including the distortion that the pinlock visor make, and in a motorcycle at night any help is needed and greatly appreciated... Overall keep your following distance, don't override your headlights and stop from time to time to rest and you'll be fine...

[@drtomintucson]

I ran out of daylight on a ride with my gf on the back. It had recently rained so the roads were damp. We rode into a construction zone with little to no street lighting. The combination of the construction lane markers and the wet fresh asphalt made the road literally disappear. That was a bit intense. Having worked on road construction projects I am aware of the mayhem that can happen, with misplaced markers and unmarked materials. I would advise to slow way the heck down in construction zones. Especially at night.

[@AmerSheikh]

I hate riding at night and unless I really have to I will avoid it in all circumstances. Excellent video and great tips!

[@ozpilotgirl]

Same here. I'd rather ride in the rain during the day than ride at night!

[@terrydebord7878]

I have been riding for about 50 years and agree with you 100 percent.

[@volunteerpatriot2143]

I try not to ride at night. Sometimes it's necessity. But, when I am traveling it's time to find a room when the sun goes down.

[@dtalmood]

It definitely depends, for me, I am pretty fortunate. 2am on a week day in my town the streets are completely dead.

[@BeaverDaveECV]

I avoid riding at night except on very rare occasions. I mainly ride to sight see and use my Harley for relaxation. You brought up some good points.

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

Yup, I've learned all these tips over time. But, its not just for moto riding, it's the same operating any vehicle at night.

[@gerrydunne8768]

i am not a lover of night deriving and the older i get the more i dislike it

[@aedrake1977]

The only pro about night riding is minimal traffic. I will be using the one trick mentioned here. Thanks kevin

[@dalevoigt8612]

On curvie roads you can see vehicles coming by their lights lightening up the road edges. Before they go around the corner.

[@sidneyabernathy854]

I was surprised by the fact that after you pass an oncoming car on a two lane road you have a moment where you cannot see.

[@MCrider]

It is even worse for me since I am blind in one eye...I can't even use the close one eye trick. ;)

[@sidneyabernathy854]

Yes that does suck. I appreciate the idea on closing one eye. I will try that!!

[@TheScrumdown]

@@MCrider You could use the close one eye trick. Just not sure how well it turn out. 😉

[@MCrider]

@@TheScrumdown I can tell you how it would work out...not good. ;)

[@WhackBytch256]

Never look directly at the oncoming lights.

[@davidklementis5913]

One piece of advice I got from a truck driver is about night in the country, especially during rainy weather. If there are above ground power lines and you are coming to a sharp turn you can see the light reflection off them from cars coming from the other direction before you see them get to the curve. Just a nice tidbit of info for what it's worth.

[@josephcarni7349]

I used to ride at night way back in the 70s. Took a break from riding and started again about 5 years ago and haven't rode at night in those 5 years.

[@marinablueGS]

Learned something new today....didn't know about the pirate eye patch.

[@MCrider]

...and now you do. ;) and you thought this was just a motorcycle channel.

[@JackTRyan]

@@MCrider The eye patch story is an interesting story but I really doubt it is anything more than that. I'd bet it's just an anecdote.

[@eddcurry1245]

I avoid riding at night due to all the deer and small animals out in central Texas at night

[@TheP47thunderbolt]

My night ride story. My 15 year old daughter and I were attempting to cross the country from GA to CA but by the time we hit NM she was starting to get homesick so we turned north and rode into Denver. We rode for a good long day and a little after sundown we found a hotel for the night. The next morning we set out again with two days to go, but at dinner she asked if I thought we could keep going and make it home without stopping. I told her I didn’t like the idea much and explained that the risks go up at night, but if she wanted too I would do it. She was so happy and said she wanted to just get home. We had already come about 700 miles and I failed to think about my physical and mental capacity to stay alert and focused. I was about to ride tired with precious cargo. Well it was about 3:00am and I made a foolish decision to tuck in behind a still air pocket behind a semi running 70mph into Chattanooga when a deer carcass rolled out from under it. As things slowed down to slow motion I remembered your video about what to do when an obstacle was in the road. Serve around it if it’s too big to eat. Well too bad, I had failed to give myself any reaction time as I wasn’t more than a second behind the truck. We had a speed bump to clear and we went over that deer. We did not crash, we made it home on the bike which had busted fork seals, broken shocks, and electrical issues for the next two years. Thanks for putting out these videos even though we don’t always make the best decisions.

[@JeffMartinez648]

Who could dislike this video? My goodness people!!! If this isn’t one of the best content channels on KZbin I don’t know what is!

[@peterk671]

Because of my work, I often have to travel during the night. I always look at the curb line when driving or riding, it keeps your night vision

[@TechItOut]

That is probably the greatest video of excellent defensive driving I have ever seen.

[@MCrider]

He did great didn't he.

[@ironhorserider1066]

The mirror tap his mitten I was told..heheheh

[@krystalgooding9281]

@@MCrider Yes great video. I would love to see some tips for riding when blinded by the sun

[@her4himva]

My father who was a biker who was born in 1935 and a even a grand father who was a LA County Police Officer in the 1930 who also happened to be a Motorcycle Cop. The one trick was early in my and my brothers training as we took to the road even while car driving. Today at 60 yrs old I drive both a two wheel and three wheel bike, and just so happen to do 90 % of my riding in the dark. Thanks for all the great videos that I have been getting my wife to read NOW that she rides her own three wheel

[@PetrolJunkie]

Be aware that drivers misjudge how far they need to travel to clear a motorcycle when passing them at night as well. A van pulling a trailer ran a friend off the road resulting in a fatal accident because the driver misjudged how far back he was, in broad daylight. At night, with only one light to make that call, don't take any chances. Roll-off the throttle and let them go by, give them plenty of room.

[@daveharris7734]

Due to eye sugary on one and the lack of on the other , my MC riding day are numbered. Never did like riding at night.

[@lwsrider]

What you said about the patch is absolutely true. It was "confirmed" on the tv series "Mythbusters."

[@MCrider]

If they said it, it has to be true. ;)

[@helloitsdawn]

@@MCrider I was wait for exactly that kind of a response...🤣

[@4loyal]

I have ridden at night while on long distance road trips, but riding at night is not my preferred riding condition! While riding at night I’ve found it quite challenging to maintain good visibility with oncoming traffic due to the blinding effect of headlights, so I look away from headlights momentarily, then back to the road; that seems to work well for me. I spent 26 years in the navy where I was constantly transitioning from dark compartments to the flight deck or vice versa and had to pause for a few seconds before proceeding; that pause allowed my eyes to adjust to the changing lighting condition!

[@jasoneager9323]

Upgrading my headlight to a good LED headlight has been one of the best mods I've done. It greatly increased my vision.

[@wendallgray8970]

I actually enjoy riding at night. You bring up some excellent points Kevin. But here’s my take on it. There isn’t as much traffic at night, you can be seen better at night because of your headlights. I added two more that I angle about 15 degrees outward to p/u the ditch and left lane. I also switch over to my hi-vis jacket. I reduce my speed considerably at night as I’m in no hurry because I’m not going anywhere in particular. I will sometimes leave home at 9 pm and get home around 1am. My wife tracks my phone so it cuts down on her worries. One more tip I can give you from my experience, I have never seen a Deer on a clear night. Clouds in the sky - you see them everywhere

[@wildberj]

When the approaching lights are bright look at the white stripe on the edge of the pavement. Put frog lights on, LED 50 watts, so the frogs can see ya. Put a module that turns the blinker lights on, and they'll blink when you put the turn signal on. Put reflective valve caps, makes the wheels light up. Thank you LT, to answer your question, E all of the above.

[@davolbc]

Thanks for the video. Commenting especially on this topic because I like to ride at night. I live in the big city and I ride both day and night. People are in such a hurry during the day it's almost as bad as if they've been drinking because they really just don't care so I found that to be very dangerous where I live. It's not a fact of when it's going to happen it's that it just happens almost every single time I ride. Some Yahoo makes a right turn or a left turn directly in front of me they don't obey stop signs or other rights of way. So I switched to Riding more at night time. About 25% of the vehicles are left on the road so it's a lot more open and I can anticipate what others are doing or about to do. I don't know their intentions so I am on guard at intersections or crossroads. I have an installed very bright LED headlight and a flasher tail light. I find it to be much more tranquil and relaxing to ride at night even though I'm still on guard it doesn't spoil my ride most of the time. I do get those times where you say where's the cop when you need one because of what that jerk just did and almost took my life or seriously jeopardized my health. Anyway that's my take on things again thank you for the video it was insightful.

[@hakkiorun]

That is why I am asking to my friends to install additional lights on their motorcycle back and front to give a little bit of volume on third dimension. Like BMW GSA are coming with auxiliary lights on the front and I install two more at the rear of my bike especially on the saddle boxes. Single headlight is not giving the other drivers enough volume about the size of a motorcycle. Those lights are live savers.

[@stoney3398]

As a few have mentioned, auxiliary lighting can be the most important thing you can add to your bike. I would like to go one step further and add that the quality of the lights make a huge difference. This isn’t the time to be cheap; get the good stuff if you can at all afford to. The same goes for replacement headlight bulbs. I did a ton of searching online and reading reviews, and ended up with a pair if LED bulbs to replace my halogen ones, and the road is now well lit, without blinding oncoming traffic.

[@hangnwithdosei3266]

An important thing to remember regarding closing one eye... When you close one eye, your ability to judge distance (i.e., depth perception) suffers greatly...objects may well be closer than they "appear".

[@davolbc]

I do not believe he's talking about closing an eye as soon as you see headlights coming your way. Close one eye when the headlights are at their brightest which at speed should only be around 1to 2 seconds. This should not affect your depth reception but if you leave them open it could cause 3 to 5 minutes of diminished vision.

[@ironhorserider1066]

I wonder if the guy on the bike closed both eyes at that moment where it looked like there’s not going to be enough space. 😜

[@earlaker]

Followong tge "one eye closed" rule, the guy on the bike in the opening video would have had one eye closed (losing depth perception) at exactly the wrong time and would have been killed. I prefer looking for the solid white line on the right side of the road, which directs my eyes away from the oncoming car's headlights.

[@lawrenceharrison7607]

@@earlaker Good plan, that is what I do as well. Looking to the right so that the bright light is in the peripheral vision saves my night vision for when the other driver passes. Those HID projector lights are really annoying.

[@earlaker]

@@lawrenceharrison7607 While doing this, I just have to remember to just use my eyes and not turn my head. Keep your head pointed in the direction you want to go! I'm not an expert, by any means, but if I turn my head in any direction, my bike will follow and I'd soon be riding off the side of the road! DISCLAIMER HERE: I don't mean to instruct anyone else...Kevin is the expert here. But that white line is what I try to find when an oncoming vehicle is blinding me and I do it with my eyes only, while my head is turned into the direction I want to go.

[@grantbradley5084]

I make a concerted effort to be at my destination and off my motorcycle prior to sunset. Even with the illumination of my Led driving lights on my RT, it’s very rare that I will be riding at night. Great video once again👍

[@aweba25]

I have experienced all of these things riding at night. I have even discovered while riding on the highway at night that people will intentionally speed up behind me and turn on their brights. I can be on the highway doing 75-80mph. The speed limit will be 65, and I will still have cars racing up behind me constantly flashing their brights.

[@aweba25]

@Diesel S. I live in Atlanta and it is usually a 3-4 lane highway. I ride a Yamaha Vmax. So it's not like I have a slow motorcycle and I'm in the way. Most of the time I'm riding around 90 mph. They just do it on purpose here in Atlanta. Usually when I'm being chased in traffic it's a toyota carolla or something like that.

[@timothydavidson1398]

Oh the Irony. I just wrecked my 09 Heritage last night. Then I wake up this morning to this video lol. Be safe Kevin and thank you for your hard work in these videos to help us all. Stay safe Kevin shiny side up man!

[@almulakimaalimalriadiat9068]

I am glad you are safe... assuming you are safe since you are on youtube.

[@MCrider]

Sorry to hear that, hopefully no major injuries.

[@timothydavidson1398]

Just some road rash. And bruising. I am okay. Bike is probably totaled but I'm alive and well with all limbs in tacked. Thank you.

[@timothydavidson1398]

Keviyif you ever find your self in Lubbock reach out and we shall go ride.

[@c130yooperdog8]

Last cross country ride of the season last year riding down the interstate with my brothers, pitch black out, came around a curve, at least thee dead deer strewn across across the lanes. Star burst pattern, every man for himself. Quarter mile down the road, pulled over checking the bikes and cleaning our shorts. Good thing we were spread out and going slower.

[@MCrider]

Wow, amazing that no one went down.

[@GaiaMiranda]

I have a modular helmet with venting in the mouth and in two places above the head. It can be either open or closed. It also has the drop down inside visor. It also has the PackTalk Bold sound system installed with JBL speakers and the phone system makes calls so clear the motorcycle can't be heard in the call if visor is down.

[@veiledallegory]

If you’re going to ride at night you have to have auxiliary lights! Otherwise cars will not see you or will misjudge you location. It’s not foolproof but it beats factory lights.

[@williamwintemberg]

On the video in the beginning. You can almost bet the driver in the car making the pass was impaired. I have had this happen during the day. Day or night impairment is key. Drugs, alcohol, poor vision or state of mind.

[@jayfletcher9394]

My single scariest ride was getting a late start headed home because of a flat I had to get fixed. My route had me riding down dark mountain canyons on a Harley Street Bob, with its single small headlight! It felt like being in a cave with a dim flashlight!! I used several of the techniques Kevin talked about; driving at a much reduced speed, using other vehicles headlights to see as far ahead as possible, using those same vehicles like a running back uses linemen as blockers, etc. I found even riding behind those vehicles caused me to ride faster than I was comfortable. I would slow back down, ride slower, and wait for the next vehicle coming up behind me to catch up and pass me (And tried to not get run over in the process!). Out west, we have big critters that like to wander out onto the road; Mule deer, Elk, Moose even a (think as large or larger than cows!! (we have cows and sheep too!!)), even an occasional Black Bear. The wild critters are well camouflaged and headlights do not reflect well off their coats. Often, they can't be seen because of foliage on the side of the road, and they like to make surprise appearances! (A friend of mine was killed on his Harley hitting a Mule deer.) One other factor Kevin didn't mention was one of spacial disorientation.. It becomes difficult to maintain proper riding attitude (rubber side down) when you are trying to see dark pavement, with no ambient light; no moon, no stars, Even balance becomes an issue!!! It becomes hard to tell which way is up.. Tracking center lines and roadside fog lines to see which way the road was turning is certainly not conducive to keeping your head and eyes up watching for hazards ahead. This was not a short jaunt, close to 70 miles down Daniel's and Provo Canyons in Utah. Sold the Street Bob and got a Road King with upgraded triple headlights, just in case. Like Kevin, I don't enjoy riding at night! I am grateful that stupid isn't always fatal, but dumb luck will not always be your friend!

[@rd0054]

Hello Kevin, as always very informative video. One of the issues I came across riding after dark was not being seen with vehicles behind me. The reason was that on coming traffic saw all the headlights, but mine blended in with the following cars. I've had people cut me off when turning out from a side street that said when we got to the next light that they were sorry because the never saw me in all the lights. I knew this was the case so wasn't angry. I just learned to really be aware.

[@jimbarton4150]

I don’t ride much at night. Interestingly, I was out last night coming back from a meeting, riding in a group of 6 bikes. One thing I noticed was that I had to shift my eyes more than in the daytime to avoid becoming fixated on the taillights of the bike in front of me.

[@GaryHorn]

I avoid riding at night also. My bike is smaller and not as lit up as others, my night vision is declining, there are too many deer coming out at night in this metro area, and too many drivers who drink and still look at their phones.

[@minnybiker4505]

I absolutely love riding at night. I know it's riskier, and I don't love that... I have extra lights on the front of my bike for country riding (can't have them on in traffic, they're really bright). I have stopped when I was feeling like the animal activity was higher than I was comfortable with... But the reality is, you're absolutely right... I should minimize my nocturnal navigating... But I love being the only one on the road...

[@feliperodea8316]

Night riding is the best part of riding a motorcycle and most memorable...

[@keystonedaytrip238]

I love riding at night ! I actually prefer it

[@johnnylightning1491]

And now we know why the government needs to get rid of the too bright headlight on new vehicles, it absolutely ruins the night vision of the oncoming drivers/riders. The same goes for the too bright traffic lights, too reflective road signs and especially the lights on emergency vehicles. This is an issue I don't think has had nearly enough attention from the safety regulator. Brighter is not necessarily safer!

[@roguecheddar]

I used to like to ride at night, I found it to be a very Zen experience. One night I thought I saw something crossing the road up ahead of me, but then couldn't see anything until I was right on top of it. It was a huge porcupine right smack dab in my lane taking his sweet time meandering across the road. He was practically invisible, my headlights didn't light him up at all. Luckily I was already slowing down and was able to avoid him. Now I avoid riding at night as much as possible. I'll leave the darkness for the night creatures.

[@scottthornton9237]

On occasion, i ride in the dark of pre-dawn. Work starts at 0530, 45 to 60 minutes away. I ride a HD Ultra with passing lamps always on and Custom Dynamics LED turn signals. I keep all my lights properly adjusted, to prevent blinding oncoming traffic. Roughly 1/2 of my ride is on a dark winding two lane. I really like how well the lamp triangle is set up on my bike. There is no question "is that a bike or a car?" For the very reasons you stated in the video, i don't understand why the manufacturer's place headlamps side by side on some models. I have noticed that many motorcyclist run with the high beam on at night. With some crazy idea that it helps cars see them! NO it does NOT! It just blinds the cagers and increases their agressions with motorcycles. Ride with courtesy towards others, or expect NONE in return. Does a car or truck blinding you, help you see them? Ot does it make you just want to throw something at their windshield? Think! If commuting on a M/C, there is a 90% chance that you will be crossing paths with the same car / truck, whatever again tomorrow at the same time, same place.

[@mikedanaher3413]

Lol. Every time the Pirates got their pictures taken. That’s some good old dry southern humor if I ever heard any. Great video. Thanks for the information and the laugh. 😂👍 I avoid riding at night if at all possible. Sometimes I get caught. I’m in Central New York and the biggest hazard here at night is deer. Tangled with one once. I was very lucky that I survived it. My bike is lit up like a Christmas tree now. However I still avoid night rides.

[@radricster]

After that opening video, I 'm thinking accessory lights might be a valuable addition to my ride.

[@MCrider]

More light rarely hurts.

[@robertradke8026]

Never, unless I have to.

[@TheConSept]

One thing I noticed in the video; lane positioning is different than mine. Every time I come up to cars on the road at night on a two laner, I move to the farthest right of the lane. That way if an impatient driver wants to pass someone they see me as well. Being on the farthest right part of the lane puts those headlights in an akward or interesting position that people will pay attention to.

[@farshidchinwalla3718]

Another thing about riding at night is off getting mugged and getting yourself also injured... That's my main worry whilst going through lonely roads without lights... Have been extra Cautious and luckily not got into trouble...but not something I'm comfortable doing unless absolutely necessary....

[@MrBiggles53]

I just returned from Night ride grocery run. Took the highway at dusk in; but country roaded it homeNeed to upgrade my headlight ; but unless the road is straight, well lit and/or familiar, I rarely exceed 45 MPH. I usually close my left on for oncoming headlights, slow down a little and check the road edge and curve in case the car neglects to turn off its high beams. Usually, it’s calm, peaceful and fairly deserted. definitely avoid unfamiliar roads at night when possible, slow down, increase following distance and keep eyes out for deer and critters. Also be aware that heightened awareness uses up more nervous energy and prepare for fatigue and take longer pit stop breaks to recover.

[@born2bwildne744]

Great video!!

[@ronniedleo3907]

Awesome video sir

[@richardcampbell5762]

I try to avoid riding at night. Crazy drivers at night. I think that's what scares me. I live here in New Mexico. The only time I really ride at night is if I'm riding with a few other friends. Thanks for sharing brother! Stay safe and stay blessed, Knees in the breeze! 👍🇺🇲🇺🇲🤙✌

[@nbt3663]

As always some great stuff learned! Thanks Kevin!

[@ArtD2368]

Great advice

[@sabrinapittsley2304]

I don’t ride at night anymore. I know I can’t see as well as when I was younger. I don’t drive at night either.

[@streetglider2357]

Great advice kind sir

[@kakudmi]

Thank you, this was very educational.

[@NormanWrightJr]

You always have good information for us. Thank you.

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Kevin. In addition to extra lights on the front, you can always add more in the back. There are numerous after market lighting companies that specialize in motorcycle lighting for all types of bikes.

[@smckinney3mckinney141]

Yes i've added a License plate frame From Speed metal , that has 4wht lights for the plate, a strip of 6 red led bars above and below the plate as running lights, then it has an amber light on ech corner for turn signals.. works very well.+ i wear a G- Max Hybrid Helmet w/ a Flashing light in Helmet.[ PRT# GM54S]

[@Edsdrafts]

For those who own black or dark colour bike there are actually black reflective strips that you can get. Looks black in sunlight but lights up in the dark. I wear white helmet that also can get white strips that do the same during the day and night. Look up 3M diamond reflective I believe. Highly recommend.

[@dphilipson]

Thanks MCRider you keep me safe on the roads for this newbie! God bless!

[@Tryke_Ryder]

My vehicle broke down on a dark road, and I pulled as far to the right as I could (deep ditch, no shoulder) and a guy riding a sportster was riding fast, looking at the spot in the road his headlight illuminated. He didn’t even apply brakes until his headlight beam touched my vehicle. The impact was at about 35-40 mph. Did minor damage to my car, but his sporty was toast. (Alcohol may have been involved) Classic example of overriding your headlights.

[@raybligh9896]

Another great video! Thanks Kevin!

[@MCrider]

My pleasure!

[@martyportersr7008]

Kevin I feel the same about night riding as you do. Since I started riding again which has been 5 years, I told myself I was going to stay away from night riding. Thanks for all the great information and your channel. God Bless 🙏

[@bjorosenberg]

G’day Kevin. Never thought about the one eye thing but that’s just another smart sensible tip. Thank you!

[@prestonallyn2502]

Thanks, great tips. Love how the 2020 Goldwing lights really light up the road at night.

[@gregoriousgilbert519]

Nite driving glasses makes a big difference,, thanks Kev great vid again

[@mikesykes173]

Great advice Kevin...Thanks

[@MCrider]

You are very welcome

[@timothyarmesy990]

It looks like I’m way in the minority for this subject. Yes, I ride at night, by choice. Yes, I observe all the tips you mentioned, and more. Night riding , is like night flying, a wonderful and relaxing way to unwind. I am FREE. After about nine in the evening there is way less traffic, a cooler environment , and awesome spectacles await. Perhaps we forget, life is not without danger. To my knowledge no person born to this earth has ever gotten out, alive. Not to be negative, I would prefer a format that encourages riders to try new venues, learn and practice new skills, and combine genres. Two wheeling and camping seem to garner some attention here on U Tube. My Daddy always said “If you go looking for trouble, you will find it.” During my time in the saddle, I’ve done some pretty sketchy-stupid stuff. But the only times, (twice), I ‘ve come to harm has been because I let my active concentration leave the road. What most people perceive as danger, is actually a simple lack of knowledge and experience. Training, experience, common sense, mentors, and friends equals the absolute best life has to offer. Thanks! Great content! Watch those Texas deer feeding along the edge of the road after midnight!!!! Especially watch those Florida Hogs running in packs across the roads near the ‘Caine fields.

[@jeffwhitcomb606]

Thanks, Kevin. Much appreciated.

[@MCrider]

Very welcome

[@rusnsc7622]

Don’t ride much at night...like you only if necessary. If I do, I stay on main roads as much as possible and avoid the backroads I would typically gravitate to during day light. As we age it seems night vision becomes less effective, yet another reason not too. Keep up the good work Kevin. Thanks🙏👍

[@danieldurr2090]

I ride in the dark on a highway almost every morning when i go to work. Sometimes when I go home too. Have been for over 35 years. BE AWARE as always. I do like the close one eye tip. I have used it in many other occasions but never thought to use it on a bike. Don't allow fear to stop you from doing something you enjoy. Use the proper cautions though. BE AWARE.

[@YahyaMowiena]

The intro video gave me a heart ache. Thanks Kevin for the one shut eye tip. Brilliant one.

[@tomtemin5946]

I commute in the mornings in the dark. Only 12 miles but early morning commuter cars tend to be frantic. I avoid the highway and stick to the same route every day to minimize surprises. I know every little light and reflector along the way so an animal eyeball stands out. Harley LED plus aux sidelights are excellent for lighting the woods on either side.

[@barryblack5562]

Great work kevin 👍

[@MCrider]

Thanks 👍

[@derricklafure7671]

Awesome video, Thank you for your service. I'm a Army guy myself retired in 2012

[@ksneia]

Intro was usual things for me, l have it at day and night, bike, car, bus, in straight and corner. I hate riding at night, mostly on weekend, more traffic than weekdays. Long time ago, someone told me to close one eye, when facing those high beam, and it works. but now l have helmet with Internal smoke visor, l put it quarter way out, so l only need tilt my head down to shield my eyes when pasing those high beam. I'm sure reflective stickers on my front helmet shine bright.

[@MCrider]

But then you are riding at night with bugs and no eye protection.

[@ksneia]

@@MCrider the helmet has 2 visors, the outside visor is clear which l close, so no bugs come inside.

[@Peter-eu7wp]

All very sound advice Kevin, as usual.

[@MCrider]

I appreciate that!

[@rileylabski]

Hey McRider, didn't know you were a veteran in all the time I've been watching your kick ass videos. Been a subscriber for a while now, great video here on night riding, and also I got some good memories of lumm missions our mortar section shot for us during long nights of training in the infantry. I used to smoke the shit out of targets with my 240B under illumination like that. Really gave me a smile man, so thanks. Thanks for your service.

[@Domitianvs]

I found myself in a situation where I was riding at night on my first bike (a 1997 Suzuki GS500E, no ABS, no traction control, no nothing, just old school) at night in heavy rainfall. I made it home safe and sound somehow. That was the last time I put myself in that situation. Once I got home, I was basically frozen solid, and I'd spent about four hours on the highway with death grip on the bars at all times, so I was exhausted, both physically and mentally. It was a very good lesson to learn, but it could also have been my last one. Now i know better!

[@dalevoigt8612]

Bar death grips are not recommended in low traction environments. It does not allow for you bike to self correct as well..

[@bootz0409]

An excellent vid with superb tips, especially about the close-1-eye trick. I ride at night due to late finishes at work and I can attest to the pinlock visor distortion especially given many vehicles have LED lights today. They are a motorcyclists biggest hazard at night because they really do play havoc with vision. So I'll give them the single-eye treatment from here on in. Thanks Kev!!

[@MrkBO8]

I have auxiliary lights, they turn night into day and are a significant improvement to the standard headlight. Irrespective, oncoming traffic is always blinding because of the glare on the visor, scratches make it worse and its better not to use the bike at night because of this.

[@kyle2109]

For me the absolute worst oncoming obstacle for me, whether I’m riding or caging, is a vehicle with an aftermarket LED light bar.

[@MrDnoland]

WOW David did some great riding and saved his life WOW!!!!!

[@STho205]

I'm looking forward to a photogray visor with built in doublepane for my next helmet. I've been waiting 45 years for those to become a thing... Wondering why nobody put them in a standard bucket decades ago. I keep a helmet 5 years, so I have a year more to go.

[@TravisTerrell]

I got myself a cheap pair of polarized amber clip-ons. A little nerdy, but I am AMAZED how well it kills glare from incoming headlights. (I avoid night riding in general though. Safety aside, just not as much fun.)

[@yankeetango]

Just came back from a grad party here in PA. Stayed later than planned and it was past dark. Had about a 20 minute ride home on the highway but it was all backed up with road construction so had to take the 40 minute backway through dark, windy, wooded roads. Not something I enjoyed doing...can't see road hazards, critters big and small about, blinding glare from oncoming vehicles, big bugs to the face shield!

[@johnbyrne5322]

One of the major problems, especially in Australia, is wildlife. Riding recently before sunrise , riding at 50 to 60 kph ( 30 - 35 mph ) on a B road, is traffic not understanding why you are riding slow, they soon realised when they overtook and then hit the brakes hard as two kangaroos came in front of their car. I agree, I don't like riding at night , but it is one of the skills you need to learn and understand. My rule now is no busy highways before or one hour after sunrise.