Riding in the dark

[Speedy]

+1 to everything thats already been said.

Ride at your own pace.
Dominate the road.
Be visable.

But. And it's a BIG but, if you aren't feeling too confident/happy about doing that distance in the dark and you don't have to take your bike, then don't.

Being a Mum is an important thing, in my opinion, motorcycling comes a definite 2nd place in priority when you have children.

If you decide not to go, just go out early one evening, until it starts getting dark, ride until you're no-longer comfortable doing so depending on light levels and maybe build it up! You confidence will grow with it!!

Be safe!

Try riding at night through pitch black country back roads that are windy and fun, with only the headlight of a CG125 to guide the way, now that's scary. You'll be fine!

[Bibio]

learn to 'fast blink' doing this will get you eyes accustomed to the dark quicker, its very good after a 'glare' from on coming lights.

as said above clean headlights, slower pace, and make yourself noticeable. apart from that there is nothing to worry about and is actually quite enjoyable as there is less traffic on the roads.

[ophic]

Originally Posted by matt_rehm_hext

Try riding at night through pitch black country back roads that are windy and fun, with only the headlight of a CG125 to guide the way, now that's scary. You'll be fine!

Rubbish that's a proper headlight
The 6V electrics on my AR50... now that was a different story

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

I like riding at night, theres a kind of solitude to it that you dont get during the day.

As Spidey says, make sure your headlghts are clean, the other thing is make sure your visor on your helmet is nice and clean to.

Just ride at your own speed and dont be sucked into going faster than you want to. Speed can be quite deceptive in the dark.

+1 to everything here spot on
just a note to add, if your worried about visability of yourself, wear a hi-vis jacket. But generally when I ride in the dark I think cars notice you MORE than in the day light. At night they dont look for moving objects just moving lights, which bikes tend to have bloody bright so you'll be fine enjoy the solitude of a night bimble can be quite rewarding.

+1 to everything and

. . . get yourself some good bulbs

Osram night breakers
http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/h4-...-pr-17118.html

Or the better philips extreme powers are very, very good
http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/h4-...-pr-16781.html


and a good coloured sidelight bulb attract attention (although not strictly legal)

These mods are a must foir me commuting on busy A-roads such as the A272/A21

Also learning to use your passing lights.

Night tip riding -

Ride Faster, the roads are clearer!!!!!

tbh, I think people are vastly over complicating things. Do this, do that, don't do this....

Just get on the bike, and ride. Its no different from daylight riding, expect its dark.......... I've made most of my records in the dark.


Now dark AND raining AND traffic AND dirty visor, thats another story....

[ophic]

Originally Posted by GavinD

Also learning to use your passing lights.

ok i'll bite, what are passing lights and how should you use them?

Originally Posted by ophic

ok i'll bite, what are passing lights and how should you use them?

I belive it to be those things that flash when you knock the toggle on the left hand switch gear? I could be wrong.

[ophic]

Originally Posted by leedsmatt7

I belive it to be those things that flash when you knock the toggle on the left hand switch gear? I could be wrong.

I realise this - i just don't understand how they should be used at night, any different to during the day. I also wondered why its labelled PASS when its blatantly just the headlight full beam flasher. So I was curious as to the intended purpose and "correct" usage at night.