Motorcycle Night-Time Riding Tips

Riding a motorcycle after dark comes with some safety risks and calls for a high degree of caution. Even if you only plan on riding during daylight hours, driving after dark can’t always be avoided, especially on long-distance trips. This brief guide from Biggs Harley-Davidson can help you prepare for the unique challenges of night-time riding. Keep reading to learn more, and if you’re still in the market for your dream bike, head to our dealership in San Marcos, California.

Be Aware of the Risks

Lack of light is the main challenge of riding a motorcycle at night. Darkness can hide obstacles in the environment and decrease your depth perception, making it harder to judge distances. You will need to be vigilant about your surroundings and make proper use of your headlight and rear-view mirrors.

Remember that reduced visibility is not the only hazard to keep in mind. While there are fewer drivers on the road after dark, you are more likely to encounter drunk drivers. Wildlife is another concern, as more animals are active at night and it can be very difficult to see them on dark roads. Riding at night requires a more strategic approach to avoid a crash.

Go Slow and Steady

Don’t be tempted to accelerate too much when riding at night just because the roads are empty. It’s especially important to obey the speed limit in low-light conditions, and allow for plenty of stopping distance. Give yourself more time to change lanes or brake. Scan continually for obstacles so you don't get blindsided. Riding your bike requires you to maintain your focus and reflexes, so never push yourself past your limits. Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs, rest your eyes, and keep yourself hydrated.

Make Sure You Are Visible to Others

You’ll want to invest in the right clothing to improve your visibility on the road. Pick brightly colored pieces of clothing, like fluorescent or neon shades. Another good option is to add a safety vest to your outfit, similar to the kind that construction workers wear to increase their visibility at night while they work. You can also make your gear reflective by using retro-reflective panels. When other motorists' lights hit the panel, it'll glow and be hard to miss. If you already own gear, you can apply pieces of retro-reflective tape.

With these tips, you’ll be ready to safely ride your motorcycle in the night. If you have any questions, you can always get in touch with us at Biggs Harley-Davidson. We have a wide selection of motorcycles for sale in San Marcos, CA, so if you’re still searching for a bike, visit our dealership to see what we have available right now. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from San Diego and Oceanside.