Night time riding? What is the really hazard?

PrivatePilot said:
While on the topic of being seen at night, as I've offered a few times here before...I still have quite a quantity of 3M reflective material up for grabs (free) for any GTAM'ers who would like it. This is the same stuff they use on the overhead signs on the 401, roadside signs, etc etc - the ones you can see a kilometer or more away.

It's very heavy and thick material but you can't get anything any more reflective out there.

I'm between Oshawa and Bowmanville. For anyone who doesn't regularly get out this way I'd be willing to cut up your choices of colours (Say about 1sq foot worth?) into strips small enough to fit into a regular lettermail envelope and ship it to you as long as you're willing to throw me a few scheckles (PayPal preferred) for the postage and my time. ;)

reflective.jpg
Click to expand...

PM sent


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joe Bass said:
@Jayell I still have some stuff that I picked up from PP when I was out that way last year. You are more than welcome to swing by my place and get some if you want bigger pieces.
Click to expand...

Thanks Joe, but I don't need anything right now.
 
sburns said:
Red and blue are definitely are no no's if they are forward facing. Other directions I believe is a little grey area.
Click to expand...

Blue is actually legal facing forward as long as it's not blinking - that's only legal on snow removal equipment.

Only legal forward facing colours are white (headlight), blue, and amber.

Only legal side facing colours - side front is amber and side rear is red.

At the rear the only legal colours are red and amber when used only for signals - amber cannot be used it it's constantly lit.

Any other colours being emitted from any other direction or from an improper placement (IE, red side facing at the front of a vehicle) is grounds for a ticket. Generally most LEO's won't bother with the commonly accepted amber and red if used elsewhere on a motorcycle, but all the funky colours many use (purple, blue, green are the most common ones I see) will yield a ticket if you find the right officer in the wrong mood.

At the very least it increases your heat score.
 
ReSTored said:
While each situation with a deer is unique if you're going to hit him you should be straight up in emergency/panic braking mode thankful you opted for a bike with ABS. On a ride in PA in June 3rd member of group never arrived at next turning point. After waiting 5 minutes we returned to find him standing at the side of the road inspecting his ABS equipped ST1300 for damage. Deer had pooped out of the bushes right in front of him and rider slammed on his brakes, centered punched the deer and came to a stop without dumping it. Deer got up after a few minutes and ran away, bike damage was minimal, rider was a combination of skillful and very lucky.
Click to expand...

My worst fear is having a deer pooping out of the bushes at night.
 
I stopped riding after dark at least 15 years ago. I have a dark shield on my helmet and never bother switching back to clear at all. If you are riding at night with a windshield and glasses and it starts to rain you just can't see worth crap. I've done that from Windsor to Barrie and the risk is too great. Ride during the day...
 
PLau said:
My worst fear is having a deer pooping out of the bushes at night.
Click to expand...
Oh yeah.
I hate having deers poop out in the open. Where did they get their manners? Pooping should be done in the bushes only!


Sent from my purple G4 using Tapatalk
 
If you are riding at night with a windshield and glasses and it starts to rain you just can't see worth crap
Click to expand...

A wnidscreen should never be set that you have to look through it. A visor with water repellent on it has easy visibility in rain at night.
Very fine rain, mist, fog is tougher and you need to be able to put the visor in windstream to keep the mist beading and running off.

It's certainly not something I would do by choice but can be done with relatively good vision for the rider.
 
PrivatePilot said:
While on the topic of being seen at night, as I've offered a few times here before...I still have quite a quantity of 3M reflective material up for grabs (free) for any GTAM'ers who would like it. This is the same stuff they use on the overhead signs on the 401, roadside signs, etc etc - the ones you can see a kilometer or more away.

It's very heavy and thick material but you can't get anything any more reflective out there.

I'm between Oshawa and Bowmanville. For anyone who doesn't regularly get out this way I'd be willing to cut up your choices of colours (Say about 1sq foot worth?) into strips small enough to fit into a regular lettermail envelope and ship it to you as long as you're willing to throw me a few scheckles (PayPal preferred) for the postage and my time. ;)

reflective.jpg
Click to expand...

What a generous gentleman! May bother you next time I bypass that area!
 
Mad Mike said:
I do a lot of night riding, there are a few things to consider.

Wildlife - particularly this time of year. In the fall you're going to see raccoons and porcupines get attracted to roads because they stay warm as the nights cool. They are very hard to see at night and when you hit one it's quite a thump. I hit a porcupine a few years ago when riding a cruiser, it ripped up my fork seals. A few near misses with deer and a bear.

Road Hazards - I hit a paving grind at night on a little Ninja, it cracked my rim. It's very hard to see potholes, debris, and construction work at night.

Drunks.

Increase your visibility with reflective tape. Be extra careful when approaching blind or obscured intersections, add some low focused driving lamps to increase road visibility.

I will agree there is nothing more beautiful than watching the sun rise or set when on the open road.
Click to expand...

Yes! I love it when I watch sunrise and sunset no matter I am on a bike or a car
 
Evol said:
Most riders are concerned about being seen at night. Well, I've added more visibility to myself for night riding as well. I find it more fun to ride at night due to reduced traffic and cooler air temperatures.

However, if I were to lead a group ride, I would definitely take a group out while the sun is out; as you can see the road better and you can see much further ahead. Night riding is more of a solo activity for myself but I've done it in small groups before.

lights_zpsetwxhwsl.jpg
Click to expand...

Yes, it is fun and chill to run after sunset. I have done a couple of times due to my unusual work schedule.
 
KJM said:
I go to PA and Lake George at least a couple times a year and no matter how well I try I always seem to be riding at night getting back to camp at least once.

I've been thinking about adding some aux lighting. Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
Hello, sorry I cant give advise on aux lighting. May I ask where do you camp? I found Lake George area is quite charming and plan to do a trip again later this year. Thanks in advance!
 
Lots of good advice as usual. I appreciated every single reply! Thank you all for sharing and made me a better rider everyday.
 
PLau said:
My worst fear is having a deer pooping out of the bushes at night.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure I meant to type "popped out" vs. "pooped out" ........

I'm going to have to start proof reading my posts or find some kind of context / spell checker type app.
 
Little thread hijack here, but I'm confused.....
5a19a42ab5c92bd9e4880c47228f9957.jpg


Sent from my purple G4 using Tapatalk
 
ReSTored said:
... Deer had pooped out of the bushes right in front of him and rider slammed on his brakes, centered punched the deer and came to a stop without dumping it.
Click to expand...

Joe, perhaps the above quoted post would clarify lol.

That's the post Plau quoted, and jokingly said what s/he said.
 
Last edited:
if you are riding rural roads, be careful of loose gravel around corners, very difficult to see at night. I work until midnight and have gotten caught in a skid a few times due to gravel around the corners.
Also hit a Racoon a few weeks ago.
 
roadrash said:
Joe, perhaps the above quoted post would clarify lol.

That's the post Plau quoted, and jokingly said what s/he said.
Click to expand...
Well it seems I'm a little late to the party lol
I feel like a dumb@$$

Sent from my purple G4 using Tapatalk
 
I had to get back from Cape Breton a few years back, so I rode all night. On the 401 I just followed transports, using their lights and they also took care of any wildlife. Debris is a concern and the cold sucked too! Night riding is ok, but I pick my spots and usually close to home.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom