Tips for Riding a Motorcycle at Night

Your bike adventure doesn’t have to stop when it gets dark in the evening. In fact, riding at night can be one of the most amazing experiences you’ll have on your motorcycle. You’ll get to enjoy the cool breeze while you ride under the spectacular city lights. However, riding at night presents some challenges that you’ll want to prepare for. We’ve provided some tips to help you stay safe.

Potential Hazards

An important part of staying safe on your motorcycle involves being fully aware of the hazards you may encounter. This allows you to be fully alert and ready to respond if something comes up. First and foremost, it’s essential to be aware of drunk drivers during the night. Their number increases even more during weekends and holidays. If you notice strange driving behaviors, like weaving from one side to another, you may be near a drunk driver so you’ll want to get as far away from them as you can. At night, there’s also an increase in animals on the road and they could come in your path. Be alert and avoid riding in areas where they’re more likely to be seen, like on rural roads.

Upgrade Your Lights

Many motorcycles are equipped with standard halogen lights because they’re cheaper for the manufacturer. If your bike also has these traditional bulbs, you’ll want to swap them out for the brighter LED lights. They last longer, consume less energy and are more economical in the long run.

Another useful upgrade to consider is a brake light flasher, which flashes multiple times, as opposed to the solid beam of a standard brake light. This helps get the attention of other commuters on the road to make them more aware of your presence.

We hope that by following these tips, you’ll be able to safely ride your motorcycle in the night. If you still need a bike, stop by Hideout Harley-Davidson to check out our inventory. We’re located in Joplin, MO, and proudly serve those in Springfield, MO, and Rogers, AR.