Safety Tips for Riding Your Motorcycle in the Dark

At some point in your time as a motorcycle owner, you'll probably need to ride in the dark. Traffic jams, unexpected weather conditions, and other delays can hold you up — before you know it, the sun is going down, and home is still miles away. Whether you love or hate night riding, it's important to be prepared. By increasing visibility, it's easier to manage risks and arrive safely at your destination. For more information, call us at Tracy Motorsports or stop by our location in Tracy, California, where we serve both Stockton and Modesto.

Increase Your Motorcycle's Visibility

Motorcycles are smaller and shorter than most vehicles on the road, so they're naturally less visible. After dark, it's even harder for other drivers to see your bike. Increase visibility by adding reflective strips to your panniers, forks, and wheel rims. This helps other drivers visualize the size and shape of your ride, so they can give you plenty of clearance. For extra protection, switch out your existing lights with extra-bright LED versions.

Wear Reflective Gear

Reflective gear is a great way to signal your presence to other people on the road. Invest in a high-visibility jacket or vest with built-in reflective stripes or panels on the sleeves, back, and chest. These pieces often feature neon colors that improve daytime visibility, as well. Reflective vests are an affordable alternative that you can keep on hand for unexpected night rides. Don't forget about your helmet — since it sits high above the road, it's an important visibility booster. If you don't have the budget for new gear, buy a roll of reflective tape and affix it to your jacket, helmet, and boots. 

Seeing Clearly After Dark

When the sun goes down, your visibility automatically decreases. Before you hit the road, make sure your headlights are clean; this ensures the brightest possible light. Wipe down your visor before you ride. If oncoming headlights are compromising your vision, look to the white line on the side of the road.

Adjust Your Speed and Riding Style

Any time you're on the road after dark, it's important to slow down. You're relying on your headlights; they reduce your range of vision. When you ride slowly, it's easier to spot obstacles and potholes in time to avoid them. Nighttime is not the time for showing off — use caution, increase your following distance, and take corners gently.

With extra care and caution, night riding can be a fun and relaxing experience. If you need help finding the right reflective gear for you and your motorcycle, get in touch with our crew at Tracy Motorsports. We encourage you to stop by our location in Tracy, California, to see what we have in stock; our team is proud to serve riders from around Stockton and Modesto.