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General => General => Topic started by: Hedgetrimmer on 24 September 2013, 05:45:42 pm

Title: Riding At Night
Post by: Hedgetrimmer on 24 September 2013, 05:45:42 pm
So who enjoys this apparently weird fetish then?
I quite like doing it if the weather's good. Last night it was mild and dry, and I virtually had the roads to myself. Obviously I'm not going nuts on the twisty bits at night, but still got a fair pace on, slowing to burble softly through the villages, a few trucks to overtake, but some were actually slowing at the start of straights to let me past. All very civilised, and away from the towns I didn't meet any cage-cretins in their souped-up shopping cars. Felt very refreshed and relaxed when I got home.
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: mr self destruct on 24 September 2013, 05:52:47 pm
I have no choice, I work shifts and commute on the bike now. In wet weather it's not pleasant, but I figure I could do with the experience.  ;)
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: DryRob on 24 September 2013, 06:07:09 pm
I did some twisties I've never ridden before the other night, hated it and ended up following cars cos I couldn't see a thing. Might have been better with adequate lights
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: ChristoT on 24 September 2013, 06:12:52 pm
On roads you know, it's lovely.
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: Lez72 on 24 September 2013, 06:13:29 pm
I find there is a certain degree of serenity to it (sometimes) !!! Most of the time though i'm straining my eyes trying to work out which way the road goes and praying that various hedge critters don't try launching themselves into my path. The best thing about it is the lack of other vehicles on the road  :)
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: peterjca on 24 September 2013, 06:25:54 pm
I don't mind the dark, commuting all year round on my FZ1. I do mind dark + heavy rain. That reminds me of my first motorcycling experiences. Autumn/winter time twenty years ago, student days, brand new RG125, not much confidence. I used to go out very early in the mornings along countryside B roads in Aberdeenshire at 4am to get experience and confidence without the hassle of loads of traffic. It worked, but not sure I'd recommend it on unknown roads. How I avoided some of the pot holes (more evident when I retraced my rides in daytime) must have been down to luck.
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: Lawrence on 24 September 2013, 07:18:58 pm
I don't mind it when it's dry, but when it's pissing with rain and dark it can get very difficult to see.  I've actually been thinking of fitting a couple of these (http://www.malpequefineiron.com/candle/5_single%20candle_stick.jpg) to the bike to improve on the boxeye headlamp.
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: redthunder on 24 September 2013, 07:27:47 pm
I'm having electrical issues with my headlights at the minute. Issues as in they aren't working  :'(


So i'm trying not to ride in the dark! I have my sidelights and one bulb will shine bright if I press the pass switch, i'm leaving on a 400 mile overnighter tomorrow and will have the pass switch cable tied on to light me up  :eek
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: VNA - BMW Wank on 24 September 2013, 07:32:55 pm
Don't mind it, but there can be a few issues.

Midge - often in summer and autumn as it's getting dark, within a few miles you can't see a bloody thing due to the 100's of midge stuck to yer visor.

Deer and other stuff.  Can be attracted to headlamps.  Deer can jump in front of you at any time, but at least during the day you often (not always) get some warning.

It's estimated there are 0.5 million deer in Scotland, and 1.5 million across the UK.  You are much more likely to hit em at night.  You never want to hit one!
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: caretaker on 24 September 2013, 07:52:16 pm
i'm not big on riding at night for the sake of it, but i will often get up at 4am on a saturday to get to the hills and watch the dawn breaking. lines you up nicely for a good breakfast as well!
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: Bitfik on 24 September 2013, 08:20:13 pm
Not keen on riding in the dark if I can avoid it, especially the dazzle on my visor.


Bit of an aside, but what do you guys make of driving in fog? Was quite misty here this morning and I hate it! (Not the fog, I love Autumn) but the way it clags on the visor. I wish it would just rain!

Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: stevierst on 24 September 2013, 08:33:20 pm
I'm another shift worker, so night commuting is mandatory for me.
I actually enjoy dawdling around at night, the boxeye headlights are absolutely useless, but my fz1 has upgraded bulbs and makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: fazersharp on 24 September 2013, 08:50:12 pm
Nope dont like it, and a lot of the bigger critters come out at night badgers,foxes, rabbits, dont fancy hitting one of those, kamakizee pidgeons are bad enough in the daylight
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: fazed600 on 24 September 2013, 09:04:08 pm
Like it at times. Never really enjoyed it on my old FZS pre-headlamp mod, got to be one of the worst headlights around - so much so that I used to notice if it was clear sky and full moon.....

Prefer it on my current bike, better headlights i.e. they can actually light up the road. Also they are stacked in the middle of the bike so you really notice the beam shape change when you lean over.
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: Grahamm on 24 September 2013, 09:43:17 pm
what do you guys make of driving in fog?

Hate it, mostly because of the idiots who don't appreciate that if visibility is reduced, you've got less time to react if there's a hazard ahead and keep driving as if it's clear.

In foggy weather I spend as much time checking my mirrors as I do looking ahead to watch out for pillocks who are driving too fast for the conditions.
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: ChristoT on 24 September 2013, 10:03:52 pm
I'm having electrical issues with my headlights at the minute. Issues as in they aren't working  :'(


So i'm trying not to ride in the dark! I have my sidelights and one bulb will shine bright if I press the pass switch, i'm leaving on a 400 mile overnighter tomorrow and will have the pass switch cable tied on to light me up  :eek

May be better to bodge a wiring mod in the Black Box of Doom Under the Tank. I've heard accounts of the pass switch burning out if used for prolonged periods - you REALLY don't want that happening
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: bigfootpete on 24 September 2013, 10:19:40 pm
I love it, in the summer mainly,  although my headlights keep blinding oncoming traffic so I get flashed a lot :-o

I can't adjust them much lower as I need to see far enough ahead...
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: darrsi on 24 September 2013, 11:02:17 pm
Not keen on riding in the dark if I can avoid it, especially the dazzle on my visor.


Bit of an aside, but what do you guys make of driving in fog? Was quite misty here this morning and I hate it! (Not the fog, I love Autumn) but the way it clags on the visor. I wish it would just rain!



Have a try at one of these, i've been using them for years now.
Slight reactolite lens, stops steaming up inside, and at night it turns headlight dazzle into single beams.
You need a dust free environment when fitting it though, and the double sided tape goes on once, so make sure it's positioned right 'cos it sticks like glue and will spoil if you attempt to remove it to reposition it.


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Progrip-3000-Visor-Insert-Anti-Fog-Light-Sensitive-Clear-/181058057722?pt=UK_Helmets_Headwear_Visor_Inserts_Tear_Offs&hash=item2a27e6b5fa (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Progrip-3000-Visor-Insert-Anti-Fog-Light-Sensitive-Clear-/181058057722?pt=UK_Helmets_Headwear_Visor_Inserts_Tear_Offs&hash=item2a27e6b5fa)



Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: Frosties on 25 September 2013, 08:02:17 am
Not keen on riding in the dark if I can avoid it, especially the dazzle on my visor.


Bit of an aside, but what do you guys make of driving in fog? Was quite misty here this morning and I hate it! (Not the fog, I love Autumn) but the way it clags on the visor. I wish it would just rain!



Have a try at one of these, i've been using them for years now.
Slight reactolite lens, stops steaming up inside, and at night it turns headlight dazzle into single beams.
You need a dust free environment when fitting it though, and the double sided tape goes on once, so make sure it's positioned right 'cos it sticks like glue and will spoil if you attempt to remove it to reposition it.


[url]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Progrip-3000-Visor-Insert-Anti-Fog-Light-Sensitive-Clear-/181058057722?pt=UK_Helmets_Headwear_Visor_Inserts_Tear_Offs&hash=item2a27e6b5fa[/url] ([url]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Progrip-3000-Visor-Insert-Anti-Fog-Light-Sensitive-Clear-/181058057722?pt=UK_Helmets_Headwear_Visor_Inserts_Tear_Offs&hash=item2a27e6b5fa[/url])



+1 for the Progrip - been using them for over 3yrs as I find most pinlocks are hit'n'miss and "anti-fog" coatings usually shite! Excellent and well worth the outlay in my mind.
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: JZS 600 on 25 September 2013, 01:02:49 pm
Late at night London's like a big playground for bikes
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: Bitfik on 25 September 2013, 06:45:11 pm
Don't know how to do the quote thingy, but thanks Darrsi, shall deffo look into it

Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: fireblake on 26 September 2013, 04:35:30 am
Don't know how to do the quote thingy, but thanks Darrsi, shall deffo look into it
Top right of the page you want to quote, then click below the word quote on the page and start writing.


Mickey
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: ChristoT on 26 September 2013, 04:37:02 am
Don't know how to do the quote thingy, but thanks Darrsi, shall deffo look into it
Top right of the page you want to quote, then click below the word quote on the page and start writing.


Mickey

You're up early / late, Mickey!!
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: fireblake on 26 September 2013, 04:38:06 am
I too commute and must admit that some of my fastest home runs are done in the dark. Utter stupidity but I trust in luck, so that's alright then


Mickey
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: fireblake on 26 September 2013, 04:40:21 am
Don't know how to do the quote thingy, but thanks Darrsi, shall deffo look into it
Top right of the page you want to quote, then click below the word quote on the page and start writing.


Mickey

You're up early / late, Mickey!!


Can't sleep. Speak to ya on Facebook?
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: ChristoT on 26 September 2013, 05:07:02 am
Don't know how to do the quote thingy, but thanks Darrsi, shall deffo look into it
Top right of the page you want to quote, then click below the word quote on the page and start writing.


Mickey

You're up early / late, Mickey!!


Can't sleep. Speak to ya on Facebook?

Sure thing.
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: jason1 on 26 September 2013, 07:22:41 am
I have no choice but ride in the dark to work and back home . Mostly up the M3 . Love clear night riding , dont tend to give it too much . Well did hit 135 up M3 last summer . But was a clear road and the sun was just popping its head up .
Hate cold wet riding , esp fog . The other morning was shit , couldnt see a thing on M3 and twats were everywhere . Fucker this morning was weaving everywhere in the middle lane . Picked my moment and went to over take . Got along side the stupid twat , lap top perched on steering wheel and typing away . Seen it all now .  :eek
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: Dead Eye on 26 September 2013, 09:22:39 am
If the conditions are clear then I quite enjoy it as long as I'm not freezing off my appendages. Always really enjoy driving at night in the cage though - much more interesting and can be just as fun as riding the bike in some cases
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: fireblake on 26 September 2013, 10:09:38 am
I have no choice but ride in the dark to work and back home . Mostly up the M3 . Love clear night riding , dont tend to give it too much . Well did hit 135 up M3 last summer . But was a clear road and the sun was just popping its head up .
Hate cold wet riding , esp fog . The other morning was shit , couldnt see a thing on M3 and twats were everywhere . Fucker this morning was weaving everywhere in the middle lane . Picked my moment and went to over take . Got along side the stupid twat , lap top perched on steering wheel and typing away . Seen it all now .  :eek
I prefer to stay behind dickheads like this?


Mickey
Title: Re: Riding At Night
Post by: hawkeye on 26 September 2013, 04:13:22 pm
Lot more unexpected hazards about at night and early morning in the form of foxes,badgers,deer etc that appear without warning through or over the hedges depending on where you ride ,take care .