[ncBiker]

Im about to get a bike and was wondering how long you waited and how long i should wait. Thanks

[JackTrade]

I still don’t like to ride at night, but will do it on occasion. Fortunately, I live in an urban area, so it’s pretty well-lit.

[Gary856]

The evening that I finished my MSF class, I rode my GS500 for the first time around my neighborhood for 38 miles in the dark. I was surprised by how well I could see. A week later, I started commuting to work (10 miles each way) on the GS500, and the return trips were during the night.

I don’ t thinking riding at night on city streets was difficult due to the fairly low speed. In a way it’s easier to see the cars because everybody have their lights on. What’s not as good is being seen on a motorcycle; this is where high visibility, light color helmet, jacket and reflective panels help.

I ride just as fast on the freeway at night but I do worry about running into unseen debris in the un-lit sections more. Riding in the hills at night on twisty roads is more challenging, but still fun; just can’t go that fast.

Some bikes have better headlights than others…

[megaspaz]

about 3 days after getting my first bike which was about a week after getting my M1… took it home so I could start commuting to work with it.

[owlie]

I still haven’t ridden at night. I’m not sure that I’ll even be riding at night when I take the ERC Thursday evening. Twilight perhaps, but not night- unless it is overcast.

Honestly though, in my part of the world, we’re coming into a time of year where if you want to ride in the dark, you have to be out past 11pm. So I’m not much of a yardstick…

[ShamRock229]

Mine was probably a day or two after I got my bike…

Yes, riding at night is different than in the day, and yes, it requires more focus and attention, but in my honest opinion, its not that bad. But you shouldnt do it unless youre already comfortable riding in the daytime. I ride at night every day coming home from work.

[redcromwell]

I took my bike out at night the second day I had it. I just felt more comfortable at night. Plus there’s less traffic in my area at night. More opportunity to open ‘er up and actually ride rather than dealing with stop-n-go traffic.

Gary856 has a good point about visibility at night. I didn’t even think about other drivers not seeing me. I agree that it’s important to wear something that makes you more noticable in the dark.

I think you’re ready to ride at night when you feel you’re ready. If you’re nervous, and don’t have to ride at night, then don’t do it.

Like my MSF instructor told me, “Riding a motorcycle is more mental than it is physical.” You can’t have any distractions.

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