You can always use a reflective jacket or put reflective stripes and also on the helmet at night. Giving a quick look over the shoulders is fine, sometimes mirrors have a blind spot and because when the driver behind you see you looking over the shoulder it's additional sign for him that you're looking to turn. Keep enjoying your rides :)
I customized my BILT Blaze 2 jacket to my modern rendition of the Captain America Jacket from 1969's Easy Rider. Definitely higher visibility! In my video here; ruclips.net/video/pOXdUXmNTDA/видео.html
A easy cheap way to be visible is to get a reflective bright colored vest. Like road construction workers wear. They are fairly inexpensive and fit over your riding gear. I look over my shoulder. Just be aware of what's in front of you before you do it. If your lane is clear it's fairly safe. If someone is in front of you just be aware that surroundings change instantaneously. Night rides are fun. Don't be afraid to use your high beams.
Hey, nice vidoes! I just recently got my license here in Sweden. Checking the blindspot in addition to the mirrors is a requirement before turning, if you don't do it, you will not pass the drivers test. At least not here in Sweden. As someone else mentioned in the comment, it's not only a good thing to know if someone is in your blid spoit, it is also a very good indication to drivers behind that you are goin to turn/swap lanes etc. I'd advice you to continue to do it becasue it is a matter of safety and with time you wont wobble while doing it. Keep up the good work!
I always head check. You will get used to it and stay going straight. Love night riding, however, I would stay on very familiar roads for a bit. Those road hazards come up fast. My daughter had a habit of staring where her headlight shines. Don’t do that, you still need to look past it. Good job taking it slow. Keep head checking regardless of what you hear. I’ve been riding since water arrived on earth.
Since water arrived on earth😂 well thank you very much for the tips! They are super helpful especially about looking past where the headlight shines for other hazards.
Here in the Netherlands it;s normal to check mirors, but also check your shoulder. When turning right? 1st: left mirror. 2nd: Right mirror. 3rd Right shoulder. When turning left, it's the same, but then start with right mirror. Thats how it's thought here in the Netherlands. I love you're babysteps in learning how to drive. You are doing awesome!!!. Here in the Netherlands you have to take courses. Every week e few hours, before doing 2 exams. 1 Specific to learning how to handle tha bike. (brake, figure 8, turning corners, etc etc). 2nc exam is learning how to drive on the road (positioning, looking, etc etc). So yeah, different but good. You are doing great. Keep it going girl! :)
I wear a Class 2 high-visibility vest over my jacket when I ride at night. It has wide reflective stripes that really stand out at night. Sometimes I also wear a Noxgear Tracer vest that lights up.
I'm in a similar boat as you, new time rider, got a Rebel 300 as my first bike. Pretty comfortable during the day, but have yet to try the night. You've encouraged me to give it a try!
Always double check when changing lanes. Actually at night you can see headlights on the ground. But I once saw a guy change lanes without looking. It didn't go well as his rear wheel hit the car and he and his motorcycle went under the car. Not to scare you, but make you aware. Love yours vids, keep them coming.
Oh my gosh 🥺 that’s a very sad story but a serious reality. I’ve heard of the rear wheel of a bike hitting things and causing accidents before and that’s definitely a fear of mine. Thank you for sharing
Mirror set-up has to be spot on. I find that I use my left mirror to see if anything is on my butt in the left lane, my right mirror to see what’s directly behind me. If there’s any question, yes, I turn my head to be sure. And your headlight is better than mine. I’d much prefer a fork mounted headlight that follows the direction of my steering.
Turned on notifications new subscriber looking the videos 🙌🏼 keep up the good work you’ll get more comfortable with time I’m trying to buy the exact same one but still thinking about it 😅
All of your tips are useful and will help make the night ride safer. It is important to make yourself visible so blacked out gear and bike are not the best option. Stay alert, check over your shoulder when making any change to your position and make sure your lights (head and tail) are working. Ride safely and enjoy the ride.
When switching lanes Look over you shoulder after checking your mirror and making sure you safe in front of you then. Quick glance, just to check for your blind spots. Don’t look for too long
started riding about the same time as you (late April ) have not done any nite riding yet but this video has convinced me I need to soon , my MSF trainer said head checking is a must when changing lanes Stay safe
Oh yeah always head check when changing lanes don't just use your mirrors. Hey Ms all black riding gear 😂 get yourself a CE colorful helmet like an LS2 and I recently got a light grey with green on the side sleeves riding jacket, it's waterproof with vents at the chest, I love it and want to kick myself for waiting so long. The all black look is pretty much out Bub 😊. Riding at night is fun, you're doing so well. Keep it in the wind.
There are some great Phone holder options for bikes. I always check my blind spot when changing lanes or turning. saved my ass serval times. Nice job =D
I use my mirrors first then right before I make the lane switch I look over my shoulder every time. Also at night at stop signs and lights in the city. I keep an eye out for more than just cars when stopped.
Definitely look over your shoulder while wanting to switch lanes. It's been taught here in The Netherlands to do so. Obviously you look ahead first and foremost as usual then check the mirror and over your shoulder.
Night time is my favourite time to ride. Especially down pitch black country roads surrounded on both sides by woods. You could also get a phone holder for your bike and have your GPS on it. You should deffo be doing shoulder checks often ( life savers) as we call them in the uk. More important at night if you're in a built up area. You can't see everything with your mirrors. Just a click shoulder glance, though, not a full head turn.
Re mirrors. In NZ we insist on MILO for lane changes which is Mirrors, Indicate, Look (Look over your shoulder/blind spots), and then Over so yes. Look over. Btw you’re not trying to read their license plate or work out their eye colour, just is there someone there or not. Head check.
it is fine to check over your shoulder, the mirrows on a bike also have blind spots (can buy smaller once to add on to help out with that) also the intercome can also be used for google map voice GPS if you want to find your way at night, or day, so one more reason to get it beside communication and music.
Consider black Scotchlite. It's a black reflective tape that reflects white light almost as well as white reflective tape. Inconspicuous on a black bike by day, but rather conspicuous at night. It's been a few years, but I've gotten it from the fishing counter at McCully Bicycle.
Nice video we were wondering about night riding specially now that is getting hot here in FL thanks for sharing... what day of the week did you go out?
I noticed you over-rev when letting out the clutch? That MSF practice thing with finding the clutch hook-up point with no throttle, using part clutch to start moving is for this reason as well. Bikes have a, " wet clutch" for this reason. So part clutch operation is fine on a bike. I learned that after watching pro rider videos.
To get a better trust for your mirrors blind spots just go down a residential street real slow and look at when parked cars exit your field of view on the mirror, then stop and see where they are to your side. If your mirrors are set up properly you'll usually find by the time it exits your mirrors that it's nearly entering your peripheral and all you really need to do is turn your head a little, which won't throw you out of balance.
Do what ever is right for you. I personally head check. Last week I would have been on someone's hood if I didn't. It's your preference. Too much "you need to do this or that", "this bike is better than that bike". Just ride and enjoy.😁
I recommend Quad Lock for a nice secure phone holder. The vibration dampener is a must too. I have one on my Ninja 400 and love it. Downside is you need to use their phone case but it overall is not a bad case. I have only ridden at night once and it was a bit too cold and my visor kept fogging up so it was not a enjoyable ride. Will need to try again now that I am much more comfortable on the bike!
You're head lights looks like it needs to be adjusted down. It's ok to look around and checking your mirrors but always make sure you have enough distance between you and the car in front of you just in case they suddenly stop.
If you're planning on changing lanes and aren't 100% sure if your mirrors are giving you all of the details of what vehicles are around you...then don't hesitate to very briefly turn your head and have a better look.
@@RidewithRea Just don't let your head linger in rotated position for a long period though - and try to only very briefly glance long enough to see if you're clear...otherwise you might be late to notice someone suddenly slowing or stopping in front of you etc.
I read the comment in one of your other vids where someone told you to stop looking over your shoulder. I was going to tell you to ignore him but assumed you would know that he was wrong. Just to be clear, in the UK the over shoulder check is known as 'The Lifesaver'. It's called that for a reason. It's taught by all the training schools and is part of your test. And right now BMW and other manufacturers have introduced radar blind spot detecting technology to some of their premium motorcycle models. An inbuilt light in the mirror flashes when a vehicle is in your blind spot. Why would they do this if it's not deemed important to know what's coming up behind you?
I had a feeling I might be turning my head too much or too frequently because I was scared. It made me nervous to change lanes and I felt like I could never fully trust my mirrors. Wow that’s a really cool feature they’re adding and I totally see the importance of it. I really appreciate this comment!
@@RidewithRea You can trust your mirrors. The 'Lifesaver' is only needed once just as you are about to change lane. It's simply an insurance policy to confirm that nothing has snuck up on you unnoticed. You don't need to have your head spinning constantly, only when changing lanes. I've watched all your vids since you started riding and it's good to see your progression. You are doing really well. I look forward to seeing you progress to a larger Bike at some time in the future and (probably) contrary to your expectations you will find riding even easier and more enjoyable.
It's not always necessary to head check as the blind spot on a motorcycle is almost nonexistent but it's not a bad habit. Any check to the rear, head check or mirror check, should be a maximum of 2 seconds and then you need to get your eyes back up front. It's always a good idea to slow down at night. It's really easy to out driver your headlights.
You can always use a reflective jacket or put reflective stripes and also on the helmet at night. Giving a quick look over the shoulders is fine, sometimes mirrors have a blind spot and because when the driver behind you see you looking over the shoulder it's additional sign for him that you're looking to turn. Keep enjoying your rides :)
Thank you! I’m definitely looking into getting some reflective gear or those reflective adhesives for night rides
@@RidewithRea look in to if under glow is legal where you are as well. helps with people seeing you.
I customized my BILT Blaze 2 jacket to my modern rendition of the Captain America Jacket from 1969's Easy Rider. Definitely higher visibility! In my video here; ruclips.net/video/pOXdUXmNTDA/видео.html
A easy cheap way to be visible is to get a reflective bright colored vest. Like road construction workers wear. They are fairly inexpensive and fit over your riding gear.
I look over my shoulder. Just be aware of what's in front of you before you do it. If your lane is clear it's fairly safe. If someone is in front of you just be aware that surroundings change instantaneously. Night rides are fun. Don't be afraid to use your high beams.
You're doing great! Keep asking questions. You'll eventually learn who knows what they're talking about and those who don't.
Keep up the good work!
Hey, nice vidoes! I just recently got my license here in Sweden.
Checking the blindspot in addition to the mirrors is a requirement before turning, if you don't do it, you will not pass the drivers test. At least not here in Sweden.
As someone else mentioned in the comment, it's not only a good thing to know if someone is in your blid spoit, it is also a very good indication to drivers behind that you are goin to turn/swap lanes etc.
I'd advice you to continue to do it becasue it is a matter of safety and with time you wont wobble while doing it. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much and congrats on recently getting your license! 😊
Thank you so much and congrats on recently getting your license! 😊
I always head check. You will get used to it and stay going straight. Love night riding, however, I would stay on very familiar roads for a bit. Those road hazards come up fast. My daughter had a habit of staring where her headlight shines. Don’t do that, you still need to look past it. Good job taking it slow. Keep head checking regardless of what you hear. I’ve been riding since water arrived on earth.
Since water arrived on earth😂 well thank you very much for the tips! They are super helpful especially about looking past where the headlight shines for other hazards.
Night Rides are such a vibe
I’m a beginner as well, and it’s kool to hear the similar struggles and questions I had. Love night riding!!!! Especially in here in Las Vegas.
thank you so much! night riding is pretty fun :) wow night riding in Vegas must be AMAZING! safe riding!!
Awesome video! Ride safe!
Here in the Netherlands it;s normal to check mirors, but also check your shoulder. When turning right? 1st: left mirror. 2nd: Right mirror. 3rd Right shoulder.
When turning left, it's the same, but then start with right mirror. Thats how it's thought here in the Netherlands. I love you're babysteps in learning how to drive. You are doing awesome!!!.
Here in the Netherlands you have to take courses. Every week e few hours, before doing 2 exams. 1 Specific to learning how to handle tha bike. (brake, figure 8, turning corners, etc etc). 2nc exam is learning how to drive on the road (positioning, looking, etc etc). So yeah, different but good. You are doing great. Keep it going girl! :)
I wear a Class 2 high-visibility vest over my jacket when I ride at night. It has wide reflective stripes that really stand out at night. Sometimes I also wear a Noxgear Tracer vest that lights up.
I'm in a similar boat as you, new time rider, got a Rebel 300 as my first bike. Pretty comfortable during the day, but have yet to try the night. You've encouraged me to give it a try!
Oh nice! Good luck to you & ride safe 😊
Like your video, thank you for sharing this, keep the rubber side down and ride on, have a good week 😀
thank you so much!
When I got started I preferred to ride at night. Lower temps and less traffic. Have fun 😇
Nice job getting around after dark. Doing a quick glance over your shoulder is fine since mirrors can be deceiving.
Thanks so much!
That video quality at night. 🔥
Always double check when changing lanes. Actually at night you can see headlights on the ground. But I once saw a guy change lanes without looking. It didn't go well as his rear wheel hit the car and he and his motorcycle went under the car. Not to scare you, but make you aware. Love yours vids, keep them coming.
Oh my gosh 🥺 that’s a very sad story but a serious reality. I’ve heard of the rear wheel of a bike hitting things and causing accidents before and that’s definitely a fear of mine. Thank you for sharing
Mirror set-up has to be spot on. I find that I use my left mirror to see if anything is on my butt in the left lane, my right mirror to see what’s directly behind me. If there’s any question, yes, I turn my head to be sure. And your headlight is better than mine. I’d much prefer a fork mounted headlight that follows the direction of my steering.
Turned on notifications new subscriber looking the videos 🙌🏼 keep up the good work you’ll get more comfortable with time I’m trying to buy the exact same one but still thinking about it 😅
thank you so so much!!!!
All of your tips are useful and will help make the night ride safer. It is important to make yourself visible so blacked out gear and bike are not the best option. Stay alert, check over your shoulder when making any change to your position and make sure your lights (head and tail) are working. Ride safely and enjoy the ride.
Good job!
Also, you might want to invest in some reflective tape. Especially if you'll be venturing out on a motorcycle at night wear a ton of black.
When switching lanes Look over you shoulder after checking your mirror and making sure you safe in front of you then. Quick glance, just to check for your blind spots. Don’t look for too long
started riding about the same time as you (late April ) have not done any nite riding yet but this video has convinced me I need to soon , my MSF trainer said head checking is a must when changing lanes Stay safe
oh that's so awesome! hello fellow noob hehe. I hope you were able to go out riding at night!
Oh yeah always head check when changing lanes don't just use your mirrors. Hey Ms all black riding gear 😂 get yourself a CE colorful helmet like an LS2 and I recently got a light grey with green on the side sleeves riding jacket, it's waterproof with vents at the chest, I love it and want to kick myself for waiting so long. The all black look is pretty much out Bub 😊. Riding at night is fun, you're doing so well. Keep it in the wind.
😂😂 thank you! Yes I realize now that I probably should’ve got another color other than black for my gear
A head look will make people back off for you but it means taking your eyes off the road so good?/bad? 50/50 🤷♀
Glad you had fun, stay loose
👍
There are some great Phone holder options for bikes. I always check my blind spot when changing lanes or turning. saved my ass serval times. Nice job =D
I use my mirrors first then right before I make the lane switch I look over my shoulder every time. Also at night at stop signs and lights in the city. I keep an eye out for more than just cars when stopped.
Definitely look over your shoulder while wanting to switch lanes. It's been taught here in The Netherlands to do so. Obviously you look ahead first and foremost as usual then check the mirror and over your shoulder.
Night time is my favourite time to ride. Especially down pitch black country roads surrounded on both sides by woods. You could also get a phone holder for your bike and have your GPS on it. You should deffo be doing shoulder checks often ( life savers) as we call them in the uk. More important at night if you're in a built up area. You can't see everything with your mirrors. Just a click shoulder glance, though, not a full head turn.
Re mirrors. In NZ we insist on MILO for lane changes which is Mirrors, Indicate, Look (Look over your shoulder/blind spots), and then Over so yes. Look over. Btw you’re not trying to read their license plate or work out their eye colour, just is there someone there or not. Head check.
Thank you so much! & lol yes just a quick look 😊
it is fine to check over your shoulder, the mirrows on a bike also have blind spots (can buy smaller once to add on to help out with that)
also the intercome can also be used for google map voice GPS if you want to find your way at night, or day, so one more reason to get it beside communication and music.
Consider black Scotchlite. It's a black reflective tape that reflects white light almost as well as white reflective tape. Inconspicuous on a black bike by day, but rather conspicuous at night. It's been a few years, but I've gotten it from the fishing counter at McCully Bicycle.
Yes thank you so much! reflective tape is such an affordable option
Nice video we were wondering about night riding specially now that is getting hot here in FL thanks for sharing... what day of the week did you go out?
Hi 👋 I check both, first the mirrors and then over my shoulders. Both are important because we can’t see blind corners in the mirrors
Thank you!!
I noticed you over-rev when letting out the clutch? That MSF practice thing with finding the clutch hook-up point with no throttle, using part clutch to start moving is for this reason as well. Bikes have a, " wet clutch" for this reason. So part clutch operation is fine on a bike. I learned that after watching pro rider videos.
Best thing about night rides: really cold 😅ride safe now 🙂(riding with white helmets and/or high visibility riding jackets help)
To get a better trust for your mirrors blind spots just go down a residential street real slow and look at when parked cars exit your field of view on the mirror, then stop and see where they are to your side. If your mirrors are set up properly you'll usually find by the time it exits your mirrors that it's nearly entering your peripheral and all you really need to do is turn your head a little, which won't throw you out of balance.
Nice night ride! 👍 Stay safe!
Thanks 👍
Do what ever is right for you. I personally head check. Last week I would have been on someone's hood if I didn't. It's your preference. Too much "you need to do this or that", "this bike is better than that bike". Just ride and enjoy.😁
While you on the bike you should be aware of your surrounding so you do what ever you can to be aware of it. Simple and keep the pace of traffic.
I recommend Quad Lock for a nice secure phone holder. The vibration dampener is a must too. I have one on my Ninja 400 and love it. Downside is you need to use their phone case but it overall is not a bad case.
I have only ridden at night once and it was a bit too cold and my visor kept fogging up so it was not a enjoyable ride. Will need to try again now that I am much more comfortable on the bike!
Thank you so much for this recommendation!! I’ve been looking for a really good and secure phone holder
Ride safe 😊
You're head lights looks like it needs to be adjusted down. It's ok to look around and checking your mirrors but always make sure you have enough distance between you and the car in front of you just in case they suddenly stop.
Do look back before changing lanes. Someone close behind you might be too far forward to be seen in your mirrors.
I have extra lights on my motorcycle, and I use a 'Brake Free' Rear Helmet Light . I don't rely on only reflective gear.
If you're planning on changing lanes and aren't 100% sure if your mirrors are giving you all of the details of what vehicles are around you...then don't hesitate
to very briefly turn your head and have a better look.
Thank you so much :)
@@RidewithRea Just don't let your head linger in rotated position for a long period though - and try to only very briefly glance long enough to see if you're clear...otherwise you might be late to notice someone suddenly slowing or stopping in front of you etc.
Any time you are going to make a move in traffic you better be looking over your shoulder! Blind spots can and hurt like hell.
definitely look over your shoulder
Hey Rea you did pretty good 👍, I think you should get in the habit of lookin over your shoulder. Better safe then sorry. I always say.
I read the comment in one of your other vids where someone told you to stop looking over your shoulder. I was going to tell you to ignore him but assumed you would know that he was wrong. Just to be clear, in the UK the over shoulder check is known as 'The Lifesaver'. It's called that for a reason. It's taught by all the training schools and is part of your test. And right now BMW and other manufacturers have introduced radar blind spot detecting technology to some of their premium motorcycle models. An inbuilt light in the mirror flashes when a vehicle is in your blind spot. Why would they do this if it's not deemed important to know what's coming up behind you?
I had a feeling I might be turning my head too much or too frequently because I was scared. It made me nervous to change lanes and I felt like I could never fully trust my mirrors.
Wow that’s a really cool feature they’re adding and I totally see the importance of it. I really appreciate this comment!
@@RidewithRea You can trust your mirrors. The 'Lifesaver' is only needed once just as you are about to change lane. It's simply an insurance policy to confirm that nothing has snuck up on you unnoticed. You don't need to have your head spinning constantly, only when changing lanes.
I've watched all your vids since you started riding and it's good to see your progression. You are doing really well. I look forward to seeing you progress to a larger Bike at some time in the future and (probably) contrary to your expectations you will find riding even easier and more enjoyable.
always look over your shoulder
Do not trust just looking in your mirrors. Cagers do that and do not see you. Always turn your head to check for traffic when changing lanes.
It's not always necessary to head check as the blind spot on a motorcycle is almost nonexistent but it's not a bad habit. Any check to the rear, head check or mirror check, should be a maximum of 2 seconds and then you need to get your eyes back up front. It's always a good idea to slow down at night. It's really easy to out driver your headlights.
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