It's no surprise that the challenges motorcyclists face multiply when the sun goes down and night prevails. Your field of vision is reduced to the distance of your motorcycle headlight, and other motorists are even LESS likely to recognize a motorcycle at night than they are during daylight hours. To improve your safety, take note of the following precautions.

• Making yourself visible is always important, but especially so after dark when it's more difficult for others to see you. Improve your visibility by wearing "retro-reflective" clothing and accessories that reflect projected light back to its source (Note: H-D makes highly reflective vests available in Motorclothes). There are many varieties of these available on the market today including "BLACK" retro-reflective stickers that are not easily seen during the day.
• Wild animals tend to be more active at night and are a serious hazard to motorists. Constantly SCAN the sides of the roadway for the reflection of your headlight off their eyes and use your horn if necessary.
• Avoid overriding your headlights by riding at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance illuminated by it. You can also use the light cast by the headlights of vehicles in front of you to see further down the road.
• Make sure the eye protection you choose is suitable for use after dark. Any tinting (including yellow) will lessen the light that reaches your eyes and make it harder to see. Be sure your eye protection is clean and free of scratches.
  

Reprinted from Enthusiast Fall 2004 with editor's permission.