Help wanted.

[KLOWN]

I was thinking if any of you more experienced riders were willing I really want some practice at night riding. I have moved up from palmerston north and will be riding back down a fair few times to vist my girlfriend and our dogs. To do this and still attened uni during the week I am going to have to do a lot of night riding. Apart from motorway and city driving where everything is pretty well lit I haven't done any open road night riding and want to get some serious practice before attempting the ride down south. I am going to try some by myself but slightly worried about going by myself if something goes wrong. So if any one who is experianced and has the time to keep me company and give me tips I would be greatly appreciated. Also I thought maybe other people with the same problem as me might want to join. The more the merrier.

[Mrs Busa Pete]

why don't you try out the wednesday night mentor ride.

[avgas]

I thought i was going crazy - i knew i saw the z on domion rd 1 night..... you never forget that bike

[avgas]

i actaully found night riding easier as it was more quiet. but i'd be keen for a short night run if you want do 1. Cant 2nite as i dont imagine i will end up very sober by the time the sun goes down. PM me if you want to go out sometime this weekend.

[Chaosmage]

A busa pete said check out the wednesday night mentor ride/practise. Also come along to the odd ATNR which is the ride on Thursdays, and starting to be a bit darker now could be good practise for you(have a look at the events for these).
Take it a bit slower at night as your vision isn't as good, like someone above says it can seem kind of peaceful I like it

Oh and my best advice perhaps, you know how long the ride takes you. Call or txt and let your g/f know you are on ya way. When coming home let her know you will call/txt when you arrive. My family always made me do this especially on stormy winter nights. That way someone knows if you have been to long and will contact you to see if your okay.

Another thing would be to also post when you know you will be coming down eg. heading down to palmy tomorrow night is anyone heading that way and want to ride together etc.

[Maha]

i actaully found night riding easier as it was more quiet.

I would have to agree....i was caught once after a ride up north, the senario was, first big ride with the new bike, 2nd time 2up, with an hour or so ride ahead, it was dark, i had a tinted visor so swaped lids with pillion who had a clear visor..and it began to rain...never been out at night before let alone 2up and in the rain, but did it anyway...was kinda fun...

[Zapf]

Name a time and date... I am more than happy to go for a night ride with you. Around Coro? :P

Re night riding, just making sure you are ready with all your gear. specially as you go into the colder months. Warm and windproof clothing, upgraded headlights are all essential.

Also knowing the range of your tank and planning stops accordingly.

[avgas]

yeh i used to do 2 am runs from auckland to tauranga and back in the weekends.
found it to be a good way to get your mojo going with the bike and get used to it as you dont have to contend with morons who are driving the kids on a holiday.

[avgas]

upgraded headlights are all essential.

Working headlights are a definite advantage - i remember when the headlight failed on the fz and i was 100k from Auckland and the sun was going down. made that trip home with the indicator on, scariest thing i have ever done.