Night riding - black bike, black gear, black helmet, NO LIGHTS

**PrincessBandit** · 31st March 2009, 19:30

Coming home on the southern motorway at 8pm tonight, doing 100kph, I was passed by a bike at Gillies Ave. What shocked me was I did not "see" him/her until he executed several lane changes - it was only his indicators blinking in a sea of blackness (ok, there were several cars on the road so it wasn't completely deserted blackness) which showed there was something mobile there.

I can only assume he exited the motorway before Mt. Wellington as there was a patrol car stationed there which would surely have taken 'interest' in the rider's lack of visibility (surely?).

As a young, inexperienced car driver many many years ago I can recall leaving a lit car park on a couple of occasions with my lights off, being fooled by the ambient lighting in the park and not twigging to my own headlights not being on. So I can relate to the concept of "forgetting" to turn headlights on. And, with a bike which requires a manual turn on for the head lamp as opposed to the hardwired lamps, it must be easy enough to overlook it. I am trying to drill it into RipperRoo 92's head that headlight switch must be an automatic part of starting up the bike so as to avoid this same situation in a night ride setting.

If, dear rider, you are reading this post, I sincerely hope you made it to your destination safely. With your black bike, black gear and black helmet you truly were "invisible" except for when you (thankfully) at least used your indicators.

Please please please: it seems like such an obvious thing to remind people of, but you are dicing with death with the odds stacked very much against you taking on traffic (or any road travel) at night without your lights.

**Mom** · 31st March 2009, 19:34

Originally Posted by PrincessBandit

Coming home on the southern motorway at 8pm tonight, doing 100kph, I was passed by a bike at Gillies Ave. What shocked me was I did not "see" him/her until he executed several lane changes - it was only his indicators blinking in a sea of blackness (ok, there were several cars on the road so it wasn't completely deserted blackness) which showed there was something mobile there.

I can only assume he exited the motorway before Mt. Wellington as there was a patrol car stationed there which would surely have taken 'interest' in the rider's lack of visibility (surely?).

As a young, inexperienced car driver many many years ago I can recall leaving a lit car park on a couple of occasions with my lights off, being fooled by the ambient lighting in the park and not twigging to my own headlights not being on. So I can relate to the concept of "forgetting" to turn headlights on. And, with a bike which requires a manual turn on for the head lamp as opposed to the hardwired lamps, it must be easy enough to overlook it. I am trying to drill it into RipperRoo 92's head that headlight switch must be an automatic part of starting up the bike so as to avoid this same situation in a night ride setting.

If, dear rider, you are reading this post, I sincerely hope you made it to your destination safely. With your black bike, black gear and black helmet you truly were "invisible" except for when you (thankfully) at least used your indicators.

Please please please: it seems like such an obvious thing to remind people of, but you are dicing with death with the odds stacked very much against you taking on traffic (or any road travel) at night without your lights.

Lets hope that he /she was not aware that they had no lights (maybe just tail light out?) and does read this thread and go check. I doubt that anyone would deliberately ride in stealth mode and still use indicators.

**PrincessBandit** · 31st March 2009, 19:45

Logic would say you are correct Mom. And as I mentioned, it's an easy mistake to make if you've started your bike/car in a well lit car park or street. But I can say the headlamp was not on - wasn't just the rear light that was out.

**mattian** · 31st March 2009, 19:49

It seems absolutely crazy to me. Surely the rider would be aware of the stiuation?.... if he had any sense of self preservation at all? perhaps he's suicidal?.......
Crikey, I find it difficult to see grey/silver coloured cars on a foggy morning with no headlights on until I am right on them. scares the shit out of me.

**Katman** · 31st March 2009, 19:56

You'd think the fact that he couldn't see his speedo or rev counter might have given him a clue.

**YellowDog** · 31st March 2009, 20:03

Imagine the shocking sensation when the rider eventually realises that they have been carving down the mororway without lights!

Perhaps it is not such a big deal as most motorcyclists are used to not being seen by cars and therefore instinctively ride defensively to avoid being hit!

**98tls** · 31st March 2009, 20:08

Or possibly he saw in the distance another motorcyclist,assuming he/she must be a member on KB decided there was no hope of him/her seeing his lack of waving nor the fact that he wasnt wearing KB verified safety gear he turned his lights and off set about lane splitting knowing full well it would be thread worthy the very same day.

**Ecclesnz** · 31st March 2009, 20:29

Originally Posted by 98tls

Or possibly he saw in the distance another motorcyclist,assuming he/she must be a member on KB decided there was no hope of him/her seeing his lack of waving nor the fact that he wasnt wearing KB verified safety gear he turned his lights and off set about lane splitting knowing full well it would be thread worthy the very same day.

My my my them's some mighty fine brown arms you have there sir from all that sh*t stirring :P

Bling given for the laugh

**Ixion** · 31st March 2009, 20:47

Left werk rather late about 6 months ago. Rode home, nothing out of ordinary, ho hum. Into gargre, went to turn off lights. Oh, they're already off!

(Tail lamp is permanent on , headlamp is switched. Instrument bulb blew long ago, haven't been arsed to replace it. )

It's very easily done. And in built up areas, the huge amount of ambient light at night means that the absent headlamp will not be noticed .

**dipshit** · 31st March 2009, 20:49

Was driving me car one night and nearly took out a Harley rider at a roundabout once.

I was entering a roundabout and looked and didn't see anything coming and just moments later when the nose of the car had started entering.... BBBAAALLLL... (the sound of a Harley-Ferguson) a black Harley with rider in black with no lights on goes screaming past the nose of my car with just inches spear at warp factor 10.

Even a motorcycle riding mate in the car with me just said "bloody hell".

**swee** · 31st March 2009, 20:50

i've had my headlight blow out at night somewhere between Helensville and wellsford. Black bike, black jacket, white helmet

Just out of interest, do you all carry spare bulbs with you?

**PrincessBandit** · 31st March 2009, 20:51

Originally Posted by 98tls

Or possibly he saw in the distance another motorcyclist,assuming he/she must be a member on KB decided there was no hope of him/her seeing his lack of waving nor the fact that he wasnt wearing KB verified safety gear he turned his lights and off set about lane splitting knowing full well it would be thread worthy the very same day.

Hahaha, except that I'd have fooled them 'cos I waren't on my bikey!

**PrincessBandit** · 31st March 2009, 20:53

Originally Posted by Ixion

Left werk rather late about 6 months ago. Rode home, nothing out of ordinary, ho hum. Into gargre, went to turn off lights. Oh, they're already off!

(Tail lamp is permanent on , headlamp is switched. Instrument bulb blew long ago, haven't been arsed to replace it. )

It's very easily done. And in built up areas, the huge amount of ambient light at night means that the absent headlamp will not be noticed .

So you're implying that its an ok thing to do?

I would like to point out that i didn't call this person an idiot, twat, dickhead, brainless c*nt etc., it was in no way a personal attack on them so for people getting their underwear in a knot, untwist it and get it out of your crack ok?

**Ixion** · 31st March 2009, 20:57

Originally Posted by PrincessBandit

So you're implying that its an ok thing to do?

Not at all. Decidedly unwise. Just saying that's it's an easy mistake to make.

Some distraction at start up time, tired, in a hurry, the role of that vital switch in the routine gets missed.

I'm sure that had you been able to point out to the rider that he had no lights on he would have said "Gor blimey, strewth, luv a duck, thanks" and turned them on. He just forgot . To err is human.

EDIT IT also occurs to me that he might be used to a bike with "always on " lights riding a new, borrowed or loaner machine.