Tips for Deer Avoidance
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
I have no real positive suggestions other then when I see a deer along the road, I lay on the horn. I have a custom dynamics mini beast, which sounds like the old army deuce-and-half. Loud and obnoxious. I sometimes feel they get fixated on our lights or movement and the horn sort of startles them and "wakes" them up. I see a lot of them around here in Michigan. I travel the way and route I want, just have to know and understand they are around.
Well I guess I do have something.... if you are "new" back to riding, keep your head on a swivel, move and look. Went on a weekend trip last weekend with a group and I followed (for some reason, being one of the more "experienced" riders, they now call my Road Budda) and noticed several times looking into fields and out in the distance.... then it dawned on me I'm looking for wildlife. Ride, pay attention to the road, pay attention to the idiots/******** around you, and watch for wildlife. Lots to look for, but something you have to do. You may have to "think" about looking for things but it will come to you!
Well I guess I do have something.... if you are "new" back to riding, keep your head on a swivel, move and look. Went on a weekend trip last weekend with a group and I followed (for some reason, being one of the more "experienced" riders, they now call my Road Budda) and noticed several times looking into fields and out in the distance.... then it dawned on me I'm looking for wildlife. Ride, pay attention to the road, pay attention to the idiots/******** around you, and watch for wildlife. Lots to look for, but something you have to do. You may have to "think" about looking for things but it will come to you!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,027
From: Carlsbad, CA
I know of several riders that have those silent deer whisler things. None of them have hit a deer. Not sure that’s indicative of their effectively, or just the emperors new clothes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,040
Likes: 12,960
From: Texas, USA
I have loud pipes on my bike and LED lights all the way around. I still hit a deer. I have seen deer look up at the noise but rarely have I seen them run off. Crap, I should have left the reflectors on. I have deer whistles on all of my cars and I still hit deer.
I have concluded that if you want to avoid deer then don't ride where there are deer.
I have concluded that if you want to avoid deer then don't ride where there are deer.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 166
Likes: 25
From: Virginia
Thanks guys. I am doing most of the suggested things so I am glad to know I am taking the correct steps. I know stuff happens and motorcycles are inherently more dangerous but I love riding so just want to do as much as I can to minimize issues. I see way less deer on the faster/shorter route and there are a lot fewer places where they can pop out where I couldnt see them ahead of time. That's why I have leaned toward that route but running 60 with a tractor trailer behind me is a definite possibility as well...hence the reason I was considering the more deer infested route.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,998
Likes: 11,439
Speed is a big part of avoiding one. It the one you don't see that gets . At least in my case 60 Mph it was air born and came right through the faring and took me out. Broke some bones , killed the deer and totaled the bike. Maybe if I had been at 55 we would not have met.