Another post about group rides as well as a recent ride with just three bikes got me wondering, what signals do you use for each other? When i went with three bikes we really just winged it (not very well either). For example when someone needed to pull off for gas we just hoped the others noticed. Flashing brights didn't always work as a moving bike gives the impression the brights are being flashed as it bounces along. There must be some standard signals seasoned groups riders use.
tgelphman
Agree on some standards before you head out, but here are some "universal" ones: Universal Motorcycle Hand Signals (basic)
I was (by chance) following behind a fellow rider on the Interstate one day, and he kicked out his right leg... thinking he was just stretching his leg out, I almost hit the chunk of metal that was laying on the pavement... That is when I realized there were some "standards" everyone should know if you're going to ride.
I was (by chance) following behind a fellow rider on the Interstate one day, and he kicked out his right leg... thinking he was just stretching his leg out, I almost hit the chunk of metal that was laying on the pavement... That is when I realized there were some "standards" everyone should know if you're going to ride.
Went on a ride with some new guys last weekend. The ride leaders went over the main hand signals they use before we left. The only one I was unfamiliar with was needing to stop for gas was a tap on the head / helmet. I had always thought that was to watch out for the cops ahead.
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I ended up doing some searching for hand signals as i too thought that was signal for LE ahead. I found this link ... pay special attention to the one at the bottom.
Universal Motorcycle Hand Signals - I Ride My Own
Universal Motorcycle Hand Signals - I Ride My Own
IMO the most important signal is the TURN SIGNAL. The HAND signal, NOT the blinker. A blinker could be left on by mistake. When you are going to make a turn give the hand signal and continue to give it until you see the rider behind you, in your rearview mirror, give it too. This way YOU KNOW that THE RIDER BEHIND YOU KNOWS that you are going to turn.
I group ride a lot and all the other signals are nice to know but this is the one that will save you the most pain and suffering.
All signals, with few exceptions, should be passed on to the bike behind you. The one exception that I can think of is the "I need fuel" signal. If you see the rider behind you pointing to his or her fuel tank it means that he or she, or someone behind him or her, needs to stop for gas. Pass this signal FORWARD until it reaches the leader so he or she can stop at the next gas station.
I group ride a lot and all the other signals are nice to know but this is the one that will save you the most pain and suffering.
All signals, with few exceptions, should be passed on to the bike behind you. The one exception that I can think of is the "I need fuel" signal. If you see the rider behind you pointing to his or her fuel tank it means that he or she, or someone behind him or her, needs to stop for gas. Pass this signal FORWARD until it reaches the leader so he or she can stop at the next gas station.
I don't generally ride with more than one or two other riders these days but I used to run with large groups when I was with HOG. Sometimes we'd have fifty or more bikes on MDA runs or similar events and often there would be a few riders who didn't have any idea there were hand signals to let the other riders know their intentions. HOWEVER, no signals do any good if the people riding together don't pay attention. Being aware of our surroundings, including other bikes, cars, pedestrians, and general traffic conditions is an absolute necessity.
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