Group Riding Hand Signals


Good to know…I still haven’t seen a group of BMW riders doing this, mainly the cruisers but hey still good to know! 😉

Motorcycle hand signals are important for all riders to know and understand but especially when riding in a group. (When riding in a group the signals should be relayed back through the group.)

START ENGINES
With your right or left arm extended, move your index finger in a circular motion.
LEFT TURN
Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow fully extended.
RIGHT TURN
Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow bent 90 degrees vertically.

HAZARD LEFT
Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard.

 
HAZARD RIGHT A
Extend your right arm at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard.
HAZARD RIGHT B
Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your elbow bent to 90 degrees and point towards the hazard over your helmet.
SPEED UP
Raise your left arm up and down with your index finger extended upward.  This indicates the leader wants to speed up.
SLOW DOWN
Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle and move your hand up and down.
STOP
Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle with the palm of your hand facing rearward.
SINGLE FILE
Position your left hand over your helmet with your fingers extended upward.  This indicates the leader wants the group in a single file formation. Usually this is done for safety reasons.
STAGGERED   or  SIDE-BY-SIDE FORMATION
Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your index and pinkie finger extended. This indicate that it is safe to return to staggered formation.
TIGHTEN UP
Raise your left arm and repeatedly move up and down in a pulling motion.  This indicates the leader wants the group to close ranks.
TICKED OFF
Extend your left arm straight out with your elbow bent 90 degrees. Carefully extend your middle finger to clearly demonstrate your dissatisfaction with the other guy. NOTE: It is not recommended you do this when you are alone.

Special thanks to graphics from: Ann Arbor Hog Chapter

Author: advgrrl

Avid ADV rider! This Blog is all about the adventure in adventure riding. Researching new bikes, routes, accessories, learning about other riders and hopefully a great place for others to comment and explore with me. PLUS, up and down's, wildlife, my dogs, my life!

3 thoughts on “Group Riding Hand Signals”

  1. Lol, very nice Grillz. That’s why I prefer to travel alone. All groups of >5 motorcycles should charter a touringcar instead 🙂

    Reply

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