Motorcycle Hand Signals

Alex · March 10th, 2009, 08:42 PM

I found these diagrams on the AMA site.

All of 'em make sense to me, except the one that they say is for telling someone their high beams are on (patting the helmet) is commonly used, at least here in California, to alert oncoming riders that a police officer is nearby.

darkknight49 · March 10th, 2009, 08:58 PM

thanks!

Nemy · March 10th, 2009, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

I found these diagrams on the AMA site.

All of 'em make sense to me, except the one that they say is for telling someone their high beams are on (patting the helmet) is commonly used, at least here in California, to alert oncoming riders that a police officer is nearby.

I'm with you on that one. Not sure which state it's used to indicate highbeams...

BlueTyke · March 11th, 2009, 08:57 AM

I to have always seen it as cops...

Then again they aren't exactally going to tell you to signal for that...

KnoxNinja · March 11th, 2009, 09:12 AM

Thanks, very informative. I've seen a lot of those used. We use the helmet pat on the Dragon for cops as well, sometimes followed by a show of fingers if there's more than one which is often the case in the summer months. I've seen as many as six sitting on that one 11 mile stretch of road!

I have a special hand signal for cars that are lane crossing... I use my left hand to sort of brush them to the side back into their lane. The middle finger also says "get out of my effing lane" pretty well.

HKr1 · March 11th, 2009, 10:21 AM

Back in the 80's me and a friend ran up a group of riders doing hand signals, we followed them for a bit on old hwy 94. Friend had enough, he stood up and pointed to his rear end.... I was in tears laughing so hard.
Its pretty much all I ever think of when people start throw signs around

komohana · March 11th, 2009, 10:29 AM

thanx for posting these. aloha

g21-30 · March 11th, 2009, 11:38 AM

For the non-motorcycle hand signals, check this out:

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14996

Alex · March 11th, 2009, 12:03 PM

Beware, there may be alternate meanings for some of those motorcycle hand signals.

(original link)

Alex · March 11th, 2009, 12:09 PM

Some more reasonably legit ones:

(original link)

00v_Lucky · March 11th, 2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Some more reasonably legit ones:

(original link)

The signal for start your engines must have a different meaning in so. cali because many riders gave me that signal as police officers ahead.

Alex · March 11th, 2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 00v_Lucky

The signal for start your engines must have a different meaning in so. cali because many riders gave me that signal as police officers ahead.

I've seen that as well. Only time it means start your engines is in MSF class. Though in NorCal, the more common LEO warning is to tap your helmet.

BlueTyke · March 11th, 2009, 01:11 PM

The twirling in the air is also U-turn!

aloh · March 11th, 2009, 06:42 PM

I love it when others tip me off about the cops on the canyons when they tap their helmet. I'll be tearing it up in my cage and then a biker coming the other way would give me a heads up.

g21-30 · April 22nd, 2010, 05:34 PM

Manimal · April 22nd, 2010, 06:46 PM

Follow Me .....

lead rider points behind to tail section

CC Cowboy · April 22nd, 2010, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manimal

Follow Me .....

lead rider points behind to tail section

I always thought that one was don't follow me, I just farted!

LazinCajun · April 22nd, 2010, 08:19 PM

Do you have a loud aftermarket exhaust pipe?

backinthesaddleagain · April 22nd, 2010, 08:19 PM

i just learned the turn off turn signal one today. i thought my friend riding ahead of me was making some kind of signal to a woman bent over gardening.

sombo · April 22nd, 2010, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aloh

I love it when others tip me off about the cops on the canyons when they tap their helmet. I'll be tearing it up in my cage and then a biker coming the other way would give me a heads up.

A couple months back I had a rider give me that signal and I meant to ask on here what that was. Now I know, and knowing is half the battle. Of course I never did come across a LEO, must have left by the time I got there.

headshrink · April 23rd, 2010, 01:19 AM

Now why didn't that cop just pat the top of his head yesterday, instead of stopping me for that mysterious flashing light on the front of my bike? I'll print this one out too for next time

Shwig · May 14th, 2010, 12:03 PM

ill keep an eye out for this now. I was always told flashing the Hi beams where an indication to slow down because of cops. good post and bump.

Perf_White_Gt · June 6th, 2010, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shwig

ill keep an eye out for this now. I was always told flashing the Hi beams where an indication to slow down because of cops. good post and bump.

Ive always been told its patting the head on a bike

flashing the highbeams is when i am in the car...

capt_bugaloo · June 6th, 2010, 08:56 AM

When I'm riding, if I see someone making any sort of hand gestures to me, be it patting their helmet, waving their hands in a certain way, whatever, I think "That rider's trying to tell me _something_" and I slow down. Cops, road hazard, whatever the problem, slowing down will probably be a good response.

headshrink · June 6th, 2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_bugaloo

When I'm riding, if I see someone making any sort of hand gestures to me, be it patting their helmet, waving their hands in a certain way, whatever, I think "That rider's trying to tell me _something_" and I slow down. Cops, road hazard, whatever the problem, slowing down will probably be a good response.

Careful with that - they might be trying to tell you about an angry swarm of bees behind you

DRivero · June 6th, 2010, 10:01 PM

And here I thought I made that "turn signal" one up!

CZroe · June 6th, 2010, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRivero

And here I thought I made that "turn signal" one up!

Same here! I do it with both hands when someone's headlights are off.

ScorpionNinja · June 10th, 2010, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_bugaloo

When I'm riding, if I see someone making any sort of hand gestures to me, be it patting their helmet, waving their hands in a certain way, whatever, I think "That rider's trying to tell me _something_" and I slow down. Cops, road hazard, whatever the problem, slowing down will probably be a good response.

Or...

they just rode threw a SPIDER WEB, with their Visor open!

* Waves both hands around franticly *

ScorpionNinja · June 10th, 2010, 04:57 PM

Oh, that reminds me.

Lastnite my GF and I, went out for a 2up ride.

on the way home, to the side of the road we saw a guy walking along the road.

and once we got close enuff, i was ROFL at what i saw...

this dude had a (white guy) BIG Faqin' FRO!

So since my GF cant hear me if i yell "LOOK AT THAT GUY"... I just use my left hand, in a gesture Arm pointed up High and with hand fully opened. " HUGE HAIR" like!

Funny thing was, as my GF and I were laughing about it.... I look to my Left at this Car passing and the DRIVER NOTICED MY GESTURE and was CRACKING UP!

We got stopped at a red light and the driver was still laughing... asked "Hey man I saw you pointing out that afro guy back there!"

That moment made my Week!!!

but GOD I wish I had a Go-Pro camera mounted to my helmet, the whole moment, my view would make for a Funny commercial or sumin'.

nezumiamalek · October 20th, 2011, 04:49 PM

I found this funny, might have already been linked :P
http://www.viewfromthecloud.com/2006...greetings.html

oblivion007 · October 20th, 2011, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nezumiamalek

I found this funny, might have already been linked :P
http://www.viewfromthecloud.com/2006...greetings.html

Ooooold!!!

BUT STILL AWESOME! lol|

Heed · October 20th, 2011, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 00v_Lucky

The signal for start your engines must have a different meaning in so. cali because many riders gave me that signal as police officers ahead.

Link to original page on YouTube.

36 seconds in. don't know what he meant in this case. can't tell if he was waiving to a friend or what.

rusninja · October 20th, 2011, 11:59 PM

What are the car waves to bikes. :O

Mocha Man · October 29th, 2011, 10:35 PM

Link to original page on YouTube.

I'd say downshift83 has the best hand signals for any idiotic drivers out there Most of you have probably seen this before but it's still one of my favorite youtube videos

Whiskey · March 2nd, 2012, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueTyke

The twirling in the air is also U-turn!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shwig

ill keep an eye out for this now. I was always told flashing the Hi beams where an indication to slow down because of cops. good post and bump.

Yeah the flashing hi beams is more normal in this part of the world, the twirling signal is U turn.

I've never seen the pat on the head one used as a cops warning, but I've seen it used as pull alongside to talk when in a group (who were all military riders and knew it as come here for orders)

csmith12 · March 2nd, 2012, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manimal

Follow Me .....

lead rider points behind to tail section

Control riders on the track might do this as well.

headshrink · March 2nd, 2012, 09:38 AM

I had a cager, coming from the opposing direction, flash it's lights at me to warn me about "a bear" up ahead. It took me several seconds to process the information though, as I was confused by the message. I first thought I might have left my brights on, then I saw the cop and it all clicked. I assume the cager was also a motorcyclist. Regardless, I appreciated the effort.

SafetyPaws · June 21st, 2012, 12:46 PM

I dont think norms is the right word, the perfect way to describe it as at the tip of my tounge but;

Spotting: when ever i see another bike i always head nod to my fellow cyclist and ive started doing this bc its been done to me, left hand peace sign below. And i think its one of the most respectable gestures. Seeing strangers you have no idea who they are and you have a common ground no matter the bike.

What i want to know is what are common gestures and signals you guys use or have seen for anything, saying hello, warning for danger or something.

Another thing i was wondering is do/have anyone else let or joined another rider in the same lane side by side? last summer when i was coming home from class a r6 was behind me and he was matching my speeds, i think he wanted to ride with me. He did not pass me or anything, he was doing some kind of gesture but it was my first few months and i had no idea what he wanted. I think thats what he wanted, he eventually took the other lane a mile later and zoomed by., I am almost certain he wanted to tag along.

What are the ARRGGG cant thing of the word common things you see for other riders to get your attention/ maybe ride side by side?

need an index for the communication or something.

Cab305 · June 21st, 2012, 12:50 PM

Most important sign of all: If you see a biker ahead of you tap the top of his helmet.... he sees the po po's!

edxmon · June 21st, 2012, 12:52 PM

hand in a fist, middle finger up : Means you are number one, keep on keeping on

March 10th, 2009, 08:42 PM	#1
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Motorcycle Hand Signals I found these diagrams on the AMA site. All of 'em make sense to me, except the one that they say is for telling someone their high beams are on (patting the helmet) is commonly used, at least here in California, to alert oncoming riders that a police officer is nearby. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

March 10th, 2009, 08:58 PM	#2
darkknight49 ninjette.org member Name: Faiyaz Location: Davis, Ca Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Black 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 70	thanks! __________________________________________________ 2008 Ninja 250 - Yoshi Exhaust, Brake Light Modulator, HID Kit To Come: Sliders, Fender Elim, Flush Mounts, Hugger (much later...no $ )

March 11th, 2009, 08:57 AM	#4
BlueTyke So slow I'm first! Name: Sunny Location: San Jose, CA Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 06 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 10	I to have always seen it as cops... Then again they aren't exactally going to tell you to signal for that... __________________________________________________ Learn from the mistakes of others, you cannot make them all yourself. Save yourself the trouble and Learn.

March 11th, 2009, 10:29 AM	#7
komohana ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Steve Location: Kekaha, Kauai HI Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 GSX-R 600 2003 EX250: Woodcraft Bars, Levers, Mirrors, Shim'd Mixture, Synthetic, '08 Rear Shock Posts: A lot.	thanx for posting these. aloha __________________________________________________ Remember when sex was safe and motorcycles were dangerous?

March 11th, 2009, 12:03 PM	#9
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Beware, there may be alternate meanings for some of those motorcycle hand signals. (original link) __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

March 11th, 2009, 09:12 AM	#5
KnoxNinja BRKDWN. Name: Jimi Location: Knoxville, TN Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 89 GPX250R, 89 GPZ500S Posts: 126	Thanks, very informative. I've seen a lot of those used. We use the helmet pat on the Dragon for cops as well, sometimes followed by a show of fingers if there's more than one which is often the case in the summer months. I've seen as many as six sitting on that one 11 mile stretch of road! I have a special hand signal for cars that are lane crossing... I use my left hand to sort of brush them to the side back into their lane. The middle finger also says "get out of my effing lane" pretty well.

March 11th, 2009, 10:21 AM	#6
HKr1 IC2(SW) Name: Kerry Location: Pensacola Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.	Back in the 80's me and a friend ran up a group of riders doing hand signals, we followed them for a bit on old hwy 94. Friend had enough, he stood up and pointed to his rear end.... I was in tears laughing so hard. Its pretty much all I ever think of when people start throw signs around

March 11th, 2009, 11:38 AM	#8
g21-30 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sam Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 Posts: A lot.	For the non-motorcycle hand signals, check this out: http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14996

March 11th, 2009, 12:09 PM	#10
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Some more reasonably legit ones: (original link) __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

March 11th, 2009, 01:11 PM	#13
BlueTyke So slow I'm first! Name: Sunny Location: San Jose, CA Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 06 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 10	The twirling in the air is also U-turn! __________________________________________________ Learn from the mistakes of others, you cannot make them all yourself. Save yourself the trouble and Learn.

March 11th, 2009, 06:42 PM	#14
aloh lolwut Name: Alex Location: socal Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 196	I love it when others tip me off about the cops on the canyons when they tap their helmet. I'll be tearing it up in my cage and then a biker coming the other way would give me a heads up. __________________________________________________ 08 Blue Ninja 250R

April 22nd, 2010, 05:34 PM	#15
g21-30 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sam Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 Posts: A lot.

April 22nd, 2010, 06:46 PM	#16
Manimal ninjette.org member Name: Daren Location: Milpitas Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 SE Posts: 106	Follow Me ..... lead rider points behind to tail section

April 22nd, 2010, 08:19 PM	#18
LazinCajun ninjette.org guru Name: Anon Location: Atlanta, GA Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 (Blue!) Posts: 488	Do you have a loud aftermarket exhaust pipe?

April 22nd, 2010, 08:19 PM	#19
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	i just learned the turn off turn signal one today. i thought my friend riding ahead of me was making some kind of signal to a woman bent over gardening.

April 23rd, 2010, 01:19 AM	#21
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	Now why didn't that cop just pat the top of his head yesterday, instead of stopping me for that mysterious flashing light on the front of my bike? I'll print this one out too for next time

May 14th, 2010, 12:03 PM	#22
Shwig K.D.I.T of ninjette.org Name: Matt Location: Philadelphia, PA Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 08' ninja 250r Posts: 44	ill keep an eye out for this now. I was always told flashing the Hi beams where an indication to slow down because of cops. good post and bump. __________________________________________________ "Cover it up while your on the bike, and it'll look the same when you get off of it."

June 6th, 2010, 08:56 AM	#24
capt_bugaloo motorcycle rider Name: Bruce Location: Victoria, BC Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver) Posts: A lot.	When I'm riding, if I see someone making any sort of hand gestures to me, be it patting their helmet, waving their hands in a certain way, whatever, I think "That rider's trying to tell me _something_" and I slow down. Cops, road hazard, whatever the problem, slowing down will probably be a good response. __________________________________________________ '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver)

June 6th, 2010, 10:01 PM	#26
DRivero ninjette.org guru Name: Debbi Location: South Florida Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250 (Sold); 2008 Ninja EX500 Posts: 273	And here I thought I made that "turn signal" one up! __________________________________________________ www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1568567524

June 10th, 2010, 04:57 PM	#29
ScorpionNinja ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Dave Location: Michigan Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650RTE & 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (SOLD) Posts: A lot.	Oh, that reminds me. Lastnite my GF and I, went out for a 2up ride. on the way home, to the side of the road we saw a guy walking along the road. and once we got close enuff, i was ROFL at what i saw... this dude had a (white guy) BIG Faqin' FRO! So since my GF cant hear me if i yell "LOOK AT THAT GUY"... I just use my left hand, in a gesture Arm pointed up High and with hand fully opened. " HUGE HAIR" like! Funny thing was, as my GF and I were laughing about it.... I look to my Left at this Car passing and the DRIVER NOTICED MY GESTURE and was CRACKING UP! We got stopped at a red light and the driver was still laughing... asked "Hey man I saw you pointing out that afro guy back there!" That moment made my Week!!! but GOD I wish I had a Go-Pro camera mounted to my helmet, the whole moment, my view would make for a Funny commercial or sumin'. Last futzed with by ScorpionNinja; June 11th, 2010 at 03:55 PM.

October 20th, 2011, 04:49 PM	#30
nezumiamalek ninjette.org member Name: Tim Location: Hillsboro, OR Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 53	I found this funny, might have already been linked :P http://www.viewfromthecloud.com/2006...greetings.html

October 20th, 2011, 11:59 PM	#33
rusninja Ninjette wanabe :D Name: Ruslan Location: San Jose Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): white 300 :D Posts: A lot.	What are the car waves to bikes. :O __________________________________________________ VROOOM vrooom >.>

October 29th, 2011, 10:35 PM	#34
Mocha Man Blue Shell magnet Name: Nolan Location: Northwest Washington Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1997 Ninja 250 Posts: 816	Link to original page on YouTube. I'd say downshift83 has the best hand signals for any idiotic drivers out there Most of you have probably seen this before but it's still one of my favorite youtube videos

March 2nd, 2012, 09:38 AM	#37
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	I had a cager, coming from the opposing direction, flash it's lights at me to warn me about "a bear" up ahead. It took me several seconds to process the information though, as I was confused by the message. I first thought I might have left my brights on, then I saw the cop and it all clicked. I assume the cager was also a motorcyclist. Regardless, I appreciated the effort. __________________________________________________ Honda Interceptor VFR800 DLX (2014, 8th gen) Honda CBR500r (2014) - FOR SALE Kawi Ninja 250r (2008) - Restored and passed-down within family, only to be abandoned

June 21st, 2012, 12:46 PM	#38
SafetyPaws ninjette.org member Name: Al Location: MI, metro detroit area Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r Posts: 228	biker signals and norms? I dont think norms is the right word, the perfect way to describe it as at the tip of my tounge but; Spotting: when ever i see another bike i always head nod to my fellow cyclist and ive started doing this bc its been done to me, left hand peace sign below. And i think its one of the most respectable gestures. Seeing strangers you have no idea who they are and you have a common ground no matter the bike. What i want to know is what are common gestures and signals you guys use or have seen for anything, saying hello, warning for danger or something. Another thing i was wondering is do/have anyone else let or joined another rider in the same lane side by side? last summer when i was coming home from class a r6 was behind me and he was matching my speeds, i think he wanted to ride with me. He did not pass me or anything, he was doing some kind of gesture but it was my first few months and i had no idea what he wanted. I think thats what he wanted, he eventually took the other lane a mile later and zoomed by., I am almost certain he wanted to tag along. *What are the ARRGGG cant thing of the word* common things you see for other riders to get your attention/ maybe ride side by side? need an index for the communication or something. __________________________________________________ www.SafetyPaws.org**

June 21st, 2012, 12:50 PM	#39
Cab305 ninjette.org sage Name: Cab Location: Miami Beach Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): Blue 10 250r Posts: 697	Most important sign of all: If you see a biker ahead of you tap the top of his helmet.... he sees the po po's!

June 21st, 2012, 12:52 PM	#40
edxmon ninjette.org guru Name: Ed Location: San Diego Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R (SOLD - 2/16/2013) Posts: 492	hand in a fist, middle finger up : Means you are number one, keep on keeping on __________________________________________________ Mods/Add-on list: DanMoto Jisu, Snorkel delete, Shimmed needles, K&N Drop-In filter, T-Rex frame sliders, Shogun swing-arm spools, CBR250 Rear Hugger, Buell XB Pegs. DIY polished rim lips

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