I found these diagrams on the AMA site (http://www.ama-cycle.org/roadride/groupRideSignals.asp).

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.

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=10&pictureid=792 http://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=10&pictureid=793

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=10&pictureid=794 http://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=10&pictureid=795

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=10&pictureid=796

thanks! :thumbup:

I found these diagrams on the AMA site (http://www.ama-cycle.org/roadride/groupRideSignals.asp).

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... :confused:

I to have always seen it as cops...

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

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.

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 :)

thanx for posting these. aloha

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

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

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

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=10&pictureid=803

(original link (http://ninja250.kingston.net/hand_signals/))

Some more reasonably legit ones:

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=10&pictureid=804

(original link (http://www.willowcreek.org/motorcycle/hand_signals.htm))

Some more reasonably legit ones:

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=10&pictureid=804

(original link (http://www.willowcreek.org/motorcycle/hand_signals.htm))



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.

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.

The twirling in the air is also U-turn!

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.

:bump2:

Follow Me .....

lead rider points behind to tail section

Follow Me .....

lead rider points behind to tail section

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

Do you have a loud aftermarket exhaust pipe?

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.

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.

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 :D

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.

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...

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.

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 :D

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

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.

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 * :taz:

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! :D

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!"

:D That moment made my Week!!! :thumbup:

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'.

I found this funny, might have already been linked :P
http://www.viewfromthecloud.com/2006/08/secret-motorcycle-hand-greetings.html

I found this funny, might have already been linked :P
http://www.viewfromthecloud.com/2006/08/secret-motorcycle-hand-greetings.html

Ooooold!!!

BUT STILL AWESOME! lol|

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.

XdXFcqPTuho

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

What are the car waves to bikes. :O

PHvLhoo0D88

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

The twirling in the air is also U-turn!

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)

Follow Me .....

lead rider points behind to tail section

Control riders on the track might do this as well.

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.

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.

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!

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

Oh, and i think you were wanting to use the word: Gestures or Acknowledgements

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.


OK I had a rider pull next to me at a stop light then zoom ahead as I was having someone follow me to a gas station and couldn't get to his speed without losing the old folks that asked me for directions, then I had a biker who I didn't know in front of me and one behind me at the same time and we rode staggered formation with no signals the two rode right of the lane and I rode left. IDK if these guys jsut thought I was an idiot for riding in the left lane seeming I was the only one doing it or if this is what they expected because there was 3 of us, but it felt to me like the right thing to do even though I was closest to oncoming traffic. As for signals I have nothing to add to that for I haven't seen any except for the waves.

OK I had a rider pull next to me at a stop light then zoom ahead as I was having someone follow me to a gas station and couldn't get to his speed without losing the old folks that asked me for directions, then I had a biker who I didn't know in front of me and one behind me at the same time and we rode staggered formation with no signals the two rode right of the lane and I rode left. IDK if these guys jsut thought I was an idiot for riding in the left lane seeming I was the only one doing it or if this is what they expected because there was 3 of us, but it felt to me like the right thing to do even though I was closest to oncoming traffic. As for signals I have nothing to add to that for I haven't seen any except for the waves.

riding staggered is the safest and correct way according to what I've read.

also if you have another rider following you and you are not sure what he wants or expects:

1. Pull over in the nearest gas station
2. go into restroom
3. wait for him to come in and use the stall or urinal next to you
4. gently tap his foot with yours under the stall or urinal divider
5. ?????
6. PROFIT

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!

ive heard of that one, ive seen cops and wanted to use it bu didnt see any bikers :(

Oh, and i think you were wanting to use the word: Gestures or Acknowledgements

those werent it, like norms, or unofficial bike gestures, theres a word out there

riding staggered is the safest and correct way according to what I've read.

also if you have another rider following you and you are not sure what he wants or expects:

1. Pull over in the nearest gas station
2. go into restroom
3. wait for him to come in and use the stall or urinal next to you
4. gently tap his foot with yours under the stall or urinal divider
5. ?????
6. PROFIT

what kind of profit would we gain? :fencing: = no.

But seriously anyone else know what im talkin about. Like to turn left with your signal u use closed fist arm out , and for right closed fist and bend your elbow 90*. Hand tap on head for 5.0. besides waves and nods are there any informal bike gestures, im sure there are, i think bikers were trying to communicate with me but im still a noob.

Like driving down main street on bike night is awesome, i never really stop, i hate the outside atmosphere around bars, to much smoke and ****. But its nice when im driving home from class at night and theres a about 1/2 stretch of bikers there acknowleding you. i would love to stop by one night and talk about the bikes but i dont know anyone else who rides, think it would be wierd going, or parking next to a place your not supposed to park at, like are their actual bike gangs and **** like that?

riding staggered is the safest and correct way according to what I've read.

also if you have another rider following you and you are not sure what he wants or expects:

1. Pull over in the nearest gas station
2. go into restroom
3. wait for him to come in and use the stall or urinal next to you
4. gently tap his foot with yours under the stall or urinal divider
5. ?????
6. PROFIT


If there is no Glory Hole... No Deal!

Unspoken rules of the road?
Super secret biker signals?
Wutang clan gang signs?
Common hand signals?
Sign language?

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/signaling.htm

http://www.whale.to/b/hand.html

http://www.hardscrabblefarm.com/images/ww2/handbook/hand_signals_2.gif

http://www.lefande.com/hands.html

Any who bro, I think you are just a bit confused, I don't think there is "baseball-like" hand signals for bikes. The ones you mention are UNIVERSAL hand signals for traffic

Unspoken rules of the road?
Super secret biker signals?
Wutang clan gang signs?
Common hand signals?
Sign language?

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/signaling.htm

http://www.whale.to/b/hand.html

http://www.hardscrabblefarm.com/images/ww2/handbook/hand_signals_2.gif

http://www.lefande.com/hands.html

Any who bro, I think you are just a bit confused, I don't think there is "baseball-like" hand signals for bikes. The ones you mention are UNIVERSAL hand signals for traffic

This is the funnies ****ing thing ever

As far as Hello to a fellow biker, usually left hand down palm flat or hand extended out in a peace sign or standard Howdy wave.

As far as signals to other cyclists, the only guide I've seen is the MSF PDF on group ride signals.

Here's the link: MSF Quick Guide Group Signals (http://www.arng.army.mil/soldierresources/guardsafety/Documents/Motorcycle%20Safety/MSF%20Quick%20Tips%20Group_Ride.pdf)

As far as Hello to a fellow biker, usually left hand down palm flat or hand extended out in a peace sign or standard Howdy wave.

As far as signals to other cyclists, the only guide I've seen is the MSF PDF on group ride signals.

Here's the link: MSF Quick Guide Group Signals (http://www.arng.army.mil/soldierresources/guardsafety/Documents/Motorcycle%20Safety/MSF%20Quick%20Tips%20Group_Ride.pdf)

That's kind of cool to know...

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14964&highlight=hand+signals

^this thread^

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14964

^this thread^

:thumbup:

/threads merged

Hey Nolan, didn't you already post that in post #34 of this same thread? :)

http://www.toothpastefordinner.com/090311/repost-ive-seen-this-before.gif

Hey Nolan, didn't you already post that in post #34 of this same thread? :)

http://www.toothpastefordinner.com/090311/repost-ive-seen-this-before.gif

:o Whoops, sorry! I thought I had as well but when I went back and looked in the thread after you had merged it, I didn't see the video. As you can tell, it is one of my favorite videos :p

When I started riding (again) 3 years ago I had a vulcan 500. Went thru an intersection and some guy on a 1000 crotch rocket joined me going 60. He pulled up along beside me in the same lane and waved with his right hand... I suppose this was the signal for "I have a throttle lock". Suddenly he downshifted and took off like a bat out of hell, easily getting to 120 within 1/4 mile of me. Turns out he was really just waving BYE. :thumbup:

PHvLhoo0D88

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

2:06 = WIN

Thanks for the thread merge and for the charts, (those were a good refresher) but that is not what im talking about, im looking for more of the non-official stuff we see everyday. Kind of like form the thread here (http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?p=518710#post518710).

if i can figure out that word to describe it, like urban dictionary but for motorcycle gestures and what not. The video i quoted is more so what im talkin about but actually serious. I guess there arent any.

Also, does anyone use or should i use the left/right hand signals along with my lights?

2:06 = WIN

Thanks for the thread merge and for the charts, (those were a good refresher) but that is not what im talking about, im looking for more of the non-official stuff we see everyday. Kind of like form the thread here (http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?p=518710#post518710).

if i can figure out that word to describe it, like urban dictionary but for motorcycle gestures and what not. The video i quoted is more so what im talkin about but actually serious. I guess there arent any.

Also, does anyone use or should i use the left/right hand signals along with my lights?

I've seen people use hand signals along with their lights but personally I think it's safer to have both hands on your handlebar when you are coming to a stop in case someone pulls up behind you too quickly and bumps your bike. I would think you would have a better chance of keeping it upright. Of course, they may not run into your bike if you used hand signals to get the attention of the driver so it's kind of a Catch-22...

http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p596/rojoracing53/F46F87F8-1ABA-4BD5-844F-38CE58293E53-404-0000003CC892150D_zps4f44f1a2.jpg

:thumbup: :)

Anyone remember the 'Hello Kitty Wave'? I think it was from motorcycleforum, IIRC.