« previous next »
Pages: [1] 2  All   Go Down

Author Topic: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider  (Read 3667 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline eigenvector

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,949
  • Member of the despondent public
Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« on: June 20, 2016, 05:22:18 PM »
Something I was told a long while back was that the proper warning to a fellow rider when seeing them on the road was to tap the top of your helmet to warn them of cops coming up.

I've always done that when I know a rider is about to come up on a cop or about to encounter a police action (like an accident scene) - but to be honest I haven't a clue if anyone even knows what the H I'm doing and I might as well stop doing that.

Are there other hand signals to pass along to a fellow rider to help them out - something like "rest stop" or "food".  Seems like when you're traveling the back roads it's nice to have someone pass along some information - like "Don't worry there's gas up ahead" or "watch out, dangerous road".

Harley riders have their own greetings that border on arcane symbolism - but that's not what I'm talking about here.  Given the ubiquity of GPS and cell phones (I don't use GPS when riding) maybe this is a lost art that no longer serves a purpose?
Logged
Rob
--------------------------------
2018 HD Softail Heritage
1979 CB750K Limited Edition
1977 CB550K
1984 CB700SC Nighthawk
1983 VF750S Sabre

scrapvalue

  • Guest
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #1 on: June 20, 2016, 05:38:54 PM »
The universal sign for a cop ahead is flashing your lights from low to high beam several times I believe.
Logged

Offline Steve F

  • I have "some-timer's disease" because I'm an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 2,928
  • "To Ride Is The Reason, The Destination The Excuse
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #2 on: June 20, 2016, 06:11:57 PM »
I've seen and used the tap-the-top-of-the-head gesture myself several times.
Flashing the high beams is if I pass a speed trap area.
Logged

Offline ekpent

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 13,508
  • To many bikes-but lookin' for more
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #3 on: June 20, 2016, 06:12:14 PM »
Not a hand signal but a kicked out leg either left or right means something in the road to riders behind you.
Logged

Offline eigenvector

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,949
  • Member of the despondent public
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #4 on: June 20, 2016, 07:20:47 PM »
Quote from: Steve F on June 20, 2016, 06:11:57 PM
I've seen and used the tap-the-top-of-the-head gesture myself several times.
Flashing the high beams is if I pass a speed trap area.

Glad to hear I'm not totally off the wall.

I find that I rarely need it though - seems like officers won't pull you over unless you're doing at least 15 over, but it's still polite to let them know.
Logged
Rob
--------------------------------
2018 HD Softail Heritage
1979 CB750K Limited Edition
1977 CB550K
1984 CB700SC Nighthawk
1983 VF750S Sabre

Offline BomberMann650

  • Holy Cow! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,441
  • Dr. Bovinestein iBa#80333
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #5 on: June 20, 2016, 07:41:38 PM »
Worth mentioning a hand signal change here in WA.

Turn signals.  Left arm out for left, Right arm out for right.

I see old fashioned riders using a bent left arm for right turn.  Old habit.
Logged

Offline flybox1

  • My wife thinks I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,289
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #6 on: June 20, 2016, 11:01:47 PM »
Quote from: BomberMann650 on June 20, 2016, 07:41:38 PM
Worth mentioning a hand signal change here in WA.

Turn signals.  Left arm out for left, Right arm out for right.

I see old fashioned riders using a bent left arm for right turn.  Old habit.
Why would anyone ever  take their right hand off the controls?
never is there a good reason.
Left arm bent is for right turn.

Tap head for cops
leg kickout for road hazard left or right
flashing hand is for headlight or signal check.

http://motorbikewriter.com/use-hand-signals-motorcycle/
« Last Edit: June 20, 2016, 11:07:06 PM by flybox1 »
Logged
'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

Past Bikes
1974 550K0 (stock), 1973 CB350F (stock), 1983 Yamaha XS400K (POS)
77/78 cool 2 member #3
"Knowledge without mileage equals bullsh!t" - Henry Rollins

"This is my CB. There are many like it, but this one is mine…"

Offline theslayedsaint

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 632
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #7 on: June 20, 2016, 11:13:21 PM »
Quote from: flybox1 on June 20, 2016, 11:01:47 PM
Quote from: BomberMann650 on June 20, 2016, 07:41:38 PM
Worth mentioning a hand signal change here in WA.

Turn signals.  Left arm out for left, Right arm out for right.

I see old fashioned riders using a bent left arm for right turn.  Old habit.
Why would anyone ever  take their right hand off the controls?
never is there a good reason.
Left arm bent is for right turn.

Tap head for cops
leg kickout for road hazard left or right
flashing hand is for headlight or signal check.

http://motorbikewriter.com/use-hand-signals-motorcycle/

+1

That just seems down right idiotic to take your right hand off! Bent arm is the right way for anything two wheeled. And I also use and have seen the taping the helmet for cops many times.
Logged
1974 CB750 custom build cafe racer
-849cc big bore
-Webcam 63a
-APE rods
-4-1 stainless exhaust
-GSXR front end

Offline BomberMann650

  • Holy Cow! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,441
  • Dr. Bovinestein iBa#80333
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #8 on: June 20, 2016, 11:34:14 PM »
Quote from: theslayedsaint on June 20, 2016, 11:13:21 PM
Quote from: flybox1 on June 20, 2016, 11:01:47 PM
Quote from: BomberMann650 on June 20, 2016, 07:41:38 PM
Worth mentioning a hand signal change here in WA.

Turn signals.  Left arm out for left, Right arm out for right.

I see old fashioned riders using a bent left arm for right turn.  Old habit.
Why would anyone ever  take their right hand off the controls?
never is there a good reason.
Left arm bent is for right turn.

Tap head for cops
leg kickout for road hazard left or right
flashing hand is for headlight or signal check.

http://motorbikewriter.com/use-hand-signals-motorcycle/

+1

That just seems down right idiotic to take your right hand off! Bent arm is the right way for anything two wheeled. And I also use and have seen the taping the helmet for cops many times.

It was the governments' idea.  Their rationale has something to do with cagers thinking that the bent arm is a friendly wave  :o.  A fully extended right arm is supposed to be more idiot proof.

I just had to play along with the idea in order to get my endorsement.
Logged

Offline Steve F

  • I have "some-timer's disease" because I'm an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 2,928
  • "To Ride Is The Reason, The Destination The Excuse
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #9 on: June 21, 2016, 04:38:39 AM »
That's the first time I have ever...EVER heard of using the right arm for a right turn.  I do believe the person doing the testing was mistaken......or making it up.  Must have been a Harley owner....their turn signal switches mimic this kind of thinking.
Logged

Offline ekpent

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 13,508
  • To many bikes-but lookin' for more
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #10 on: June 21, 2016, 04:59:06 AM »
 Ahhhh - who needs throttle control or brakes when turning right   ;D
Logged

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,556
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #11 on: June 21, 2016, 06:22:56 AM »
Left hand (palm open and facing ground) patting downward motion -- slow down.
Logged
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,481
  • Central Texas
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #12 on: June 21, 2016, 06:28:41 AM »
Display extended middle finger on left hand after being cut off.
Logged
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Steve F

  • I have "some-timer's disease" because I'm an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 2,928
  • "To Ride Is The Reason, The Destination The Excuse
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #13 on: June 21, 2016, 06:34:11 AM »
Found this (hope the link works):

http://tinyurl.com/zsw9zk6
« Last Edit: June 22, 2016, 07:58:58 AM by Gordon »
Logged

Offline flybox1

  • My wife thinks I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,289
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #14 on: June 21, 2016, 06:54:19 AM »
Quote from: BomberMann650 on June 20, 2016, 11:34:14 PM

It was the governments' idea.  Their rationale has something to do with cagers thinking that the bent arm is a friendly wave  :o.  A fully extended right arm is supposed to be more idiot proof.

I just had to play along with the idea in order to get my endorsement.
I think someone was yankin yer chain  ::)  There is no reference to Right hand signals in the WA DOL MC instruction .pdf.
Logged
'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

Past Bikes
1974 550K0 (stock), 1973 CB350F (stock), 1983 Yamaha XS400K (POS)
77/78 cool 2 member #3
"Knowledge without mileage equals bullsh!t" - Henry Rollins

"This is my CB. There are many like it, but this one is mine…"

Offline 70CB750

  • Labor omnia vincit improbus.
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,817
  • Northern Virginia
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #15 on: June 21, 2016, 06:58:27 AM »
I do the tap on the head routine, also middle finger.

Motorcycle wave.
Logged
Prokop
_______________
Pure Gas - find ethanol free gas station near you

I love it when parts come together.

Dorothy - my CB750
CB750K3F - The Red
Sidecar


CB900C

2006 KLR650

Offline evanphi

  • Apparently I'm an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,106
  • Rhonda the Basket Case
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #16 on: June 21, 2016, 07:42:08 AM »
Steve, Please remove your link it is throwing off the page width!

Here is the photo in question:



Here's an alternate version:

Logged
--Evan

1975 CB750K "Rhonda"
Delkevic Stainless 4-1 Header, Cone Engineering 18" Quiet Core Reverse Cone, K&N Filter in Drilled Airbox
K5 Crankcase/Frame, K4 Head and Cylinders, K1 Carbs (42;120;1 Turn)

She's a mix-matched (former) basket case, but she's mine.

CB750 Shop Manual (all years), searchable text PDF
Calculating the correct input circumference for digital speedometers connected to the original speedometer drive

Offline theslayedsaint

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 632
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #17 on: June 21, 2016, 08:28:42 AM »
AHAHA i love the stop following me ass hole one.
Logged
1974 CB750 custom build cafe racer
-849cc big bore
-Webcam 63a
-APE rods
-4-1 stainless exhaust
-GSXR front end

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,556
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #18 on: June 21, 2016, 09:32:11 AM »
Logged
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline edwardmorris

  • Youngish
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,141
  • Do not cause harm, nor respond to harm with harm.
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #19 on: June 21, 2016, 10:04:40 AM »
Logged

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,556
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #20 on: June 21, 2016, 10:22:57 AM »
Logged
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline BomberMann650

  • Holy Cow! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,441
  • Dr. Bovinestein iBa#80333
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #21 on: June 21, 2016, 10:52:23 AM »
Logged

Offline martin99

  • UK Based, Non-
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,730
  • Adventure before Dementia
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #22 on: June 21, 2016, 11:40:07 PM »
I just finally succumbed to fitting indicators to my Norton. Stalled going over a busy roundabout the other week, and caused chaos. Trouble is, over here, no-one seems to understand hand signals. Two of my kids have recently been taught to drive, but neither of them were tested on them. Me putting out an arm means fck all to the 18yr old Lewis Hamilton wanna-be following behind in his souped up Clio :-\
Logged
Build threads:
77 750F2 Refresh Project http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=144075.0
TRIBSA http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,160296.0.html

1977 CB750 F2
1958 Norton Model 99
2011 Triumph Street Triple 675

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,556
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #23 on: June 22, 2016, 11:55:14 AM »
My neighbor has a Model T truck that is so bare bones he has to use hand signals.
Logged
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Duke McDukiedook

  • Space Force 6 Star General
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 12,688
  • Wish? Did somebody say wish?
Re: Hand signals to pass information to a fellow rider
« Reply #24 on: June 22, 2016, 12:32:59 PM »
Quote from: Stev-o on June 21, 2016, 06:28:41 AM
Display extended middle finger on left hand after being cut off.

All this time I thought that was the Polish way to say "You are the #1"!!

Thanks for the clarification.  :)
Logged
"Well, Mr. Carpetbagger. We got somethin' in this territory called the Missouri boat ride."   Josey Wales

"It's Baltimore, gentlemen. The gods will not save you." Ervin Burrell

CB750 K3 crat | (2) 1986 VFR750F
Pages: [1] 2  All   Go Up
« previous next »