Hand Signals - Verbal communitcation is not always possible when riding a motorcycle so riders have come up with a method of communicating to other riders by use of universal hand signals. 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.) Images reprinted with permission of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Left Turn - Left arm straight out from body. Palm Flat. Fingers together.
Right Turn - Left arm out and elbow bent. Hand straight up. Palm flat. Fingers together.
Stop - Left arm extended straight down, left palm facing back.
Single File - Left arm and left hand index finger extended straight up.
Double File - Left arm with left hand middle and index fingers extended straight up.
Fuel - Left arm out to side pointing to tank with finger extended.
Refreshment Stop - Left hand fingers closed, tumb out pointed at mouth.
Highbeam - Tap on top of helmet with left hand open palm down.
Comfort Stop - Left forarm extended, fist cleched with short up and down motion. Repeat.
Follow Me - Left arm extended straight up from shoulder, palm forward.
Pull Off - Left arm out, forearm swung toward shoulder or pull off area.
You Lead/Come - Left arm extended upwards 45°, palm forward pointing with index finger, swing in arc from back to front.
Speed Up - Left arm extended straight out at side 45°, palm facing up, move arm up. Swing in arc down and up. Repeat.
Hazzard in Roadway - Hazzard on right side, point with right foot at object. Hazzard on left side, point with left hand at object.
Turn Signal On - Open and close left hand with fingers and thumb extended.
Slow Down - Left arm extended straight out at 90°, left plam facing down. Move arm down. Swing in arc up to down. Repeat
Hungry - Pat stomach.
Cop Nearby - Pat the top of your helmet quickly.
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.
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.
Start Engines -With your right or left arm extended, move your index finger in a circular motion.
Slippery Road -Point at ground, rub fingers together.
Major Hazzard Ahead - Flash brake lights very rapidly
Lost/Unsure of Route - Point forward, shrug shoulders
Indicate a Road/Highway Sign - Point at sign. If it's a highway sign with multiple exits listed, hold up the number of fingers corresponding to which exit you want (e.g. two fingers for the second exit listed)