HOW-TO GUIDES

Common Motorcycle Hand Signals for Group Riding

Whether riding in a group or two or 20 motorcyclists, motorcycle hand signals can be a handy way to communicate on the road. Many of the hand signals standardized by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), the country’s leading safety resource and advocate for motorcyclists, have been in use on group rides for generations.

Technology has made it possible for riders to use motorcycle headsets to communicate verbally with each other, but not all these communication systems are compatible with each other, and as the group gets bigger, the chatter of many riders can get confusing. For these reasons, many experienced group riders prefer to use the hand signals devised by MSF. Before departing on a group ride, it is useful to go over the basic hand signals so that every rider in the group understands each signal.

Each of the hand signals recommended by MSF is executed with the left hand and arm, as you’ll want to keep your right hand on the throttle. Here are some of the most common motorcycle hand gestures to know before you ride in a group.

COMMON MOTORCYCLE HAND SIGNALS

Left turn: Arm and hand extended left, palm facing down.
Right turn: Arm out, bent at 90 degree angle, fist clenched.
Stop: Arm extended straight down, palm facing back.
Speed up: Arm extended straight out, palm facing up, swing arm upward.
Slow down: Arm extended straight out, palm facing down, swing arm down to your side.
Follow me: Arm extended straight up from shoulder, palm forward.
Hazard on roadway: Hazard on the left, point down with left hand; hazard on the right, point with right foot.
Single file: Arm and index finger pointed straight up.
Double file: Arm with index and middle finger pointed straight up.
Pull off: Arm positioned as for right turn, forearm swung toward shoulder.
Turn signal on (another rider has left their signal on): Open and close hand with fingers and thumb extended.
Police: Tap on top of helmet with open palm down.
Fuel: Arm out to side pointing to fuel tank with finger extended.

It’s also helpful for the group ride leader to give a couple taps of the brake light to grab the group’s attention whenever possible before braking or giving a hand signal. Likewise use turn signals sooner than when riding alone because it can take an extra moment to register with the group.

Ready to learn more about group riding skills? Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy motorcycle classes and training are designed for riders of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Sign up for a training class today.