Hand Signals

Animation courtesy of the Ann Arbor American HOG Chapter 2171.

Start–up: Start your engine and prepare to move. Extended your right or left arm and move your index finger in a circular motion.

READY TO GO: Raise your hand over your head, or place your hand on the windshield when your motorcycle is running. This helps inform the leader the group is ready.

 

Left Turn: Left arm and hand extended parallel to ground.
 

 

Right Turn: Raise you left arm horizontal with your elbow bent 90 degrees vertically. Left hand up with all fingers extended or all fingers closed.

 

Slow Down: Left hand down at 45 degree angle, palm towards rear, moving hand back and forth at elbow. Main use is to warn that the group is slowing.
 

 

Speed Up: Raise your left arm up and down with your index finger extended upward. This indicates the leader wants to speed up.
 

 

Hazzard on the RIGHT SIDE: Raise your left arm up and point over your head to the right.
Hazard on the LEFT SIDE:Point left hand in a downward motion.
 
Single File:Position left hand over your helmet with fingers extended upward. This indicates the leader wants the group in a single file formation. Usually this is done for safety reasons.

 

Stagger Formation: Extend left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your wrist rotating and fingers extended in a 'V'. This indicates that it is safe to return to staggered formation.
 

 

Tighten Formation: Raise left arm and repeatedly move up and down in a pulling motion. This indicates the leader wants the group to close ranks.
 

 

Stop: Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle with the palm of your hand facing rearward.
 

 

PISSED OFF:Extend your left arm straight out with your elbow bent 90 degrees. Carefully extend your middle finger to clearly demonstrate your
dissatisfaction with the other guy.
NOTE: It is not recommended
you do this when you are alone.