Motorcycle hand signals for group rides
Group riders signal with the left arm, so the right hand stays on the throttle and front brake. The lead gives the signal and every rider repeats it for the riders behind.
| Hand used | Left arm |
|---|---|
| Who signals | Lead first, then each rider repeats |
| Standard? | Basics are shared; clubs add their own |
| When to brief | At the meetup, every ride |
The core signals
| Signal | How |
|---|---|
| Left turn | Left arm straight out, parallel to the ground |
| Right turn | Left forearm raised to 90°, fist closed |
| Stop | Left arm extended downward, palm facing back |
| Slow down | Left arm out, palm down, move it up and down |
| Hazard | Point at it: left hand for the left side, right foot for the right side |
| Single file | Left arm up, one finger raised |
| Staggered / double file | Left arm up, two fingers raised |
| Fuel stop | Point at your tank |
Passing signals down the line
Long crews can't see the lead. Each rider repeats the signal as soon as they see it, so it travels back to the sweep. Agree signals at the briefing, because new riders join every week.
Ride it as a crew
Create a crew on MotoHeads, post the ride with the meeting point, and let everyone RSVP. On the day, everyone shows on one live map, so the lead always knows where the sweep is. Split fuel and food over UPI after. Free.
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Related: group riding rules · track friends on a ride
Facts are approximate and change; check current road and event information before you ride. Sources: Motoring World: motorcycle hand signals · Harley-Davidson Insurance: hand signals. Last updated 18 Oct 2026.
FAQ
Which hand do riders use for hand signals?
The left arm, so the right hand stays on the throttle and front brake.
What are the signals for left and right turns?
Left: extend the left arm straight out, parallel to the ground. Right: raise the left forearm to a 90° angle with a clenched fist. Stop: left arm extended downward, palm facing back.
Are group hand signals the same in every club?
No. Basic signals are widely shared, but clubs add their own. Brief newcomers before the ride and have each rider repeat signals for those behind.