Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hello -

I am new to biking and am taking a msf class in July. Right now for the last month I have been practicing in parking lots and riding in town ( smaller town not much traffic ) - my bike does not have front turn signals which I am going to put on I have them allready ordered - I feel like every aspect of riding is coming to me very well and I am happy with my progress and look forward to the class - what does not feel good at all and I cant seem to get comfortable with at all is using hand signals when turning - I ussually clutch in before the turn to downshift/slowdown and its right about when I clutch in that its seems appropriate to make the signal but I am using my left hand - any input on what i am doing wrong is appreciated - nice forum by the way -

My recommendation: present a good deliberate hand signal before you start any breaking, or clutching. Hold your signal for about 2 seconds or so, then get your hand back on the grip and concentrate on controlling your machine through braking/clutching, and turning.

Lately I have met several young people that do not know the three hand signals. (has this been removed from driver instruction?) At one time this was required on drivers test (cars as well as bikes)

For the OP Keep it up and practice makes perfect.

slimcolo wrote:Lately I have met several young people that do not know the three hand signals. (has this been removed from driver instruction?) At one time this was required on drivers test (cars as well as bikes)

For the OP Keep it up and practice makes perfect.

Young people know one hand signal out of 4

Flesher wrote:My recommendation: present a good deliberate hand signal before you start any breaking, or clutching. Hold your signal for about 2 seconds or so, then get your hand back on the grip and concentrate on controlling your machine through braking/clutching, and turning.

As mentioned, hand signal should be completed prior to engaging the clutch. As taught with the CSC is process for hand signals is: Check (this being a shoulder check in the direction of the opcoming turn) then good firm signal for at least three seconds (never know other motorists might be adjusting their radios or playing with their GPS untis and don't notice your signal if shorter) then right before the turn again, you want to do a final shoulder check. This will eliminate any surprises that may have snuck up benhind you.

Also practice...practice...practice. Eventually you will perfect the process.

Good luck!

slimcolo wrote:Lately I have met several young people that do not know the three hand signals. (has this been removed from driver instruction?) At one time this was required on drivers test (cars as well as bikes)

For the OP Keep it up and practice makes perfect.

I think I know them, but I'm not sure.

I've seen maybe one or two bicyclists give a hand signal before, but that's it.

I wouldn't use hand signals just because few others on the road will know wtf I'm doing.

Really sad that this is no longer taught!

By law bicyclists are required to use hand signals (hardly any actually do) It is the same for a motorcycle or older car without signals. (here on bikes signals are like mattress tags, bike from dealer must have but owner can remove) Trucks made before about 55 don't need em either (private not commercial), for cars it was in late 40s

The hand signals are: (does not apply to Aus NZ UK or Japan or any other country that drives on the wrong side of the road, I believe they signal with right hand instead of us North Americans that signal with the wrong hand, WELL the opposite of right is wrong! right?)

left-left arm out and elbow straight
right-left arm out and elbow bent with hand skyward
stop/slow-left arm out and elbow bent with hand toward ground

these also work good when group riding to make sure riding partners know your intentions. (use in addition not instead of signals)

When I am on my bicycle, I only use two: left arm straight out to turn left, and right arm straight out to turn right. Yes, I know the 2nd one isn't the legal signal, but it is visible and easy to understand. And, as previously noted, since most people don't have a clue as to what the original signals are for, I just use the "vernacular," as it were.

thanks for the replies - been practicing it and it seems to be getting easier