Universal back off signal?
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 1
From: las vegas nv
side by side
+++to the above. I had a neighbor that rode like that...always sneaking up the right side. Finally, I told him "do that one more time and I'll beat the livin crap out of you" I did it in a half joking way because he really was a good friend, just had this one annoying habit. But he got the message and doesn't do it anymore. In your case, with the traffic just try and gradually slow down and hope he gets the message.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
We all ride staggered. I probably would have backed off. Reminds me of running east on Rt 80 in PA. We were running a good clip about 80-85 and 4 1%rs went flying by in a box formation. All I could think of was if one of them in the front had a problem, they all would have gone down.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 233
Likes: 3
From:
Not being able to back off and having you boxed in by cars and the three bikes. I imagine they were just pulling some power trip or maybe just stuck in traffic and making use of the space. "Proof of the pudding" did they try to mess with you or just say hello? I am sure it was disconcerting.
If I pull up next to someone it is very rare and it is at a stoplight only, but never on a ride unless I am asked. To me it is just uncool to get in that space. I know MC's do it and old time
riders do it but that has more to do with the comradery of riding.
Wilbur
If I pull up next to someone it is very rare and it is at a stoplight only, but never on a ride unless I am asked. To me it is just uncool to get in that space. I know MC's do it and old time
riders do it but that has more to do with the comradery of riding.
Wilbur
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 547
Likes: 1
From: Republic Of Texas
dumbfounded
I was cruising down the interstate on Sunday afternoon at about 75 when I saw 3 baggers coming up behind me- I was in the number 3 of 4 lanes. 2 split and went to my left in the number 2 lane, the third pulled up right next to me in my lane on my right side and just cruised with me for almost 5 miles. The other 2 riders rode side by side in their lane. I was not happy about riding side by side with someone whose riding style I do not know at all. Guess it was a compliment that he felt safe doing that. What would you have done in this case? Traffic was pretty heavy so no real great way out of it.
do you just look like a real expert and even the casual observer would agree "shes Ok to ride in tight formation why just look at her"
you could always speed up
or slow down
turn left or right
or if there is such a thing as a universal backoff hand signal please share it with us Id like to see it
that being said all the safety ***** will bring hate
down on me for for sayin this but I actually enjoy riding side by side with my friends especially through intersections on boulevard left turns makes me feel just like Ponch and John on the CHiPs TV show... 
never had strangers want to compliment me I think some riders change lanes to get away from me as if they were afraid I might fall over or something
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,649
Likes: 2
From: x
I tend to hog the whole lane and use it side to side, especially on a two lane. Somebody coming up will not be welcome, or able, to ride along side.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7,217
Likes: 3
From: Southern Ohio
This is just one of the reasons when I'm riding by myself, I stay in the middle and claim my lane...if someone were enough of an *** to squeeze into there and crowd me, I've never been in a situation yet that when I gradually slowed down, the vehicle behind me didn't do the same...and I don't have a bit of problem with waving the other bike to move on, whether with all my fingers or one...I don't know him, don't owe him anything...I'll cover my ***, whatever it takes...
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 714
Likes: 1
From: TX
only
happened once; I just looked over, smiled, and started to close the gap as I was looking and smiling; then kinda weaved a bit. The message was received and he sped up and out of my space. I'll ride side by side with someone I know; not some unknown knucklehead.