I wanted to get some opinions about hand signals for when you are turning and such. I recently purchased a bike that has no front and rear turn signals. Don't really know why the previous owner removed them but it does give it a cleaner look IMO. Do any of you guys use hand signals for turning right or left? What is your experince with that? I would think most people driving cars wouldn't even know which hand signal meant which way.

I personally think it is a little dangerous to not have turn signals on a bike let alone how many people that don't use them when driving in their cars.

Any thoughts?

 

First of all I would definitely get some turn sginals back on your bike.
I'll occassionaly use hand signals in adddition to the turn signals, usually
when I'm slowing down in traffic. Just to get the driver behind me's attention.
Once in a while for turns if it seems the situation warrants it.

 

Ditto here! When in traffic, nearly always use the hand signal for turning as well as slowing. I removed that ugly cross on the RK and mounted the lights down by the pipes. Installed the switch that activates the signal lights when braking too, but I still don't trust them blasted cagers![:@]

 

I don't think it matters much which turn signal you use - hand or lamp. Cagers ignore them both equally.

Isn't this interesting? See this attachement? I have no idea where it came from. Never seen it before. Can't seem to get rid of it. Another gremlin in the wires, I guess.

 

Riding alone, If I am changing lanes from right to left, typically I will point to that lane along with using left turn signal. Rarely use right turn or stop hand signal.
When riding in a group - Yes I use all of the hand signals

 

I would definitely put turn signals back on the bike as well. Whether or not cagers use them, when I'm driving my truck I'll use my signals even if no one else is around so I'm always in the habit of using them. I'd rather be the guy that indicated his intent rather than not indicating it, especially when on a scoot.

My copy of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider's Education course handbook has all the "standard practice" hand signals that have been established for motorcyclists to use. It may be online somewhere on their website, follow this link to their Library of Safety Tips.

 

I increase my odds as much as I can. I use hand signals with turn signals. I would definetly have turn signals on my bike.

 

Same as above except I haven't riden in a group yet...

 

I almost always use hand signals and turn signals when changing lanes. I don't use a hand signal when braking (like a held up closed fist), but I do blip my brake a couple of times, before I come to a stop, to get the attention of the vehicles behind me.
When I am stopped and there is a vehicle coming up behind me I blip my brake light a few times hoping to get their attention.
Tom

 

Ditto, I most always use hand signals along with turn signal, do not use hand signal for braking or slowing, I find that hand signals are effective not only with cagers but also group riding with other bikes.