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What's the signal?

FoolishMortal

FoolishMortal

Smooth like a Porcupine
Joined
Jun 13, 2003
Location
Benicia
Moto(s)
2007.5 Tuono R, 2025 Street Triple RS
Name
Atticus
On my (really nice) ride today, I came around a right-hander at about 50mph and saw a deer on the left side of the short straight, probably 50 yards away. Honking repeatedly got the deer to turn tail and bound out of sight, so that's cool.

But then another rider on a Street/Speed Triple came around the corner ahead of me, and I didn't want him to get taken out by the deer if it decided to turn around and come back to the road. I couldn't think of a way to warn him, so I just started tapping my helmet. He got the idea that there was a LEO present...not quite right, but he did slow down, so "mission accomplished" there. I'm sure he was looking for the LEO for the next several miles, and I hope I didn't ruin that section for him, but it seemed like a decent trade-off.

What's the signal for "deer ahead"? Is there one?
 
"What's the signal for "deer ahead"? Is there one?" :laughing

I don't think so, I guess just give them slow down signal? :(
 
I think the "heads up" helmet tap is better. Whether the other rider thinks it's a cop or not, they will probably slow down. The palm down "slow down" may be interpreted more as prudish than prudent, and ignored. But whatever...
 
}Dragon{ said:
Highfive-thumb to your lid- so it looks like antlers.
Click to expand...

^this

I have recieved enthusiatic replies from oncomming motorcyclists while using this sign. I use both hands though, it's a little more obvious.

Being I California, I'll go ahead and assume that it isn't a moose if I see someone give me that signal. Besides, I don't want to hit a moose either.
 
the grinch said:
^this

I have recieved enthusiatic replies from oncomming motorcyclists while using this sign. I use both hands though, it's a little more obvious.

Being I California, I'll go ahead and assume that it isn't a moose if I see someone give me that signal. Besides, I don't want to hit a moose either.
Click to expand...

This!!!
 
If you have time, you should couple the two-handed antler imitation with a left handed palm-down slow-down signal.

Naturally this would only really apply when going in a straight line...however, one could assume that if seeing these signals pointed at you in the middle of a turn you would have much larger worries to worry about.
 
http://www.redknightsla5.org/home/riding-hand-signals

20. Left thumb to left temple with fingers straight-up and spread means Living (ONLY) Deer Sighting. Dead deer can't harm you
unless they are dead and in the road. See #'s 18 & 19. If your sighting puts you in immediate danger where evasive action is required
to avoid colliding with said deer, forget the hand signal. 20b. Same signal, but with fingers wiggling can mean any moving animal
which may present a potential hazard. Example: squirrels, dogs, groundhogs. These unpredictable little buggers can switch-back
and run right in front of you. Helpful to know they are there.
 
A plain-old head-tap gets most folks to slow down and be alert.

Couple years ago a downhill bicyclist head-tapped at me on Highland or somesuch, up in the SCruz mountains. I was puzzled (nowhere for LEOs to hide that I could recall) but I slowed a bit just the same.

Came around an uphill-blind-tight-right and found a BIG washout, still fresh, slick mud, running water, pebbles & rocks, completely across the pavement.

I was glad she thought to warn me, and glad I paid attention...
 
MysterYvil said:
A plain-old head-tap gets most folks to slow down and be alert.
Click to expand...
Whoops. Please don't use this for dangers in the road. It is reserved for LEO spotting. A slow down signal, which autos understand, too, is much more appropriate.

I will NOT be looking for danger on the road with a head-tap signal. I will be looking for cops.
 
clutchslip said:
Whoops. Please don't use this for dangers in the road. It is reserved for LEO spotting. A slow down signal, which autos understand, too, is much more appropriate.

I will NOT be looking for danger on the road with a head-tap signal. I will be looking for cops.
Click to expand...

Patting the head- means "heads up". It's not just a LEO signal.
 
}Dragon{ said:
Patting the head- means "heads up". It's not just a LEO signal.
Click to expand...
So it means nothing, then.....Heads up? That tells me NOTHING.

Or does it mean, you want to pass, or I shouldn't pass. I have never seen a headtap used by auto drivers, unless they were also a biker telling you to watch for LEOs. Done with the argument. Do what you want. I will just ignore all bay area rider signals, because I won't have a CLUE what the hell you are signaling.
 

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clutchslip said:
Whoops. Please don't use this for dangers in the road. It is reserved for LEO spotting. A slow down signal, which autos understand, too, is much more appropriate.

I will NOT be looking for danger on the road with a head-tap signal. I will be looking for cops.
Click to expand...

Wrong.

According to the official motorcycle riders signalling handbook, that is...oh wait, there is no official handbook.

It means look out, which you should be doing anyway.

The cop signal my cronies and I use the twiling finger, for spinning lights. Not with others though.

For a real serious signal, I stand up with my crotchless chaps, and show them what "They Ain't Got".
 
Even if there is a signal for deer, most people wouldn't recognize it. Just palm down with the up and down action for slow down works best. Don't confuse the situation with other signals.
 
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