How to signal a cop ahead?

**Beemer** · 5th August 2005, 16:32

I just took the Goose out for a ride (yay, it's done 1000kms now so I suppose it's run in!) and saw quite a few riders around the Otaki/Levin area. At Manakau there were two heading south and as there was a cop about 2kms south of there, I wanted to indicate this to them but couldn't remember how to do so! It wouldn't have been a big problem as neither appeared to be caning it and the cop was visible from quite a distance, but for future reference, can someone refresh my memory? I know there is a post about it somewhere but can't find it.

And thank you to all of the riders who waved - yes, it was a gorgeous day to be out on the bike!

**chickenfunkstar** · 5th August 2005, 16:37

Try taking your left hand and waving it in a circular motion above your head.
Not too sure if this is the official sign or not but I've done it before.
You'd prob look a bit silly to people who didn't know what you meant though.

**vifferman** · 5th August 2005, 16:38

What's wrong with flashing?

Your headlight(s)?

**Odin** · 5th August 2005, 16:47

I would do the flashing too

**Beemer** · 5th August 2005, 16:47

I think I got it right then - if the other two bikers knew the sign too! After I waved I sort of did a wiggly movement above my head so hopefully they figured out what I was indicating!

I find whenever I've flashed my lights in the past (may be different on the Goose) most people don't even seem to notice and even my own husband hasn't noticed when I've been frantically flashing behind him to let him know I was about to pull over!

I could try flashing for real - but then I don't want to be responsible for anyone crashing...

**unhingedlizard** · 5th August 2005, 16:50

flashings good..........except when the cops watching.....

I put my left hand in front of my chest, about chin height, hand flat parallel to the ground and move it up and down. means slow down. most people get it.

**Odin** · 5th August 2005, 16:51

Originally Posted by Beemer

.......I could try flashing for real - but then I don't want to be responsible for anyone crashing...

Pictures required

What where you doing around Manukau anyway?? Its a long way from Levin ?

**ManDownUnder** · 5th August 2005, 16:51

Yup.

Left hand, index pointing at the shy. 2 circles and then point in the direction of the cop...

That's what I do anyway. It's GREAT for warning bikes splitting in the same direction... closing fast...

**Cleve** · 5th August 2005, 16:52

One problem with flashing headlights on a bike in the daytime is that most of us ride with lights on. From low to high beam in the daytime may not be so visible. I too have also usually done the "siren" twirling hand signal to oncomers, but wondered if it was just me...

**Flyingpony** · 5th August 2005, 17:10

Originally Posted by Beemer

I just took the Goose out for a ride (yay, it's done 1000kms now so I suppose it's run in!)

Manual might state around 1600km before full rev range can be used.

But either way, you'll continue to notice more slight changes in your engine tightness feel for another 4,000-5,000km.

Don't forget to switch to a more synthetic oil at around 2-3k. I did and noticed a reduction in fuel consumption of around 15%. My fuel saving pays for the extra expense of the oil.

**eliot-ness** · 5th August 2005, 17:35

Had a guy flash me heading south near Johnsons hill. Very effective. he had his lights on but switched them off/on a couple of times. Figured what he meant and slowed to the 80k limit. After about a mile I forgot. opened up to 110ks up the hill. Half way round the last bend before going down to wenderholm I spotted him, hard on the brakes but was still doing 100ks when I passed him. Didn't see a camera and he didn't follow me so I may have got away with it. Just have to wait for the post now. If he got me it's a first on a bike in 32yrs.

**bugjuice** · 5th August 2005, 17:42

cos one of my headlights is always on, and the other is the high-beam, it shows well if I flash the light, which I do if we're passing each other quick, cos you can do that from a distance and be seen. Else if it's slower pace, then either a flash or the finger.. normally the latter..

**FEINT** · 5th August 2005, 18:58

I don't know if the finger in air twirling cicles is the official method but it works!!

I think this is the official method.

Tap helmet with hand (as stated in the "survival skills" section) Link is here

I usually do it to warn others behind me if there is a cop ahead, but the cop can figure out what I am trying to say. Tapping hand on head, they might not actually know what it means.....

But flashing always works!

**TwoSeven** · 5th August 2005, 19:21

Please dont flash your headlights.. In fact, i'd prefer it if you didnt try and signal anything. Last thing I want is to be distracted looking for some imaginary problem with the bike or some hazard that does not exist.