I may regret asking, but a couple of times recently, I've passed riders going in the other direction, and they wave enthusiastically and rap on the top of their helmets like they're knocking on a door.
What, if anything, does this mean, the rapping, that is?
This is in the SF Bay region.
Last edited by SPOKESMAN; 06-24-2009 at 04:02 PM. Reason: Clarified.
Did you see any LEO's stationed on the side of the road after getting the top of the helmet tapping? Some use that as a signal to indicate the potential offering of 'performance awards' ahead.
82 R65LS - gone but not forgotten
02 R1150RT
"Oh good, my dog found the chainsaw"
"I finally got my head together, now my body is falling apart."
I thought of this, but didn't notice any corresponding LEO's. Doesn't mean they weren't there.
The more customary LEO signal in these parts is repeatedly flashing the high beams.
You forgot your helmet?
Well, maybe they were from Canada but the knocking of the helmet might mean something else.Originally Posted by ima4nr
You're sure they are U.S. riders? They may be from Canada on their way to Mexico or from Mexico on their way to Canada and it is a foreign "wish-you-well" sign, like "knock on wood"
Before we had instant on headlights knocking on the helment meant that your headlight was out and to turn it on. Maybe yours was on high beam and the rider wanted you to put it on low?
best guess is that they were warning you of somehting ahead.
Knuckles rapping on the head? Hummm .......
Paul Glaves - "Big Bend", Texas U.S.A
"The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution." - Bertrand Russell
http://www.bigbend.net/users/glaves
Usually it's an open hand tap on the top of the helmet, but that could be a variant. But in the SF Bay Area it means LEO ahead.
Mostly a warning given by sportbike riders. I guess cruisers and tourers think you shouldn't be speeding anyway so they're not going to warn you.
Personally, I'm VERY grateful for the warnings.
LONG MAY YOUR BRICK FLY!
Ride Safe, Ride Far, Ride Often
Lee Fulton Forum Moderator
3 Marakesh Red K75Ss
Mine, Hers, Spare
Tap your helmet on top = Cops.
It's ones you don't see that nail ya.
Here some other Motorcycle Hand Signals.
"Stupidity, if left untreated, is self-correcting."
Tapping top of helmet on street means cops ahead. A twirling index finger beside the helmet can mean the same thing.
Tapping top of helmet during an endurance race means I'm coming into the pits next lap.
93 R100GS, 04 R1150GS Adventure, 05 R1100S Boxer Cup Replika, 07 R1200GS Adventure, 07 G650X Challenge, 09 G450X
...so does holding up a sign... "LEO AHEAD!"
Basically if yer in an area close in proximity to other riders who are close enough to warn you of LEOs than you really shouldn't be doing anything to get you pulled over anyway. IE: "While in Rome... "yadda yadda yadda...
The warning comes from riders coming toward you that have passed the LEO lurking on the side of the road a mile or so up the road.
Usually on those nice twisty motorcycle roads where every one is there to really wick it up.
LONG MAY YOUR BRICK FLY!
Ride Safe, Ride Far, Ride Often
Lee Fulton Forum Moderator
3 Marakesh Red K75Ss
Mine, Hers, Spare
I know... The Taconic in NYS was a gauntlet to ride...The warning comes from riders coming toward you that have passed the LEO lurking on the side of the road a mile or so up the road.
I see 'em everyday as I ride everyday.
What they [LEOs] should be looking for is texters!
But I digress...
"Stupidity, if left untreated, is self-correcting."
I have always understood this as a cop ahead warning
I have also had truckers do a fishing rod pantomine out their window when passing them in same direction- same meaning.
I have encountered this twice. Both times it was due to traffic congestion or some other slow down ahead. I always thought it meant "heads up" be ready for something ahead.
David
1989 K100LT
Definitely means LEOs up ahead! Same with a twirling forefinger in the air (don't get that mixed up with flipping you off!) that denotes an old-style cop car with twirling/flashing light.
I got both "messages" from riders going the other way on one stretch of highway 128 here in Northern CA just a couple of weeks ago. We saw five police and CHP in a 15-mile stretch that day. Thanks for the warnings guys!
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