dropping out of formation?

[nf_FZ6R]

Just wondering what is the proper (or most accepted) method for dropping out of a motorcycle formation?

I was riding the other day and caught up to a number of bikes. I fell into formation and followed for a while. I noticed that there had been another couple of bikes fall in behind me (with a rider behind and to the right). So now im riding in formation with 8-10 bikes with me in the middle. Im riding to the left and want to make a right hand turn onto a side road.

My procedure was to put on flasher to signal the turn. check blind spot. move to the right side of the lane. slow down and complet my right turn off the road, leaving the group of bikes.

 

[chunkygoat]

sounded good to me

 

[PAULED]

sounded good to me

Also sounded good to me.

Could of also maybe raise a hand or leg just in acknowledgement.:thumbup:

 

[lonesoldier84]

do a stoppie

nothing else would have been faster

 

[Se7enLC]

Even "in formation" you should not be crossing tires with the bike ahead of or behind you - you should be able to use any part of the lane you want to, in case you need a avoid a pothole, rock, sand, oil, etc. It was probably a good idea to use the blinker just as a courtesy, but remember to always allow the bike in front of you to have the entire lane when moving (at a stop light, it's pretty common to compress - but make sure to space out again right away).

 

[sjryser]

Yeah, it's not the Blue Angels out there. Leave some room.

 

[wildman]

Yeah, it's not the Blue Angels out there. Leave some room.

:rof: hahaha, I don't know why, but I laughed my ass off when I read this.

 

[sjryser]

I could almost hear them in their comm units..."execute left turn in 3...2...1.."

 

[nf_FZ6R]

Thanks guys, wasn't sure if there was some approved fancy hand signal or particular finger to raise in order to drop out. Don't want to offend any of the cruiser guys who may have been following. took it slow and easy, giving everyone a chance to know what I was intending. :rockon:

 

[keira]

Thanks guys, wasn't sure if there was some approved fancy hand signal or particular finger to raise in order to drop out. Don't want to offend any of the cruiser guys who may have been following. took it slow and easy, giving everyone a chance to know what I was intending. :rockon:

If anything, just a hand signal showing your intent, since not all riders look for blinkers when they are in formation (especially where those behind you may have thought you were with the group in front). A dramatic change in hand position would show your intent just as well if not better than a blinker. Other than that, sounded good to me. Be clear and safe, and you are fine.