Group riding
A small group is easier to ride in when, before setting off, everyone knows the route, pace, riding order, and what to do if they fall behind.
Agree on the plan before setting off
Before setting off, agree with the others on the route, main stops, and next meeting point. Fuel up and check your motorcycle beforehand.
Lead rider and sweep rider
One rider leads the group along the route; another rides last and watches for anyone falling behind. Everyone needs a way to contact the others.
Keep the group small
About 5–7 motorcycles is a useful group-size guide. If there are significantly more riders, it is better to split into several groups, each with its own lead and sweep riders.
Less experienced riders ride behind the leader
Choose a pace that suits the less experienced riders so they do not have to keep catching up.
Use a staggered formation on straight roads
Do not ride side by side with another rider. Leave yourself room to brake and avoid obstacles.
Distance matters more than a neat formation
A rough guide is about 2 seconds behind the motorcycle ahead on your line and about 1 second from the rider ahead and to your side. The higher the speed or the worse the conditions, the more spacing you need.
Single file in corners
Use single file on narrow sections and at road entrances and exits too. In a corner, everyone needs their own line without a rider alongside.
After a difficult section
Return to the staggered formation calmly, without passing within the group or making abrupt diagonal changes of position.
Everyone rides within their own limits
Do not try to stay with a faster rider at any cost. If you fall behind, continue to the agreed meeting point.
Do not copy the leader's overtake
Check for yourself that you have enough room before overtaking. Just because the leader got past does not mean there is still enough space for the next rider.
Leave space after overtaking
When you return to the lane, leave space behind you for the next rider to rejoin and complete their overtake.
Plan breaks
Make regular stops on a long route. They reduce fatigue and help keep the group from stretching out.
Agree on a small set of signals
- stopping or slowing down
- a road hazard
- single file
- staggered formation
- fuel or a stop needed
- a rider has a problem
Pass signals along
If not everyone can see the leader, repeat the signal for the riders behind. Use your turn signals as usual and cancel them after the maneuver.
When someone gets separated
Do not turn the whole group around because one rider has fallen behind. Contact them and meet at the agreed point.
Using intercoms
When using intercoms, keep messages brief: what has happened and where. For example, “Pothole on the right” or “We'll stop at the next gas station.” A short message is easier to understand the first time.