When taking long motorbike rides you sometimes need to share information with other riders or motorists while en route, depending on your riding pals and the destination the information may change but usually involves a simple set of basic thoughts which you need to communicate.

Imagine you're on a long ride with your buddies and need to top up with some gas, want to take a picture of some scenery nearby or maybe use the rest stop. Or maybe you're riding along with a caravan of cars and you need to let them know something about you and the rest of the riders. There must be a better way to communicate with other motorists other than confusing hand gestures.
Make a magnetic motorcycle sign and easily share your thoughts!

This magnetic sign sticks to your tank to stay out of your way while riding and all the magnetic game pieces are interchangeable, giving you loads of options for messages possible with this concept.

Check out a video of the magnetic motorcycle sign in action!

_{Riding with one hand is really cool dangerous, be safe!}

Haters: make sure you sound-off in the comments below, and while you're at it check out my other dangerous motorcycle Instructable.

Enough talk, let's make!

Step 1: Tools + Materials

tools:

drill with metal bit
sharp fine-top hobby knife
hot glue
sketchbook
pencil
scissors

.

materials:

craft sheet foam (black + white)
magnetic sheet (bonus: one adhesive side)
large magnets
spackle knife (putty knife)
filing cabinet drawer separator (or other sheet metal)
post-it notes
scrap felt (or other fabric)
nuts and bolts

Step 2: Sketch Out Some Ideas

Brainstorm some common things that you would communicate when you're riding, then sketch out some simple icons.
Here's some I came up with:

food
restroom
scenery stop
take a picture
gas
rest
engine trouble
zombie attack

Search the internet for images of icons that you think might be helpful, then use image editing software to combine the icons onto one sheet and print. If you're lazy, or don't have a photo editing software, and just want the images here's some prototype icons I already put into a printer-friendly format _{(link and link)}

If you can't find the image you're looking for you can always make your own. I sketched out some ideas onto 7.5cmx7.5cm (3"x3") post-it notes, these post-it notes are the right size for the icons to be seen a distance.

These paper sketches will be used as a template to make the foam icons.

Step 3: Cut Out Foam and Stick on Magnets

Place post-it with icon sketch over foam black foam and trace the image outline and all internal areas with a sharp hobby knife, then change over to white foam and cut out any internal areas again. Remove all shapes from foam, place the white foam cut outs in the corresponding openings on the black foam cut out.

Transfer the combined foam cut-out on the adhesive side of sheet magnet. If your magnetic sheet doesn't have an adhesive backing then use any kind of adhesive.
Trim excess magnetic sheet from foam icon.

Repeat for every icon you want. Simplicity works best when selecting your images, the more complex the shape the more difficult the cut.

Step 4: Drill Handle

Using a metal drill bit drill corresponding openings in spackle knife handle and a corner of the sheet metal. Mechanically fasten the spackle knife to the sheet metal with at least 3 nuts.

I mounted my knife on an angle to give a more ergonomic posture when holding the sign.

Step 5: Wrap Magnets in Felt

To prevent the magnets from damaging my tank I wrapped each in scrap felt and used hot glue to hold down the edges.

Arrange magnets onto back side of the sign and then place sheet onto gas tank of motorbike.

Step 6: Tell 'em What You Think!

With your sign stuck to your tank you're ready to ride!
Take a bunch of magnetic icons with you the next time you plan on taking a long trip and you can share your thoughts en route. Not sure which game pieces you're going to need? Bring them all! The extra game pieces can be stuck to the underside of the sign.

Did you make your own version of magnetic motorcycle sign? Place a picture of your version of this project in the comments below.

Be safe, always ride within your experience and have fun!