I’VE BEEN SAYING TO MYSELF FOR YEARS I WOULD NOT WRITE ABOUT THE MOTORCYCLE “WAVE.” On the one hand – at least in North America – it’s a fine symbol of the brotherhood experienced by riders of all ages, races, religions, creeds, socioeconomic backgrounds, etc. On the other hand, it can be tiring in areas where there are lots of motorcyclists. And of course, at certain times, it’s downright dangerous (like when riding around turns, or any instant when a rider wouldn’t feel confident about taking a hand off the handlebars, or for an inexperienced rider at any time).
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m actually one of those guys who does wave to other riders – the majority of the time. And much of the time, I enjoy the simple acknowledgment to other riders, some whom I may see regularly on mutually and routinely traveled roads (although never having met them except in passing as we travel in opposite directions). But mostly I wave to riders I may never see again.
The reason I have not wanted to write about this is because, to me, to wave or not to wave is really a personal preference and, from my perspective, if you’re going to do so, it should be based on common sense. In other words, even if you are of the persuasion to wave to other riders, it’s smarter not to wave if doing so might endanger yourself or the other rider(s) you are waving to.
Hence, it just doesn’t seem like a topic that would warrant much contemplation.
But, I can imagine there are those sticklers who would argue that one should NEVER take their hand off the handlebars at any time, due to safety concerns. Although I like to consider myself somewhat of a motorcycle safety advocate, I’m not in the sticklers’ camp. Yet, I would argue that anyone who lacks the personal self-assurance about taking one hand off their handlebar, even for a fleeting moment, should definitely not do so.
One remark I might note is a change I’ve observed over the decades. Back in the 70’s, it appeared to me then that there were certain bikers who would only wave to other riders who rode machines similar to what they were personally riding. Although it would not be true to say that such a bias no longer exists, personally, it seems like nowadays there are more riders willing to wave to other riders, regardless of their machines.
Having said all that, I’m older now, and my recollections may be somewhat influenced by the perspective that all riders should be able to get along, regardless of what brand of motorbike they might be riding on any given day. Despite such sentiments and much more to the point of this article, I don’t really care one way or the other who waves to who and for what reasons. I’d rather just ride and be friendly as it fits the circumstances.
Thanks Dave! I will keep that in mind…and continue to wave. I guess it’s better to be over-friendly and shot down, than to be stuck up. I ride a Harley (only because my ex did). If he’d have ridden a Honda or whatever, that’s what I’d be riding…I have no loyalties to any one type…so it has nothing to do with the make. I like acknowledging ANY rider, from motorcycles to small scooters! We are all taking the same risks by being out among cagers who are texting, drinking, etc. I do feel like we all need to hang together. Thanks again for your ecouragement.
Chris,
Screw ’em if they don’t wave back! If you feeling like initiating a wave, do it! 8 out of 10 times I’ll get a wave back. A lot of times, I’m the responder. I personally hope this tradition continues. There is something about being on 2 wheels, I don’t care what you ride.
Well, I thought I was a part of a ‘brotherhood’ and the wave was acknowledgement of that. At least that’s what my ex always told me about bikers!
I was riding my motorcycle, feeling so happy to finally be proficient enough to handle it and saw two men (who looked like they’d ridden all their lives!) approaching on their bikes. I confidently and happily gave my low wave. The first guy ignored me, so I kept my hand down feeling SURELY the second guy would acknowledge. He ignored me too! I felt so stupid! Is it because I’m a woman?? I know some men don’t like women drivers. I felt so ridiculous I don’t think I’ll EVER initiate a wave again. After that, I passed many other bikers as it was a perfect day outside, but I didn’t wave, nor did they. Maybe waving is passe. Or maybe it’s because I’m a girl? Who knows. Oh well~
dave ya in the late 50’s early 60’s, corvette owners, mustang g.t.’s, hot rods/ falcon rancheros..waved, but with a/c / closed windows it sort of went down hill after that
If you ask me, “the wave” is one of those things that’s unique to riding. Ever see any 4-wheelers wave as they pass each other? I started riding pretty late in life but quickly learned of the brotherhood factor. Out here in So Cal, for the most part, 2-wheelers don’t care what you’re riding…and believe me, my first bike is not that big a deal. it’s more about the riding experience than the machine. Safe riding!
I wave at almost all bikers. There is one “Group” that waves back less frequently than others. No need to beat a dead hog here,,,,,,,,,,
How about just nodding your head,that’s what I do
I personally like the wave. I think its just a shared camaraderie thing, however, I am a woman rider on a jap bike. I bought a Yamaha because I can afford it. Eighty percent of other riders are very nice. They will wave to me, talk to me in a parking lot, some have even asked me about my bike. BUT there are a few —- One time I was pulling into a parking lot and a Harley rider yelled at me “this is Harley parking.” At first I didn’t quite know what to do, but I just went ahead and pulled into my spot and then the others started laughing so I did too.
Another time when I was riding in Oregon on the coast with 3 friends who all happened to be men, a Harley rider came up to our group, asked if we were going south and proceeded to tell the guys about the weather. We were going north, he came from the north so I asked him what the weather was going north. He glared at me and said “How the hell would I know.” ????? Now what was THAT about ?
There are many of the old school riders who not only think a woman should not ride but a woman should not ride a foreign bike.
Iwave at everyone on two wheels, we are all brothers with that freedom spirit. In the sixties you would never wave to a hog rider as he was probably a bad ass and give ya the finger. Now that i’m a 17 yr hog man I wave to them all. Remember when riding with brits or New Zealanders The low wave means he wants your lane, so slow a little bit and let him in…
Random thoughts seeded by other’s comments and ideas…
I wave to scooters: I ride three of ’em myself. Never think “I’m a biker!” on one, neither does any other scootist I know. Usually just think “It’s way funkin fun doing 70 on crap roads with 11in wheels and no suspension!” That, or “Hey, this is convenient transport for gettin’ around town.” (Never concerned with thinking “I’m a biker!” on my Enfield, Hondas, or Aprilia, either…)
I made a lil portable, clamp-on, green LED marker-light out of an old turn signal housing: hook it to any of several available locations on left front of the bike I’m about to ride, power it on, and there’s my universal, “green for good! go! groovy!” always-on perma-wave.
I stop for anyone that needs help from skateboarder to cager, wave or no. Only time I haven’t helped is when I got the finger from the broke-down as I was pulling to the shoulder to see if assistance was needed. The salute was from an “I’m a biker!” HD.
One other random thought/comment: the “two finger” wave is pretty comfortable, simple, and quick. Only problem is that it could get confused with the “Agincourt” sign from the UK…
Waving now.
Hugh,
I believe you are onto to something here. How does a good fart work on large animal control?
When I see another biker go by, I like to fart. That way I can keep my hands on the controls. Since I don’t run loud pipes on my bike, I also do this as I pass cars, because loud farts save lives. I like to think of as bouncing off my rev limiter. Also, there are more varieties of expression than just waving. All you get with waving is point out, up or down. With farts, you have the ten varieties described in vivid detail by Garrison Keillor – “the silent but deadly, the slow leaks, the hissers, fizzers, poppers, croakers, bangers, cheek-flappers, tail-gunners and cargo farts, the ones that deliver a load”. So if you go by a guy on a red Versys and he doesn’t wave back, you may want to hold your breath a bit. If this wasn’t such a serious issue I wouldn’t have spilled the beans (figuratively speaking) about my approach to the question.
Heck, I wave at all the riders. I’m just so happy to be out on 2 wheels riding. Plus I like the open mouth gape that some of the scooter riders give me after they see this dark guy on a loud raked matte black cruiser giving them a friendly ‘ello!
Dakez: What a hoot! Made me laugh. What a variety of responses for waving or not. I do feel slighted when I wave and it is not reciprocated. But now, after reading some of the reasons, I won’t take it personally. Each to their own. I’ll still try to wave as long as I’m not turning in an intersection or leaning into a turn. Keeping my hands on the bars and eyes on the road.
Hi Just discovered the site. Excellent by the way.
Here in Scotland most bikers acknowledge each other though I have been cold shouldered by the occasional HD pilot. If I feel its a bit dangerous to wave I give a quick flash of the main beam.
Sometimes I wave, other times I don’t, but mostly because it is inconvenient or unsafe to do so, In traffic, no…out on the road, yes, but never when it is not safe to take one hand off. Don’t care about the machine because after 50+ years of riding I have owned or ridden almost every type and size and enjoyed all of them in their respective niche. So wave back if you want, and I won’t be upset if you don’t.
Another “Wave” I do is to give a “high five” to all oncoming LEO’s. If we can take time to give a “low five” to our fellow bikers, we certainly can give a wave to the guys and gals who protect us every day. How about we start a national effort to do just that? Who knows, it might even help one day down the road when you get stopped. But do it only because it is the right thing to do.
I agree with Paul; If it has two wheels, a motor, it’s upright and moving forward I’ll wave, except scooters and mopeds eh-h-h-h and if I receive a wave back that’s cool, if not, no big deal. I’ll also stop and offer assistance to any fellow biker stranded on the side of the road no matter what they ride. Believe me, I’ve been there (stranded/ broke down) and can’t tell you how many ‘brothers’ passed me by without even looking in my direction. I’m by no means a mechanic, but I can at least offer them a phone call on my cell or maybe even pack them down the road to the next exit or to a service station whatever, ya know?
Be safe everyone!
I usually try to be friendly and wave to all motorcyclists when safety permits. If I can’t take my hands off the bars, I usually nod. I don’t care if you have the same brand or type. I am a cruiser, but have gotten friendliness from the sports bike crowd.
I have found myself holding back when it comes to men on scooters, which now that I think about it is pretty stuck up. Oh well. Buy a real bike! 🙂
I ride 2 bikes. A Triumph Bonneville and a Harley Davidson Road King Classis. Find it a shame that it does matter to certain riders what you are on. I get waves from HD riders when I am out on the HD. I also see other bike riders who seem to not look my direction and i guess because they believe I am one of those elitists who would not wave (I do). BTW: if I had to give up one of the bikes, it would not be my Bonnie! I love all two wheel machines and that includes those with pedals!!
70-80 when i had britt and jap bikes i tryed to wave. but the h.d. people were to stuck up to wave back.. at bike week daytona 80’s [ i worked in daytona ] i would stop for all stuck bikes most from out of state and i thought they could use a helping hand. and it would be the right thing to do for coming to my state of fla. but it was the h.d.’s that ran me their no help from jap bikes. so i soon learned to leave then alone but i would beep the horn as i went passed and wave..the other riders when glad to have some one stop, help,tell then where a dealer was even, double up to a phone… i might never see them again but hope they will repay to some one else down the road sometime…being from out of state and down on the side of the road is not fun , a fellow rider waiting with you can mean the world now a days.. h.d. riders well screw them if they do not wave, …
I retired from an origination that is dedicated to the proposition that all have the right to ride the bike of their choice. As for me I ride simply because I enjoy it. I do wave when it is safe to do so. Sometimes I don’t feel comfortable taking my hand off the handlebars.
I had this discussion with a Harley dealer in CT. I remarked that more Harley’s don’t wave back than any other brand or type of bike (I ride a Goldwing and a Ninja). He states it’s because Jap bikers never stopped to help with repairs back in the 70’s and 80’s. I countered that back then I would never have gotten to work if I stopped for every Harley that broke down! 🙂
Any way, we were just busting each other. I wave to anybody on two wheels except scooters. They don’t get the brotherhood thing, and they act as though they are on bicycles around here, generally disregarding traffic controls and rules of the road. Oh, SQUIDS who ride around on one wheel I keep my distance from and I don’t want to know them.
I sometimes wave or give a handlebar peace sign to keep hand on the bar or a nod. Some people don’t and that’s their thing. To the doctor who doesn’t wave at scooter riders (who think they’re bikers), my wife was almost killed as a passenger on a bike when she was 20 and permanently handicapped on her right leg. The scooter is all she can ride as well as some others who ride scooters. It took me 5 years into our marriage to get her into being a rider. When I ride behind her, it gives me a good feeling to see bikers wave to her and make her feel good about being part of the crowd. She eventually started waving back. At 80 mph she can still be killed in an accident. Wave on.
To each his own. I wave to all. If I am positioned where I choose to keep both hands steering that is on me. I pray all ride safe- wavers & waivers.
In New England a lot of people wave especially at Laconia, but I have found that around Stugis people rarely wave or wave back. Maybe it is because Sturgis is so much bigger than Laconia, Laconia is mainly new englanders and Sturgis is a lot of everyone. But it blows my theory of Mid west people are the most congenial to hell, I am from the mid west originally, in Boston for 30 years. Overall the people on the rockets do not and it’s the cruiser type that do. I think it just signifies a hey cool to see you riding kind of salutation. Amoung bikers I have found bikers do for one another and in the friendliest way, people in cars it is not the same. I have been riding bikes from Hondas, Kawasakis, to Harleys for almost 25 years. To the above guy that says what brotherhood, sisterhood…well it is all about how you feel about it I guess.
I waive to others most of the time, except for most Harley riders who tend to not wave back — I assume it is because I don’t ride a Harley. I find that most either nod or wave back or nod. I also raise my hand and thank those cars that move to the side to let me pass or let me in when line sharing (is legal here in California) and I think that makes them feel good and more inclined to continue to be nice to us so we can ride safe.
Rich Story mentioned the 2 fingers representing 2 wheels. Others have referenced it as a peace sign. Somewhere I was told the 2 fingers pointing down meant “2 wheels down” which was meant as a wish to you that your ride will be safe with both wheels firmly on the ground.
With that thought (and inconsistent interpretations) I have been thinking we need to get this organized. If we are going to do all this waving, why not add specific meaning to specific gestures – like when someone taps the top of their helmet to tell you there is a police officer ahead. 2 fingers down, thumb up, regular wave, palm flat – we can turn this waving thing into a valuable method of communicating info about the road ahead to help keep each other alive!
Not a waiver,gets annoying.Not sure when this waiving thing started and i have been riding for 34 years.People never waived much back in the 70,s and 80,s.I went motorcycle racing in 94 for 8 years and did not ride on the street again till 2002 and everybody is waiving.I get a kick out of how many will only waive to certain others.I had a guy on a valk flip me off when i met him a second time on a local ride most likly because i did not waive at him the 1st pass.I am not into all this brother bullshit or lifestyle thing that HD made up back in the 80,s that started all this.I meet alot of squids on bikes and really do not want them as friends.
I wave unless I absolutely can’t… and then I nod. I always understood the wave to be two fingers pointing down meaning “two wheels”. Most other riders wave back, some don’t. Either way, it doesn’t cost me anything to wave to another rider. It’s true there are a lot more motorcycles on the road now compared to when I first started riding in 1971, but there are still a lot less motorcycles than automobiles, so we still have a limited club! Ride on, whether you choose to wave or not!
I wave. I don’t care if someone doesn’t wave back. They may be uncomfortable taking their hand off the bars. I don’t just assume they’re being sh!tty. Someone earlier said something about annoying the emotionally stingy, well I don’t want to annoy anyone, but that was pretty funny, maybe one day they’ll be able to afford, at least a nod. There are folk out there doing something that only a small (albeit) growing number of us do, why not say howdy? I can relate to other bikers, heck I even wave to scooters. It’s all good. I’m just thrilled everyday to ride! Peace
I enjoy riding durning the quiet times in metropolitian Houston. My biggest enjoyment comes when I wave at little kids out playing and doing all the other fun stuff kids do. I wave at other motorcyclist to, it dosn’t bother me if they return the wave or not.
I wave to every one on long trips. It keeps me alert. I wave to truck drivers-cars and people driving tractors in the field. I have cruise control so I use either hand. PS -I’m in Australia. Age 50 -female and wear alot of pink.
I used to wave at everyone, but as I got more experience, I noticed certain types who would and wouldnt wave back. Sometimes, it depends on what I am riding, that I get waved back at or not. Now, my rule of thumb 75% of the time is to look for the other rider to initiate contact. The rest of the 25% I initiate. Also, funny thing is, on my commute, I wave to riders(and cagers) who move over to let my pass as I am lanesharing, but how do you wave at someone you just pass normally? Thus, I dont do it. Then theres the cruiser riders that someone was talking about, ive noticed the further I am away from metropolitan areas, the more cruiser types wave back.
I wave . In the eu just after overtaking they stick a boot out as a thank you . In the uk its very common to get a nod .
I wave, salute, thumbs up, (but only in the US) do the forward peace sign with left hand on the grip, do the open palm, the back wards plam, fist pump, and in heavy traffic, the head chin up.
Just happy to be riding and letting you know I’m happy you are riding too!
I try to wave as it is a universal biker thing so it seems. Noticed that the Harley boys are too cool to wave sometimes which has resulted in a large (of course left hand) middle finger up on ocassion. Had an old Harley friend of mine say … hey if its got two wheels , a motor, and your going forward , your having fun and I’ll wave.
I wave when it’s convenient. I used to wave only to other HOGs but now I’ll wave to almost anybody going in the other direction. I won’t wave to somebody on a scooter (who thinks he’s a biker!) but I will wave to a little kid on the side of the street. The wave is just something that only bikers do. It’s a part of the mistique that makes our brotherhood and sisterhood unique.
Yes, I wave and I must say I wave a lot. A wave to me is a gesture of friendliness like a smile or a simple nod especially in a crowded elevator. In Malaysia where I live I wave a lot when riding, not just riders but to children playing along the roads, farmers doing their chores along country roads just to tell them that I’m a nice and do not mean to bring any harm to anyone.
The wave gesture paid a couple of years ago when I had a mishap and was helped by a farmer I had just waved to a few miles back.
It pays to be friendly.
I wave a lot of the time but mostly when seeing another bike on a less traveled stretch of road. I live in a metro area and to wave at every single bike does get to be a bit too much. I often will just do the classic helmet nod too when I can’t take my hand off the clutch like at stop signs, while accelerating/shifting in heavy traffic etc.
One handed riding is not an issue as far as waving for me. I ride about 80% of the time one handed anyway. Even on roads such as NC/TN ‘s Hwy 129 nick named ” The Dragon”.
I wave to other motorcyclists to make the people in the cages wonder what they are missing! Seriously, feel close to a handful of guys I have never met who I see every morning and evening commuting in opposite directions. We always give a real wave. I know every one of them would stop and help if needed. Don’t wave as much on weekends because I live on a road where all the weekend riders like to cruise…
I usually wave with just a short duration of pointing my left hand downward slightly and outward. I feel it is just a recognition of one biker to another; a recognition of us against them – them being all the non-cycle vehicles on the road.
I’m a waver, but it’s obviously a matter of personal choice. I have to admit, though, that I get a small pleasure when I wave and it’s not returned, because I know I’ve annoyed someone who’s emotionally stingy.
I wave and expect a wave from late fall to maybe the first few days of sprint because that is when real riders enjoy the open air (with or without the electric vest) but by April, everyone is out and it’s too much work. Courtesy is a good thing, especially if you have to change a tire by the side of the road.
for me the wave is one of the most fun things about riding. how hard is it to acknowledge someone else who has similar interests like riding a bike.
I wave if it is safe at the time to do so. My wave is an open hand at the end of the left handlebar without taking my hand off of the bar. This can be done in mid corner without risk. To me the wave signifies a certain camaraderie and spreads the joy of cycling.
I do not subscribe to the nonsensical wave. What Brotherhood? What Sisterhood?
I am a rider of motorcycles. How or why should this equate to going about waving at people I do not know? When you walk down a city sidewalk do you spastically wave to all other walkers simply because they have chosen a similar mode to transport themselves from one place to another?
I have one Brother and two Sisters. I will happily wave to them. I will also wave to friends I know. Enjoy your ride. I’ll talk to you at the gas station or the overlook. 🙂
I’m glad you did write this article. Your comments are well stated. It’s all about the brother(sister)hood on the road for everyone who chooses to ride on two (or three) wheels. The wave is a symbol of the common bonds we share on the road regardless of what we ride or who we are…..it’s all good.
I typically wave, it’s the polite and brotherly thing to do. Also have no problems with taking a hand off the bars from time to time, cyclists have been using hand signals when riding to communicate in groups forever. No big deal.
One thing I have noticed when riding is that there are two types of riders. One who wave and those that don’t and out here in Australia especially on long distance touring those that don’t wave usually are rinding a cruiser. ( I’ve said cruiser as sometimes it hard to tell the make of an on-coming bike of this style.)
My partner all ways waves no matter what when she’s on back, and I do too if it’s safe to do so.
Not sure what the fuss about taking hands off the bars is all about. In the not to distant past you had to give hand signals in a car and on a bike so if you can’t do that simple act you should not be riding anything. If you are actually awake while riding and looking where you should be you’d have ample time to put the other hand back on the bar.
Another thing, is that you should have your hands on the grips loosley and not holding on for dear life and liimb as if your afraid.
I like your take/opinion on this subject. Keep on with this interesting site and variety of topics.