The Biker Wave

[syscrusher]

I wish that an influential person would write a viral piece coming out against waving. It's slightly dangerous depending on conditions and location and one feels that they have to wave or seem stuck-up, etc. I don't really like feeling like I have to be on alert for other guys to wave to in traffic when I should actually be watching traffic, operating the clutch, enjoying the scenery, etc. The damned wave is a curse and a scourge. A plague upon motorcyclists of every stripe.

[Evan]

Interesting comment. Been riding for almost 50 years and never thought my waving at fellow bikers was the least bit dangerous. Maybe it's all in the technique.

[Brake Pad]

I love to wave while laying my bike over into tight turns, in the pouring rain, as the back tire tries to side out from behind me, "Way Coool "

 

been riding for 33 years, do it , don't do it. its your choice. down here in south Florida, or in any of my travels, its more then respect. "Its I have your back":thumbsup2::clap2:

[Riderduke]

I wish that an influential person would write a viral piece coming out against waving. It's slightly dangerous depending on conditions and location and one feels that they have to wave or seem stuck-up, etc. I don't really like feeling like I have to be on alert for other guys to wave to in traffic when I should actually be watching traffic, operating the clutch, enjoying the scenery, etc. The damned wave is a curse and a scourge. A plague upon motorcyclists of every stripe.

I have never felt the need to wave in almost 25yrs of riding.....When I can and I want to then I do....... I guess I must be stuck-up....

[Marcarl]

'round here we wave when we can, and mostly get a wave back, unless the hand is busy, then we might get a nod, or we might get nothing, I mean nothing at all if we are riding the wrong brand, reason being that we either are riding something that doesn't measure up or just isn't classified as good enough. I wish everybody would ride a REAL motorcycle.

[JohnT]

I always wave, unless the hand is busy. Always have and always will. Not sure just why actually now that I think on it. The "I got yer back" thing is part of it.

Other than that, riders are a small community. Real riders even smaller. And hell, a little friendly attitude never hurts.

 

"I wish that an influential person would write a viral piece coming out against waving."

I'm no activist, but I would get on a quick against that one. Some things just need an opposing view. Do you realize that you actually want to start a campaign against being friendly?

[Rick Haywood]

I have no comment:stickpoke:

[bongobobny]

Ya know, just the other day I was in my cage behind a couple of bikes and noticed when they waved, it looked like they were signaling a left turn...

[alwrmcusn]

It's your (the riders) choice. I wave at all the riders regardless of the make. Heck I even wave at pedal bikers! If you wanna wave back, ok, if not still ok.

[SARNA66]

Guilty as charged- I am a waver

 

[Flyinfool]

Driving comes first and foremost.

I usually wave if it is safe for me to do so.

 

I do not wave if I am;

in heavy traffic.

accelerating or decelerating.

turning.

watching other traffic situations that require my complete attention.

 

Probably a few more that I do subconsciously.

 

If you do not feel safe waving, that is you making the correct choice for you, I will not be offended, because I understand that there are things that are more important than a wave.

[Motorcycle Mike]

I wave at all motorcycles unless circumstances make it unsafe, or I just don't see you in time.

If you feel unsafe waving, don't. I'm a big boy and can take the rejection. But don't try to tell me I cant!

[Silverado6x6]

How about when riding in a country like Oz on the left side?

I hear they just nod as it would require using your throttle hand.

[Red1]

I have a friend that ride a motorcycle and he only has 1 arm - he generally does NOT wave.

I typically wave & don't care if they don't wave back. I also wave at folks on their porch, Amish in buggies, pretty girls on the street and people that wait for me to go past them instead of pulling out in front of me. Don't do it if it bothers you, but I hardly think its dangerous. I also remove my hand from the grip to push up my glasses, change the tune on my MP3, scratch my nose, flip the reserve lever, push in the choke and open the vent in my windshield - although not all at the same time.

 

Having sex while you're riding is dangerous - waving is just being friendly.

[Flyinfool]

 

Having sex while you're riding is dangerous - waving is just being friendly.

 

That sounds like fun.......

[Power Trippin]

I never would have guessed in a million years that another motorcycle rider would be against waving. I can remember riding on the back of my dads bike as a kid, watching him wave at all the other m/c riders. I asked him one day how he knows so many people. He said motorcycle riders are a tight knit group and everybody waves at every body else out of respect that your riding. It had nothing to do with what kind of bike you were riding! I wave at everyone from bicycles, mopeds, walkers, joggers, crotch rockets, gold wings, and even hd's. I don't care if you wave back or not, I am showing my respect to another rider, period!!!

[KIC]

I have never felt that a wave takes my attention off my riding. I see the bike coming at me and if I am not shifting or braking, my hand wave is a quick maneuver, almost subconscious without a lot of risk.

 

I wave at all bikes, including scooters, since I know from my experience I could be riding anything from a TW200 to a K1200LT depending what I jumped on in the garage. Bikers can have all types of bikes.

It's all a matter of preference. No big deal.

[Red1]

That sounds like fun.......

 

Oh - it IS! But it's also dang:banana:erous!

[KIC]

Having sex while you're riding is dangerous - waving is just being friendly.

 

Since you have a single seat on your bike, I guess your just taking it all in hand...... well never mind...

 

 

 

 

Sorry...just couldn't resist.....

[Guest]

Maybe someone here will come up with a polished left hand with a small motor that could be mounted on the bars somewhere. Maybe one with adjustable fingers. Push button 1 and it waves, button 2 will raise the middle finger for those rare moments where mere words wont do.....

 

Im just saying.......:smile5:

[Venturous Randy]

I find that I always get a wave back when I stand up on the seat and wave with both arms.

Hey sys, it may be time to get your meds reviewed.

RandyA

[KIC]

OKAY.... found the proper Etiquette ya gotta do it right !

 

 

 

Doing The Biker Wave. The Time Rider

 

If you drive a motorcycle, you know about “The Wave”. “The Wave” is your rolling connection to the biker brother & sisterhood, but is there a special secret to this wave? When you started riding did you seek out a wave master and perhaps copy theirs, or did you develop one of your own? Have you ever wondered if you’re wave appropriate? Do you wonder if the wave you’re flashing is politically correct, not brand specific enough or old and outdated? Unfortunately, wave training is not covered in the basic or advanced motorcycle safety classes.

 

 

Many riders believe there was a secret wave society similar to the Priere de Sion formed around 1903 when that first HD rolled out of that shed, but there wasn’t. It all started, one day in 1904 when Arthur Davidson passed by William Harley and since they knew each other, they waved. Well, another biker saw the two "Kings of Motorcycles" doing this and thought this was a biker necessity and the tradition was born. The waving tradition continued on through the years and became haphazard. There were bikers doing the “Bye Grandma Wave”, others doing the "Howdy Wave" and still others doing the extremely feminine “Princess Wave".

 

 

 

In 1946, after several years of these, image destroying gestures, a group of crusty old bikers decided to put some proper waving rules in place and formed the Wave Hard And True - Biker Society. Abbreviated: WHAT-BS

To wave or not to wave, that is the question. We’ve all faced that critical mass state when we felt obligated to wave but then became unsure. The worrying starts and then there’s that overwhelming feeling of guilt. Well, worry no more; here are some general waving rules to help guide you : 1)interstate; unnecessary, 2) in a curve; unnecessary 3) in the rain or at night; unnecessary 4) on a mellow two lane; proper. 5) a highway with little traffic; proper 6) A rally, unnecessary and 7) in traffic, unnecessary. There are, however, times when not waving is just down right rude. So if you’re not a jackass, when you are presented with “The Wave” you should, if at all possible, reciprocate. If it’s the proper place and time and you receive no reciprocal wave, don’t get your panties in a bunch and think you’ve just passed a jackass, because there are some acceptable reasons. These reasons are as follows: 1) you weren’t seen, 2) clutch manipulation or 3) a head nod was substituted.

 

 

There are 5 basic waves 1) the left-handed low wave, 2) the left-handed straight out wave, 3) the left-handed high wave 4) the right-handed (ha, ha, I have cruise control) wave and 5) the left-handed forward wave. The variations of these waves are as varied as the bikers & the bikes they drive, but there are some basic rules.

 

 

1) Left-handed low wave, sometimes called the Harley or cruiser wave. Typically seen used on cruiser style or custom chopped motorcycles. The arm is fully extended and aimed down towards the street in a 45 or lesser degree angle with the extension of either one, two, three or five fingers. The direction of the palm is also critical to the look and feel of this wave. The palm must either face the other rider or face the road. A classic variation of the finger positioning is throwing a peace sign (Duce) or thumbs up. To low wave with an angle greater than 45 degrees and/or with the palm facing up or back and/or with the use of 4 fingers is telling the biker community at large that you are either new or inept. If you have a cruiser and can’t get this wave to work for you, then consider the Left-Handed straight out wave or trading out your bike.

 

 

2) Left-handed straight out wave is an all around general wave. Typically seen used on crotch rockets, cruisers, customs and baggers alike. The arm can be either fully or partially extended with no more than a 10 degree angle higher or lower than the shoulder. The palm must be facing the oncoming rider in either a horizontal or vertical position and a full palm must be shown. It is suggested you present the hand in a relaxed state, as flattening it will make you look like a dork. The classic variations of the peace sign (duce) or thumbs up are also acceptable. If practiced, this is one of the easiest waves to master and will work with all bikes. If for some reason you can’t get this wave to work, you will probably have serious problems with the kickstand dynamic and should immediately sell your motorcycle before you cause yourself anymore embarrassment!

 

 

3) Left-handed high wave is a variation of the typical wave seen made by kings and kids alike. Mostly used by upright riders of crotch rockets and baggers. The elbow is kept even or slightly lower than shoulder height. The elbow should be bent at about a 75 – 85 degree angle with a slight forward angling of the forearm. The palm must be facing the oncoming rider and the hand can either remain still or the use of a side to side motion is acceptable. This wave has been proven very useful when you have a loose watchband. It is suggested you present the hand in a relaxed state, as once again, flattening it will make you appear to be a dork. The classic variations of the peace sign (duce) or thumbs up are frowned upon when using this type of wave. it’s a bit too over the top. Important: Should you be riding a crotch rocket, it is extremely important to maintain the image by using this wave only if the left hand is coming from the left hip or thigh. This should never, ever be used when coming from the handlebars. Warning of possible injury: Do not use this type of wave on a cruiser. You will appear aloof, snobbish and everyone will hate you! If you have a medical condition or feel you must use this type of wave, get a bagger or ride a crotch rocket only in the upright position and don’t be a dick about it. There are rules!

 

 

4) Right-handed (ha, ha, I have cruise control) wave. This is an occasional use wave by bagger riders. Typically seen being employed by Ultra Classic and Goldwing riders. They’re riding on rolling living room sofas. These big, comfy and not really coooool bikes are great for touring. This lack of coolness can cause a temporary condition known as “Dickishness” which can be instantly healed by passing a cruiser giving the right hand wave. The general message being sent is “You might be on a cool bike but damn it, I’m comfy”. If the rider of the touring bike is a smoker he will typically light up a cigarette or a cigar, just to drive that point home.

 

 

5) Left-handed forward wave. This wave is solely used by crotch rocket riders because, let’s face it, what the hell else can they do in that position? A flashed wave, is almost imperceptible due to the speed of the wave and the bike. To execute this wave one must slightly raise the left hand from the grip, no more than 3 or 4 inches, show the palm and return to the grip. This entire motion must be fluid and executed in under three seconds. You must learn all the intricacies of this wave before you take your first ride. If you don’t, they will know you’re a newbie and you’ll instantly become pink slip bait. The only way to avoid this lame wave stigma is by doing something crazy like riding a wheelie while naked. If you don’t fall off, that’s a big plus!

 

 

When approaching another biker always remember to maintain the rule of "The Wave", you never know who's watching!

[PhilH]

OKAY.... found the proper Etiquette ya gotta do it right !

Doing The Biker Wave. The Time Rider

 

 

Thanks KIC, that is very nice!

 

I always wave if I'm waved at. Like KIC said, it doesn't take an advanced skill to take your hand off your handlebar for 1 second and make a simple gesture.

 

I always wave to other cruisers. I even wave at cruisers behind me. Most of the time they wave back at me.

I don't wave to crotch rockets. If they wave at me, I wave back.

I don't wave to cars, simply because they are too many of them. But if they wave at me, I wave back (yes, it happened).

[Red1]

Since you have a single seat on your bike, I guess your just taking it all in hand...... well never mind...

 

 

 

 

Sorry...just couldn't resist.....

LOL This could go rapidly downhill..........but I will keep my commentary suitable for a family forum. Does the word "straddle" mean anything to you? Remember - only 1 of you has to watch the road. Now go practice in the garage with your favorite sweetie before you get on the open road. :rotf:

[Huggy]

My wife and I usually wave to bikers while we are working in front yard. Most wave back and a few honk! There are a LOT of bikes passing my place every weekend. In fact more bikes then cages! When cutting the front lawn I always STOP the lawn tractor so they know I'm not going to shoot debree of my lawn at them when they go by.