Why do motorcyclists stick their hands out at other motorcyclists?

Question

It's not really a wave; is it a high five?

Answer 1

It is true, the wave is just a way of saying “Hi, you’re a brother/sister biker.” It is done down low because of the wind. If you stick your arm out the window of your car at 60 mph, you feel the wind try to push your hand back and twisting your arm. It is much more comfortable to put your hand down low where the wind will only move your arm back without twisting it. Basically, it just a comfortable way to say “Hi.”

Answer 2

Yeap, its a sign of camaraderie, as you both share a common insterest in riding motorcycles.

In England we tend to just tip i head towards the other rider, safer this way, as you are still in complete control of the bike.

There is a sense of community in the biker world that you don't see so much as a driver. If a fellow biker is broken down, you will tend to see other bikers pull over and offer any assistance they can, you rarely see this in the car world. Perhaps it is because we are fewer in numbers, that we stick togeher, but either way, i feel far more pride when i am on my bikes then i ever do in a car.
However, not all bikers return the gestures, even if they see you, and the road ahead is clear, which really sucks, but eh, thats what Karma is for =)

Answer 3

Everyone that rides is family, whether they're on a cruiser, enduro, sportbike, etc. We all deal with the same crap, and understand why the other guy is also out in sub-freezing weather.

Anyone that doesn't wave back is either an arrogant Harley newbie, a SuperBikes! Squid, or is simply concentrating on not getting squished by cagers on the phone.

Answer 4

So often 4 wheel vehicles don't see motorcyclists...it is a way for the bikers to say "Hi, I see you, we have something in common, have a safe ride"

Answer 5

Bikers are fiiendly people. It is a greeting. Here in my state of Texas most don't even hold their hand up, but merely point at the ground because holding your had up meets with wind resistance so it is easier to hold your arm out toward the other biker and point at the ground. I am one of the few here who still waves.

Answer 6

It is Basically a friendly wave for motorcyclists easy-er then waving . an acknowledgment of other riders

Answer 7

See I'm still alive no stupid car has run over me yet! Kind of a celebratory greeting. While there are 38 to 52 years old out here in flip flop sandles and short pants T shirt no helmet and ball cap turned around to keep sun off of bald head riding a $30,000 Harley Davidson Motor Cycle. Stupid cars stupid riders. Personally full leathers full face helmet riding boots gloves. Road rash heals to slowly. Perfect riding weather in Texas today.

Answer 8

I was always told that it was a way to say HI and everyone is watching out for each other as brothers would.
When I was in Hawaii we all signaled each other with the Shaka sign, "hang loose". I never worried about breaking down there.

Answer 9

It's just a way one biker says hello to another biker. A gesture that says we both love bikes and riding and consider the other biker a part of the brotherhood. It doesn't matter what brand of bike you ride. You just have to ride.

Answer 10

In Texas, it's called throwin' the duce'.

A low left handed two finger wave, kinda like the old peace sign, but closer finger position.