why do bike riders wave at each other?

Answer 1

its a tradition

Answer 2

Amen to Cafe T. Motorcycle riders are part of a world wide community that with only a few unfortunate exceptions show respect, camaraderie, and good will to all other riders regardless of age, sex, beliefs or what bike they ride. Acknowledging each other by a wave or a nod is part of this.
Maybe if everyone rode then the world may be a better place.

Answer 3

Because we share something that no one else knows about. Come ride with one of us for a good long trip, and you'll see.

I see things a little clearer without being wrapped in all that plastic and steel.
I can almost always tell you from which direction the wind comes today. I sometimes have to lean into it.
I know what a beautiful day it is, I'm out in it.
I feel the heat when on the high parts of the road, and the cold in the valleys.
I hear the wind, my engine, and my tires humming along the pavement.
And I smell the fresh air, a freshly fertilized field (EEWW!), the exhaust from my bike, and a bonfire somewhere I can't see.

I wave at oncoming bikers because they know much of what I know, and we know what car drivers may never. And I wave at them because they know something I don't, but I'll be there in a minute.

Answer 4

You'll notice that this is quite prevalent in the Spring. Motorcycle riders love to ride and are just glad to be out in nice weather after a long winter. They do it because they know that other riders feel the same way and want to share the joy.

Answer 5

I asked my boyfriend this, (he has a 600cc 2006 Yamaha R6) and the best way he could tell me is that its like a "brotherhood" thing, and I would understand when I get my own bike.

Although, he only waves at other sports bike riders, and rarely ever to hog riders.

Answer 6

Great question. You know I asked my husband the same thing when I first started riding with him, as a pillion, & his answer is ozraibikes..."show respect, camaraderie, and good will to all other riders regardless of age, sex, beliefs or what bike they ride." and in all that time of being a "hugger" to now riding beside him, I have seen that very truth in what he says.
For those of you who chose to answer this question with
"If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand" (or similar response), a question for you to answer at your own leisure,
How are we to encourage "respect, camaraderie, and good will to all other riders regardless of age, sex, beliefs or what bike they ride", if we do not pass along the info we know that will help people understand a particular point in riding, so that others may learn & pass on the same info to others in time when asked that very same question?

Answer 7

I hate it when people say "If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand". Translation: "I don't have the faintest idea, I just do it to be cool because it is what everyone else is doing"

Anyone will understand it as soon as you twist the throttle and hit the highway. Motorcyclists wave at each other out of comraderie - we ride, we discovered the inner beauty of riding, and we acknowledge other riders because they also discovered the joy of the ride.

When riding a motorcycle, you are part of the place you are riding through - not just a bystander. A friend once discribed cage riding as "like watching a movie" - you see everything, but it is basically in 2D and it is somewhat surreal. When you ride a motorcycle, you are a not watching the movie, you are a member of the cast. You experience God's creation to the fullest. You feel the sun on your face, smell the flowers and fresh cut hay as you drive past them, feel the cool air as the road dips down by the river, the sting of rain drops when you run through a passing shower, and the adrenaline pump as you wind your bike through a set of tight corners.

Riding is an experience, not just a way to get to your destination. That is why we ride, and we like to acknowledge our brothers and sisters who also recognize this as a religious experience.

Answer 8

Ok, here's the reason why riders DON'T wave (pls.guys this is tongue firmly in cheek so don't get bent out of shape)

Top Reasons why HARLEY riders don't wave back:

8. raising the arm could be considered a form of exercise
7. they are affraid it will void the warranty
6. leather and studs make it too heavy to raise their arms
5. they refuse to wave to anyone whose bike is already paid for
4. they are affraid to let go of the handlebars 'cause they might vibrate off
3. rushing wind might blow the scabs off their new tatoos
2. they can't tell if other riders are waving of just reaching to cover their ears.
1. they're too tired from hours spent polishing all that chrome

Top reasons why GOLDWING riders don't wave

7. they couldn't find the auto wave back button on the dashboard
6. they're affraid they might get frost bite if they move their hands off the heated grips.
5. they have arthritis
4. the reflection from the etched windshield has momentarily blinded them
3. they were distracted by the odd shaped blip on their radar screen
2. they were asleep when you waved
1. they were simultaneously adjusting the air suspension, seat height, cd player, seat temperature and satellite nav. system.

Top reasons why SPORTBIKERS don't wave back

7. they have not been riding long enough to know they are supposed to
6. they're going too fast to have time to register the movement and respond
5. they don't notice you - you weren't wearing neon-colored gear
4. if they stick out their arm out going that fast it'll get ripped out of its socket
3. their skin tight Kevlar/ballistic/nylon/kangaroo/leather suits prevent any other position than fetal
2. raising an arm allows bugs into arm holes of their tank tops
1. it's hard doing one-handed stoppies

Top reasons BMW riders don't wave back

5. their new Aerostich suits are too stiff to raise their arms
4. removing a hand from the bars is considered bad form
3. too busy monitoring GPS,radar, listening to I-Pod, xm or talking on cell phone
2. the wires from the Gerbings are too short
1. you haven't been properly introduced

Cheers!

Answer 9

To recognize other members of the group. It like how nice everyone is to each other in a gym.

Answer 10

Its a "group" kinda thing. My Fiance owns a Harley and he always does a forefinger kinda wave to the side of his leg..

Answer 11

It's a brotherhood and sisterhood and we are showing each other respect,non-riders would never understand.