What is the history behind motorcyclists waving as they pass one another?

Question

I like the camaraderie that it promotes, make me feel like part of a family.

I am a HD rider, and I have noticed as some are mentioning about the crotch rocket riders not 'waving'. I enjoy signaling to all!

Answer 1

Maybe this will help explain it. This is an excerpt from an on line story called "The Wave" by Tom Ruttan. (See link below):

I remember wandering down a back road with my father, sitting on my throne watching the trees whiz by, feeling the rumble of our bike beneath us like a contented giant cat. A motorcycle came over a hill toward us and as it went by, my father threw up his gloved clutch hand and gave a little wave. The other biker waved back with the same friendly swing of his left wrist.

I tapped my father on his shoulder, which was our signal that I wanted to say something. He ****** his helmeted ear back slightly while keeping his eyes ahead.

I yelled, "Do we know him?"
'What?" he shouted.
"You waved to him. Who was it?"
"I don't know. Just another guy on a bike. So I waved."
"How come?"
"You just do. It's important."

Later, when we had stopped for chocolate ice cream, I asked why it was important to wave to other bikers. My father tried to explain how the wave demonstrated comradeship and a mutual understanding of what it was to enjoy riding a motorcycle. He looked for the words to describe how almost all bikers struggled with the same things like cold, rain, heat, car drivers who did not see them, but how riding remained an almost pure pleasure.

Answer 2

I'm sure there's not much history to it really. Back in the day, bikers started giving each other a nod or wave in appreciation for the fact that they were all out there, on 2 wheels, together, against everyone else on 4 wheels. I feel the same way as you. I like the low wave as a camaraderie thing. I don't know what kind of bike you ride, but do you ever feel like some of the guys on sport bikes just can't be bothered to give you a quick wave. I have a Harley, and I find this happening all the time. Oh well, that's their issue I guess.

Answer 3

There is no single proper way, it's become a bit of a variety. Wave as you please, if you wish. Arm at an angle, with two fingers (index and middle) down is "keep 2 down". Same as "keep the shiny side up" - a common well-wishing. Some will just raise a hand, a finger or two, or just blow you off. Learn a bit about hand signs - you don't want to mistake a warning for a greeting. One finger pointed is usually pointing out a hazard - sand, gravel, roadkill, etc. Something you don't want to hit. Hoodoorocket has it spelled out pretty good. The popularity of "the wave" and animosity between types of riders has changed back and forth over the last twenty years. He has a point about who will be around later. Seems to me it's the people who care more about riding. I may not wave first, but will surely return one (unless there's about 30 of you in a group).

Answer 4

I am a crotch rocket rider, and I along with other sport bikers have been waving to HD and Cruiser riders for years. And we get the same love back.

It shows mutual respect regardless of what type of motorcycle you ride.

Answer 5

I remember reading that it was a rollover from the knights (on horses). The extended open hand while passing was to show friendship (AKA no weapon).

While it is true that some riders only wave at their 'own' kind (Harley, or Goldwing, or sportriders). I think the majority of bikers wave at all other bikers. We are a brotherhood that seems to stick together. If we see a fellow biker in need on the roadside most will stop and see if they can help. You sure don't see that from the cagers.

Answer 6

It goes way back. Motorcycles are like a club, and they wave at wach other.

The same way people with Corvettes will wave at each other. Although now, I don't know it that's still true, all of them now have AC and will have the windows up. If the top is down and they pass another with the top down, they may still wave.

Answer 7

it's actually not so much a point but with sport bikes they just leave their left hand out and low, almost as if you are going to slap a high five as you're riding past... and yes, most harley (cruiser type bnikes) don't like to acknowledge crotch rockets and vice versa, that's normal... poster above is correct, one of the first known hand signals were between harley riders, i'm sure probably hell's angels who came up with some sort of signal, and it just evolved from there... now it's just a symbol of "brotherhood" between 2 wheel riders...

Answer 8

I waved at someone and he didn't wave back-probably because I actually had a full face helmet and a jacket on and he had a tank-top, a headband and sunglasses on cruising down the road. I hope he's an organ donor.

Answer 9

All of these posts are correct except that nobody has mentioned the fact that BMW riders only wave at BMW riders, in full cordura nylon suits and all.......

Answer 10

Well, in reply to the above. Sportbike riders go fast and sometimes its not a good idea to take on hand off the bars.

I have found that harley owners often wont point to sportbikes, so I point and dont get one in return. now I only point if the other guy points first ; )