Waving while on a motorcycle?

Question

I am a new rider and I ride a little scooter to school and back everyday. If someone waves at me I always wave back, but I would like to be able to initiate a wave sometimes. Are there rules or guidelines about waving? What is a safe way to wave without throwing your balance off?

Thanks in advance!!

Answer 1

I've waved at people for 13 years and never had a problem, just extend a friendly arm and wave, pointing down is good because it allows you to keep your balance.

Answer 2

A wave is just a wave, it doesn't matter how you do it. It is a sign of respect. Don't worry if someone laughs should you give up a wave first. Most people on Motorcycles will wave back, and others (few) may laugh, but remember, those guys were on Mini Bikes years ago-how soon they forget.

Lets face it, riding a bike (scooter or motorcycle) is one sign of freedom. It's how you feel. Try to find a Scooter Club in your local area. You won't regret it, it pays to ride deep (with others) from time to time. It's a network of buddies should you need repairs or God help you-should your bike grow legs and wonder off. If there isn't one in your area, start one on Yahoo.Com yourself.

I give a wave, and toot my horn. On occassion, I even ride up next to the motorcycle riders and admire their bikes. Even people in cars can be dip @#$@! so don't be discouraged if you run into one of them.

Personally, I give the side way Peace Sign across my chest or just above my left bike handle and toot my horn. Do whatever makes you comfortable, and still maintain the balance of the ride. It doesn't take much to loose control of the bike, so be careful.

Happy Riding and
Keep Rolling!!

Answer 3

> Are there rules or guidelines about waving?
Always wave at someone riding a motorcycle or scooter - unless removing your hand from the control would compromise your safety. Safety first! If you can't lift your hand, then just nod. The wave means "keep the rubber side down." If fingers are extended, that means the person is part of a group and is indicating the number of people following him.

If only the middle finger is extended, that means the guy is riding an American-built motorcycle and you're riding a Japanese import -- do not return this wave.

> What is a safe way to wave without throwing your balance off?
You'll learn to slightly shift your weight when moving your hand from the controls. The motion is subtle. If you're not confident in doing this (i.e. you're not going straight, or you need to brake soon), then just nod.

Edit:
My apologies, Byron. I haven't gotten any real anti-metric guff since 1991.

Answer 4

ZZ Top wave won't throw her off balance? Isn't that where they do an underhanded salute while turning in unison?
Honey, just put your hand up or out to the side and smile. Nothing to it. If they don't wave back it was a Harley rider. I ride a Harley (when I'm not on one of my other bikes) but I'll wave to you no matter what I or you ride. Be careful, have fun.

Answer 5

I get lots of waves while riding my FXR from other H-D riders, yet the same people snub me while on my Yamaha. I am so sick of this elitist attitude that I ignore MOST riders now. Unfortunate. Enjoy that scooter of yours and if you smile and wave to me I will wave back. Left hand only, up down or sideways, whatever is comfortable and safe is a good wave.

Answer 6

if you're worried about throwing your balance off, i think it would be safe to say u could just nod. lots of people do it and it's just as good as a wave. as for rules or guidelines ya sure there r some to this subject but i wouldn't let it concern u all that much. make your choices and keep moving forward whether u decide to wave, nod or doing the zz top wave (whatever that is)

Answer 7

You can wave at anyone you want to. Generally you'll find that a lot o people on two wheeled vehicles will wave. The safe way to wave is to move your arm slowly and don't wave with your whole arm, that way you're not shifting as much weight back and forth. It's actually much easier on a big bike because it is so much heavier.

Answer 8

I gave up waves at other riders and started to wave at the others bike. This way if I don't get a wave back I just figure the rider is just to scared to let go of the handle bar in fear of losing control and dumping it.

Answer 9

If you have a distinctive scooter and an open face helmet, give your friends a wave and a honk! That's so cute. :)

Do you people posting answers all wave at other riders you don't know, though?

In Melbourne, riders don't wave at other riders, they just nod. That's a definite unspoken rule!!

I wish everyone here was more friendly. *sighs*

Answer 10

Biggest thing to remember is waive with the non-throttle hand which is of course your left hand. If you are coming up to an intersection where there is sand or a traffic signal which is going to change, don't waive, just nod your head.
Biggest thing I would say is that you need to decide if the need to waive outweighs the need to keep the machine upright.
I had to do a lot of tasks when riding a motorcycle at work, and we always chose safety over the other considerations.