Motorcycles 101: Why riders (don't) wave to each other

July 31, 8:15 AMManchester Motorcycle ExaminerChris Greenleaf

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Group of sport bike riders congregate on the Mt. Washington Auto Road

As a motorist you see it all the time.  As a rider you're expected to keep the spirit alive. Riding is not just an extreme sport.  It is a brother/sisterhood of comrades, passion and fulfillment.

For ages, riders have traditionally thrown out a wave to other motorcycle riders we pass along our paths traveled.  It's generally considered 'biker law'.  Common gestures include lifting your hand off the handlebar and simply waving to oncoming riders, placing your hand out, closed in a fist with either your index or index and middle fingers pointing downward and toward the oncoming bike in a swift manner, a simple nod of the head, or a full fist thrust outward (most common among sport bike riders.

As spectators and participants of our own sport, it is up to us to keep this spirit of tossing a friendly wave to each other alive and strong.  There's not much documented history as to how this all got started, but it is a great way to maintain our solidarity as one group.  The next time you're riding your motorcycle, whatever kind of bike it might be, wave to your fellow riders.  Before you know it, you'll find yourself in your car accidentally waving to riders in the oncoming lane, forgetting that you're not on your bike that day.

Occasionally, I will come across humoring posts or articles on various message boards about motorcycle waving.  This one comes from a recent post on New England Street Riders* 

I love motorcycles, and I love riding. Like many of you, what first drew me to bikes was not just the experience of riding, but the feeling that I'd become part of a special community - a brotherhood, really. Nothing calms me more than a long ride down the interstate, waving at the members of my beloved clan. Except when I pass Harley guys. I hate Harley guys. Hate, hate, hate. When the pass me on the highway, you know what I do? I don't wave. With their little tassel handlebars, and the studded luggage and the half-helmets - God, they drive me crazy...

 For more info:  *Clicking links to external sites or forums will open a page unrelated to Examiner.com.  Public message forums may contain uncensored dialog.  The author of this article or Examier.com cannot verify, or be responsible for the content on these privately run web sites, and all readers are encouraged to exercise discretion.