How to Wave While Riding a Motorcycle

Left-handed low and and left-handed high biker waves.

If you drive a motorcycle, you know about “the wave.” The wave is your rolling connection to your biker brother and sisterhood, but is there a special secret to this wave? When you started riding did you seek out a wave master and perhaps copy theirs, or did you develop one of your own? Have you ever wondered if your wave is appropriate? Unfortunately, wave training is not covered in the basic or advanced motorcycle safety classes.

Well, here I present the five basic motorcycle waves. Your worries about not knowing proper biker etiquette are over.

Five Motorcycle Waves

Left-Handed Low Aimed down towards street with the extension of one, two, three, or five fingers. Left-handed Straight Out Arm fully or partially extended higher or lower than shoulder. Left-Handed High Elbow should be bent with slight forward angling of the forearm. Right-Handed Typically employed by Ultra Classic and Goldwing riders. Left-Handed Forward Almost imperceptible due to the speed of the wave and the bike.

Origins of the Motorcycle Wave

Many riders believe there that was once a secret wave society, similar to the Priere de Sion fraternal order, founded back in 1903 when the first Harley Davidson rolled out of the shed. There wasn't. It all started one day in 1904 when Arthur Davidson passed by William Harley and, since they knew each other, they waved. Another biker saw the two "Kings of Motorcycles" doing this and thought this was a biker necessity. A tradition was born.

The waving tradition continued through the years but was always haphazard. There were bikers doing the “Bye Grandma Wave,” others doing the "Howdy Wave," and still others doing the extremely feminine “Princess Wave."

In 1946, after several years of these image-destroying gestures, a group of crusty old bikers decided to put some proper waving rules in place. They formed the Wave Hard And True Biker Society. Abbreviation: WHAT-BS.

Fast Wave When Passing

To Wave or Not to Wave?

To wave or not to wave, that is the question. We’ve all faced that moment when we felt obligated to wave but then become unsure. The worrying starts and then there’s that overwhelming feeling of guilt. Well, worry no more. Here are some general waving rules to help guide you:

On the interstate; unnecessary

On a curve; unnecessary

In the rain or at night; unnecessary

On a mellow two-lane; proper

On a highway with little traffic; proper

At a rally, unnecessary

In traffic, unnecessary.

There are, however, times when not waving is just down-right rude. So if you’re not a jackass, you should, if at all possible, reciprocate when another biker waves to you.

If it’s the proper place and time and you receive no reciprocal wave, don’t get your panties in a bunch and think you’ve just passed a jackass, because there are some acceptable reasons. These reasons are as follows:

You weren’t seen

Clutch manipulation

A head nod was substituted

The Five Basic Motorcycle Waves

Left-Handed Low Sometimes this wave is called the Harley or cruiser wave. These are typically used by cruiser-style or custom-chopped motorcycle riders. The arm is fully extended and aimed down towards the street in a 45 or lesser degree angle, with one, two, three, or five fingers extended. The direction of the palm is also critical to the look and feel of this wave. The palm must either face the other rider or face the road. A classic variation of the finger positioning is to throw a peace sign (duce) or a thumbs up. A low wave with an angle greater than 45 degrees and/or with the palm facing up or back and/or with the use of four fingers is telling the biker community at large that you are either new or inept. If you have a cruiser and can’t get this wave to work for you, then consider the Left-Handed Straight Out or trading in your bike. Left-Handed Straight Out This is an all-around general wave. They're typically used by crotch rockets, cruisers, customs, and bagger riders. The arm can be either fully or partially extended with no more than a 10-degree angle higher or lower than the shoulder. The palm must be facing the oncoming rider in either a horizontal or vertical position and a full palm must be shown. It is suggested that you present the hand in a relaxed state, as flattening it will make you look like a dork. The classic variations of the peace sign (duce) or thumbs up are also acceptable. If practiced, this is one of the easiest waves to master and will work with all bikes. If for some reason you can’t get this wave to work, you will probably have serious problems with the kickstand dynamic and should immediately sell your motorcycle before you cause yourself anymore embarrassment. Left-Handed High This is a variation of the typical wave seen made by kings and kids alike. It's used mostly by upright riders of crotch rockets and baggers. The elbow is kept even or slightly lower than shoulder height. The elbow should be bent at about a 75-to-85-degree angle with a slight forward angling of the forearm. The palm must be facing the oncoming rider, and the hand can either remain still, though the use of a side to side motion is acceptable. This wave has been proven very useful when you have a loose watchband. It is suggested you present the hand in a relaxed state, as, once again, flattening it will make you appear to be a dork. The classic variations of the peace sign (duce) or thumbs up are frowned upon when using this type of wave. It’s a bit too over-the-top. Important: Should you be riding a crotch rocket, it is extremely important to maintain the crotch rocket image by using this wave only if the left hand is coming from the left hip or thigh. This should never, ever be used when coming from the handlebars. Warning of possible injury: Do not use this type of wave on a cruiser. You will appear aloof, snobbish, and everyone will hate you. If you have a medical condition or feel you must use this type of wave, get a bagger or ride a crotch rocket only in the upright position and don’t be a dick about it. There are rules. Right-Handed This is also known as the "Ha, ha. I have cruise control" wave. It is occasionally used by bagger riders but more typically by Ultra Classic and Goldwing riders. They’re riding on rolling living room sofas. These big, comfy, and not really cool bikes are great for touring. This lack of coolness can cause a temporary condition known as “dickishness,” which can be instantly healed by passing a cruiser and giving the right hand wave. The general message being sent is "You might be on a cool bike but damn it, I’m comfy.” If the rider of the touring bike is a smoker, he will typically light up a cigarette or a cigar, just to drive the point home. Left-Handed Forward This wave is used solely by crotch rocket riders because, let’s face it, what the hell else can they do in that position? A flashed wave, it is almost imperceptible due to the speed of the wave and the bike. To execute this wave one must slightly raise the left hand from the grip, no more than three or four inches, show the palm, and return to the grip. This entire motion must be fluid and executed in under three seconds. You must learn all the intricacies of this wave before you take your first ride. If you don’t, they will know you’re a newbie, and you’ll instantly become pink-slip bait. The only way to avoid this lame wave stigma is by doing something crazy like riding a wheelie while naked. If you don’t fall off, that’s a big plus.

Maintain the Rule of the Wave

When approaching another biker always remember to maintain the rule of "The Wave." You never know who's watching!



What Do You Think?

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Sean on June 29, 2020:

I wave at everything, everyone, pedestrians, old folks on porches, whoever. But for bikers, I put down my own special brew; left arm downward, open hand forward, ring finger pulled back to palm by thumb. The youngsters recognize this as the "shocker" (look it up, I can't teach you everything). But my fav? A raise of my insulated mug of my favorite home-brewed French press coffee. Because I have a cup holder on my Roadmaster. And an MP3 player. And heated seats. And, and, and, I waited decades for them. So, humor me (or we can go back to that one finger thing, your call).

Carrie on June 27, 2020:

I wave to everyone, even the people on scooters. The most enjoyable one is from a veteran that was in a wheelchair, just made my day to see that broad smile on his face. If you don't wave back, it's ok, I still wish you a safe journey and am glad that you are in the wind enjoying your bike. Just be happy and let others be themselves without you feeling rejected or bad. Enjoy and Be Safe wind brother ad sisters.....much love.

Sam's Song on October 10, 2019:

Waving like this is fine if you drive on the RHS of the road. But, for those who ride on the LHS of the road a bit of a waste of time. I always wave, however, to other road users who pull over to let me past (usually truckies) in any sort of manner that they can see so they can see my appreciation.

Deacon Jones on October 07, 2019:

I have a Harley now and everyone seems to wave to me. I had a crotch rocket before I got the Harley and the only ones who did not wave back to me were Harley riders with no helmet. So i got used to waving at them first so if they did not wave I could give them a left hand high middle finger. Brotherhood or not. Any dick can buy a bike.

JJ on October 07, 2019:

Man...someone waved the other day low left. I'm a new rider and now feel like a dick since i didn't acknowledge him. I was on a curve but going fast and needed the control. will wave going forward, haha. Awesome.

Captain Fri on September 28, 2019:

To start with, you don't drive a bike, you ride a bike. You drive a cage. Second the two fingers down is the 'two wheels down' sign.

Sylvia on September 22, 2019:

Is there etiquette for a passenger to wave or not wave?

Mark on September 12, 2019:

Wave......don't wave......who the hell cares? Get a life for Christ's sake! If I wave and you don't reciprocate I don't give it a second thought. If you wave and I don't return it I will NOT be losing any sleep over it and neither should you. We're all motorcyclists for the sheer joy and freedom of it, enjoy it for what it is, not for others high and mighty opinions.

dirtylittlebilly on August 13, 2019:

Only dorks wave. Period. And don't "bro" me if ya don't know me.

OlaOla on July 30, 2019:

My best wave and nod was back to a guy in a motorized wheelchair. Not sure why he was out on the street but I could see the jester of respect made his day.

DSmall on July 19, 2019:

I've waved my whole life... 40+ years of riding... had a spell with no bike for a while, recently back to riding... what I've found so far... it's the "crotch rocket" riders that don't wave back... everyone else, no matter what bike they happen to be riding, they wave... To me it comes down to what others have said, mutual respect, we're all riders no matter what... ride on brothers and sisters...

McScoot on July 19, 2019:

Most clubs will not wave. I am in an MC although if you wave to me I will return the gesture. I do wave at other clubs that are my acquaintances and allies and in return, they will wave back but only because I'm a patch holder.

K.L. on June 26, 2019:

In some places though you can only do the downward low left wave. In the state of Oklahoma, motorcycle riders are expected by law to use traditional left arm hand signals in traffic.

houndogg on May 29, 2019:

It all started when someone saw a biker changing gears with a jockey shifter. Didn't know what it was but thought it looked cool.

Snake on February 18, 2019:

What a dumb article and if you’re interested you’re short on friends.

Brandon on January 03, 2019:

What about the straight up? I use it to demoralize other riders because they cant ride wheelies.

Ranger on November 08, 2018:

I find it even more hysterical that you people are taking this seriously.

Curve Junkey on August 10, 2018:

Seriously? A How to wave tutorial? I'm an old school lady who happens to ride. Im on my 3rd new Harley. I've ridden nearly every make including a Norton back in 78. if Im in a tight curve and someone waves, I nod my head IF I notice, but I don't look for people to wave at, or become offended if someone doesn't wave back. Its all about the ride, not what someone does with their freaking hand. Doesn't matter what you ride, what does matter is ... ARE YOU HAVING FUN?

Brenner on July 20, 2018:

I ride a Burgman 400 and used to wait for a low five before reciprocating. I didn't know if a scooter was part of the club and didn't want to bring any HD riders "to tears", as mentioned previously. But now I'll do it first because society is more accepting of alternative ridestyles!

Andy on July 11, 2018:

So I ride a Harley RoadKing and well I wave at anyone two wheels are two wheels imo. You want burn rice burn it. You want an HD ride it. Doesn’t matter I wave

Zibster on July 04, 2018:

If your on two wheels, or now three, WAVE, if safe to do so!! We're all in the brother and sisterhood of two wheelers. It let's all two wheelers know we have each others back should something go wrong. God Forbid!!

MHutch on June 13, 2018:

I’ve been riding for 47 years and I wave often, although not a fan of the tradition. What was interesting was when I sold my ‘03 road glide and bought a K1600GT, 50-60% of the Harley riders stopped waving! It was a telling and welcomed realization.

fieldho on May 05, 2018:

I wave but it's not always appreciated because of my ride. Some "bikers" don't like to acknowledge my existence since I'm on a Yamaha Majesty 400 Maxiscooter, but I do mean the same respect and good wishes. Some will actually turn their heads, which I think is funny, and sometimes I get a two down from both the passenger and the driver. Ha, ha, don't hate me because my bike doesn't leak fluids, I can get 100+ MPH and 55+ MPG, my feet have nothing to do (No clutch or gears) and it just takes a few minutes to wash it's Tupperware shell to like new appearance (No chrome). So I'll keep waving and I hope everybody, on two wheels, stays safe.

Cut Wearer on March 31, 2018:

I don’t wave. Stupid bullshit that today’s motorcycle enthusiasts do. Owning a bike, going to runs & political support doesn’t make you a biker

Gillett on March 04, 2018:

I ride a sportbike which many riders aren't as fond of so I look and wave ONLY if I've been waved at first, every time.

jeremiah on February 10, 2018:

i ride a honda grom and i live in so cal. there is kind of a lot of riders in my city weekly and even more on the weekends. but ya everyone does the wave to me harley and sportsbikes. the few who dont prob dont see me. and if they did and dont then who cares. ride or die.

Akshay - ''JACK SPARROW'' on January 11, 2018:

Well...we ride on the left side of the road...! A left handed low would be pointless....have seen most people do the Left hand-Straight out or Left handed high combined with a peace sign or just a relaxed palm....and sometimes even a right handed wave when either of the riders or both are at low speeds....

Well...ride hard...ride safe...cheers

CC on September 24, 2017:

Wave at this!!

Bounce on September 06, 2017:

WTF? As many different views are here as there are individuals who ride. To each his own way.

BIKERMICK on August 20, 2017:

The wave... mutual respect

Gary f on July 25, 2017:

In the late 60s, you didn't wave. It was a closed fist at 90 degrees up

Hoku on June 18, 2017:

Being from Hawaii, we use the low wave, but have a "shaka" sign.

Colin John mcgiff on June 17, 2017:

When I ride and give the wave normally 2 fingers extended

Most riders return it, but I find that a lot of harley riders do not, I guess they think they are better than us Mears Jap bike riders, but my bike don't leak oil. And that's were in am going to leave it.

Dan Tomes on June 15, 2017:

I wave when ever possible to greet a fellow rider......

Dimples on June 15, 2017:

If I am riding aback of my old man I can tell if he is in a position to reciprocate or not. If not then I return the wave, typically we both wave and we've always used hand down with 2 fingers out. Both of us have been raised in the biker world and we're in our 50s now, well I'm fixing to be. It is something only true biker's know and respect.

Greg on June 14, 2017:

I Ride Harley and when I'm riding I wave at everything on two wheels and some three wheels except for scooters scooters and mopeds don't deserve a wave and I find it absolutely hilarious to the point of Tears when they wave at me

Mariellen Pence (Tinyfeet) on June 12, 2017:

I don't like when the Harley drivers only wave to other Harley drivers, we are all out to have a great ride

Billius on March 26, 2017:

I've been riding for 30 years and pretty much heard it all about the waves. I do two fingers down to the pavement.Never heard some of the other fables about it but everybody has their own take and the same subject. I'm a motorcycle rider coach and I usually just take the two fingers to the ground because it's the quickest and that's what everybody seems to be doing to me;)

Jeff on February 09, 2017:

Video appears to be removed by uploader

Speedy Pete's Delivery Catoosa OK on February 08, 2017:

before looking it up, to me it is a sign of love towards the fellow rider! and telling a fellow rider to be safe without words... which is why i am here actually..... i came here because i was talking about it with a buddy just now telling him that its gotta be them telling you to have a safe ride and sure enough after reading through many comments i read a few cat's/cat'etts comments talking about "two fingers down means keep your two wheels on the ground" i mostly just noticed the way low wave and yes from time to time the fingers out but some do finger and thumb and others do the peace sign so it made me wonder if it was a gang thing or if it was my way of thinking but when cruising by i ether wave low or i reciprocate safely when i am cruising by back to them.... However thinking its silly to look it up, i am glad now i did look it up!, and found the reason in my heart was right because you can just tell when you get the wave they are kinda going out of their way (in a safe environment when cruising by) to get their hand low for you to express to you to stay safe and enjoy the ride.... and now i know the ones that do the two fingers down means "keep both wheels on the ground"..... no matter how "bad ass" of a biker.... thats real love.... and ill be sure to use it every time now for sure! i love all of you guys/gals! stay safe out there its another new year for that priceless feeling of freedom and fun enjoy the rides and by all means keep your two wheels on the ground!

Ligthweht on November 18, 2016:

Laughed my as off. Good writing.

I just love to ride. Waving at others doing the same is just more fun. Reciprocated or not.

The best I remember was early one morning on Route 66 going from Oatman AZ to Topock. And saw a lone Cyclist going the other direction. Bet your ass we waved. Was a good day riding.

Remember to reread the section titled above “To Wave or Not to Wave?” Be safe you assholes.

Muffdyver on September 27, 2016:

Waving is gay, I just give the finger to everyone

Simon on September 21, 2016:

So what's the etiquette when encountering a bicyclist? When I ride my bicycle I always nod or wave to others who are out and about bicycling, walking, jogging, or motorcycling. But the motorcyclists never respond. I'm a member of the two-wheel-invisible-to-cars club and we have to stick together, but I always get snubbed. What's up with that?

Howie on July 19, 2016:

Oh good grief, you make it sound like it's biblical. I usually do the 45 degree downward wave with the finger pointing down, but I am not offended by the goldwing waves. I'm just glad that they enjoy the same sport that I do. If you get your panties in a knot over such things, maybe you should take up bull fighting.

nice monet on July 06, 2016:

funniest one I've seen, a rally bike rider took both feet off pegs and spread eagled... needless to say I didn't wave, too busy laughing....

Lonwel on June 20, 2016:

Not sure I like the comment about Goldwing riders...my inner child is weeping. Even if I have the cruise control on, I always wave with my left hand high. Most Goldwing riders do this wave due to necessity and aerodynamics. I did the cool low wave my first ride and was not prepared for the following wind blas on my arm which caused quite a pain in my shoulder. Since installing my baker air wings, I can now do the cool two finger down wave. Great article.

CC on June 15, 2016:

I have been riding for 47 years. And in all those years waves are head bow if you will has always worked. But for the most part I see cruisers and touring or full dresser stay within there own group. as do most sport bikes unless they have hard bags attached. No matter what you ride always ride safe and sane. As the cages could care less about you.

Jeff Cranston on June 15, 2016:

Things sure have changed. In the 70's, it was the left arm raised with a fist facing fingers forward. Now it's the hand down like you are slapping hands as you go by. LOL. I felt like it was a generational shift. I do it only if it's safe and I'm not shifting. In the case where I'm shifting or something, I might nod back if someone else waves.

Bryan Ryder on June 14, 2016:

Like the truckers wave, it's becoming a dieing art. On the bike & in the truck, I wave a lot but don't always get one in return.

Webb on June 14, 2016:

I dont wave at rice rockets....

ann on June 12, 2016:

i drive a Corvet, i give the wave as well. i think anyone driving a Muscle car should give anyone riding a HD the acknowledge wave.

stay safe.

roadbum on June 11, 2016:

you know, the one thing that most people really get tired of are people taking a simple thing and complicating the crap out of it."you don't know the secret wave, or handshake, or you didn't hold your fingers right so you ain't cool."what a load of crap.

look, it 's as simple as this. wave anyway you want. if you don't feel comfortable letting go of the bars, nod. just acknowledge the other rider. if they don't wave back, big freakin' hairy deal!just enjoy your ride and don't worry about what everybody else is doing.that is what this is about. there isn't any secret handshake or decoder ring you have to use. nor is there a secret conspiracy against anybody.and the rest of you wannabes,stop making this something it ain't.

wowiecowie on June 09, 2016:

Yes, I wave if it's safe to do so, I think it's just a thing that bikers have been doing for years, we are a different breed, just a friendly Hello....

HH on June 08, 2016:

Frist off we don't "drive" a motorcycle. to be honest, after riding for over 45 years, there is really no "Right" way to wave. silly article that I hope was written tongue in cheek. You acknowledge other riders with a wave of any type that you are comfortable with. There is no "bagger" wave, or crotch rocket wave, and by the way, my ultra limited is a very cool ride.

cuervokate on June 07, 2016:

Just started riding and I've already dumped my bike once so for now no wave until I get this riding down pat.

Rhesus on June 07, 2016:

C'mon, it's not about tradition nor being cool. It's about aerodynamics.

Okie on June 07, 2016:

and then there's the classic ZZ Top wave index finger pointed down Armstrong to the forward position indicating your direction of travel reference the ZZ Top videos from the 80s

Saferide on June 07, 2016:

If you pass us, I always wave using two fingers, peace sign. I say a quick prayer to keep the other rider safe and keep his or her rubber side down.

David on June 07, 2016:

Two fingers pointing down says keep both tires on the pavement...

Author totally missed that...

rider on June 07, 2016:

what a load of crap !!!!

Al on June 07, 2016:

I live in Alabama...We wave at everybody..LOL

Magilla on June 07, 2016:

I wave when the other bike is paying attention except once you get to Sturgis, everyone realizes that there are so many other bikes on the road, you would be riding around waving like a fool the whole time and everyone just sort of stops waving.

Colin on June 06, 2016:

Another wave not mentioned is the left hand down but with thumb and pinky extended like the hawaii wave which sends the signal to oncoming bikes that the road is clear of police for a couple of miles. A nice message to get from a fellow biker. Love this article.

Dude on June 06, 2016:

What does it matter? I wave at times and other times I don't. If I don't why does it matter and how does that make someone not understand what riding means. Riding to me has nothing to do with waving or any of that trivial crap, to me riding is getting to my destination unscathed and enjoying every moment I am on my bike. I don't get pissed if someone don't wave and someone shouldn't get pissed if I don't wave. People get their feelings hurt over dumb shit that don't matter anyway.

Blue on June 06, 2016:

There's also the thumbs down which indicates a cop up ahead,

midlagednkrazee on June 06, 2016:

2 fingers in a peace sign low and left

Linda Robinson on May 19, 2016:

Wow Time Rider what an excellent hub, very interesting and so much essential information for every one that rides a motorcycle. Such detail, tons of important and life saving appropriate content. Fantastic job. Hope that you will be writing many more displaying your expertise on the subject. Talk to you again. Linda

Pir8life on May 18, 2016:

I almost never initiate a wave. I will return them but not really initiate. I also don't really get the whole brotherhood/sisterhood thing on motorcycles. I would never disrespect another rider and if I came across one in need of assistance I would certainly help but I just don't get the whole ride free ride hard brother sister stuff. I'm an adventure rider and ride way harder physically by default that people that cruise. on their shiny bikes. Duel sports and motocrossers ride harder than me but what is ride hard and ride free to a cruiser or tourer?

tt on April 19, 2016:

This article missed the purpose of the wave. The purpose is to point directly down at the road in honor of all downed bikers.

BOB RITCH on February 24, 2016:

Been riding since 13, now 66, haven't been without a bike more than a year. Needless to say, I've owned several bikes...I have waved at mopeds, peddle pushers, anyone that is a avid rider is a biker to me. Growing up pushing peddles, that where it got started for me. Having said that I really find it funny and immature when someone won't return a wave from another biker because of the type bike they are on, or the ones that have their nose in the air with a proud mean look on their face. As far as all bikers having your back, I've know bikers you turn your back on them they will steal your bike..I don't think being a biker makes us any better than anyone else. And for the ones who think they will get a bike, some leathers and it changes you into some kinda bad-ass or special being you have missed the whole point of the ride!........Ride Easy

RageAgainstTheMachine on October 23, 2015:

Harley was crapping his diapers in the 1880's. His mama probably called them 'baggers', not 'diapers'.

buddy on October 23, 2015:

Yes indeed,you do not drive a motorcycle, you RIDE a motorcycle!

Wave, Shmave. You wave ,you get a wave....

Tramp on October 22, 2015:

I LOVE my couch. Comfort beats cool hands down. Especially when you've been riding for over 40 years.

Ardvarkious on October 21, 2015:

Just for the record since this painting ends up all over the net....Painting by K Dawne Holmes a well known custom bike painter and artist. Painting is from a road just outside Prescott, AZ heading up to Jerome. And yeah, if safety permits, I wave.

Mab Max on October 14, 2015:

Forgot one... same as left handed low, except palm down, move arm & hand with up & down motion several times. Usually signifies a speed trap to oncoming.

Travis on July 29, 2015:

One thing you forgot is don't wave to someone out of your league Ok lol. So molike or enduro riders don't wave to Harley or crotch rocket guys ull just getta weird look lol

Peter from The Road with corners. on July 23, 2015:

Great article. The nod to the side seems to be the new biker wave. Much easier and do not have to let go the handle bars and be safer.

Michael on June 28, 2015:

I ride a sport bike and I always either wave or nod, unless it's a Harley because I know they won't wave back. A while ago I waved at a group of Harley riders while at a red light and they all shook their heads at me so that was the end of that.

Nomadd2029 on June 19, 2015:

The only correct etiquette for waving or anything else bike related is to not give a shit how any self proclaimed expert, or anybody else in the universe, thinks you should do it.

Ryan on June 15, 2015:

I always wave, but most cruiser type bikes never wave back. (I ride a sports bike).

druid on June 13, 2015:

I talked about waving in my trans-Canada blog (http://druidscoot.blogspot.ca/). There was all kinds of talk on rec.motorcycles (remember them?) about "Squids Don't Wave" or "Harleys Don't Wave" (everyone riding a HD is named Harley, even the women). I wave. It's like a 2-wheel Namaste: The Coolness in Me Acknowledges the Coolness in You. I'm still unsure about the 3-wheelers, and the barges like the new HDs that look like "hell, add two wheels and call it a car!"

bill on June 12, 2015:

For the last time, you don't DRIVE a motorcycle!

Greg from Tulsa, Ok on June 03, 2015:

I wave most of the time. If I'm busy trying not to crash or traffic has my full attention (morons) and I don't notice another rider(s) sometimes not.

Bright on June 02, 2015:

I joke with my husband that you put your arm down so your arm fat doesn't flap in the wind.

Ozzy on June 02, 2015:

I don't care what you"re riding. If you're on two wheels, I'm waving.

Tobey McCool on June 01, 2015:

I see someone also mentioned this, I have always done the low left hand wave with two fingers. I don't mean it as a peace sign, I mean it as keep your two wheels safe on the ground. it is the wave I will always use, whether I know the riders or not. it is my way of wishing other riders a safe ride.

SHAIN GROW on June 01, 2015:

I was asked if there was any biker I would not wave at...my response is yes, the GOLD ING riders...it takes them to long to roll their window down !!!

Dennis on June 01, 2015:

goddamn funny.

how about the bagger that gets his passenger to do a wave.

didn't SAMCRO wave?

Jimmy on May 31, 2015:

I started riding mopeds when I was 12. I've always preferred two wheels. I've owned 5 Harleys now. Been riding motorcycles since I was 21. The wave to me has always meant "ride safe". It means that we are part of a rider community and I got your back.

azlandman on May 30, 2015:

I don't wave to people wearing flip flops and shorts riding through town and waving while turning at a light.

your ass on May 30, 2015:

What a stupid article, I'll waive the way I fell like waving...

Boats on May 29, 2015:

As any Sailor worth his salt knows US Navy customs and regulations permits a left handed salute. So that is what I render rather than the limp armed wave.

Otter on May 28, 2015:

It's not a wave, it's a protest. It's an inverted peace symbol protesting our country's lack of interest in getting our POW'S back in Vietnam.

Jlo on May 27, 2015:

im sorry but I call a spade a spade, I ride 8 to 10 thousand miles a year and have ALWAYS waved if not in mid shift or in a turn. If at a stop light I give a nod, so if you are at all a respectful rider and TRUE Biker no matter what you ride you wave! Period!

Spiffy on May 12, 2015:

I always make sure my nails are properly clean and my hair is just right before i would ever consider waving! Oh guys don't forget to floss!!!

Me Myself & I on May 11, 2015:

Wow...you people need someone to teach you how to wave!

I like the two handed over the windshield "peace my brother" sign. I prefer to do it while cornering if possible but I don't pass bikes on corners that often.

Sprocket on May 08, 2015:

Yes I Wave and did as a Truck Driver too ! lots of them do the same to each other but sit to high for people to see . But I do because I am happy and Have meet many good friends on the Road ! Now I am waving GOOD BYE !See You on The Road Make sure you Wave !I ride a Street Glide !

Crazy bob on May 07, 2015:

I was told 30 + years ago the wave began after WW2. HARLEY RIDERS BACK then never waved to anyone on a Japanese bike. You can imagine why. Today, im.glad to see everyone waving at everyone, for the most part.

Drifter on May 07, 2015:

I don't wave to those 100 to 150 MPG scooters or dirt bikers, nor do I wave when it's not safe to do so. I'll nod my noggin at a traffic light when I'm gripping the clutch.

big johnson on April 25, 2015:

I always give the bird out the window of my Taurus station wagon when I pass by all the biker ferrys in leather