The Wave

[Dion Liphart]

Do you give other bikers the wave? And do you get the wave back. Around here most bikers will give you the wave but there still some that wont. Dont know if they are new riders and do not know about the wave. Some just dont care and there are the ones that if you dont ride the same kind of bike as them no wave .

[Rusty]

That's quite a attitude you have about riders that don't live up to your standards of mutual recognition, that you ride a motorcycle. Do you wave at all drivers of automobiles? Why not? They are also sharing the road your on, aren't they? I'm fairly certain you are referring to Harley riders that don't wave back to you because you are riding a metric bike. When I choose to recognise another rider I use my horn or throw my head back. Sorry for not waving at you. Ride safe and take care. Rusty

[Dion Liphart]

Its not a attitude it,s a question of do you give the wave and do you wave back. And as far as riders of certain bands not giving the wave that is just an observation. Nobody here mentioned any thing about a certain brand or make of motorcycle but youself. But thanks for your reply and have a great riding season when ever the may start for you.

[DavidInPalmetto]

Every rider I ride by gives a little wave. Crotch rockets, cruisers, dual sports and tourers. Even scooter riders. Sometimes I wave first. Sometimes the other person does. The only ones that don't, and that includes me sometimes, are busy braking, clutching or watching out for the ones on four wheels.

[Dion Liphart]

Thanks David for your input

[Rdcnslr]

For what it is worth, I enjoy the recognition by other bikers, no matter the type, brand, or age of the bike or biker. I think it is becoming more universal than brand specific. When I first started riding my Honda, CB 450, I very rarely got a wave from anyone. After 20 years of not riding, I was pleasantly surprised when I was recieving the wave while riding my Shadow ACE 750. The recognition that we bikers are all a sort of universal group is what makes the 'wave' meaningful. Also, the universality of bikers is especially noticeable when other bikers will converse and help each other when there is a need. 'Ride to Live/Live to Ride' seems to be the universal, common denominator on the two-wheel road!! Glad to be part of that group!!

[Larry Walther]

I think it's a good question. A great question, in fact, for this forum. If by "wave" you mean the hand/finger pointing to the road, it's my way of saying "Ride Safe" and "Keep the rubber-side down". Once in a while I even use it on an oncoming car, just to watch them duck - just kidding. I don't expect other riders to wave back, as I assume there are many things to capture their attention besides me and my hand gestures, but it gives me a feeling of brotherhood when they do see me and return the salute.

I agree that some riders might be "brand conscious". But I'm not troubled by it personally, because those folks are cheating themselves of a many potential 2-wheel friendships, and all that implies. Generally, riders are as polite on their motorcycles as they are in their non-biking relationships. Most are wonderful people, some are less than great - it's just life in the pond. I don't expect an ass to turn into a nice guy just because he rides a motorcycle - and they don't.

Last thought: I don't see car drivers wave to each other unless they share an interest. For instance, when I'm driving my classic car, I get a lot of waves from/to other classic car drivers. When I drive my "regular" car, no one waves, nor should they, as we have nothing special in common on which to base familiarity.

[Dion Liphart]

Thanks Larry very well put. Kinda the same bond there when driving my Jeep other Jeep owners wave back and forth.

[Rick Lynch]

I like the the Idea of watching the four wheelers duck , just kidding!! lol
The same is true with Truckers, I drive a truck for a living and if you wave more times than not you will get the wave back. Some people do go overboard with the Brand loyalty thing , and I too agree they are missing out. A guy that I work with will not ride with anyone who does not ride a HD , and its not like its a club He rides with, that I could understand., I think He is crazy, but I dont care, I did not buy the bike for Him anyway . I would not want to ride with Him anyway He could not keep up with my Suzuki....... Lol
Its not about how much horsepower you have cause most Bikes have plenty, Its more about who is crazy enough too use it all !!!!! Take care , peace Rick

[Holly Evans]

When I first started riding, I would wave but then would sometimes not get one back and it would bother me. Then I decided I wouldn't wave till they did and had a bunch of times were someone waved at the last second and by the time I waved back they were past and I felt bad about that. So, I decided to just wave all the time and not let it bother me if/when I didn't get one back. That works best for me now and although I still pass by a few that don't wave back, I just figure it is there loss and don't let it bother me. However, most do wave back and I love the "brother/sisterhood" feeling and it more than makes up for it!! Good question!

[Dion Liphart]

Thank you Holly for your opinion

[Sherronna]

Hi everyone! Thought I'd throw my 2 cents in. I personally LOVE the wave! I'm a new rider with tons to learn so I only wave when I feel comfortable doing so. If not, I tip my head. Sometimes I'm only concentrating on what I have to do to be safe. I never am upset that I don't get the wave back. And here in PA that hardly ever happens. But I'll never forget my first wave, as goofy as that sounds! It made me feel like I was a part of something. Plus I've noticed that when we're out on our bikes and have them parked somewhere, people will come up and talk. How fun! And as mentioned, car drivers do the same depending on the vehicle. To us, it doesn't matter what 2 wheeled vehicle you ride...just THAT you ride! =)

[Dion Liphart]

Thanks Sherronna for your reply