How do you guys Wave?

I know it’s a silly question but is there any proper etiquette to it? I placed a post up a couple of weeks ago stating I was having problems starting my 82 650 maxim me and the girl go round and round sometimes with her not wanting to start but once running she’s a blast. Since I haven’t ridden much since about 1980 I’ve lost track of certain things waving is one of them. I was out ridding quite a bit this past weekend and came across a number of guys on wheels I missed the 1st wave back to a guy on a Sportbike it caught me of guard & by the time I realized he had waved he was by me. After that it was I guy on a Harley that I maybe waved too aggressive at which he responded by lifting (I think) “2” fingers off his clutch handle. I tried a few things but don’t really no what would be considered “normal” what do you guys do?

 

Either gesture is accepted etiquette. However, one can construe the lifting of the hand off the handle bar as a concerted effort and thus, more sincere. Don't let the missed wave bother you, sometimes this happens to us all. It's cool, you were aware of the greeting and intend to return the favor at first opportunity. Be safe, regardless of the desire to return the salute, crashing is uncool and is usually painful.

 

I just do the low two-fingered wave out to the left side. If you pick your hand up, I've seen people smack themselves in the face from the unexpected windspeed. :lol:

There's some Harley guys and some sportbike guys that won't wave. Like Robert said, if it's not safe to do so, don't do it, but I usually do the wave whenever possible.

 

Same here - if you're on two wheels (okay sometimes even three) I wave. Doesn't matter to me if they wave back or not....

 

There does not seem to be any specific way, really. Some acknowledgement between you and the on coming guy is a polite thing to do.

Plastic-wrappers usually go the "Low five."

The touring class, moving the whole load with a rider-up, generally "nod" in your direction as they motor-along on their over-stuffed Mobile Sofa's!

Being an old fart, and equating riding my Max to driving my old MGB; I flash my headlight high-beam, once or twice.

The New England riders of those large, loud, domestic-made, 2-wheeled contraptions ... the later model ones, with the power take-off's removed; all seem to act as if any other motorcycle not made in USA is invisible.

So, you're lucky to get a couple of fingers lifted-off the clutch lever.

Ironically, here in New England ... particularly close to Boston, where traffic is often bumper to bumper and moving-along slower than the assembly lines that made their vehicles ... the guys driving 4-wheeled conveyances of the gas-guzzling variety, see fit to wave at motorcyclist's who maneuver through the congestion without delay.

They all seem to use the same wave; too. Their closed fist -- with one finger extended.

 

I simply took my left hand and made a point finger and lowered it below my grip...

 

That's pretty much what I do. Most people here wave, tho some don't. The one's that don't (at least here) are more likely to be Harley riders obviously into the "lifestyle" if you know what I mean rather than sports bikes...

 

I don't wave I curtsy like a proper British lady should!
Oops! That was post meant for the freeway fairy forum. Actually I wave like Joel07 does.

 

I lower my left hand and give a low 2 finger " peace" sign, and wave to all motorcyclists, harley and racer wantabees alike.

 

being from the boston area were being rude is abirth right,ive noticed the harley guys wont wave to any thing but another harley.ill wave to anybody raising the fingers off the grip, saving an enthusiastic wave to the harleys mostly getting a one finger wave in response.

 

Thanks Guys I'll try the 2 finger low thing conditions permiting 8)

 

I just assumed most of the Harley riders were either stoned to the gills or else are fifty year olds on their first bike, afraid to let go of the handlebars...

 

What's the difference between an old Harley-Davidson Motorcycle and an old ElectroLux Vacuum cleaner?

The Vacuum Cleaner has the dirt-bag's on the INSIDE!!!

 

I might do a Nod , if enthuthyastik [normally to riders with tits] i might wave

 

Sometimes I go with an open handed wave, sometimes with the two fingers, but it's always just outside the bars and pointing down.

I don't wave if it's dangerous or if I need to use the clutch.

I wave at everybody and most everybody waves back except for some Harley riders who have a grudge against anything that's not a Harley.

I don't wave at scooters either.

Sometimes when a big line of bikes is passing it's difficult to wave at everybody, so I either just leave my arm out until everybody's gone or wave at the leader and get back on my own bars.

In any case it's a fun part of riding. I had a Miata for years and believe it or not, many insisted it was proper etiquette to pop up your headlights (without turning them on) at other Miatas. I did it a few times, but it felt pretty silly. At least waving at other bikes isn't that silly.

 

I drop my hand down to my left side and put it out. This is also what i see most other people do.

But yeah i see what you guys are saying to, some of the hardcore harley guys dont even look or bother a wave (even when waved to)

And crotch rockets(sportbikes) i have never seen them wave. Maybe because they tend to be showboaty and annoying drivers (not all dont take me wrong im friends with a few rockets) but i dont wave to them mainly because they tend to be cocky and annoying drivers, weaving in and out of traffic, rippin wheelies by you down the road,( maybe im being to judgemental of them all, but im sure you guys know what i mean)

 

When I rode mine yesterday one of my "neighbors" (he lives about 7 houses down the road) waved at me and caught me off guard.. all I could get in by the time I thought about it was a nod Never realized bikers on the road waved at each other. Then there was this harley whom I somehow got stuck next to at a traffic light on a 4 lane road. I swear he was beeing ignorant and purposely making it as loud as it could possibly be. I just ignored him.

 

I usually do the dropped-two-finger wave (downward peace sign). Funny thing is......when I wave to Harley riders on the Seca, they usually ignore me. If I'm on the Buell, they usually wave back. Arrogant idiots! If it's a "Harley" sportbike it's OK (????????) Little do they know Buell riders DO NOT consider themselves Harley riders.......mostly due to the attitude of a few select Harley riders who believe if it ain't a Harley, it ain't a motorcycle.

 

Upon sighting an oncoming motorcycle, I immediately throw both arms towards the sky and leave them there until the passing biker is out of my mirrors.

 

Which is probably where you're going........LOL! :roll:

 

I just wave however feels natural at the moment.

 

To wave, i usually just flash a peace sign with my left hand. If am busy shifting or braking i just nod.