Feel the wave…
Jul 16th, 2009 by Leo
Since the dawn of time, bikers have waved to one another as they passed…even in NY. You pass by another biker, whether passing them in a lane, or coming the other direction, if your hand is off the clutch you shoot them a quick wave or nod of the helmet. Last summer I thought it might have come to an end as more yuppie bikers saw their portfolios shriveling, and their sense of camaraderie waning, fewer people waved. Then there are the genetically predisposed non-wavers, those who only wave to others on the same brand of bike… Ahem, Harley riders with Harley paraphernalia (NASA scientists have confirmed that the more Harley “gear” a biker wears, the less likely he is to wave at anyone on any other kind of bike). Some Ducati riders feel the same way. I once saw a guy on a shiny new Moto Guzzi who wouldn’t wave, he only gets to wave once a year.
Anyway there are more and more people who are openly anti-wavers these days. Not just people who don’t wave, but who think waving is stupid and wished other people wouldn’t do it. Along with that there are blog posts and articles (like the one in Motorcyclist) where a guy rants that he doesn’t “get” the wave thing. “What’s the point? I’m not your friend,” is the sentiment in a nutshell. “You don’t know me, don’t pretend you’re my friend…because I know better!” Now you certainly have the right not to wave, but for those who are curious allow me to explain what the point is…
Some of the nicest people ride around on two wheels. I know because I’ve talked to many of them. Total strangers who enjoy riding on a nice day. They’re always up for a quick chat about bikes or the road, or where to park… Outside the city they ask where you’re from. You usually don’t get names, you just talk shop, and sometimes pick up pointers like, “the police are pulling over all bikes coming off the Williamsburg today, better have your papers ready.” Why do they do it? Because they can. They’re just cool like that. The wave is a condensed version of this. It’s saying “hey what’s up? Looking good! Pay attention out there!”
Anyway if I see you on the road, wave, or don’t. I’ll just say it now, “Looking good! Pay attention out there!”
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Ahhhh. As a new rider, I didn’t know this. From now on, I’ll be sure to wave.
I always though it was functionally useful because motorcyclists communicate information via hand signals, like “there’s a cop” or “watch out ahead, the road turns to sh*t.” A wave is kind of like an “all clear.” Without the wave, you don’t know if everything is cool or if the other rider just didn’t see you.
Besides that, it’s just bein’ polite.
I get annoyed when guys dont wave. Do you guys understand that you are automatically in a brotherhood?
If you leave the city and you run into old school bikers you will get a long line of bikers giving you the wave. Best feeling in the world.
I almost always wave or nod, but if I ride for a day or two in a motorcycle mecca I do get sick of it.
It’s all about the wave.
There is proper time for waving. Wave if you’re not busy riding, if you are, don’t, concentrate on what you’re doing. If you wave to somebody who’s busy riding, don’t expect to get the wave back because of the reason above.
Riding a motorcycle automatically includes you in a brotherhood. If you’re passionate enough to put your life on the line and get on two wheels into traffic, you’re a friend of mine.