| Author | Message | ||
     Barker |
Here's how it works: First of all, we'll need to establish some terminology to make this tutorial easier to follow. The person initiating the wave will herefor be referred to as the "initiator". The other person will then automatically be known as the "receiver," and if he responds to the wave, will also be known as the "replier." Note that any reference to said replier assumes he is also the receiver and therefore will not also be referred to as the receiver because otherwise he would have to be known as the receiver and the replier - which just doesn't make any sense. Next, to avoid any unnecessary political or grammar faux pas, all motorcyclists from this point on will be referred to as "riders" and all persons shall be referred to in the male context, just to make it easier. Ok, now on to the tutorial... Equity and the Odds of Engagement The odds of receiving a wave from an oncoming biker are first and foremost governed by the "laws of equity." This means that the more things you have in common with him the better chance he will engage as either the initiator or the replier. There are basically three categories in the laws of equity: 1. Brand equity. This means that if you both are riding the same brand of bike, the odds of a wave transaction are increased. 2. Style equity. If you both are riding the same "type" of bike, such as chopper, rocket or touring motorcycle, then your odds are increased as well. 3. Helmet equity. If you both are either wearing or not wearing helmets - odds increased again. To further illustrate this concept: IF you both are riding hardtail Harleys and not wearing helmets, the odds of a hand gesture between the two of you are VERY high. Conversely, the odds of a nonhelmeted hardtail rider waving to a helmeted Suzuki rocket rider are almost next to none. The Big Five When a fellow biker is approaching, his left arm and hand will tell the story. Whether he is the initiator or the replier, the signals are the same. Following are the five main hand gestures you may encounter: 1. The Nothing - This is the "default" hand position of most cross-encounters. Simply leaving his left hand on the handle bar can mean anything from "not paying attention to the fact you're approaching" to "I see you but I'm not interested in exchanging a greeting" - to the harsher, "I see you but since we don't enjoy any 'equity,' I'm not going to acknowledge your existence." Of course since no words are ever exchanged to clarify, all the rider can do is simply speculate. 2. The Two-finger Flip - The most casual AND most common acknowledgement. Left hand still on the handgrip, but the index and middle fingers raised briefly. This one simply says "dude, how's it going?" Most of the time the receiver will respond just out of courtesy. Of course the whole issue of who goes first really boils down to nothing more than a game of greeting chicken - or whoever's in the better mood at time. 3. The Big One - This is the granddaddy of all greetings. Left hand down off of the handlebar and out to the side. Fingers may either show a "peace" sign or be spread open palm side out. Here, the initiator is sending a clear signal that he acknowledges you. Not replying to this blatant plea for hospitality may be considered rude - and could possibly be interpreted as a strong message of inequity. 4. The Dis - Left hand down and resting on the thigh. This could be viewed as a request to treat the opposing party as a hostile witness - ESPECIALLY if it is moved there while you are approaching. Dating back to the days when rival motorcycle gangs roamed the streets, this signal indicated disrespect to the other rider(s) and was clearly meant as negative and often times led to confrontation. Today, however, the old cultural significance has been lost, and could simply just mean your arm is tired and resting on your leg. 5. The Geek - Left hand raised high in the air as if to say, "Hi mom!" This one is specifically reserved for the new rider, who is "SO excited to be one of the gang!" Also may be seen being used by Moped or scooter riders. Recommendation: Just don't. So there they are. All the secrets behind those mysterious motorcycle hand greetings revealed (not to be confused with the standard hand "turn" signals). So the next time you approach an oncoming rider, take note. He could be sending you a very intentional message! Or not. | ||
| Torquemonster |
I give this one to reckless cagers/squids....alot.  (Message edited by TORQUEMONSTER on March 17, 2008) | ||
| Pammy |
I am definitely the geek. I just like to be different(in every way). Sometimes I even waggle my hand to and fro(kinda like a prom queen), if I think I am about to get the "dis". I am aware this firmly sets my geekiness and I have come to terms with it. | ||
| Lightstick |
THe sad part is that some noob will read that drivel and believe it. | ||
| Pammy |
Truly, I embrace my geeky nature. Actually I just look like a geek....I don't have the IQ to back it up... ;o) | ||
| Dalton_gang |
Sometimes when said initiator or said receiver/replier gives The Nothing it can mean that he has his hands full with his bike and is trying to avoid disaster. | ||
| Ratyson |
I actually got a thumbs-down from some jackhole one day... Don't know what his deal was.. Guess he didn't like me  I initiated with the hand out/peace sign gesture, he responded with the thumb down/up-down motion.  (Message edited by ratyson on March 17, 2008) (Message edited by ratyson on March 17, 2008) | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I believe your tutorial misses an important reply. The nod. Sometimes when said receiver is unable or unwilling to release the bars but wishes to respond in the affirmative, he will nod. There is also the rare and occasional cross hand receiver response. I have seen this only twice and usually from hard core old school riders sporting ape hangers. This is done when both riders are going the same direction with the receiver to the left of the sender. The receiver will actually move the left hand to the throttle side and wave with the previously throttle engaged hand. Very rare indeed. Difficulty increased when receiver is also juggling the Marlboro unfiltered. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Was outriding in the 45 degree rainy day we had, and saw another bike. So I give him the "kawaunga, dude!" greeting - Palm towards the initiator, thumb and pinky finger finger extended with a back-and-forth twisting motion of the wrist. | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
UK. mainly "The Nod" France. No's 1 & 2 plus the "Foot Wave" When you pass another biker, or when an obliging cager (most of them in these parts) pulls over to let you by. You lift the foot off the peg & wave with it. Obviously only if safe to do so. | ||
| Dentfixer |
Also when riding to a specific motorcycle event, the closer you get to said event, the less waves you get. Usually because cagers are now in the minority and bikers OWN the road. We are all ONE whether we wave or not. Correct? | ||
| Teeps |
What if a bicyclist shoots the hand greeting? | ||
| Torquemonster |
Id wave...Maybe they ride, but are confined to the bicycle (or cage) for the day... | ||
| Cochise |
Sometimes when said initiator or said receiver/replier gives The Nothing it can mean that he has his hands full with his bike and is trying to avoid disaster. Or, he's too busy talking on his cellphone | ||
| Teeps |
Torquemonster, I agree, as I am that guy sometimes. When cycling I've been known to do the helmet tap to warn the unwary motorcycle rider the "Law" is up ahead, too. | ||
| M1combat |
I generally give the shocker (The unofficial Badweb/Buell wave). | ||
| Rotorhead |
My usual Buell greeting is the GEEK wave with the turn and look to see if the rider is a local or not. Riding a Uly with all the bags you get the advantage of waves from all bikes because they have no clue what the hell your riding. | ||
| Guell |
what about the hello kitty wave? if no one knows it, ill post the youtube linky | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
is there etiquette for scooters? To add to Fat's head nod...I usually do the opposite, the chin up, as to say, "sup dude?" |
