Have you ever noticed when to motorcycles pass each other on the road they give each other a “wave”? Have you ever wondered why they do that? After reading this article you will be able to do the “Biker Wave” and what it means. If you want a quick answer to what it is, We can sum it up quickly. It is a simple acknowledgement between bikers to say “Hello my two wheel brother. Stay safe on the roads.” There is a bit more to it, but that is the basic gist of it. Keep reading below to get the breakdown of the biker wave.
Where did the Biker Wave come from?
The origins of the biker wave are believed to be created in 1904 when Arthur Davidson and William Harley (the creators of Harley Davidson) were passing each other on the road and they waved at each other. It is believed that this was seen by other people and those people thought it is what bikers do. Remember, back in 1904 there was not many motorcycles on the road and not a lot of bikers. Later on this wave became very popular with Harley and Indian riders and the wave has continued on to this day.
What is the Biker Wave?
The Biker Wave is a way for motorcyclists to acknowledge each other as they pass each other on the road. It is very similar to how Jeep owners have their own wave as they pass each other on the road. It really is just a simple way of saying hello to someone who has the same passion as you, when it comes to two wheels. There are a few different versions of the wave that we will get into that later in this article.
How to do the Biker Wave
The Biker Wave is actually really simple to do. You stick your left hand (Clutch side) out about 45 degrees below your handle bars and stick out your index and middle finger. It is just like doing the peace sign. The reason we use two fingers is because we are saying to keep two tires on the ground. If you do not have two tires on the ground, it usually means you crashed. So basically, it is each rider telling the other to be safe on the road. Trikes sometimes do this as well, but they stick out three fingers instead of two.
How Not to give the Biker Wave
Since we just got the basics on how to do the biker wave correctly, lets briefly talk about the way not to do it. If you are in a country that drives on the left side of the road, you would not really be able to wave. because you would have to let go of your throttle. The wave is suppose to be a discrete and not goofy or over the top. Most bikers, in my experience, will ignore you if you try to wave at them like a normal wave would look. It makes you look like you do not know what you’re doing or making fun of the other rider. Below is an image of what you should not be doing.
What Happens in the Real World
When you go out into the real world and start doing the biker wave to your fellow motorcyclists, you will feel like you are awesome. I know I do when I do it to this day. In most cases the other rider will also give you the wave in return. Just know that there will be some occasions when you will not get a return wave or you will miss a wave. If the other rider does not return the wave, do not be offended. There are plenty of reasons why the other rider did not do it. Below is a few reasons why you may not receive a wave.
1 – Changing Gears
2 – Did not notice you
3 – Heading into a curve / avoiding something in the road
4 – Checking his mirrors
5 – Just being a jerk
You do not want to wave at someone if it will put you (or the other rider) at risk of injury. For example: Do not try to give a biker the wave if you are in a curve. The last thing you want to do in a curve is take your hand off the handlebar and risk losing control of the motorcycle. It should be noted that there are just some people who do not like to wave at any other brand of motorcycle except for the brand they are riding. But just to say it again, DO NOT try to wave at another biker if it does not feel safe to do so!
What if I’m stopped at an intersection and there is another biker across the street?
In a situation like this (Or if you really want to wave at a biker while shifting) you keep your hand on the handlebar, but just extend your two fingers. This way you keep hold of the clutch and handlebars, but still wave at your fellow biker. It is a safer way which will be more appropriate for those types of situations.
It is important to remember that it is OK if you are unable to wave or receive a wave. Most people will not be upset if there is a wave or a lack of one. Staying safe and kind is the most important part of riding. So when you are out on the road enjoy yourself, say hello to your fellow biker as you pass each other. Welcome to the Brotherhood!
If you are interested in what Motorcycle and gear I own, you can check it all out on the Bike and Gear page!