In general, people are friendly, gesture hello in passing. You’ve probably seen the head nod, the hat tip, the flip of the hand, and if you ride motorcycles, you’ll see the motorcycle wave.
I never noticed “the wave” until I rode with Laurence. Perhaps as a kid, I was too focused on riding the Honda to see the gesture in action, but now it’s a topic 
of interest for me.
Why do motorcyclists wave? And, why do some Harley motorcyclists not wave to sport motorcyclists, and visa versa?
“I used to wave to everyone,” said Laurence. “I only wave if someone waves now because too many times the Harley riders would not wave back.”
During our 277-mile trip to Lake Pepin last Sunday, there were as many motorcycles as cars, and I decided simply to wave to everyone, even though I ride a dual-purpose bike. I should have counted and done a scientific study with graphs and charts (see the article below: “The Wave: Protocal or Endangered Species” linked below), but I didn’t. I’d say, in general, most waved back, minus one bandana-and-vest-wearing guy on a hog who simply stared at me with my left hand wide open, in the air waving!
After our weekend trip, I did some more research to see what others have said about the motorcycle wave. I found web sites devoted to this topic. One guy wrote after his first wave, “My wave cherry had been popped.”
Obviously, this wave is an important element of motocycling, so here are some resources.
Web sites with information about the Motorcycle Wave
2 responses so far ↓
Jennifer // June 10, 2008 at 10:37 am
I too enjoy the wave, I have only ridden for a year on my own. Prior to that I was a passenger only. I must say I feel it just gives me a special connection to others on the road. And I don’t care if they are sports or cruiser or HD. I just wave because I feel we all have a bond, free on the road and enjoying the ride!
Rusty // October 2, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Done with the wave!!! It’s gotten quite ridiculous, now that gas prices have made bike such a popular mode of transportation, you spend all your time waving like some kid in the back of his parents station wagon! Another reason for me might seem snobby, but for cryin’ out loud I even have scooter waving at me now!