Riding is oftentimes about solitude...being alone on the road with your thoughts. Other times it's also about community and sharing this amazing experience that we all love. When we wave or nod to a fellow rider, in a way we're saying, "I see you and I get it. We may be different in many ways, but in THIS way we have something in common." It's about coming together. It's about finding common ground. Symbolically, it's a way of saying, "I've been where you're headed and it's going to be ok." It's about US.
Is there a right or wrong way to salute your fellow rider? The answer depends on who you ask. In our opinion, it's about acknowledging them more so than how good you look doing it. That said, we want to share a handful of salutes for you to choose from unless you want to get really creative and make up your own. Just keep in mind that, if you do, the rest of us might not know what you're up to.
Without further ado, here are 7 ways to acknowledge your fellow motorcyclists on the road.
Straight Left Hand - This wave is popular among riders and is considered to be universally accepted among touring, sportster, cruisers and custom riders alike. Simply extend your left arm out with your hand barely above the shoulder, palm forward, and throw out a peace sign or open palm with fingers extended.
Peace On The Road - A variation on the Harley Wave, extend your left arm out and flash the oncoming rider a peace sign. You can angle your arm down toward the road with your palm facing the rider, out toward the rider or bend at the elbow to form a ninety-degree angle. It's really up to you, but either way the message is the same...Ride Safe.
I'm Ok, You're Ok - Another variation on the Harley Wave, either signifying "all is good" or inquiring if the other rider is ok. I could see how this sign can get confusing. Typically the first rider who gives the sign is asking, "Everything ok?" and the second rider will respond with the same sign as if to say, "Yep, it's all good." To do it, form a circle with your thumb and index finger with your other three fingers extended.
The Low Five - The final variation on the Harley Wave, extend all five fingers outward with your palm facing forward, like you're giving the other rider a low five from afar.
The Quick Wave - With this one, the left hand only comes an inch or two off of the handlebar, briefly exposing your palm to the oncoming rider and quickly returning to your grip. Blink and you might miss it. This is typically used by sport bike riders or when you are in traffic, just to be safe. As an alternative, some riders will extend a finger or two while still holding their grip.
The Goldwinger Salute (Cruise Control Wave) - Instead of using the left hand, we Goldwingers and many cruisers will often opt to use our right hand and wave however we feel like it because we have cruise control! To really go the extra mile, you can also light up a cigar like Memphis Mike ;)
The Nod - For countries where drivers are on the left hand side of the road, the nod is much more common. This is because, when two bikers approach each other from the opposite direction, they will be on the right hand side of each other where their throttles are. Unless they have cruise control, it's not a good idea to take their hand off of the throttle. It's inconvenient and, more importantly, dangerous. They could use their left hands instead but it's likely the other rider won't see it, so what's the point? As a result, they give a simple nod to one another.
Hi Mom! (Vigorous Wave)
Thumbs Up
Hang Loose
Prom Queen
Shooter McGavin
Sock Puppet
Acknowledging each other on the road is a courtesy. It's signifying our connectedness through a shared passion we love and enjoy. It's extending care and consideration for your fellow riders. So the next time you're out on the road and see another motorcyclist headed your way, give them a wave, nod or a peace sign. After all, at the end of the day, we're all doing this thing called life together.
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