Todays topic, is the biker wave.
I realize that the motorcycle community is a relatively small group when compared to other road going modes of transportation but I for one am getting on with the whole “biker wave” thing. It’s not that I don’t want to acknowledge my fellow biker, I just want to keep both hands on the handlebars where they belong. It seems that bikers expect you to wave at them no matter the condition.
Just the other day I was riding one of my favorite twisty roads near Sundance and passed a group of bikers on a tight corner and of course they all wanted to wave. I’m leaned over pretty good and holding on to the motorcycle through the apex of the turn when I see the lead guy flipping me off because he didn’t get the wave. My position is (and has always been) safety first. If the conditions are good I will wave but I’m not going to risk control of my motorcycle for the sake of belonging in the “brotherhood”
I guess there are countries in Europe that wave with the foot. This makes more sense to me than taking a hand away from your controls. The only thing you’re giving up is the shift lever (here in the states). With the hand, you’re giving up stability in steering control and the clutch lever which comes in handy when needing to use the brakes hard without stalling the motor.
Tell me what your thoughts are on the subject, do you or would you;
A) Initiate the biker wave.
B) Wave, if waved at.
C) Don’t wave.
D) Wish the “biker wave” would go away. (feel free to add “D” to any of the above)
Motorbike Mike 
I’m proud of you Mike…..Safety first and last!!!
I enjoy the wave but understand the significance of maintaining control of the bike. Waving in a turn or in a situation where both hands on the bars is important the wave drops to the bottom of the priority list. On straight and level ground I often use my left hand to scratch my nose or update my GPS and I do wave. On curves and under less that ideal conditions, both hands remain on the bars. Maybe a combination of the wave when safe conditions and maybe the leg when not can catch on. Who knows……. Maybe a new tradition is about to be born.
after what happened to my brother on his bike never do anything but pay attention to what you are doing and that is driving, accidents happen so quick and then you are never the same again.. these other bikers should know that.. you are not being stuck up , you are being safe… so I go with “D”
i love the biker wave…but onley when “the moment is right” i stole that from a Cialis commercial.
Certainly I enjoy the camaraderie that comes with motorcycling and one of the purest and simplest reminders is a quick salute from a fellow rider. It’s a small gesture that we have the same appreciation of freedom and spirit of adventure despite all our differences there is a common thread and respect.
I agree safety should be first and if your banked in a corner, coming into traffic or at a stop you shouldn’t be required to do anything but focus on the road ahead, what’s around you and where you are positioned in the mix without receiving a harassing one finger salute of a discontent fellow rider who should be more understanding that the timing wasn’t appropriate.
I have sensed a shift in riders where motorcycling has now become divided for lack of a better word and has fallen into the marketing schemes that sells associated product(s) to a certain demographic or riding style. I recently rode with a group of dual sport riders who were out right nasty toward American cruiser riders making jokes, using words like RUB, wearing uniforms of leather complaining their all arrogant elitists, yet these guys are no different as all of them are wearing their own style of uniform made up of Kevlar and synthetic fabrics and talking SHIZZLE about someone else. Where is the mirror when you need one, obviously pointed over the shoulder and not at the real problem….
I don’t remember the divisions or in tolerance when we were kids waiting patiently for our turn at the bars, talking about the jump, whoop and the immediate hard right corner, or the exhilaration of speed at the twist of a throttle all the while smiling from ear to ear. I want to hang out with those guys….where are they?
Long since gone my friend 😦