This blog may interest motorcyclists and non motorcyclists in different ways.
I have been riding motorcycles ever since I was 14 years old. As an avid motorcyclist who rides often I am always curious about the motorcycle wave. You non motorcycle people may not know that motorcycle riders wave to each other as you are riding ... mostly in opposite directions.
I discovered quickly long ago as a proud Honda Gold Wing owner that many Harley owners refused to wave back. They just have thought that Hondas are not motorcyclists. I was NOT in the club. I thought, “You Harley owners, your such snobs….” I snickered as I flew past them in my FAST Gold Wing.
I wonder, why riders of convertibles don’t WAVE to each other. Even bicyclists don’t execute the courteous wave.
Origin of the motorcycle wave
Just what is the origin of the motorcycle WAVE. Now it gets interesting. There are multiple theories:
Theory #1: Arthur Davidson and Williams Harley invented it as they waved to each other on their own Harley’s. Other’s noticed the wave and there you go…. The reason why Honda Gold Wingers are OUT of the club.
Theory #2: The wave was used as a recognition of military service between bikers. The gesture V for victory over the Germans.
Theory #3: Knights in medieval times invented the traveler’s wave. As two knights approached each other the knights would raise their heavy face shield armor to wave or acknowledge the apposing knight and to determine if they are friend or foe.
Theory #4: The motorcycle wave is just a common bond between the motorcycles. It is the camaraderie that is felt between us. We all wonder why others don’t enjoy the freedom of the open rode with the wind in our face and the sound of Bruce Springsteen blasting in our ears.
Imagine a ride on the ocean
Get in my head as I am riding A1A with many motorcyclists passing by. Here comes another bike. Will he/she wave? Who will wave first? Will they leave me hanging with my lonesome wave? You know how it feels when you reach out to shake someone’s hand and they don’t reach their hand out. What kind of wave will they give me? The left hand stretched low with palm forward, the left hand thumb up wave or will it be the left handed salute? Is that 2 wheeler a scooter? If so I would not dare wave at a scooter rider. That would be motorcyclist blasphemy. What do I do when a group of a dozen riders approach? One long wave, or individual waves for each leather jacket?
To the car drivers of the world, drive A1A, roll your window down, wave to the motorcycle riders passing you by. I bet you will get many who wave back. If you wave to other automobile owners, you will get just a stupid is, stupid does look.
Now as a proud Harley Davidson owner, I gladly wave to all motorcyclists excluding scooters. If I inadvertently wave to a scooter rider, I get the craziest looks from the scooter boys.
Wave to me next time you see me.
— Tom
