Motorcycle Wave

[bicyclenut]

Curious to see how many here give and receive the "motorcycle wave" when they are out riding and pass another motorcycle and/or scooter?

This is in response to a recent video that was posted on You Tube discussing Waving at Scooters, in which the overall response was positive towards waving at just about anything on 2 wheels, at least from the vlogger and most who responded.

In general the larger maxi-scooters are sometimes hard to distinguish from a motorcycle at speeds and until passed, so there may be a difference between the larger scooters and the little 50cc ones racing around with helmet-less college kids.

Overall I think I get the "wave" from most motorcyclists I pass and maybe that is because from the front the C650/C600 looks very similar to many of the other BMW models and the rider doesn't even think that they are waving to a "scooter rider" and I am sure my wearing of gear and a helmet adds to the look, but I'm not sure how much thought these riders put into to wave or not if you look like a rider on 2 wheels.

I generally I try and wave at all riders on 2 wheels I see whenever it is safe to do so and overall most will either wave back or wave first. My unscientific observation is that cruiser and Harley riders are maybe less likely to wave back, but that may be I just see more of them where I ride. in my riding I have stopped several times to see if I could assist riders on Harleys and cruisers and they have always been gracious and very thankful and friendly. I have even been stopped at gas stations and other places by some of these riders who are very interested in learning more about what I am riding, of which most really don't realize how capable the C650/C600 is.

Here is the link to the video if anyone is interested in watching:

 

[JaimeC]

It's simple. I wave at everyone on two (or three) wheels if my left hand isn't busy braking/clutching. Of course, that means I get to wave all the time when I'm out on my Zero, and MOST of the time on the C650GT (since I only need to use the rear brake if I need to slow rapidly). On the K1200LT my left hand is occasionally busy working the clutch.

 

[Lee]

My empirical observations from last years riding season were: I do wave at all two wheeled conveyances & I agree that the C650GT appears to oncoming riders as another motorbike & lastly I would say that based upon my empirical observations, Harlley riders were less likely to give a reciprocal wave. However, your mileage may vary! ��

 

[Jetblack528]

My empirical observations from last years riding season were: I do wave at all two wheeled conveyances & I agree that the C650GT appears to oncoming riders as another motorbike & lastly I would say that based upon my empirical observations, Harlley riders were less likely to give a reciprocal wave. However, your mileage may vary! ��

My experience based on last years' riding is similar to yours. I try to wave at all two wheeled, motorized, vehicles when practical. Helps to build that feeling of brotherhood out on the open road.

 

[JaimeC]

Observations:
1) Harley riders tend to wave by LOWERING their hand below the bar, not raising it. If you're not looking for it, you miss it.
2) Sportbike riders tend to just lift the fingers of the left hand, but leave their hand on the bar. Again, if you're not looking for it, you miss it.

 

[Sparkrn]

I'm the Scrooge of this topic. There are so many bikes on the road that I really just get sick of waving. I tend to wave mostly to Everything non harly Davidson. I find it often dangerous to let go of the grips and put my self in a bad position. I sound like a jerk, but I'm out riding for my enjoyment, not to make others feel better.

 

[SteveADV]

Observations:
1) Harley riders tend to wave by LOWERING their hand below the bar, not raising it. If you're not looking for it, you miss it.
2) Sportbike riders tend to just lift the fingers of the left hand, but leave their hand on the bar. Again, if you're not looking for it, you miss it.

Yup and yup. I wave at everyone and even say "Hey buddy" (haven't ever heard a response though ). A lot of folks wait for you to wave first. So, I don't hesitate so long as the conditions Jaime mentioned are not a factor. Harley guys are like any other breed (I am one of them). Some wave. Some don't. So what. I wave.