Motorcycle Hand Gesture Question

Ok folks, I'm new to the entire world of motorcycling, not just Spyders, so I have a question about something I've noticed two-wheeled motorcyclists doing. Many times, when a motorcyclist passes me on the highway, heading in the other direction, they will make a gesture with their left hand, which looks like they are pointing their index and middle fingers at the pavement. At first, I thought this was just a very casual way of waving "hello", but after reading some posts on this forum, I am wondering if this gesture actually means something more? Maybe they are pointing two fingers at the road to symbolize the two-wheeled motorcycles they are riding on? If this is the case, then maybe should I give them a "three-finger" wave back? Any ideas, suggestions or explanantions?? :dontknow:

It'll mean whatever you want it to mean to you... :thumbup:
There is no universal biker/hand signal language.
(Unless he tells you that you're number one in his heart with the single-digit salute!)

I'd take it as a simple wave; nothing more. :D

Originally, motorcyclists waved at each other as a sign of recognition and respect. There was no "secret handshake" or anything like that. In recent years, variations have cropped up, two fingers to signify a motorcycle, three for some trikes, a "thumbs up" for approval, or a middle finger out of disrespect. Most riders still use whatever pleases them, either high or low. A sport-bike rider or a rider with a clutch may merely lift a finger on the right hand. A busy rider often just nods. It is a still a sign of respect and recognition, only with more variations. If you choose to do the same, use whatever gesture you prefer.

:agree: Just try not to do the "Dual OMG" hand wave... This does freak others out :yes::roflblack::shemademe_smilie:

the 'two fingers' is a friendly gesture, like saying 'hello' & also meaning "keep your two wheels on the road"...
HOWEVER... as a SPYD3R rider, i fire back with THREE FINGERS UP... small, ring & middle fingers points up... it freaks 2 wheelers out...
i'd rather be 3 UP than 2 DOWN... if you know what i mean...

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Originally Posted by SPYD3R

the 'two fingers' is a friendly gesture, like saying 'hello' & also meaning "keep your two wheels on the road"...
HOWEVER... as a SPYD3R rider, i fire back with THREE FINGERS UP... small, ring & middle fingers points up... it freaks 2 wheelers out...
i'd rather be 3 UP than 2 DOWN... if you know what i mean...

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I use my thumb, index and middle finger. Tough the thumb is out there so Intentionally casually most won't notice.

I know I'm gonna get a lotta "booooos" on this one, but 99.99999% of the time I just nod my head. I personally don't like taking my hands off the bars. No disrespect to my fellow ryders, nor snobbery. It's just my preference.

Chris

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MouthPiece

I know I'm gonna get a lotta "booooos" on this one, but 99.99999% of the time I just nod my head. I personally don't like taking my hands off the bars. No disrespect to my fellow ryders, nor snobbery. It's just my preference.

Chris

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Here is another option.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7tBHoq49RU

I just wave at them all. I don't really think (and often never look) to see if they wave back or flip me off or whatever. I don't even think about how I wave. Open hand, two, three fingers, I just wave. Waving makes me feel good. If they do, great. If they don't, I probably don't know anyway and it sure doesn't affect my day either way.

I get out there for my own sense of well being and don't let anyone drag me down! :)

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Originally Posted by SteveMac

I just wave at them all. I don't really think (and often never look) to see if they wave back or flip me off or whatever. I don't even think about how I wave. Open hand, two, three fingers, I just wave. Waving makes me feel good. If they do, great. If they don't, I probably don't know anyway and it sure doesn't affect my day either way.

I get out there for my own sense of well being and don't let anyone drag me down! :)

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Me too. :agree:

I just wave with my hand relatively low. It's just a biker thing, though some like to do two fingers to mean keep your wheels on the road. I've been doing it since the 1970s. I'm sure bikers were waving long before I started...

Sometimes I wave down low. Sometimes I wave at shoulder height. Sometimes, if I'm hanging on during a curve, I might nod my head or lift my fingers off the handle bars while leaving my palm and thumb on to steer. And since spyders are rare around here, if I see one, I get so excited that I lift my arm high and wave like an idiot! :D :opps:

And I've even had some bikers give me one of these! :thumbup:

I don't use any particular wave, just the "wave of the moment". No single digit stuff though.

I just do the 2 finger thing I have done for years on motorcycles.I guess I should start doing the 3 fingered thing.Never thought about it before reading this post.

Ivor:spyder:

I think that "Frank the Real Biker" may be on to something! :roflblack::2thumbs:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MouthPiece

I know I'm gonna get a lotta "booooos" on this one, but 99.99999% of the time I just nod my head. I personally don't like taking my hands off the bars. No disrespect to my fellow ryders, nor snobbery. It's just my preference.

Chris

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Nothing at all wrong with that! A lot of Sport bike and sport touring bike riders do the same, for the same reason. In wind, curves, or with a manual clutch, it is often a necessity. How makes no difference to me, but I appreciate the acknowledgement.

I always answer a wave with a wave and I give a wave no matter if I get one back or not. Of course it does get a to be a bit of a pain when all the cars start waving also.

Other then a wave I have noticed in my travels that if an on-coming rider gives me a tap on the top of his/her head it is a clear sign that smokey is just ahead and is probably on the look for speeders. I have gotten used to doing it now also and let me tell you when I get the sign I slow to the speed limit cause so far 100% of the time smokey is just up ahead.

Be Safe
AC:spyder2:

it's just a wave ;)

and I wave at ANY biker. no matter what they're on.
most of the time... I drop my left hand down, hold out
my thumb, index and middle fingers and wave. but...
if I'm in twisties or shifting, I raise my index and middle
fingers only, so I can keep my hand on the grip.

and do NOT take offense that some bikers do not wave.
some... simply do NOT see you, due to looking at an object
in the road, enjoying a view in another direction, or having
to keep an eye on tail gators, or some half wit texting or on
a cell phone. a majority of the time... you'll get a wave from
a passing biker. if not... oh well.

I always try to wave but in my imediate area most don't wave back. While on a ride today I did have a guy in a truck give us a big thumbs down and I amit the I did give the unicycle wave back. :lecturef_smilie:

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Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I think that "Frank the Real Biker" may be on to something! :roflblack::2thumbs:

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I love it!

Tonight while taking a good friend on her first ride on a Spyder RT, I saw in the distance a light pattern like mine, it was a spyder. Passing this one was a high five wave to one another, I guess we were both excited on seeing another RT identical to each other pass by.

I raise my left hand in a "how" position 100% when I see a fellow motorcyclists coming and get a 95% return wave....in many different configuratios. 50% of the HD passengers do the waving here, which works just as well.

Yesterday, on our weekly breakfast ride, we (11 of us) were on a norrow road and coming the other direction was 20-25 Harleys of the local HOG chapter. I waved for 1/4 mile it seemed...ha ha

Several weeks ago, returning from a Sunday breakfast, alone, I came upon a sport bike group. I waved, as most of them did, except one who did a wheelie as he passed in the other direction. Now, that was a wave!

:spyder2:

As long as they don't wave like this: , I'm as friendly as can be. :thumbup:
Once they do; I drop two gears and make for the next zip code! :yikes:

Tapping the helmet means "law enforcement ahead" around here.

An "ok to pass me" signal to bikes that are coming up from behind is always welcomed by faster bike riders, especially from the like of us since they aren't always sure what we are.

i've got a book somewhere on the subject of MCsign language. I think Whitehorse still sells it. Problem is, I've never noticed any of the signs, except for the LEO one, in use.

I do try to thumbs up Spyders. Also, I try to make sure Vespa riders and such, and obvious rookies get a wave as sign of encouragement

+Many times two fingers can simply mean "peace", but most times it's simply a wave of any number of fingers saying "hey" to another motorcyclist. Don't use your middle finger solely, unless that's all you got.

Ride on.
Roadkill