Tired of the sissy wave by other riders

[Joel The Biker]

I try not to let it bother me, but it still does. Other riders on 2 wheels giving the "sissy" wave to spyder riders. I used to ride on 2 wheels, but now my left knee wont hold a motorcycle up, so I ride a spyder. It is my way to still enjoy riding. If you know someone who does the sissy wave, please explain why some people ride spyders. I hate giving the one finger wave back. Im too nice of a person for that.

https://youtu.be/PzuMxiWIcjk

[WDAVEY]

What is a "sissy wave"?

[Jackhartjr]

Please explain what the sissy wave is?

[Joel The Biker]

They wave at you with their hand way up in the air, opening and closing their fingers.
https://youtu.be/PzuMxiWIcjk

[RayBJ]

Never saw it till this post. I 'wave' with my left arm down like I've always done. Most bikers 'wave' back in kind.
You're not sporting a pink helmet, are you? :dontknow::roflblack:

[Pantera]

Never witnessed just such a thing on the road.

[BadMonk]

I've been riding for over fifty years and lived in several states (PA, NJ, OH, SC, TX, MD and MI) but I've never seen that wave on two or three wheels. Fruity-tooty.

[bluewoo]

I just get the fast drop if my buddy is in front of me on his HD. So I mostly don't even wave anymore - F em! <--sorry mods
Remember this guy telling me "Its not a mortorcycle"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3txWr4vPZ2g&list=PLnBe3vr3RzspfmH35ZW6lhIvRa9FAYYeM&index=2
Didn't like being recorded goof then acts likes he's going to ram me? Goodluck with that.........................


I've been able to ride after three weeks from knee surgery myself(scar tissue cleaned up), But not return to work as it wont bend completely. Looks like nine weeks -But I'm sure glad I got my spyder because there's no way two wheels would be possible!

[trikermutha]

Since I switched to a Spyder from the Harley I barley get any kind of acknowledgment . :roflblack:

Or if I do get something like a Thumbs up or down I may never see it as I to busy making sure I am not going to get killed out there. People drive like ****

[ARtraveler]

That is a new one on me also. Most bikers in Arkansas are very friendly, including the HD riders. We did run into a pack of 5 today that did not though. When they don't return the wave I just say "ruff, ruff" into my mike. Linda gets a big laugh out of it.

In all my years of riding, I can honestly say that I have never encountered the "sissy" wave.

[RICZ]

I get waved at (real waves, not sissy) far more on my F3L than I ever did on my last bike, a Victory.

[pidjones]

I honest could care less. And if I found myself upset by this, I'd tell me to get over yourself.

[MNBK]

I wave to others and if they don't wave back I just figure they need to keep both hands on their handlebars to keep control of their bike. :roflblack:

[Briorick]

We always acknowledge our fellow passing riders. If they choose to wave, that's great! If not, it doesn't ruin our ride. Never encountered, or heard of, the so-called sissy wave in all my years of riding either.

[AZCanAm]

Well, I must say you have a great life of riding if that is your main gripe. Try getting flipped off, nearly ran over, or no wave at all.

[canamjhb]

I wave at anybody, even scooters. That's just who I am. Nine out of ten wave back. My wave consists of a moderately low, 3 fingers down with my ring and pinky folded up into my palm. (Three fingers for trikes). Never heard of or seen a sissy wave. But, if I got one from a beautiful woman while fluttering her eyelashes, I would sure reciprocate..... Jim

[askitee]

I wave to all and don't expect it back, if they do then great, if not so be it.

[Snoking1127]

Here is Arizona just about everyone does the biker wave. Does not seem to matter what you are riding! And there are a lot of bikes out on the road!

[Woodaddict]

from all the comments so far...................must only happen in NY

[OakGroveRyder]

I always wave back with my fore, middle and ring finger down. 3 finger salute! The two wheelers give the upside down peace sign.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

from all the comments so far...................must only happen in NY

ANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNND Vermont :roflblack::roflblack: ..... Mike :thumbup:

[Plarimer]

Never had it happen. Must be an East Coast thing. I hold up three fingers and they gave me the Harley wave back.

[spyder01]

Ive never seen the sissy wave.I wave at everything on 2 or 3 wheels with a 3 fingers down motion.I find that most bikers wave back but it does bother me just a little if they dont.The ones that dont wave back are usually but not always the hard core ape hanger types.The best is when a group of chopper types all wave,its always a surprise but It feels good.

[crossbowme]

I don't give a damn who waves at me. I wave at everyone and watch the road.

[Pooch]

I don't give a damn who waves at me. I wave at everyone and watch the road.

Same here.. and I have never seen the sissy wave…just the standard biker wave that I use.
I never realized there was such a thing.
I guess to do it one must be representing themself as a sissy, trying to indicate that they are the sissy, and trying to attract other sissies??
Don’t know… not something I would waste my time thinking/worrying about.

[mcalva]

I try not to let it bother me, but it still does. Other riders on 2 wheels giving the "sissy" wave to spyder riders. I used to ride on 2 wheels, but now my left knee wont hold a motorcycle up, so I ride a spyder. It is my way to still enjoy riding. If you know someone who does the sissy wave, please explain why some people ride spyders. I hate giving the one finger wave back. Im too nice of a person for that.

Do not worry at the end of the day it is only about mental illnesses that increases testosterone. They need a lot of care and a loving mother.

[Lew L]

I wave at anybody, even scooters. That's just who I am. Nine out of ten wave back. My wave consists of a moderately low, 3 fingers down with my ring and pinky folded up into my palm. (Three fingers for trikes). Jim

Same here. 3 down------ but I've given the 3 down on my poor, old , slow V-Max plenty of times --- muscle memory.

[Navydad]

I don't wave. I didn't wave at other pickup trucks when I had mine either. If your sitting by the side of the road I always stop to see what's up and if you need assistance, but I don't wave.

[cruisinTX]

I wave from the bike and the Spyder, but with the first finger pointing down. I was told many years ago when I first started riding, pointing at the ground with the wave was a sign of respecting fallen riders and serves as a reminder we are all vulnerable and part of a community who share the same passion with each other and for those who have passed. I plan to wave at everyone as soon as I see them approaching. However, the duties of safely controlling my bike or Spyder take priority over waving.

[Joel The Biker]

Went for a 200 mile ride today and encountered one "sissy" waver. Seems to be happening more often than in the past. Maybe these guys are jealous that we can afford a $30k bike. Todays waver was riding a jap cruiser. Yesterday it was a guy on an Adventure bike in Boiceville, NY. I just refuse to wave anymore. I dont know them anyway. But, I always wave to Spyders!!! Some of the greatest people on the planet!!

[UtahPete]

Went for a 200 mile ride today and encountered one "sissy" waver. Maybe these guys are jealous that we can afford a $30k bike. Todays waver was riding a jap cruiser. Yesterday it was a guy on an Adventure bike in Boiceville, NY. I just refuse to wave anymore. I dont know them anyway.

There are some things wind therapy won't cure.

[Adventurer]

I don’t initiate a wave at anyone on two or three wheels, but I will never fail to return a wave. I do initiate waves to kids that stop what they’re doing to watch me ride by, want them to know there are friendly people on bikes.

On my trip to and from the Hot Springs rally the only ones I recall not waving was a couple of groups on Harley’s, Guess when they ride in groups they want their fellow Harley riders to think they’re bad ass before they return to their desk job in accounting on Monday morning. I find the majority of Harley riders riding alone wave the same as most other bikes.

[rjinaz86323]

not waving was a couple of groups on Harley’s,

Quite possibly and MC. And they usually don't wave to anyone. It is not a sign of disrespect, just the way it is.

[UtahPete]

I try not to let it bother me, but it still does. Other riders on 2 wheels giving the "sissy" wave to spyder riders. I used to ride on 2 wheels, but now my left knee wont hold a motorcycle up, so I ride a spyder. It is my way to still enjoy riding. If you know someone who does the sissy wave, please explain why some people ride spyders. I hate giving the one finger wave back. Im too nice of a person for that.

https://youtu.be/PzuMxiWIcjk

Joel, I've never seen a motorcyclist wave like that. Not even a pillion rider.

And I don't understand what you're asking when you say "If you know someone who does the sissy wave, please explain why some people ride spyders". I think that qualifies as a non sequitur; was that your intent?

I don't know whether you're trolling or seriously looking for answers to something that upsets you. Please help me better understand what you're looking for in starting this conversation.

[wyliec]

When I wave, I don't think of the number of fingers I'm putting up or down, or whether my palm is facing forward or back, or if I should wave or not wave. That is way too much for me to think about.

[wyliec]

Do not worry at the end of the day it is only about mental illnesses that increases testosterone. They need a lot of care and a loving mother.

Mental illness increases testosterone? Hmmm, never heard of that one.

[Lew L]

.

I'll bet that Joel's ignore list just increased a bunch. I understand why.

[RayBJ]

Went for a 200 mile ride today and encountered one "sissy" waver. Seems to be happening more often than in the past. Maybe these guys are jealous that we can afford a $30k bike. Todays waver was riding a jap cruiser. Yesterday it was a guy on an Adventure bike in Boiceville, NY. I just refuse to wave anymore. I dont know them anyway. But, I always wave to Spyders!!! Some of the greatest people on the planet!!

Maybe your choice of riding gear has something to do with the reactions you're getting? :dontknow:

[ARtraveler]

Tick...tick...tick.

Going South fast.

[Yabbadabbadoo]

I've never seen anyone wave like that. I almost always wave to other motorcycle riders, but I've noticed that sport bikes and adventure bike riders almost never wave so I don't bother waving to them any longer.

[Adventurer]

I've never seen anyone wave like that. I almost always wave to other motorcycle riders, but I've noticed that sport bikes and adventure bike riders almost never wave so I don't bother waving to them any longer.

I am an adventure bike rider but I have to agree I’ve passed several fellow adventure bike riders with no wave, not sure why. And I’ve never sat around a campfire at night with other adventure riders where this topic was even discussed.

One possibility is they are like me, and they don’t initiate a wave but will return waves. I guess if two none-initiator wavers Pass each other no wave occurs, LOL!

[canamjhb]

Lot of different opinions and wave techniques. For me, I'll just keep enjoying my ride, and wave at others doing the same. If they reciprocate or not make no difference. Takes a lot more than that to remove the smile from my face..... Jim

[Bangorbob]

Peacekeeper6, That's the Aloha wave. BTW, is the pic in Reno or South Carson City? I also wave. If people don't wave back I don't really care.

[Peacekeeper6]

That's the Aloha wave. BTW, is the pic in Reno or South Carson City? I also wave. If people don't wave back I don't really care.

Neither.

Sparks, on Pyramid Highway heading north.

[TIMMB]

I ride in a lot of the same areas as Joel wave @ everybody I've never encountered it.

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[Billy]

I wave at anybody, even scooters. That's just who I am. Nine out of ten wave back. My wave consists of a moderately low, 3 fingers down with my ring and pinky folded up into my palm. (Three fingers for trikes). Never heard of or seen a sissy wave. But, if I got one from a beautiful woman while fluttering her eyelashes, I would sure reciprocate..... Jim

LOL, I have tried working out your wave of folding the ring and pinky into the palm while keeping the remaining three out. Just can't do it!

[ARtraveler]

My favorite wave was when we were back in Alaska. An older gentleman was rolling his wheelchair down the road (mailbox pickup), and we gave him a wave as we rolled by on our Spyders. We absolutely made his day. :bowdown:

[EdMat]

Strange waves, here's a good example. Riding the back roads of the area I sometimes encountered a gentleman on a horse. I always waved with 4 fingers down. He always waved back with a traditional wave. Guess he mentioned it to some biker friends and now he gives me a 3 finger down return. It's a good feeling.

[ARtraveler]

We encounter some interesting sights on the AR country roads. Close to home, a horse drawn passenger buggy pulled by 2 horses and 2 mules. Daddy and spouse were dressed like Old McDonald and the missus. Straw hats included. Stopped and talked with them. They were out for an old fashion style country afternoon ride. Turns out they were neighbors from about a mile down the road.

We were exploring a back road aboard our Kawi Mule this go around.

[Chasdog]

I have been riding two wheels for years and have seen the sissy wave a few times. I’m new to Spyders with only about 1500 miles now but I have been surprised by how many two wheelers wave at me. To me it looks like almost as many wave at the spyder as a two wheeler.

[Plarimer]

My goodness, if all I have to do on a very relaxing ride is worry about somebody waving or not, or the type of wave they give me, my priorities are in the wrong place. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. That’s what it’s all about.

[charliehwrd52]

I am sorry if sissy waves bother you .My point is I will not let small (attitude) people effect the enjoyment of my ride.


RIDE ON THERE IS MORE ROAD OUT THERE TO ENJOY

[VStarRider]

Without hard data to prove anything, my observational, untallied data indicates the same number of people waving at me on my STS as on my GW. Harley riders, ape hangers, etc...no difference. My best guess? 95%.

On a somewhat unrelated note, my Spyder is regularly the most popular vehicle at gas stations and rest stops...even with an assortment of two-wheelers and hot cars present.

[Vader]

Lived in NY all my life. Rode for 20+ years before my accident.(non cycle related). Couldn't care less about another rider waving back. I just figure it's the right thing to do. Back when I started riding, the low wave was to let oncoming riders all was well, have a safe ride, where a tap to the top of the helmet was to warn oncoming riders that the law was ahead. Worrying about getting a wave in return? Really? Guess some just are super sensitive.

[CloverHillCrawler]

While I haven't experienced the sissy wave I did experience something strange/wrong at a light about a month ago.

I pulled up to do a left turn at a light, 2 Harley's with women passengers are in the left turn lane perpendicular to me.

One of the women starts to point at me saying something to the driver so I wave being the friendly type and the female passenger waves back.

Driver slaps her hand down and starts yelling at her. I guess she wasn't allowed to be friendly.

[ARtraveler]

Lived in NY all my life. Rode for 20+ years before my accident.(non cycle related). Couldn't care less about another rider waving back. I just figure it's the right thing to do. Back when I started riding, the low wave was to let oncoming riders all was well, have a safe ride, where a tap to the top of the helmet was to warn oncoming riders that the law was ahead. Worrying about getting a wave in return? Really? Guess some just are super sensitive.

Sometimes, it makes one wonder. It does not make me mad or upset, just makes me wonder. :dontknow:

[ARtraveler]

I will re-post the following "wave" by brands item that has been posted from time to time. It's just a fun thing and in no way implies that this is the "way it is." A little bit of humor to lighten things up.

Top Ten Reasons Why Harley Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Afraid it will invalidate warranty.
9. Leather and studs make it too heavy to raise arm.
8. Refuse to wave to anyone whose bike is already paid for.
7. Afraid to let go of handlebars because they might vibrate off.
6. Rushing wind would blow scabs off the new tattoos.
5. Angry because they just took out second mortgage to pay luxury tax on new Harley.
4. Just discovered the fine print in owner's manual and realized H-D is partially owned by Honda.
3. Can't tell if other riders are waving or just reaching to cover their ears like everyone else.
2. Remembers the last time a Harley rider waved back, he impaled his hand on spiked helmet.
1. They're too tired from spending hours polishing all that chrome to lift their arms.

Top Ten Reasons Why Gold Wing Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Wasn't sure whether other rider was waving or making an obscene gesture.
9. Afraid might get frostbite if hand is removed from heated grip.
8. Has arthritis and the past 400 miles have made it difficult to raise arm.
7. Reflection from etched windshield momentarily blinded him.
6. The espresso machine just finished.
5. Was actually asleep when other rider waved.
4. Was in a three-way conference call with stockbroker and accessories dealer.
3. Was distracted by odd shaped blip on radar screen.
2. Was simultaneously adjusting the air suspension, seat height, programmable CD player,
seat temperature and satellite navigation system.
1. Couldn't find the "auto wave back" button on dashboard.

Top 10 Reasons Sport bikers Don't Wave:
10. They have not been riding long enough to know they're supposed to.
9. They're going too fast to have time enough to register the movement and respond.
8. You weren't wearing bright enough gear.
7. If they stick their arm out going that fast they'll rip it out of the socket.
6. They're too occupied with trying to get rid of their chicken strips.
5. They look way too cool with both hands on the bars or they don't want to unbalance
themselves while standing on the tank.
4. Their skin tight-Kevlar-ballistic-nylon-kangaroo-leather suits prevent any position other than fetal.
3. Raising an arm allows bugs into the armholes of their tank tops.
2. It's too hard to do one-handed stoppies.
1. They were too busy slipping their flip-flop back on.

Top Ten Reasons Why BMW Riders Don't Wave Back
10. New Aerostich suit too stiff to raise arm.
9. Removing a hand from the bars is considered "bad form."
8. Your bike isn't weird enough looking to justify acknowledgment.
7. Too sore from an 800-mile day on a stock "comfort" seat.
6. Too busy programming the GPS, monitoring radar, listening to ipod, XM, or talking on the cell phone.
5. He's an Iron Butt rider and you're not!.
4. Wires from Gerbings is too short.
3. You're not riding the "right kind" of BMW.
2. You haven't been properly introduced.
1. Afraid it will be misinterpreted as a friendly gesture.

Top Ten Reasons Why Dual Sport Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Vibration of knobby tires prevented the rider from taking his hand off the bars.
9. MX style safety gear was too bright to see you wave.
8. His front fender prevents you seeing him wave back.
7. Was too busy configuring his GPS/Enduro Roll/Fish Finder.
6. His rain/wind/thorn/bug/bird proof thousand-dollar jacket won't allow it.
5. Was too busy re-arranging his 500 pounds of soft-sided luggage.
4. Doesn't recognize a wave in any language other than German.
3. Too busy splitting lanes/filtering through traffic.
2. One handed wheelies are not easy.
1. On single-track trails you stop, not wave.

Top Ten Reasons Why Spyder Ryders Don't Wave Back
10. They'll NEVER be able to find the horn or turn signal again, if they move their hand on the grip.
9. They keep a "Death Grip" on the bars in case of the dreaded DPS failure.
8. They were too busy trying to figure out how to change playlists on their I-Pod.
7. They were "Bluetoothing" with their dealer regarding the latest farkle delivery.
6. They couldn't find the "Auto-Wave" Button. (Hey; It's a Limited!)
5. Their passenger was distracting them with some nonsense about "Having to stop for a break"...
4. They were mentally rehearsing the "explanation", that they'll need to give their Spouse for the
last Farkling episode.
3. They were trying to remember the best way to cross Nebraska. (Answer: while asleep, in the back of a van!)
2. They were too terrified to take their eyes off of the display; lest the dreaded "Orange Screen of Death"
make an appearance.
1. You crossed paths while they were setting the cruise control, changing the voice on their GPS, raising
the windshield, and changing the volume on the radio.

Top Ten Reasons Why Conventional Trike Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Their arms were too tired to raise... no power steering!
9. Your "Unusual" configuration has them confused. They thought you were going the other way!
8. They just had hit a pothole, and felt their first bad "Head-Shake". They're not letting go of anything!
7. They are lost in thought: How much is their Trike worth on trade, for a new Spyder?
6. They're still laughing at themselves for trying to put their feet down at the last stoplight.
5. The last time they waved at a "foreign" bike; their riding buddies made them buy the beer!
4. Didn't know WHAT you were, as you went by.
3. They only wave at conventionals...
2. They thought that their passenger waved... (She was asleep!)
1. The glare from all of the chrome had them momentarily blinded.

[Big Juice]

I wave from my Spyder to acknowledge other riders on 2/3/or even 4 wheels. And even 18 wheelers.
Bottom line is, I wave for me and it doesn't matter if they wave back, or even see me wave (I don't even look to see if they wave back!).
It makes ME feel good, I watch the road, and I ride on with a smile on my face ..........

[canamjhb]

Thanks ARTraveler for the added humor. One thing left out..... I ALWAYS wave at LEOs weather they are on 2 wheels or not. Hopefully they find it as a gesture of thanks. That is the spirit by which it is given..... Jim

[Peter Aawen]

Thanks ARTraveler for the added humor. One thing left out..... I ALWAYS wave at LEOs weather they are on 2 wheels or not. Hopefully they find it as a gesture of thanks. That is the spirit by which it is given..... Jim

Heading in towards town or the city, I generally only wave at bikes &/or people I know; heading the other way, I usually wave at most people, cos that's what us Ozzies do in the bush (altho there is a well founded rumour going around that it's often just cos we're waving the flies outta our eyes! :p )

And I too usually wave at just about every LEO I see - lots of them cos I know them personally, others often cos they're so excited to see me and are already waving madly at me! :ohyea:

But I do wonder a bit about why that second lot always have one of those odd hair-dryer things in one hand?!? :dontknow: It seems to make it so hard for them to wave properly and keep it pointing my way?! :rolleyes: Still, I always wave cheerily as I go by - unless I'm already past of course, then I try to give them an 'I'm sorry, going too fast' wave towards my rear vision mirror. They get so excited when I do that. Just like blipping the horn at little kids on the roadside as I pass - soo happy & excited! :thumbup:

[MrBill5491]

Hmmmm, never experienced a sissy wave. Most bikers here wave regardless what you ride, even the Bandidos wave. :thumbup:

[Pooch]

I wave from my Spyder to acknowledge other riders on 2/3/or even 4 wheels. And even 18 wheelers.
Bottom line is, I wave for me and it doesn't matter if they wave back, or even see me wave (I don't even look to see if they wave back!).
It makes ME feel good, I watch the road, and I ride on with a smile on my face ..........

Right there with you O J!!

[PistonBlown]

Regardless of what I've ridden, and the country, I've always found the only ones that consistently don't wave or make some insulting gesture have all of the following characteristics:

Its a weekend (normally a Sunday)
and its a main highway
and the bike is obviously more polished than ridden
and its within 50km of a city or town


i.e. Weekend warriors who talk big but don't actually enjoy the riding part of motorbikes:-)

[UtahPete]

Regardless of what I've ridden, and the country, I've always found the only ones that consistently don't wave or make some insulting gesture have all of the following characteristics:

Its a weekend (normally a Sunday)
and its a main highway
and the bike is obviously more polished than ridden
and its within 50km of a city or town


i.e. Weekend warriors who talk big but don't actually enjoy the riding part of motorbikes:-)

I think you're on to something there!

[Mikey]

:cheers: This has been a great post!!:riding:

[2RTsGV]

I wave at anybody, even scooters. That's just who I am. Nine out of ten wave back. My wave consists of a moderately low, 3 fingers down with my ring and pinky folded up into my palm. (Three fingers for trikes). Never heard of or seen a sissy wave. But, if I got one from a beautiful woman while fluttering her eyelashes, I would sure reciprocate..... Jim

I do the same, only I curl the thumb and pinky finger into the palm

[tntnj]

I wave at all bikes, if I don't get a wave back, so be it. It is mostly the hard core looking HD riders that dont wave back. When I had my HD I waved at all bikes not just two wheelers. There are other things in life to worry about than someone not waving back.

[PaladinLV]

Never experienced it!

AJ

[Fat Baxter]

You can always do a "Harley wave:" Keep both hands on the grips and look straight ahead.

[Mikey]

You can always do a "Harley wave:" Keep both hands on the grips and look straight ahead.

I think I have had more Harley guy's give a wave, than the cafe guys!!! Maybe they are afraid the will go face first in the tank!!:rolleyes:

[chunkmonk]

Sounds like trolling; Where I live we have a little of everything from weekend seat huggers to hard core club chapters. They all get the same 'left hand down' either open-palm or index-finger pointing down as a "wave" since I can remember. The only reason those two are the "signals" to use is that they aren't used by the old hand-signal list (if you don't know what those are, maybe a little history would be fun(?). Every single one has always returned the courtesy in kind, with the exception of a few young ones on rice burners one Saturday afternoon. I met up with them in town around happy hour time and asked them why they didn't acknowledge it. The one guy said that he thought I was trying to tell them there was something on the ground so they all looked down. After I explained the reason for it, they were surprised and thanked me for informing them. Every time I've seen that crew since, they all throw out their hands long before I get a chance to. I'll have to meet up with them again and tell them that it isn't necessary to put your arm out at distances of like 500 yards and then hold it there until I'm 500 yards past them - I'm not a flag officer! LOL! But in all my 50+ years in the wind, I've NEVER seen anyone throw a panzy wave like that one.I wouldn't be surprised if you wouldn't get spoken to by someone if you did.

[chunkmonk]

Some don't know what it is, others think it's an "old guy" thing, and still others just figure that, since the other bikers don't initiate it with them (and sometimes they are right!), that they just won't do it because it's not what "they" do. Most folks where I live know what "left arm straight down with either open palm or index finger pointing straight down" means. We've got all kinds here, and they understand what courtesy means, even if it's not what you "do". There is more than one 1% club here and, while they stay clear of each other as much as possible, the rest of us try to be as courteous to them as possible, and they reciprocate in kind. Even when I rode with a club, we would never ignore someone who waved correctly, but if we ever got some strange version like that nonsense, we probably would stop and have words with them.

[stewart]

I live along the hwy, when I'm cutting the grass on my tractor I'll give the biker wave to bikers going by, most wave back.
When I'm out on the spyder I'll wave to anyone , most wave back. When going through a town, I like to wave to people that are on mobility scooters, normally get a big smile and big wave back.

[chunkmonk]

It's the way of the whole world any more, AR. If I wave at you (regardless of what kind of "jump up and down, flip my visor up and down 10 times, blow the horn, throw confetti" craziness I happen to think of), and you DON'T wave back, then you need to be given some kind of 'kindness ticket' and be branded as a mean person. Folks are drinking a bit too much of the kool-aid from the ministry of truth...

[Quickdraw]

Where I am in upstate NY, a lot of people do the typical 2 finger acknowledgement. There are more and more however that don't bother. It doesn't matter to me either way. I signal back if they signal me. I have noticed about 50% of Harley riders don't acknowledge me passing by. But again, it doesn't matter to me. To each their own.

[VegasDan]

I acknowledged EVERY bike I passed with the inverted V (keep both tires on the ground) when I rode two wheeled - I will continue to do so while I am on three.
If they choose to ignore or not respond - that is their decision; I will have performed my karmic duties by wishing the best for them.
No different than telling other riders to, "Ride safe" when parting company.

I base my actions on what is proper for me - I do not deviate from what is right based on the attitudes or behaviors of others.

[Lew L]

.

Wave to all on two or 3 wheels. Because I also ride the poor, old. slow V-Max I used to give the 2 down wave. With the 2014 RT I give the 3 down wave to all---- now even when I'm on 2 wheels ( muscle memory) Most everyone waves back--- no sissy waves here.

Lew L

[bikerchris1270]

I try not to let it bother me, but it still does. Other riders on 2 wheels giving the "sissy" wave to spyder riders. I used to ride on 2 wheels, but now my left knee wont hold a motorcycle up, so I ride a spyder. It is my way to still enjoy riding. If you know someone who does the sissy wave, please explain why some people ride spyders. I hate giving the one finger wave back. Im too nice of a person for that.

https://youtu.be/PzuMxiWIcjk

It must be an upper east coast tradition that is not observed in the Midwest….. Covid Residue.

[Mike0123]

196286

[wolfeman]

I have to say, I get more waves from Harley riders while on my F3 than ever did on my Indian Vintage.

[ARtraveler]

Arkansas is very biker wave friendly. The one percenters ignore us of course, the occasional Beemer rider, and always the crotch rockets. With us, it's all ok. :thumbup:

[Partzman23]

I acknowledged EVERY bike I passed with the inverted V (keep both tires on the ground) when I rode two wheeled - I will continue to do so while I am on three.
If they choose to ignore or not respond - that is their decision; I will have performed my karmic duties by wishing the best for them.
No different than telling other riders to, "Ride safe" when parting company.

I base my actions on what is proper for me - I do not deviate from what is right based on the attitudes or behaviors of others.

:agree::cheers:

[canamjhb]

Muscle Memory.......

Cruising the neighborhood in my golf cart which I do most evenings. Two bikes coming from the opposite direction. Without thinking I give them a wave as we pass each other. One was a Beemer and the other was a HD (I think). Dog-gone if they didn't wave back!!!!!

There are nice people all around us..... Jim

[obiwanbill]

I try to wave at all 2 & 3 wheelers, scooters. little kids on side walk, Guys mowing their yards, Cop cars,etc. Unless I'm in a sharp curve needing both hands. Many wave back (especially kids) and if they don't, that's their loss. Guess I'm friendly. Never seen this sissy wave before.

[mcalva]

For me the important thing is "the greeting" itself. The form it takes doesn't bother me much.

[Raven]

I wave to everyone, if they wave back fine, if they don't who cares.
The best one though was when I had my Buell.
Out for a Sunday morning ride when I can across a group of wannabe outlaws in a empty lot.
Waved as usual, the four girls waved back, two young asses flipped me the finger, one older guy waved and the other older guy gave the young guys a cuff up the back of the head.

[pegasus1300]

I always wave to little kids, they get so excited. Remember they are the next generation of riders.

[KenF]

Everyone needs to remember one very important wave. When passing LEO use all 5 fingers. :2thumbs:

[Peacekeeper6]

Me ??

I usually wait for the other rider to wave. And when they do, I usually give an open palm greeting in the wind, which means I don't do the traditional "2-fingers down" or "3-fingers down" or "Peace Sign" or "Middle Finger Salute" or whatever is en vogue these days.

And if they don't wave at all, I don't get butt hurt and post about it in a public forum. Being in the wind and lost in my thoughts are what it's all about ....

[Peacekeeper6]

Oh, and when I'm stopped at a red light, if I see a driver in a car wave or give me the thumbs up because I'm on the Spyder (which happens more than times than I can remember), I usually give the Hawaiian "Hang Loose" sign as shown in my sig pic.

[vito1943]

I've seen all sorts of waves and "thumbs up" and head nods, but never this "sissy wave". If I had seen someone doing it I would not have even thought about it beyond that's just another kind of wave. What makes it a "sissy"? Since switching from 2 wheels to 3, I do notice fewer return waves than in the past, but so what? I wave to everyone, even bicycles and mini-bikes. Just yesterday I even got a wave from a guy in a Jeep Wrangler, and I waved back.

[sledge]

Where I am in upstate NY, a lot of people do the typical 2 finger acknowledgement. There are more and more however that don't bother. It doesn't matter to me either way. I signal back if they signal me. I have noticed about 50% of Harley riders don't acknowledge me passing by. But again, it doesn't matter to me. To each their own.

I have ridden for many years, and Most Harley guys won't even give a sign to another Harley guy.... LOL

[Little Blue]

:coffee:.....I give most bikers an 'Open Hand' wave. (As if I was going to shake their hand.) I have tried to give children a wave or two. They are the bikers of tomorrow.

I always try and wave to anyone who has wave to me.
Let's Keep America 'Friendly'.
God Bless you and your family.

Tomorrow is another Day. .....:thumbup:

[Azbronco]

I've never seen this so-called sissy wave, and I've been riding for almost 20 years and across 3 states (California, Arizona, and Georgia). I do the same arm down, 2-finger wave I've always done and 90% of riders do the same--no different on the Spyder than on 2 wheels. For whatever reason, people on crotch rockets are always the majority of the 10% who don't wave (and that was true when I rode cruisers).

[JDTOLLAND]

I could care less, I just hope every driver I pass and including myself makes it to wherever they’re going & they get there safe.

[BertRemington]

My wave is the casual 5-fingers but I wear gold-color leather gauntlets so it's visible! I also have a pair of red-color shorties for my red Aerostich riding suit. No boring black for me.:D

[SLICE]

I had a woman show me her boobies yesterday,,, granted it was my wife getting in the shower but I saw her boobies.


Way to many of you are anal about waving getting a wave, how about you focus on your riding and worry less about the person going the opposite direction.


Also way way so many Harley haters on this form, I can guarantee if you were broken down it would be a Harley rider that would stop to lend assistance.

[T.P.]

Way to many of you are anal about waving getting a wave, how about you focus on your riding and worry less about the person going the opposite direction.

Wave and ride on, Stop counting fingers! :agree:

T.P.

[Quickdraw]

Many riders where I am don't even bother to wave. Mostly those on Harley's. I could care less if they wave though. It's a tradition that seems to have run its course.

[linguine]

Here is Arizona just about everyone does the biker wave. Does not seem to matter what you are riding! And there are a lot of bikes out on the road!

I second that. Been riding scoots and bikes here for quite a while. Never got what the OP calls a sissy wave. We just drop the left hand and say "Howdy, Pardner". Works a treat.

[Revrent]

I usually try to wave but there have been times that I just was not thinking about waving and the rider went past before I could even think about it. As for the type of wave, (I personally) do not care what kind of wave they do or do not do. In the scheme of life (for me) they are not going to change the outcome of my ride or day. If they want to do a different wave, if they give me the finger (never had that one), if they do not wave, etc. I am good. I honestly have never thought about others on two wheels not waving. I have never met a two wheeled rider who talked about not waving at three wheeled riders. I know for the 40 years I rode I waved at all motorcycle riders no matter what they were riding (YES including mopeds and scooters). I did this because we were all enjoying a sport. What they ride is their choice and I respect that. Honestly many times when I waved at a scooter rider I was reminded of the many times I have watched the Tom Hanks movie "Larry Crowne" and the many times I have asked my wife for a scooter after watching the movie.

In the end, its a personal choice
Have a great day
John

[sledge]

I will be 72 years old in 9 days , and I have rode 2 wheelers since I was in my Teens , in the late 60's even out here in the East Tn. Mountains , there was a few Hippie's , riding self built BSA & Triumph Choppers , me and my folks was poor as dirt , so I was riding old wore out bikes like Sear's Allstate , and 90cc Honda . but I used to watch Older Men and Hippie's give this sign to each other that they called , ( Brother's in Arm's ) and I thought it was a very Manly Greeting . Left Arm bent Half Way at Elbow , Fist Closed Tight at Shoulder Hight in the Air. ... but I worked for many years night and day at times , very little time to ride . then by the time I was Retired and able to spend some time riding . that seemed to not been cool anymore , sooo , I kinda let go of that memory , and Now I own a Spyder RT , there are not many around here really , but there are a few and I give 2 wheeler's the 2 fingers down, as ( keep 2 wheels on the ground } and I give Spyder riders , 3 fingers down . and I love it when I get a return , but I'm ok even if I don't

[Gwolf]

I will be 72 years old in 9 days , and I have rode 2 wheelers since I was in my Teens , in the late 60's even out here in the East Tn. Mountains , there was a few Hippie's , riding self built BSA & Triumph Choppers , me and my folks was poor as dirt , so I was riding old wore out bikes like Sear's Allstate , and 90cc Honda . but I used to watch Older Men and Hippie's give this sign to each other that they called , ( Brother's in Arm's ) and I thought it was a very Manly Greeting . Left Arm bent Half Way at Elbow , Fist Closed Tight at Shoulder Hight in the Air. ... but I worked for many years night and day at times , very little time to ride . then by the time I was Retired and able to spend some time riding . that seemed to not been cool anymore , sooo , I kinda let go of that memory , and Now I own a Spyder RT , there are not many around here really , but there are a few and I give 2 wheeler's the 2 fingers down, as ( keep 2 wheels on the ground } and I give Spyder riders , 3 fingers down . and I love it when I get a return , but I'm ok even if I don't

I am 73 years old and been riding since before my teens. I never cared if anybody waved and still don't. I wave if there is not many bikes out, but if the oncoming lane is full of bikes, after bikes, after bikes. I don't bother with it. Waving is OK, but no sense having to wave constantly. Florida roads are often full of bikes. Constant waving is a distraction from watching the road, for dead possums, armadillos, large turtles, rubber alligators, and other road hazards.

Smells so bad when you run through fresh road kill that was just hit by 3 or 4 tractor / trailers and it gets baked on the front of your engine.

[vito1943]

Some folks are just too sensitive for their own good. Just enjoy the ride. Why would anyone care if strangers return a wave or not? Those that tell you that you are not a "real" motorcyclist because you ride a 3 wheeler are probably the type of faux rider who goes from home to a bar, parts his bike for hours while he drinks, then rides the mile or two home. He probably has never ridden other than a certain brand of bike because he only rides for the attention it gets him, making his sad life a little better for a moment. The funny part is that the HD rider who is dismissive of Can Am riders probably is just fine with those riding HD trikes or bikes with sidecars, which also have three wheels.

[javajaws]

I definitely get more waves riding my Triumph. And when I don't get waves on my Spyder I do get bummed...but then I remember how clickish, judgy, and annoying the average American is and I'm amazed we can actually just stand being on the same road together! ;)

[Raven]

I definitely get more waves riding my Triumph. And when I don't get waves on my Spyder I do get bummed...but then I remember how clickish, judgy, and annoying the average American is and I'm amazed we can actually just stand being on the same road together! ;)

Ever hear of "Road Rage" LOL

[Cirhere]

WHo cares my lord

202425

[kj2364]

My God, people are so tender. When I'm in my car I wave at people I know. Same on the Harley or the Spyder. Why would I wave at a stranger? Because we're some awesome group that are better than the "cagers" because we ride? Bikers/trikers are not that special. Get over yourself.

[ARtraveler]

Let's keep the site "family friendly." :bowdown:

[JDTOLLAND]

When I ride I leave the waving to my wife . If she is not on the bike I have no set way of waving Unless the bike going past has an American flag then I’ll salute .