Blatherings From The Editor

How Do You Wave? 

(February 2005) 

For some this is a hypothetical question…they don't wave.  For the rest of us who do wave, we have our own styles and techniques that we have developed over the years.  The style or technique kind of depends on what brand or type of bike we are riding, and the brand or type of the approaching bike.

     For instance, when riding the K bike and I see another Beemer approaching, I go into my fully-extended-arm wave.  This is my most noticeable wave.  I hold my arm up and out, fully over my head, and give 'em a wave!  I'm trying to let the other Beemer rider know that I recognize the marque and a fellow Beemer head.  An exuberant wave for sure.  To some I must look like a nut.

     The cruiser types tend to have specific waves depending on the cruiser manufacturer.  The Harley guys have a kind of middle of the body wave.  A macho wave; don't want to look like a dork.  Not too much excitement in the wave, that ain't macho at all.  Some of these macho cruiser types don't wave…it's not kewl.  Or, are they afraid to take their hands off the handlebars?

     Sport bike riders have a racy style wave. Their waves are generally down low, keeping the hand out of the wind stream.  I see the two-finger V sign from sport bike riders a lot.  They are wanabe racers and are looking for victory.  Also remember these guys are trucking and to hold your hand up too high can be painful.  Ever wave at a fellow rider and have your knuckles hit the back of your helmet?  Can do some serious rotator-cup damage.  What gets me is when I’m flat out in a corner, hoping my boot or peg isn't going to touch down, and here comes Joe sport bike rider passing me on the outside waving at me!  Bums me out I can't wave back.  Kind of like the cruiser rider, I'm afraid to take my hand off the handlebars.

     There are other styles of waves that aren't really waves exactly.  Rather acknowledgements that we see each other.  The nod of the head is a good one.  I use this technique at lights and such when I'm holding in the clutch.  It's also the wave I use when I don't see the other bike until it is almost too late.  Another quick and easy wave is the slight raise of the fingers off the handgrip.  If I'm busy watching some moron in the process of doing some kind of goofy stunt in front of me, this wave is quick and doesn't compromise control of the bike.  A bit hard to notice, but still kewl.

     How about your riding partner?  Does he/she wave too?  What a faux paux if you do a fully-extended-arm wave and your riding partner does a head nod.  What kind of wave do you give in return to a fully-extended-arm wave and a head nod from the same bike?  I'm sure there are times when Wanda waves and I never saw the bike.

     The wave between motorcyclists is to recognize that you share a mutual kinship.  A bond exists between riders.  The wave helps to strengthen that bond and, who knows, you might make a friend for life with just a simple wave.  Deryle and Wanda, waving differently every time just to keep you on your toes.