What is the proper way to wave at other motorcyclists???

Since I started riding, I've passed a couple other guys on bikes, and
they waved. They seem to almost stretch out their whole arm, as if
signaling a left turn. Is this the proper way to wave???

Cause their arm'll get ripped off at the shoulder?

Yes, thank you for stepping in today, Captain Obvious. We're glad you
could make it through the rush hour traffic - I hope that General
Dumbass wasn't too much trouble for you.

So, in your case, it's more like a little muscle strain or pulled
ligament?

I never speed [0] so I don't have problems with the airstream. [1] But, I
can honestly say I haven't hurt myself waving other motorcyclists yet.
Here's to hoping...

[0] I can't believe I wrote that with a straight face!
[1] Having had the ol' CB up to the buck on I-81 in the past couple of
weeks, I actually have very little problem with buffeting or other wind
problems.. much more likely to be adversly affected by wind from rigs I'm
passing.

OH, AND YES I AM THIS DUMB THAT I NEED TO ASK THIS QUESTION!!!

What if there is a barrier between you and the other biker? He will not be
able to see your low wave, so you might have to do the Gold Wing Beauty
Queen. So, I am going to give you the answer in all situations. Just be
friendly and wave. High, low, left turn style, it does not matter. Simple
huh?

Don't feel bad, I had to ask that question when I started riding, also. I
ride a scooter (an400) that looks like a suzuki sport bike from the front.
Had just about every other rider on the road stretching out their arm to
wave at me in some manner. Someone else told me that 2 fingers pointed down
is supposed to mean "keep the rubber side down". Essentially, good luck and
stay safe. But when I've given that 2 fingers down signal, I've gotten
various responses. Nobody's flipped me off yet, so I think that's good.

It's just that they don't know you like we do...

:) -Dave

In France, motorcyclists stick out a foot when they meet other
motorcyclists or when they thank a car that has left them pass.

Quote from the website

"When passing a car that has gone out of her/his way to let you through,
after you've passed the car, stick out your left foot (or right one if it's
the car on your right). Stick it out in a gentle way, keep it straight for
a second or two.

That means "Thank you but I can't let go with my hands to wave at you".
Obviously waving with your hand is fine as well, but often not too
practical"

Here (NZ) we use the 'right foot out' while passing to let riders behind
know there is enough room to pass (when they can't see). When cars pull
over and make room they always get a wave in return. As well as waving
at other bikes, trucks get a wave as well.....might as well make all
road users happy, and they might take more notice of bikes.

A nod (or head lift) is OK when cornering or silly speeds, otherwise
it's just a hand lifted off the left bar.

Don't expect Harley riders to wave back.....by the time it takes for it
to sink in that siomeone has waved to them, you will be five miles down
the road. :)

That's not a dumb question! I've seen many different waves. And some
riders will not wave at all! Most waves are left handed, elbow bent
with the hand moved at the wrist. Safe riding!

Ignore those other posts. Use both hands, wave 'em back and forth over your
head. That is so cool.

While standing on the seat?

OK, gotta add a third B to this...

Could this be a regional thing? And everyone does it slightly
differently? I've tried winking back. Throwing those Mardi Gra
necklaces. Now I keep a bag of candy with me and toss pieces to other
bikers. Working my way up to tossing peanuts to see if they can catch
them in their mouths. I'm not a bike bigot so I'll toss them to all
riders at this point.

I prefer circus peanuts. Can you try a couple of bags of those?

Are those the ones in the little clown suits ?

But, of course.

Excellent! Just let me know when and where to be riding in the
opposite direction as you!

Pez dispensors would be nice.

Check next post for a serious answer.

That's not a dumb question! I've seen many different waves. And some
riders will not wave at all! Most waves are left handed, elbow bent
with the hand moved at the wrist. Safe riding!

In my neck-of-the-woods it is more often than not a nod. A sort of wave
down if warning to go slow, or a 'Heir Flick'(1) style flip for allowing you
room to pass or pullout to car drivers.

( Alo Alo must have been shown all over the world by now)

Thanks for asking this question that I've been meaning to ask, but too lazy
to do so.

Everyone that I've seen seems to do the two finger thing... except it

Are you sure it's *two* fingers? And more importantly, are you riding

This, my friends, is more evidence that the French are obviously useless.
Plus, who can think of any successful French motorcycle marques?

The Voxan's are pretty cool looking bikes......but never ridden one.

an an400?

doesn't look like they're pointing straight down, but rather just making a
motion. Their position in the road, (ie: stops, starts, curves or
straighaways) will dictate the arms length.

Still figuring this out,
Charles