The wave
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- Rookie
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- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2013 3:38 pm
- Real Name: Bill Kodadek
- Sex: Male
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The wave
I don't know. When I started riding about a decade ago, I got quite a thrill when a rider approaching in the opposite direction, and as he/she got closer, gave me a left hand wave. And, I gave one back. I didn't know who it was and whoever it was didn't know me. Ah, but that wave! It was special because to me it was like I finally made it into the "Brotherhood." Like our "secret handshake."
Since then, a lot of riders have gone by and a lot of waves have been exchanged. But, sadly, a lot of waves haven't. I always give a wave to a rider. And, i still get a kick when I get one back. And most riders do.
If you by chance read this let me know if you are a waver, or not. And, if not, why not? Maybe I am missing something. Maybe I am just an old sentimentalist, but I see the wave as a sign of solidarity, camaraderie, and unity. I am interested in what others think about "the wave."
Since then, a lot of riders have gone by and a lot of waves have been exchanged. But, sadly, a lot of waves haven't. I always give a wave to a rider. And, i still get a kick when I get one back. And most riders do.
If you by chance read this let me know if you are a waver, or not. And, if not, why not? Maybe I am missing something. Maybe I am just an old sentimentalist, but I see the wave as a sign of solidarity, camaraderie, and unity. I am interested in what others think about "the wave."
- earwig
- Site Supporter - Gold
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Re: The wave
I always wave but it's annoying when people don't wave back and you feel like a loser lol.
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- Real Name: Andrea Robinson
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Re: The wave
I wave at anything on two wheels.
My best friend recently got a '60s Peugeot moped and asked me why all the bikers are waving at her. She hasn't quite wrapped her head around the idea that she's one of us, now. She's also 59
My best friend recently got a '60s Peugeot moped and asked me why all the bikers are waving at her. She hasn't quite wrapped her head around the idea that she's one of us, now. She's also 59

Ooooooh. Shiny!
- Brackstone
- Legendary 1500
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Re: The wave
I wave at everyone as well. There is one guy in my neighborhood who does not wave back.
I pretend that his hands are glued to his motorcycle and he can't take them off because otherwise he'll fall.
I pretend that his hands are glued to his motorcycle and he can't take them off because otherwise he'll fall.
Ducati Monster 1100 (Vrooom!!)
Aprilia Shiver 750 (sold)
2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250cc (sold)
Aprilia Shiver 750 (sold)
2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250cc (sold)
- NC Narrator
- Rookie
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Re: The wave
I wave...but I have a question. How do you wave? I've seen the single finger, two fingers, entire hand - all downward with fingers pointed to the ground. I've also seen multiple variations where the hand comes up off the bike. Then there are some who just kind of lift their fingers ever so slightly without actually losing contact with the bike.
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Re: The wave
Sometimes there is too much activity going on in front of me and I don't notice another rider until it is too late. Or I'm right in the middle of a curve and can't take my hands of the grips or during a shift....I'll give a nod instead.
I usually wave back...except for the occasions like the ones I mentioned.
I usually wave back...except for the occasions like the ones I mentioned.
- dr_bar
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Re: The wave
I guess my question would be, "Does it really matter?" If you've been acknowledged then that's all there is to it. Wave yourself, however you feel comfortable...NC Narrator wrote:I wave...but I have a question. How do you wave? I've seen the single finger, two fingers, entire hand - all downward with fingers pointed to the ground. I've also seen multiple variations where the hand comes up off the bike. Then there are some who just kind of lift their fingers ever so slightly without actually losing contact with the bike.
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"Four wheels move the body.
Two wheels move the soul!"
"Four wheels move the body.
Two wheels move the soul!"
- ceemes
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Re: The wave
I've noticed a marked decrease in bikers waves, however there has been a corresponding increase in giving and receiving the cagers middle finger salute. 

Always ask why.


- jstark47
- Site Supporter - Silver
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Re: The wave
I wave more in the winter when there's few bikes around. In the summer when I pass a bike every 3 minutes it gets tedious.
2003 Triumph Trophy 1200
2009 BMW F650GS (wife's)
2012 Triumph Tiger 800
2018 Yamaha XT250 (wife's)
2013 Kawasaki KLX250S
2009 BMW F650GS (wife's)
2012 Triumph Tiger 800
2018 Yamaha XT250 (wife's)
2013 Kawasaki KLX250S
- sapaul
- Legendary 2000
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Re: The wave
I usually nod, also a lot of bikers on our roads.
I spent my therapy money an a K1200S
The therapy worked, I got a GS now
A touch of insanity crept back in the shape of an R1200R
The therapy worked, I got a GS now
A touch of insanity crept back in the shape of an R1200R