There are many unspoken rules in the world of motorcycling — don’t put your feet down at a stop sign unless absolutely necessary, never admit you dropped your bike (unless it’s a good story), and always wave at another motorcyclist. This last one, the revered “motorcycle salute,” is a sacred tradition, a bond shared between two-wheeled adventurers as they pass each other on the asphalt battlefield.
The Art of the Wave
The motorcycle salute is not just a wave. It’s a statement. It says, “I see you, fellow throttle jockey. I acknowledge your bravery, your rebellion against the caged world of cars, and your unwavering commitment to style over practicality.” But like all good things in life, the wave comes with variations, each carrying its own subtle meaning.
- The Low Wave — The gold standard. A casual, two-finger peace sign extended downward, usually on the left side. This wave says, “Ride safe, my brother/sister. May your road be twisty and your gas be cheap.”
- The Overenthusiastic Full-Hand Wave — Typically seen from new riders, scooterists, or someone who’s just happy to be alive. It screams, “I’m here! I belong! Please validate my choices!”
- The Nod — A minimalist, low-key acknowledgment used by sportbike riders or those who are too cool (or too busy clutching) to lift a hand.
- The Head-Tilt Wave — A half-hearted effort, often given by riders who have just endured three hours of rain and regret all their life choices.
- The Wave Denial — A tragic occurrence where one rider initiates a wave, but the other either doesn’t notice or is deliberately snubbing them. Cue existential crisis.
Who Gets the Wave?
Not every two-wheeled vehicle is worthy of the salute. The general hierarchy goes something like this:
✅ Harley riders wave to other Harleys, sometimes cruisers, and occasionally sportbikes if they’re feeling generous.
✅ Sportbike riders wave to other sportbike riders, adventure bikes, and sometimes cruisers if they respect the aesthetic.
✅ Adventure bike riders wave to… well, anyone who looks like they might also be riding to the Arctic Circle just for fun.
✅ Scooter riders get a wave… if you’re in Italy. Maybe.
❌ Moped riders? Bicycles? Absolutely not.
The Perils of the Wave
Executing the motorcycle wave is not without danger. You have to balance acknowledgment with survival. Waving while cornering? Risky. Waving while shifting? Bold. Waving at the exact wrong moment when a bug decides to meet your face at 60 mph? Unfortunate.
The worst possible outcome? Missing a wave and realizing, too late, that someone waved at you first. You’ll spend the next five miles staring into your mirrors, contemplating whether to turn around and explain yourself.
To Wave or Not to Wave
If you ride long enough, you’ll eventually develop your own philosophy on the motorcycle wave. Some riders wave at everything on two wheels, from Harleys to Vespas. Others reserve it only for those who have truly earned it (read: anyone who can do a U-turn without putting their feet down).
At the end of the day, the motorcycle salute is a small but powerful gesture — an acknowledgment that, for a brief moment, two strangers shared the same road, the same wind, and the same love for something as impractical and wonderful as motorcycling.
So, next time you see another rider coming your way, extend that two-finger salute. Just… maybe not when you’re trying to dodge a pothole.
Follow for more motorcycle musings! And let me know in the comments: What’s your go-to motorcycle wave?
Art Prompt:
A sweeping impressionist scene capturing a bustling 19th-century riverside market at dawn. The river reflects golden hues, merging with dappled pink and lavender strokes in the sky. A wooden boat laden with fresh fruits and flowers drifts in the foreground, its soft edges blending into the water like a Monet dream. Vendors in muted blue and ochre tones move in fluid, indistinct forms, their presence suggested more by expressive brushstrokes than defined outlines. The distant cityscape, kissed by morning mist, emerges subtly from the background with vertical strokes of pale gray and warm sienna. Light dances playfully on the surface of the water, evoking an ethereal, fleeting moment in time.