I wave at everybody, if they don’t wave back I just assume that they’re busy shifting. **I and other motorcyclists display the “peace sign” palm-forward, not back of the hand forward. It should be noted that there are just some people who do not like to wave at any other brand of motorcycle except for the brand they are riding. it is a wave. I always wave, if I can. To me it says “Hey- Having fun on this beautiful day? A “two-finger salute” to a cage driver is more of a thrusting upward motion accompanied by a couple of flips, and the back of the hand is displayed as much as possible. is that the forefinger and pinkie finger up?? I use, and usually get, the two finger. ), but didn’t make any gestures. Finally, what do you mean by it? That guy doesn’t know me!” I figured it out a few days later. Later on this wave became very popular with Harley and Indian riders and the wave has continued on to this day. So when you are out on the road enjoy yourself, say hello to your fellow biker as you pass each other. I'm 15 and i have a bike license and whenever I am ridding by other bikers they give me the 2 finger wave and i don't really know what it means but i just go along with it what does that wave mean? The “moving fingers around in a scraggly fashion” wave. A two-finger salute to another motorcyclist, meaning “Hail, fellow, well met!” or “Peace!”, is a palm-outward raising of the hand with the middle and index fingers raised. is that the forefinger and pinkie finger up?? Who woulda thunk one finger could make such a difference…. or "Peace! The “fingers prostrate themselves forwards and backwards while the palm stays absolutely still with the thumb (possibly the pinky in another variation) sticking out awkwardly to the side” wave. A classic variation of the finger positioning is to throw a peace sign (duce) or a thumbs up. Fig. I noticed that the story did not mention the meaning of that particular wave. Among all of the possible hand gestures that can be misinterpreted around the world, the chin flick may be the least confusing. I know I do when I do it to this day. Anyway, my husband and I ALWAYS wave, no matter what the person is riding. The last thing you want to do in a curve is take your hand off the handlebar and risk losing control of the motorcycle. Fig. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled, Mundane Pointless Stuff I Must Share (MPSIMS). But just to say it again, DO NOT try to wave at another biker if it does not feel safe to do so! It is just like doing the peace sign. Perhaps it meant something different to them. Just know that there will be some occasions when you will not get a return wave or you will miss a wave. Forefinger and pinkie extended is a sign that someone is putting the “horns” on you. No wonder those guys are always running into each other. Was he really signing “Victory!”? A low wave with an angle greater than 45 degrees and/or with the palm facing up or back and/or with the use of four fingers is telling the … The meaning was no better, though. When you go out into the real world and start doing the biker wave to your fellow motorcyclists, you will feel like you are awesome. The Biker Wave is a way for motorcyclists to acknowledge each other as they pass each other on the road. Secondly, do you use the two-finger wave? 2-fingers?? 1. A "two-finger salute" to a cage driver is more of a thrusting upward motion accompanied by a couple of flips, and the back of the hand is displayed as much as possible. Is Riding a Motorcycle More Difficult for Left Handers? So basically, it is each rider telling the other to be safe on the road. So if you have a habit of flicking your chin while you talk, don't sweat it too much. I wave at all bikes, though I’m starting to wave less at HD’s. 2: The traditional automotive one-finger wave (a.k.a. While, when the same gesture is shown to a four-wheeled driver by a motorcyclist, it means that the biker is saying ‘Thank You!’ So whenever you cross paths with a motorcyclist, raise your hand to greet him with a two-finger biker wave. Same sign with the thumb stuck out horizontally means “I love you.”. To me, it is an acknowledgment that we are sharing in the joys of riding on two wheels, and the secondary meaning is “Peace out, brah!” I never mean the other common meaning, unless I display it to a cage driver. *Originally posted by The Big Cheese * the act itself is known as ‘throwing the horns’. Why do bikers wave to each other? Either as a cuckold, or as a curse. Have you ever wondered why they do that? I couldn’t even guess what it means, maybe it’s a gang sign! Let’s bring the community closer. The Biker Wave is actually really simple to do. 5 – Just being a jerk. what does the 2 finger wave at a 45 degree angle mean for bikers? Welcome to the Brotherhood! It can mean anything from f—k you to f—k off, go f—k yourself, and shove it up your a—. The two finger wave may mean peace or, in my case, it stands for V TWIN. Motorcycle: What does the two-finger wave mean to you. 10 Middle Finger. No big credentials but I’ve ridden more than 100K miles on heavy weight bikes. The wave is suppose to be a discrete and not goofy or over the top. Something else? Most people will not be upset if there is a wave or a lack of one. However I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone give me two fingers up. Nowadays, showing two fingers with the palm of your hand towards you is known as the "Two finger salute" or " the forks" in Australia. Popular culture also describes the meaning of the "V" sign meaning "up yours", and is commonly accompanied by the verbalization of this sentence when wanting to insult someone even further. “Hello, two-wheeled brother (or sister)”? I have no idea, but I know what the one-finger wave means! But that’s just because I’m really cute, I think. ](www.geocities.com/rachanadasnew/ historical.html). And then there are the good samaritans. Was he really signing “Victory!”? 4 – Checking his mirrors finger wave definition in English dictionary, finger wave meaning, synonyms, see also 'finger bowl',finger buffet',finger painting',finger post'. He leaned on his horn. What do motorcyclist hand signals mean? The suggested angle is 45 … The Peace Sign Motorcycle Wave. Enrich … Personally, I use the two finger wave - no particular reason. Theory Two: The wave was used as recognition of military service between bikers. You stick your left hand (Clutch side) out about 45 degrees below your handle bars and stick out your index and middle finger. Stay safe on the roads.” There is a bit more to it, but that is the basic gist of it. As is a way that was only appropriate during war-time, the gesture simultaneously meant "Victory over the Germans" as well as "Stick it up the Germans." 1: The pedestrian variation on the traditional one-finger wave. Lets them know that it is a wave and not an arm signal to turn, or a visor adjustment. This is used as a greeting when riders first see one another or when they part ways. In a situation like this (Or if you really want to wave at a biker while shifting) you keep your hand on the handlebar, but just extend your two fingers. The ones you mention are just friendly greetings, sharing the road with a brother biker. I rarely get a return or even a nod. The first time I passed a fellow motorcyclist I thought to myself “Ha! 2 – Did not notice you I wave at all motorcyclists; not all wave back. A sort of stay safe salute. If you're an expert or a budding motorcycle rider, it's no surprise that you've heard of the rider's wave. Yeeeehaw!”, hehe, round here the index/pinkie combo (known as ‘the horns’) usually signifies metal music, altho it’s spread and now includes punk, and something to flash at your mates when out listening to METAL!!! It was pretty cool, assuming it was a good thing and not meaning ‘get off our road, spandex-boy!’. link to Is a Honda Nighthawk a Good Starter / Beginner’s Motorcycle. It is very similar to how Jeep owners have their own wave as they pass each other on the road. In much of Italy, people will make the gesture — which involves placing the fingertips of one hand under your chin, pointing at your neck, then flicking them out towards the … As a person who has been a left hander his whole life, I feel very qualified to help answer this question. More relevant on narrow mountain roads where there are blind corners, etc. Sweet Zombie Jesus! 2nd guy: Hand with one finger = one rider behind. A wave is a nonverbal communication gesture that consists of the movement of the hand and/or entire arm that people commonly use to greet each other, but it can also be used to say goodbye, acknowledge another's presence, call for silence, or deny someone. “Peace”? Below is an image of what you should not be doing. can be accompanied by growling ‘metallllllll!’ in your most hardcore voice. In the United States, the most common wave is two fingers pointed diagonally in the downward position. link to Is Riding a Motorcycle More Difficult for Left Handers? I’m watching the Battle of El Alamein on The History Channel. In the UK a two-finger wave using index and middle finger, displaying the back of the hand and thrusting upwards means “eff off”. If you do not have two tires on the ground, it usually means you crashed. For example: Do not try to give a biker the wave if you are in a curve. What if I’m stopped at an intersection and there is another biker across the street? finger wave 1. Avoid these people at all costs. The Two Fingers Wave When you’re on the road and you pass another Harley-Davidson, you will notice they will often flash you the two-finger wave; much like the peace sign, only upside down. Last guy: Fist = nobody behind me. Which reminds me: I’ve always wondered about Winston Churchill in the famous newsreel footage where he’s displaying “V for Victory” back of the hand toward the camera. The short answer is, No, A person being left handed should not affect your ability to... Is a Honda Nighthawk a Good Starter / Beginner’s Motorcycle? It was pretty cool, assuming it was a good thing and not meaning ‘get off our road, spandex-boy!’. The different ways that humans communicate with one another are plentiful, but the wave gesture is one of the … After reading this article you will be able to do the “Biker Wave” and what it means. It means to keep your 2 wheels down on the road. You will almost always see two bikers acknowledge each other when they cross each other in different directions. So to all you crazy bikers around the world, I’m throwing my wave atcha! There are many types of waves, but the signature “biker wave” tends to be some variation of two fingers pointed parallel or down toward the ground like a “peace sign.” There are many explanations for this too: a “V” for V-twin; a “two” for keeping it “on two wheels”; or just a peace sign that keeps your hands close to the controls. Never wave at people in cars except for kids (when they’ve got that, “Ooooh!” look on their faces). I first want to make sure I state that this post is based on my personal opinions that I have made from owning an 1984 Honda Nighthawk 650. Not a problem – they might be staring ahead at some boneheaded thing a car driver’s doing. Do not trust them. 3 – Heading into a curve / avoiding something in the road All the women on the backs without turning around gave me the forefinger/pinkie signal as they passed me, and some of the solo riders too. It is a safer way which will be more appropriate for those types of situations. Staying safe and kind is the most important part of riding. A two-finger salute to another motorcyclist, meaning "Hail, fellow, well met!" They always get a kick out of that:). There are plenty of reasons why the other rider did not do it. A two-finger salute to another motorcyclist, meaning “Hail, fellow, well met!” or “Peace!”, is a palm-outward raising of the hand with the middle and index fingers raised. Incidentally, I was in the carpool lane yesterday when a cage driver started pulling into me. Although there are many waving flourishes that have taken hold over time, the long standing signature biker wave is a variation of two fingers … I really like this one. Most bikers only wave to the people who’re riding the same kind of motorcycle as them. Little kids in cars get the kahuna (pinky and thumb). eesh, it looks like i ripped that from an encyclopedia of hand gestures…. The two-finger wave is a hand signal that motorcycle riders use to acknowledge another rider when passing them in the opposite or same direction. The V-salute, which became the peace sign in the 60’s, was created in Europe during WWII. It really is just a simple way of saying hello to someone who has the same passion as you, when it comes to two wheels. **. Whether you’ve seen touring, adventure, or race motorcyclists in the street; it’s almost impossible not to turn your head when they pass you. Nice ride! The sign did not mean any of these when it originated in ancient Greece. *Originally posted by Johnny L.A. * I can’t imagine motorcycle riders in the UK would use it for anything else as its meaning is as clear and prevalent as the one-fingered salute in the US. The origins of the biker wave are believed to be created in 1904 when Arthur Davidson and William Harley (the creators of Harley Davidson) were passing each other on the road and they waved at each other. There are a few different versions of the wave that we will get into that later in this article. In most cases the other rider will also give you the wave in return. I gunned the engine to get away (I love the R1! First the guy doesn’t check the traffic around him, and then he gets pissed at me because I had the gall to be occupying the space where he wanted to go! Since we just got the basics on how to do the biker wave correctly, lets briefly talk about the way not to do it. The signifigance of the "wave" is acknowlegement of another rider. I've Moved to a New Channel! So, whenever Yesterday a Harley rider waved back! Which reminds me: I’ve always wondered about Winston Churchill in the famous newsreel footage where he’s displaying “V for Victory” back of the hand toward the camera. If the other rider does not return the wave, do not be offended. some would say they are sending a traditional “Peace” sign to other riders, but whether is a 2 finger wave or a traditional 5 finger wave or just a finger in the air - it is an act of camaraderie among fellow bikers. There are other signals that have specific meanings, such as holding your hand out, palm down, and moving your arm up and down meaning "slow down," usually for danger or perhaps a speed trap ahead. If so, I was riding my bicycle on a country road, putting in some heavy miles when about a dozen Harleys came flying by me. If so, I was riding my bicycle on a country road, putting in some heavy miles when about a dozen Harleys came flying by me. I wave to other motorcyclists when I’m riding. 1st guy: Hand with two fingers = two riders behind me. **2-fingers?? What are you giving me a finger wave for, I didn't even say anything insulting! The infamous middle finger is one of the most offensive hand gestures out there. 'round here (South Carolina) most bikers just hold a hand, palm down out to the left. This doesn’t mean the rider is promoting world peace, it only means keep your two wheels on the ground. Around these parts the forefinger and pinkie finger up is the “Hook 'em Horns” sign of the U. of Texas Longhorns. 1 – Changing Gears Didn’t do them much good against Arkansas yesterday though. There’s a mystery behind a biker’s appearance and the secret language they use that makes us all curious. A type of wavy hairstyle achieved by using the fingers and a comb on damp hair. It is believed that this was seen by other people and those people thought it is what bikers do. If you are in a country that drives on the left side of the road, you would not really be able to wave. Trikes sometimes do this as well, but they stick out three fingers instead of two. The Peace Sign can be done in a number of ways, correctly and seriously wrong. The two finger wave/salute to me just makes it personal, at least on my part. If you are interested in what Motorcycle and gear I own, you can check it all out on the Bike and Gear page! Or was he sending a personal message to the cameraman? Some are fussy/particular enough to only wave at someone riding the same model and make. Or was he sending a personal message to the cameraman? Remember, back in 1904 there was not many motorcycles on the road and not a lot of bikers. ", is a palm-outward raising of the hand with the middle and index fingers raised. Same sign with the thumb stuck out horizontally means “I love you.”, I’ve noticed a decidedly different response from folks since I changed from the one finger wave to the two finger wave. The two-finger salute is a salute given using only the middle and index fingers, while bending the other fingers at the second knuckle, and with the palm facing the signer. 2. Keep reading below to get the breakdown of the biker wave. He’s definitely displaying the “V” sign with the back of the hand forward. Below is a few reasons why you may not receive a wave. So I have some questions for you other MotoDopers. A “two-finger salute” to a cage driver is more of a thrusting upward motion accompanied by a couple of flips, and the back of the hand is displayed as much as possible. If you want a quick answer to what it is, We can sum it up quickly. Nothing is more evident to this fact than the “Biker’s Wave/Salute”. **, Churchill’s sign [was palm forward. This way you keep hold of the clutch and handlebars, but still wave at your fellow biker. 3. This stems from back in the days when a motorcycle was not such a common site on the road. The Peace Sign motorcycle wave (also a favorite amongst UPS drivers) uses your left hand pointed towards the road at an angle. In the UK a two-finger wave using index and middle finger, displaying the back of the hand and thrusting upwards means “eff off”. And to answer the cage drivers who always want to know “Why do you guys wave to each other?”: It’s because we all know each other. :rolleyes: What does the two-finger wave mean to you? Most bikers, in my experience, will ignore you if you try to wave at them like a normal wave would look. It is a simple acknowledgement between bikers to say “Hello my two wheel brother. This salute is used by the Polish Armed Forces, other uniformed services, and, in some countries, the Cub Scouts First, do you wave to other motorcyclists? I and other motorcyclists display the “peace sign” palm-forward, not back of the hand forward. I also do have experience riding the 250 and 750 models of... Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). Must have been an executive on his new bike and didn’t know the rules:). Leave a Comment. The reason we use two fingers is because we are saying to keep two tires on the ground. 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