Motorcycle etiquette question

Since this is my first bike, I have a motorcycle etiquette question. When I am riding and pass another motorcyclist in the opposite lane, I notice that some people extend their left hand down at a 45 degree angle or straight out. Mostly these are people riding other Japanese bikes, and I do not see people on Harleys doing this.

Since no one has given me the secret decoder ring or the, "Motorcycle Etiquette Book," there might be other signals I am missing (Me in a bar to my buddy, "I know she is winking at me and smacking her lips, but do think she is trying to tell me something?"). So any help on any item of motorcycle etiquette would be appreciated.

Try not to have too much fun with this one

Nothing too complicated here. It's called a "wave".
Riders wave to each other, and the technique seems to vary. I hold my left arm straight out, show my palm and 5 spread fingers. Seems to work, as most riders wave back.

I deleted mariozappa's post because I had to inorder to clean up a doubled thread.

mariozappa had posted this link:

Etiquette

del

Daedalus wrote:

(Me in a bar to my buddy, "I know she is winking at me and smacking her lips, but do think she is trying to tell me something?").

I'd be careful with that girl. There's such a thing as subtle and smooth and that's not it.


I do index and middle finger at a 45 down low for oncoming, a quick glance and head nod for those going the same direction.

There's some disagreement about etiquette when it comes to Harleys.

I wave at just about every bike I come across as well. I've even had a few cops either nod or wave back. While riding the Ortega on Sunday, I noticed all the riders I passed giving a thumbs up, while I gave my customary wave..guess people have their methods.

I do a two fingered point at approx. 33.5 degrees below horizontal because It looks cool and is a more aerodynamic position than a full spread.

Most sportbike riders and non-harley riders will wave back no matter what unless they aren't paying attention or just can't wave for some reason, but the harley riders around here that wave are few and far between. I still wave anyways. I'm a friendly guy, and I have to wave because my kz scares small children.

i keep my hands on the handlebars

flht1997 wrote:

i keep my hands on the handlebars

Do you wave with your feet:huh:

I wave with an open hand to the side and down a little

flht1997 wrote:

i keep my hands on the handlebars

Well, with that stable of bikes in you sig line, you RIDE, and you're doing what works for you. My compliments.

I, outta reflex by now. Do a semi raised peace sign with my right hand. with a slight twist to the right.

The funny thing is that it depends on where I'm at, and what day of the week it is.

Sundays get you the most waves. During the week people are dealing with more traffic, thinking about work etc. On Sundays I get about 75 to 90% wave backs, but during the week it's more like 25%.

I also notice less waves closer to the city, than out in the country... could also be traffic-attention related. Always keep one eye on the Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade.

I get the rare, occasional wave from Harley guys, but usually only from the older, experienced Harley guys. Not really the weekend warrior, pretend 1% guys.