In Europe people tend to wave with their left hand, which is more relaxed and obvious than nodding. It doesn't work very well in the UK so we nod instead.But,what is the significance? and do you give the nod?
easier to wave abroad due to them riding on the wrong side
I think a lot of it is more down to the type of bike u ride..
Sports bikers nod as it's easier to do that when couched over their bikes
Tourers/Cruisers etc will wave as we have a more relaxed riding position on our bikes so makes it easy to do so.
The leg wave is mostly a German thing to do and I've never worked it out. Yanks will wave and show a peace sign as they have one of the best laid back approaches to biking
The only exception to all that are most Harley riders (not all) or HOG members (Scottish lot are terrible they don't even like each other never mind other bikers) as they have delusion of grandeur me thinks.
if i nodded to all the bikers i pass while riding around London,
I could get myself part time job as a nodding dog.
On a motorway I'll wave or nod depening on my mood.
Probably won't nod at everyone - just as I wouldn't say hello to every single biker in person. If I recognised the bike I probably would lift a couple of fingers.....
Besides I'd be too busy concentrating on what I'm doing and trying not to crash.
I must admit that after recently passing my test i wondered what the other bikers were upto! now i nod at anything that goes past, although there was a point when i wouldnt nod at scooters....but were all bikers right???
I think there's a hierarchy going on. One time most bikers nodded at each other. The Harley riders dont nod at anyone but their own, the sports bike riders generally don't nod at cruisers, and hardly anyone nods at scooter riders.
your right suzyamki - when i was on a cbr400 all teh sports bike riders nodded at me..... now im on a harley they dont nod!!!!
seems a shame to me but hey ho so long as im smilin while im riding they can stuff it really hahahaha...still seems a shame tho as like ya say we are all bikers...
I nod or wave to any 2 wheeled machine riders - since I got a Harley I don't get acknowledged even though I have made the first nod lol. I admit that most Harley riders are guilty as accused - we are not all like that honest. I really me off that the majority of HD riders are so up themselves.
I acknowledge every bike - not always returned. Had my first ride out in the dark this week, biker coming towards me..nod /wave he aint gonna see me ;-(.. but he winked ! well flicked his indicator on..i've learnt something new ;-)