June 30, 2022
I was aware from previous trips to Europe that different countries and areas have different ways that motorcyclists wave to each other as they pass. But as we rode along the other day, it occurred to me that I should put them all in one place. So here are some that we’ve seen in the past two months. I’m sure there are others — some less friendly, perhaps — but here’s the short list of what we’ve seen.
This is what you see most commonly in the USA: arm at about a 45 degree angle down, sometimes swept back a bit. Two fingers extended. There are variations, of course, but you see this from everyone from Harley riders to sportbike pilots.
Standard European wave: arm out to the side, palms facing each other. If unsure, this is the norm.
Another common version in Europe. Usually reserved for smaller roads where you are approaching each other closer together. Sometimes used as a last-minute acknowledgement when you don’t have time to take your hand off, or if you’re riding something so unsafe that you’d rather not take your hand off (or if you’re simply safety-conscious).
Increased enthusiasm, typically reserved for riders on the same make, brand, or type (ADV, for example) of motorcycle.
Used when overtaking another rider. When riding on the right side of the road (as in most European countries), the rider overtaking the slower rider hangs a foot off as a wave, since removing the right hand would release the throttle. I’ve seen this mostly in Italy and France, but also used elsewhere.
Used exclusively in England, where you ride on the left side. Since you approach each other on the throttle side, taking the right hand off to wave would release the throttle. So approaching riders nod their head to the right. It takes a little getting used to; nodding forward just isn’t the same.
At the end of the day, what really counts is that all riders are friendly and acknowledge each other.
Except scooters. Never acknowledge a scooter rider. That’s a whole different story. (Okay, some riders of big scooters may be okay, and some scooters can be mistaken for motorcycles when viewed from the front, so some errors are acceptable). Also, one person told me they only wave to other riders that are wearing full gear, and never to idiots that are wearing shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, etc. Seems like a good rule to me.