Do Scooters Deserve The Wave?

To wave or not to wave? Do I wave at everyone, or at no one? What wave do I do? How about the low wave or the high wave?

I have to admit that I've put more thought into the "biker wave" than how to take a corner but less than mastering a wheelie (I've retained a modicum of perspective). So here's my take:

A scooter rider in full gear deserves the wave - they're just working their way up so I'll oblige, but only if they wave first.

When it's warm out or I'm on a motorcycle-heavy, super-route like the Blue Ridge Parkway and the sun is shining, I don't want to wave at every turn. In fact the more motorcycles on the road, the less I wave.

Although, when it's end of November in Canada and I see you riding, I'll give you the wave. If it's under 10 °C or 50°F you deserve the wave. I know your heated grips are on and we're both wearing wires, but damn no one else is out and we need the encouragement.

I'll get a wave from an adventure or dual-sport rider if I'm ATGATT, if not, forget about it.

If you're a Harley rider, I'll wave to you but 50% of you won't wave back unless I'm on something that looks like a Harley.

Goldwing riders are the worst. I used to give you guys the high wave but after a few humiliating, non-reciprocal waves, I'm off Goldwingers - they're worse than Harley riders in their hold-back of the wave.

Motorcycle cops wave in Canada, but rarely wave in the US, unless of course they're in a parade, which, for the most part, is 80% of their job anyway. Motorcycle cops don't wave when they're escorting a funeral but I'm a reasonable person: I'll let that go.

For the unicycle riders, I'll give you a low wave just because you must have had a deprived childhood to be on one of those things.

When I can't wave because I'm in the middle of shifting, cornering, don't despair, I still give you a left-foot-stick-out.

When it comes to kids, I'll put the tinted visor down and wave because they make me feel like a superhero and I want them to grow up to be nice bikers like me.

I don't wave at trikes, spiders or cyclists unless they're struggling to get up a hill or are broken down. As I pass, I'll give them the high wave and maybe a sucks-to-be-you nod. 😃

But seriously, after a while, motorcycling has just become a quintessential part of my life rather than a concept or an advert or a fashion statement and I wave at whatever and whoever suits me. I wave to say 'I respect you' and 'have a good ride'.

Yeah, I'll feel pangs of rejection if you don't reciprocate, but I'll get over it before the next corner; just in time to return one from another right- minded oncoming biker.