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When I was a (much) younger man the wave was a clenched fist salute in the air. It symbolized the rebel lifestyle, the fun, and the hardships on the road. The older guys who I grew up riding with would always wave and would never hesitate to stop and help anyone on the side of the road and would think you much less of a man if you didn't. In those days you always had a set of tools, electricians tape, a little wire, and a set of points and condenser when you rode.
I still wave to this day, although it is more of the "open air handshake" variety, and I still stop whenever I see someone on the road. A few weeks ago I saw a gal on a crotch rocket on the side of the expressway, I was on the other side, so I got off turned around and got back on. She had a flat tire and my little air pump would not seat the bead, but I stayed with her till her friends showed up to cart her bike away. She offered me her phone number, but I thought my wife might object, so instead I just asked her to try and help someone else out when she could.
Riding should be about brotherhood ( and sisterhood ) regardless of if you are in a club or not.
I too wave at everybody and as Poorguy noted, I also utter ******* if I am ignored. Sometimes I get a great smile back. Only have had three people turn around and follow me. They were just being friendly.
i remember when there was a biker salute(raised fist in the wind)what ever happened to that and who changed the "rules" never used to be "gremlin bells" either.who started that crap?yea yea,i've read what the "legend says but where did it come from
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70's = raised fist
80's = barely lift hand off bars
90's = tilt head back until you feel the sissy bar
00's = 'lowdown' wave. (Basically take hand and lower below your leg, and angle it away from the bike at 45*. You can either point one finger at the ground, or keep the hand open)
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