 The Wave
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Anyone know the origin, anthropology, of the Wave?
Do they do it in other countries?
On my recent trip to Ohio, I discovered that Ohio does not appear to have a helmet law. The dudes w/o helmets do not appear to wave either. Curious why.
Last edited by MarcellusWallace; 07/12/2012 11:10 PM.
2009 America
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Re: The Wave
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I only wave to someone I know.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: The Wave
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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I ran across an article online several years ago that explained it all really well, but I can't find it now. However I did find this one http://www.pugsnet.com/index.php?q=node/119.
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Re: The Wave
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Learned Hand
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I don't think they would be able to do it properly in countries where they drive on the other side of the road, such as the UK, Australia or here in Thailand. Maybe they do something different? I've never noticed anyone, here in Thailand, do any kind of wave to other bikers. But, to be fair, there are a lot of bikes (well, we call them scooters in the US) on the roads here.
With my less than perfect left shoulder now, I may or may not do a wave. Sometimes, I just don't feel comfortable to lift my arm off the handlebars, especially at higher speeds.
Last edited by Conwy; 07/13/2012 12:48 AM.
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: The Wave
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I don't wave unless I know someone, if I do it's a thumbs up. I always thought it was stolen from farmers, you know every damn farmer in a pickup, on a rural road, that waves at you as you pass head on. I always wave at the farmers, never know when they'll be answering the door when I ask permission to hunt. I've ridden since the mid 60s, I don't remember this biker wave appearing till the last decade. 
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: The Wave
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I have ridden motorcycles since the mid seventies and acknowledging an other motorcycle rider with either a wave or a slight head movement has always been done here in Australia as far as I am aware. Of course Hardley riders only nod at other Hardley riders and BMW riders are too scared to let go of the handlebars. Apart from that it is just courtesy unless you are just too cool.
By wave I mean just a slight hand raise not wildly waving your hand like a d1khead.
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Re: The Wave
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Loquacious
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Usually a nod of the head over too. The continent wave. It seems the smaller the movement, the more cool you are 
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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Re: The Wave
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Freelance Jedi Knight
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Freelance Jedi Knight
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Quote:
Usually a nod of the head over too.
The continent wave. It seems the smaller the movement, the amore cool you are
.......U are to big to do small movement .........greets from sunny Poland 
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Re: The Wave
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Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
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Stevie, what your explained about Aus is pretty much the way it goes here. Love the respect and acknowledgement thing. Another similarity between our countries is the Harley thing. Sometimes after a Harley dude salutes me, then realizes I'm not of Harley stock... I imagine his embarrassment in poor judgement. May he be forever rehabilitated to be a contributor in life, with a wave to anyone balls enough to ride bike!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: The Wave
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Loquacious
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Always fun to watch the shocked expression when a sportbike rider waves at me when I'm on one of the scooters - then realizes what he's done.  Especially if he's the first in a group of bikes. I saw one guy actually look back at the others as if to say "ya'll didn't see that, OK?" Does anybody else remember the raised closed fist "wave" of the late 60's/early 70's?
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Re: The Wave
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I guess I'm going to have to replace my hoola girl attached to my headlight with one of these. http://www.etsy.com/listing/99053887/vintage-hi-sign-waving-hand-car-window
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: The Wave
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Well being from the South its just natural for me. I think it at the minimum says "Hey at lest I see you if none of these damn cagers do" If im in my car or pick up it usually just to people round the neighborhood or in my home town where its small and slow enough for people to acknowledge and return greetings, or passing by someone on an old country road. On highways and crowded streets only to other riders unless I'm giving someone the middle finger salute.
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Re: The Wave
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Because we are like knights or something BS, but funny article. http://bigbearbikers.com/bbrr/wave.html 
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: The Wave
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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Re: The Wave
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Quote:
Well being from the South its just natural for me. I think it at the minimum says "Hey at lest I see you if none of these damn cagers do" If im in my car or pick up it usually just to people round the neighborhood or in my home town where its small and slow enough for people to acknowledge and return greetings, or passing by someone on an old country road. On highways and crowded streets only to other riders unless I'm giving someone the middle finger salute.
I to grew up in the South and there is a little guilt in not waving back to other motorcyclist. But, I live in a big city, I might pass six motorcyclist on the road to fuel up six blocks from my home. I'm too busy staying alive for this while riding comradeship. Being the elitist I am, I always acknowledge Triumph riders, trust me that won't cause many moments of distraction. I admit to a thumbs up to another rider out on a desolate road. I'm always ready to enjoy the camaraderie when the bikes are parked. 
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: The Wave
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its all about ackowlegeing someone with what may be the same mindset as you, as if you somehow know each other and you are greeting an old friend. you are out there and so is he/she in this world of cagers and pitfalls around every corner taking the same risk so you just by being there have this common denominator. i get just as many waves from hd guys as any other cruiser guys, its the sportbike guys that dont seem to wave, i think it must be because of that uncomfortable position they sit in  i think a wave from a fellow rider is nice. i know there are a lot of you that dont know it but i believe it was WOJO or maybe it was JR?? that started what has been come to be known as the BA.COM wave. it is only for when you see another BA/SM rider and it is like the masons secret handshake. only those in the circle know the secret wave
I'm thinking we adopt a secret salute that will represent the humor exhibited on this site. My submission is the Spanky and Our Gang salute. 
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: The Wave
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This is common with Jeep owner too, they only wave to other Jeep Drivers. Back home you wave to anyone while driving through a neighborhood or down a dirt road, it's redneck logic, you wave, you're a friend, they dont shoot you when you break down. On the bike I toss you two fingers to passing riders, take it as a peace sign or to my friends that ride it's simply, 2 shot glasses and a bottle of tequila. 
"stupid's in the water these days, they're gonna drink it anyways, until they don't know right from wrong..."
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Re: The Wave
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Land Rover drivers do the same. I think the "redneck", or as I prefer rural, thing is part welcome and part acknowledgement to a stranger "you've been seen". In rural areas where everyone knows their neighbors and there isn't much of a law enforcement presents, that's probably not a bad idea.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: The Wave
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To be honest it depends on my mood if I wave or not and the amount of friendly nods/waves I have received.
It's a rapidly changing world with more people too cool to acknowledge other riders.
Alot of the time when the weather is hot I wear a bandana or neoprene face gaurd so as not to get wind burn/sun burn , when I just ride with my grey beard showing I will notice other grey beards . The sports bike riders with full face helmets will occassionally nod.
I think it's dying out gradually except maybe on remote sections of road.
Peace in the country when the sun goes down , the corn is gettin' high
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Re: The Wave
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Learned Hand
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When I had my VW Buses (3 of them), it was expected that you would wave at another VW Bus driver. I probably wave/nod to too many folks on two wheels. of course only if I feel it is safe enough to do so.
~Brent
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"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
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Re: The Wave
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Always a nod or a wave. Even for scooters. They have balls to ride those ... Far more dangerous than a motorcycle, even if they don't know it.
Cheers, Richard
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09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: The Wave
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
By wave I mean just a slight hand raise not wildly waving your hand like a d1khead.
The "wild wave", while standing along the bike, is the national Harley gesture known by all that means "HELP!!!" or, "send for a truck"!. Occasionally a rider will accidentally use this wave while still riding a bike, creating a certain degree of confusion. Right Dave?
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: The Wave
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Maybe it comes from the days when bikes were unreliable and it was a "I'm ok mate" gesture.
I usually nod to other riders,I will wave occaisonally
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: The Wave
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A wave, a nod of the head or the show of a leg seem to be the done thing from what I've seen, unless its a sports biker whose going that fast they darent take their hands of the bars or gang members who are just to damn "hard" to acknowledge you cos it's not "showing class"!!  But me, I wave to em all.  Good riding this weekend and don't forget to wave or shake a leg or nod your head, whatever, just don't fall off!! 
I'd rather ride it than clean it!!!!
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Re: The Wave
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"the show of a leg" must mean something entirely different in the UK.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: The Wave
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
Quote:
By wave I mean just a slight hand raise not wildly waving your hand like a d1khead.
The "wild wave", while standing along the bike, is the national Harley gesture known by all that means "HELP!!!" or, "send for a truck"!. Occasionally a rider will accidentally use this wave while still riding a bike, creating a certain degree of confusion. Right Dave?
but I actually am a dickhead, so I can do it like that 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: The Wave
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BMW riders must be some cool sunsabitches. Quote:
Usually a nod of the head over too.
The continent wave. It seems the smaller the movement, the more cool you are
2009 America
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Re: The Wave
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Gotta say, I think this whole "The Wave" thing is just sooooo lame nowadays! Ya see, I will ONLY participate in THIS during the seventh inning stretch and NEVER at any other time during the game. (...oh...wait...never mind...I guess I was a bit confused here)  
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: The Wave
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
Gotta say, I think this whole "The Wave" thing is just sooooo lame nowadays!
Ya see, I will ONLY participate in THIS during the seventh inning stretch and NEVER at any other time during the game.
(...oh...wait...never mind...I guess I was a bit confused here)
When I first saw the subject that was EXACTLY what I thought it was about.
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Re: The Wave
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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Heck, I'll toss 2 fingers out to passing riders in acknowledgement...if their on a decent cruiser. The sport bike types in my neck of the woods don't usually make any effort....probably due to the abnormal rider position or sheer terror alone. I figure it's a form of acknowledgement of mutual respect (even from the HD types).
Karl
Independence, MO
'07 America, Cinnamon Girl (aka: Black Beauty) - Sit Down, Shut Up & Hang On
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Re: The Wave
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
Gotta say, I think this whole "The Wave" thing is just sooooo lame nowadays!
Ya see, I will ONLY participate in THIS during the seventh inning stretch and NEVER at any other time during the game.
(...oh...wait...never mind...I guess I was a bit confused here)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0K2dvB-7WY
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Re: The Wave
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Good vid, thanks. The camera angle probably doesn't do it justice. I imagine from the pits, it looked like a wheat field in the wind.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: The Wave
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Back in the mid 60's when I started rideing you sometimes went weeks without seeing another bike.You not only waved you often pulled over to talk to that indiviual.As more and more bikes started showing up a wave became enough.Now a days with a bike across from you almost all the time even a wave is dieing out.
"Big" Jack Wilson
Mishawaka,IN.
2010 Thunderbird
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Re: The Wave
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I admit, I do wave at others, while riding around town caught in the rain, I feel a kinship with them, WE ARE BOTH IDIOTS! 
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: The Wave
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
I admit, I do wave at others, while riding around town caught in the rain, I feel a kinship with them, WE ARE BOTH IDIOTS!
Guess that makes me a plain ol' MORON! I ride in the rain by choice.
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Re: The Wave
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
...Does anybody else remember the raised closed fist "wave" of the late 60's/early 70's?
Of course!
We were a bunch a bad sumbitches back in the day, eh?
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Re: The Wave
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Quote:
Quote:
...Does anybody else remember the raised closed fist "wave" of the late 60's/early 70's?
Of course!
We were a bunch a bad sumbitches back in the day, eh?
That's interesting, I didn't know we had any Olympic medalist or Black Panthers on this site.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: The Wave
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Where I live a low 2 finger semi-wave in normal, it does not matter if your on a cafe racer, HD, or any other cruiser...they all wave with the exception of BMW's and Can-Ams. I don't mind, it's an acknowledged brotherhood. I often pull off to the side of the road to take pictures...I can't count how many times another rider stops to make sure all is ok.
Ride like you mean it.
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Re: The Wave
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Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
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I wave at everyone on a bike just two fingers often dont gat a wave back i never see a triumph only once in a while a daytona or speed triple.
Where the Hell do all these parts go. 04 America,73 Daytona,85 Rebel
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Re: The Wave
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I prefer how it was done when I was stationed in the UK and that was a head dip to the center line. I find a wave annoying and won't always take my hands off the bar depending on things
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