Motorcycle hand sign etiquette

[Xhilr8n]

So a couple days back we had a proper drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, just a couple of miles from our garage, and part of the reason this car is in that garage.

 

All sorts of folks out enjoying the weather and the experience.  Numerous motorcycles, some bicycles, and folks stretching the legs of their cars.  But rarely over 50 mph.  Just right as we are still in break in.

 

Here’s my question.  If enthusiastic motorcycle folk give us the two fingers down, what is our appropriate response?

 

Two fingers down too?   Four down?  Wave?  Peace sign?  Other?

[John B]

Two fingers down is a form of camaraderie and respect between motorcyclists. It originates from "keep your wheels on the ground". 

Giving two down to a Caterham is probably an acknowledgment that it's a cool motorcycle-like thing, although arguably, they should have given you four down.

[CBuff]

I actually wondered this myself.  I end up returning the gesture but since we are sitting on the ground it ends up being two fingers up (peace sign).  I get that this is opposite of the intended signal (keep two wheels down on the ground).  But creative license like so many things with these cars.  As I am not a motorcycle rider. I have enjoyed the unexpected kinship with the two wheel crowd. 

Edited September 25 by CBuff

[toldfield]

Back in the old days my dad had an MG TD.  At that time it was a simple four fingers up to an oncoming British sports car.  

[Xhilr8n]

Surely some of us know some experienced motorcycle folk who could help us out, see what they think.  

[theDreamer]

On coming sporty convertibles like Boxsters or Miatas usually give us a palm forward wave above the windscreen. I will return the gesture. As we run 99% of the time with the doors on oncoming motorcycles get a thumbs up above our windscreen. While motoring on multilane roads people who pass us often have their phones out so I'll turn and give 'em my best Winston Churchill “V” sign held above the door with a big grin.

[Xhilr8n]

Yes I’ve flashed the Victory or Peace (depending your side of the pond) at photographers.  
 

But they don’t offer a first hand gesture.

 

I’ve realized there’s a bigger question. What if any gesture could we properly offer a motocyclist?  Or is our station in life to wait to be invited but with a response prepared?

 

And yes the cool part is that we sense in each other a level of awareness and intensity of Life that most folks will never know.  And the risks we accept.

[Xhilr8n]

I was talking with some other Lotus folk about how we need a way to signal to other Lotus we see in the wild that we also have one. 

 

We figured just a simple L on the forehead would be recognized by all of us.

 

(Seriously we love our Lotus)

[slowdude]

Motorcyclist, two hands down is just an acknowledgement of you also being a fellow rider.

 

Getting it in a car is quite a feat, usually means you have something really cool.

 

Peace sign back is perfectly acceptable. @Vovchandr knows whats up too!

[Xhilr8n]

Fellows I’ve canvased my pals who have ridden two wheels a lot. I guess all of us have lost a close friend or family member to a motorcycle.  I sure have.

 

My understanding is that the two fingers down is a sign of respect that we are doing something inherently dangerous but inherently a part of who we are.

 

When it happens again my prepared response is two fingers lifted to my left temple and a two fingered salute to the air.  

[Vovchandr]

12 hours ago, slowdude said:

Motorcyclist, two hands down is just an acknowledgement of you also being a fellow rider.

 

Getting it in a car is quite a feat, usually means you have something really cool.

 

Peace sign back is perfectly acceptable. @Vovchandr knows whats up too!

 

Two fingers down to greet. One finger back up facing backwards if they didn't do the wave back (yes you Harley owners and squids)