So I’m out for a ride today with beautiful temps and sun is shining. A groupt of about 7 or 8 motorcyclists (riding Harleys) pass me along a country road. As they go by each on of them did a little hang loose sign with their left hand as they pass me on my left. I wasn’t sure if that was meant for me (there were no other vehicles in the area) or was it some kind of signal to each other. I always raise a hand or say hello when I pass other cyclists but never really though of motorcyclists as part of that club. Just a friendly greeting to a fellow 2 wheeler or have I been watching too much Sons of Anarchy?
I always find that motorcyclist and cyclists have two important things in common. First they like to ride on the same routes we ride. and they are concerned with traffic safety just like we are.
I am around construction sites frequently and I can show up in my button-down and tie, and have a great conversation with the guy behind the shovel if we talk about Cycling/motorcycling. For instance, the Hwy Dept. did a chip and seal on a favorite route with too much gravel overlay (death to skinny tires). The motorcyclists hated it worse then the cyclists. They look funny in leather and we look funny in lycra. It’s like we are brothers. 
I say yes. Myself and several of my cycling friends also ride motorcycles. So, I always wave at cyclists of the other variety whichever bike I’m on.
A lot of older cyclists give up on the bike without a motor and pick up a bike with a motor, *never to be seen again. *
Many of the same issues. Hate loose dogs, concerned about being seen by idiot drivers talking/texting on cell phones, etc. A bit of a fellowship of shared concern.
i just passed a large group of motorcycles on my ride about an hour ago and wondered the same thing! I’ve rode motorcross most of my life, and as others have said, there are a lot of similarities.
A few years ago I cycled down Hwy 243 from Idyllwild to Banning (an awesome thrill ride). A large group of canyon racers were coming up the road on their low-slung, faired superbikes. Everyone of them gave me a thumbs up. I would have returned the gesture as I’m particularly fond of Ducatis and will own one some day, but I was holding on for dear life. Yeah, I think there is some amount of comradierie.
I agree with everything mentioned thus far however, the times I’ve been buzzed it has usually been by a large pick-up truck or a motorcycle. I guess there are bad apples in every bunch.
i just passed a large group of motorcycles on my ride about an hour ago
Dude, props! Just curious, how fast were you going when you went on by :-)?
haha oh you know, just about 60mph no big deal.
I assumed the “open hand, palm forward, below the waist wave” was the appropriate gesture. Agree?
You are correct, that is the motorcyclist wave. I was told that it was because bikers should wave to each other, but at highway speeds extending your arm overhead to wave could result in an unfortunate shoulder dislocation…
This may be a regional/local thing. In general, where I live in Michigan, Harley riders always blast their pipes in my ears when they pass. I notice Harley guys also love to ride the yellow line when I’m driving, too. Generally, sport bike riders are the best to cycle around in my area. At the end of the day we may have many issues in common with them but they are definitely not a part of any 'hood with me. To disparate a culture.
“The only difference between a Harley and a Hoover is the location of the dirt bag.”
No but they are usually respectful. That never hurts.
Only Ducati and BMW riders.
i jsut got a motorcycle, riding it past cyclists on the road I sensed as if I was acknowledged by the cyclists as I am when I ride my regular bike.
I ride both regularly. Motorcyclists are by far more friendly regardless of what I am riding. Cyclists always seem either too intense about their ride or else terrified of being run off the road or something to actually smile and wave (or even nod) .
iMO totally depends on the individual riding… I have had considerate people in all type of transport, sadly you,also,have a disproportionate number of selfish ignorant arrogant under educated people…
I have ridden on and off road bike and motorbikes for 20years now and the only common ground is the exposure level… but thatndosen’t,inherently make the individual more considerate…
Anyhow,just done am500kms bike,week and another,3’hrsmtoday,in the,sun… So I’m tranquilo right now…
just stick your arm down and out to the side and shake your wrist once or twice
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Many of the same issues. Hate loose dogs, concerned about being seen by idiot drivers talking/texting on cell phones, etc. A bit of a fellowship of shared concern.
Add to the common issues list having cold hands in the fall on descents. I just finished a ride and as I was riding into town from my last descent I came up to a motorcyclist trying to warm their hands at the traffic light just like I was!