Why bikers give peace signs?

Question

Can anyone explain to me why sport bikers give peace sign? How come sport bikers don't give peace sign to cruise bikers? Are there any other signs?

Answer 1

Probably originated with the movie 'Easy Rider'. An Iconic movie for many bikers for over 30 years now....

Answer 2

If you ride you understand that you are in different group than those who drive cars. Or semis for that matter. It's just an acknowledgement that is basically saying "hey" "nice to see another bike" Look out for cars cuz they don't look out for you.

Answer 3

I asked my biker dad this question the other day....he said its kind of a "hey, whats up" and an acknowledgement at the same time to the other biker. He also said that sport bikers are kind of in a "different club" to put it vaguely than harley type bikers, so you wave to people in "your own club" most of the time.  

Answer 4

Yeah there are other signs. I had a guy on a crotch rocket flip me off.

Answer 5

<agrees with all...and like Earl, I never saw the peace sign here in Fla...mostly the down pointing finger, or just a nod.  There's really so many bikes here in central Fla that everybody pretty much goes about his biz, just driving takes all my attention.

Answer 6

I wave to be friendly. Index finger extended and left arm pointing towards the other lane or center line. Mostly to make drivers of cages and 18 wheelers wonder just HOW I could possibly know or recognize all these people on bikes while driving down the road. Really makes them wonder when everyone waves or acknowledges me back. Tickles my A$$ just to think what they may be saying in the car/cars behind me.

Answer 7

Must be a secret code.  

Answer 8

its not really a peace sign... its two fingers... it symbolizes "keep it on two", as in keep both wheels down, ride safely.

And people who ride cruisers do it as well... however, due to the fact that a faction of cuiser riders and sportbike riders lack respect for the other... they dont acknowledge eachother.

Answer 9

They want to look cool.  But we all know their losers.

Answer 10

I have sportbikes and cruisers give them to me.  Heck, even the people on scooters do it to me.

It's just a way of saying...

1) Hi

2) Keep it rubber-side down/shiny side up

3) Enjoy your ride

4) Good to see that you're part of the family (riding two wheels)

5) Stay safe

6) Etc.

Answer 11

I give it to all bikes, Its "Keep the wheels on the ground and the Shinny side up" It means ride safe and enjoy the day.

You'll notice that the touring bikes tend to wave, cruisers give the fingers down, crotch rokets dont do much waving, but thats ok.

I think that hand signals are the most important of all communication tools when riding in a group. Here’s a site that will help you sort out some of the most common ones.

The biker hand wave is highly individual and there is no right or wrong. In fact, a head nod is considered highly acceptable, although is less visible and therefore can be construed as stuck-up if the other rider misses it. Here’s a fun look at the subject.

I myself like a 45 degree angle down with flat palm and all fingers extended. For kicks however, I often utilize the “Queen’s wave” which is a real art form . . . scroll down this page to the picture titled, “Royal Wave from the Train,” and then imagine just twisting your hand at the wrist slightly left and right. That’s the Queen’s Wave and is highly unnerving to the uninitiated rider, but great for fresh rider reaction!

As to the other symbols, I’ve never found a really great guide to the meanings of foot pegs and helmet placement, but feel that these could just as easily be local customs rather than national, or by group or affiliation, etc. Like gang colors, beware mimicking without understanding and always remember, it’s usually free to ask! – Mama

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Answer 12

I ride & never  saw anybody give a peace sign. Usually people in my area, Southern CA, give a low wave if approaching each other.

Harleys usually don't wave back so sports bikes don't wave to them.

Waves are going out of fashion  IMHO. Back in the old days when bikes were less common it meant something. Now it is no big deal.    

Answer 13

i dont :)

if its safe and no cops around, i pop a quick sit down :) thats my way to say - keep it pimpn :)))