Biker Nods - what's the etiquette?

[UK Bike Forum Member]

I was just wondering what, if any, the etiquette is for biker nods ?

I've mostly been out on my own since I past the test and obviously nod when seeing other bikers.

Since the weather has picked up there's loads of bikers out and I wondered what is the "done" thing when riding in a group or riding past a group?

For example, when I went out on my own on Saturday, I ended up catching up a group of 3 bikes on the way past Trecastle. And another biker joined behind me! Lol
- Then inevitably we passed multiple groups of bikers......

Question is, being in a pack, do I nod to every passing biker? Do I nod only to the leader of the pack? As I'm in the middle of my riding pack, should I nod at all??

Or am I asking too many questions and just nod as I feel necessary???? 

This is just something that crossed my mind on Saturday, should I nod, shouldn't I? Will I look like a bobble head ???

What about motorways? - do you nod to bikers passing the opposite carriageway ?

Be interesting to see what everyone thinks on this.

Cheers

Tris

[UK Bike Forum Member]

From my point of view I'll nod when on my own, I'll nod once whether it be a single rider or group. They usually pick up on it and various riders will nod back and others won't. If I'm part of a group I'll nod only if it's initiated first or if I'm travelling quite leisurely I'll nod, wave or stick my thumb up. 

If it's a weekend and I'm in "biker" country I'll generally not bother, I'd have a sore neck by the end. Also I found it a distraction, cos inevitably once I nod, my mind sometimes wanders on to "that was a nice gixxer.... like the sound on that can.... oh feck that corner came up quick" 

So if I'm having a "brisk" ride I probably don't nod. 

Basically it depends on the situation, as sometimes it can be a pain in the arse!

[UK Bike Forum Member]

I nod to a single biker,and rise my hand to a group, hope this helps.

[UK Bike Forum Member]

In the old days, ('during the war' in the words of Uncle Albert) it was good to actually see another bike during your journey and the nod was acknowledgement of respect in my view.

The biking community is so big now I'd be continuously nodding so I'll nod if nodded to now adays or if I like the bike coming towards me etc. I also try to nod to mopeds so long as it's not ridden by a chav who's just nicked an OAPs handbag. I reckon it gives some encouragement in that they're coming up through the ranks and yes, they are riding a hair dryer but it is 2 wheels and with age and experience they can get something bigger.

As far as etiquate goes, is there one?

[UK Bike Forum Member]

I think nodding is a symbol of togetherness a brotherhood of such

I personally nod to solo bikers & a long hand out sort of wave to groups

The nod can & does mean so many things & if we lose that I think I'll join a car club

We have a universal sign language that every biker knows from day one like

the nod = hello/respect

  = police or pork puller down the road/ not safe slow down

I can't think of anymore

[UK Bike Forum Member]

I think nodding is a symbol of togetherness a brotherhood of such

I personally nod to solo bikers & a long hand out sort of wave to groups

The nod can & does mean so many things & if we lose that I think I'll join a car club

We have a universal sign language that every biker knows from day one like

the nod = hello/respect

  = police or pork puller down the road/ not safe slow down

I can't think of anymore

This is how I understood it since I first got into bike years ago (before passing the test)

I also use the thumbs down approach frequently when riding/driving, to warn of upcoming or hiding coppers round the next bend.

But now I'm in the thick of it, I don't want to become a bobble-head - lol. I shall continue to nod as I have been. When safe of course! - the hand out/wave for group is good idea too. I shall use that one also 

cheers lads

Tris

[UK Bike Forum Member]

I think nodding is a symbol of togetherness a brotherhood of such

I personally nod to solo bikers & a long hand out sort of wave to groups

The nod can & does mean so many things & if we lose that I think I'll join a car club

We have a universal sign language that every biker knows from day one like

the nod = hello/respect

  = police or pork puller down the road/ not safe slow down

I can't think of anymore

  when some one is being a twat

[UK Bike Forum Member]

 

I wink and blow a kiss    hope this helps!

Phil

[UK Bike Forum Member]

I'll always nod a solo biker, big groups I'll nod the lead man and then a second towards the back if its a large group, most will see one of the nods!

for the rozzers or speed cameras

as Muffy said for someone being a nobend

one of these for a cage driver who does something a little naughty which doesnt warrant the above

one of these when I see MM in his kilt!

one of these when I see one of our many lady bikers!

one of these when Pope gets bored and decides he'll see us later!

one of these when I tell a joke

one of these when phile tells a joke!!

and this one most of all cos I'm always just avin a laff!!

[Pope]

I'll always nod a solo biker, big groups I'll nod the lead man and then a second towards the back if its a large group, most will see one of the nods!

for the rozzers or speed cameras

as Muffy said for someone being a nobend

one of these for a cage driver who does something a little naughty which doesnt warrant the above

one of these when I see MM in his kilt!

one of these when I see one of our many lady bikers!

one of these when Pope gets bored and decides he'll see us later!

one of these when I tell a joke

one of these when phile tells a joke!!

and this one most of all cos I'm always just avin a laff!!

Tristan,  Ninjawarrior has covered pretty much all the bases with the above explanation 

I find nodding is a bit boring so I do standup wheelies to acknowledge another bikers' presence

[UK Bike Forum Member]

I'm too important to nod so I have a small black boy strapped to my bars to nod for me.

[UK Bike Forum Member]

I'll always nod a solo biker, big groups I'll nod the lead man and then a second towards the back if its a large group, most will see one of the nods!

for the rozzers or speed cameras

as Muffy said for someone being a nobend

one of these for a cage driver who does something a little naughty which doesnt warrant the above

one of these when I see MM in his kilt!

one of these when I see one of our many lady bikers!

one of these when Pope gets bored and decides he'll see us later!

one of these when I tell a joke

one of these when phile tells a joke!!

and this one most of all cos I'm always just avin a laff!!

Tristan,  Ninjawarrior has covered pretty much all the bases with the above explanation 

I find nodding is a bit boring so I do standup wheelies to acknowledge another bikers' presence

I take you were bored passing me on Saturday them

[UK Bike Forum Member]

If someone cuts in front to close.

[UK Bike Forum Member]

I'm too important to nod so I have a small black boy strapped to my bars to nod for me.

Love it!!

I used to get pissed off if I nodded and someone didn't nod back but I think sod it, just keep nodding!

[UK Bike Forum Member]

This has turned into a pretty funny thread - love it !