This humble biker gesture might trace back to the Harley founders themselves

The Harley-Davidson biker gesture known as the biker wave has become a time-honored tradition among motorcyclists everywhere.

It’s not just a hand signal, but a powerful, silent nod of respect that riders exchange as they pass each other on the open road.

Usually done by extending two fingers low and to the side, the gesture carries deep meaning within the riding community.

For many, it represents mutual respect, a shared passion, and an unspoken promise to watch each other’s backs.

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The biker wave has multiple origin stories

The origin of the biker wave is often traced back to two men called Arthur Davidson and William Harley.

If those names sound vaguely familiar, that’s because they are the legendary founders of Harley-Davidson, who supposedly exchanged the wave while passing each other on their bikes back in 1904.

That simple greeting between friends is believed to have caught on, eventually becoming a sign of unity adopted by riders of all brands.

Even seasoned bikers may not realize that the roots of the wave stretch back to the very beginnings of American motorcycle culture.

While the Harley-Davidson story is the most popular origin, it’s far from the only one.

Some theories suggest the wave came from returning World War II soldiers who adopted the ‘V for victory’ hand sign, which later became associated with peace and solidarity.

Another theory, more romantic than practical, links it to medieval knights raising their visors in a show of respect.

Though knights rode horses instead of motorcycles, the spirit of camaraderie and honor feels surprisingly similar.

This isn’t the only biker gesture

Regardless of which story you believe, the biker wave has endured for over a century, becoming a universal symbol of connection among riders.

Whether you’re on a futuristic BMW superbike with a nitrous oxide power boost, or a rusty 1947 Harley-Davison that was abandoned in a trailer, it’s all the same.

The biker wave transcends differences in motorcycle type, age, or experience level.

Importantly, safety always comes first.

Riders tend to keep the gesture subtle and controlled, which is often just a flick of the wrist, to maintain full control of their bikes.

It’s courteous to return the wave if you catch it, but there’s no pressure.

In any case, this is far from the only biker gesture out there.

A video of motorcyclists sharing secret gestures went viral earlier this year, and the internet was thoroughly confused by what they meant.

If you’re an aspiring biker, it might be time to start figuring them out, before you get left out.

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