Why do bikers tilt their head sideways to say hello

As the title asks, I usually nod my head to say hi but I noticed that the majority of people saying hi seem to tilt their heads. Is there a reason?

Originally Posted by Maverick9999

As the title asks, I usually nod my head to say hi but I noticed that the majority of people saying hi seem to tilt their heads. Is there a reason?

When passing a bike on the opposite side of the road it can be hard to see the nod if you just nod forwards. The sideways tilt is easier to see.

Also, the sideways tilt allows the tiltee to see the road ahead.

As above. I took a ride out to Bristol from London today to see a friends newborn and had a variety of nods and wags. One guy even waved.

I started off nodding when I got my bike but as mentioned, soon realised I was taking my eye off the road and also from seeing if they were courteous back.

The only time I tend not to say hello is when kicking it down a motorway. Saw someone nod from the inside lane on the M4 today but I didn't respond for fear of my head blowing off in the prevailing wind. :P

Originally Posted by Maverick9999

the majority of people saying hi seem to tilt their heads. Is there a reason?

i seee.... thanks for clarifying guys!

I've also had moments I'd like to say hi but too scared to move anything incase I become unstable/unsafe.

I'll tilt my head - as has been said, easier to see than just nodding, and you actually nod in their direction, which I think is more cordial.

I've been known to wave now and then, especially when I'm sat in traffic in neutral or if I'm just pootling along at a sedate pace. Just a quick raise of index and next finger. Sometimes say 'wotcha' inside my lid too


Got passed the other day by a lad on a Blackbird, he gave me an index-finger wave, just took his hand off the bar, raised his finger and carried on. Nice of him!

[TamSV]

Oh I do the lot.

Forward nod
Sideways nod
The "owdo" flick of the head up and to the left
Raised right index finger
Open right hand
Full blooded left hand wave

Overtaken bikes, and cars that pull over for me, get a left index finger raise, an open hand on the bar or sometimes a thumbs up if they've been especially observant.

And it's not just "regular" bikes. I'll wave at choppers, 1%'ers, police, learners and sometimes even scooters.

It's only a matter of time before I graduate onto the sit back, no hands, double finger point.

I'm so busy waving it's no wonder my riding has barely improved in 20 years.

not being funny but on nice sunny days i get to only nodding to 1 in 3 or 4 as otherwise you end up head banging down the road

[mikerj]

Originally Posted by TamSV

It's only a matter of time before I graduate onto the sit back, no hands, double finger point.

I want to see this