The Biker's Dictionary: How Communication Changes from Country to Country
The passion for motorcycles is universal, but this doesn’t mean that each country doesn’t have its own habits, traditions, and differences in gestures. Let’s take an example: the biker wave is the classic greeting exchanged between two motorcyclists when they meet on the road. In Italy, it’s done with the left hand, detaching it from the handlebars and making the V gesture with the fingers facing down. However, this is not the case in other European (and non-European) countries.
The biker wave is not the only gesture exchanged between bikers; there are also signals for road hazards, an invitation to overtake, signals for running low on fuel, headlights being off, and more.
Motorcyclists have a true communication code to exchange information on the road, which has helped strengthen the sense of community around the passion for two wheels. Many of these signals were born when there were no communication tools in motion; for example, the biker wave is said to have originated in 1904. Today, thanks to the use of intercoms, there are also other methods to communicate quickly and effectively between bikers, but it’s still important to know the "biker gestures dictionary," which will help you stay up to date, even when crossing Italian borders.
Biker Wave: The Motorcyclist’s Greeting
The most well-known and widespread gesture is certainly the classic greeting exchanged between two motorcyclists when they cross paths on the road. But where does it come from?
It is said to have originated with Arthur Davidson and William Harley, the fathers of Harley-Davidson, in the early 1900s. The gesture quickly spread among Harley-Davidson loyalists and later among Indian bikers, eventually becoming a universal gesture.
In Italy and Countries with Right-Side Driving
The gesture is very simple and you’ve probably seen it: two motorcyclists meet, and the left arm detaches from the handlebars, pointing down, making a V with the index and middle fingers.
It’s a quick gesture but full of understanding and brotherhood (or sisterhood).
In France
In France, there is a variation called the "Salut Motard," which still uses the left arm, but with the hand making the V gesture pointing upwards. This is actually a minimal variation, and you might still encounter French motorcyclists using the classic biker wave.
Australia, UK, and Left-Side Driving Countries
For countries with left-side driving, the greeting is the opposite: the right arm is used, always making the V gesture with the fingers. Since the right hand controls the throttle, the V sign is often only slightly raised, without fully detaching the hand from the handlebars.
Other Ways to Greet
In some situations, even for just a few seconds, detaching a hand from the handlebars isn’t safe, especially when riding at high speeds or on winding roads. In this case, bikers greet each other by slightly raising the right foot. This gesture also signifies respect and acknowledgment.
In some countries, the head nod has become popular as a greeting, again to avoid detaching hands from the handlebars.
Hazard Signaling
Bikers support each other and help each other in every situation, which is why hazard signaling on the road is so important and done in different ways:
Flashing headlights – this is a generic signal to warn of potential danger;
Slippery or hazardous roads – the foot is dragged on the ground;
Potholes or obstacles in the road – directly indicated by the hand.
Running Low on Fuel
Sometimes, you may run low on fuel and run out before reaching a service area. In this case, you can ask for help from other bikers by signaling with the thumb down on the gas tank cap, so they’ll know you need assistance!
Signaling Headlights Off
If you're traveling toward dusk or it’s getting dark and you cross paths with a biker who has forgotten to turn on their lights, you can signal them by quickly opening and closing your hand (this gesture is also common among car drivers).
Direction Signaling
If your turn signals aren’t working, it’s good practice to indicate your intended turn by pointing with your finger, to the right or left, to alert bikers and drivers behind you. If you want to let your companions know that you want to stop at the next service area, simply point to the sign for the area where you want to stop. Finally, if you’ve passed the intended exit, you raise your finger upwards and rotate it, signaling that you need to turn around.
Communicate Simply with Intercoms
Technology brings great revolutions, and this applies to communication between motorcyclists as well. The use of intercoms, especially among friends, couples, or groups, allows for simple, immediate communication without ever having to detach your hands from the handlebars.
It’s clear that this will never replace the tradition of biker gestures – that will always remain – but intercoms have become an indispensable tool for both weekend riders and long-range adventurers.
Wherever the road takes you, and in any country in the world you travel to, you’ll know that the only universal language is that of motorcyclists!