Is "The Nod" Still a Thing?

[Al Gorithum]

Just got back on 2 wheels after a long interlude.

30 years ago when I 1st started riding a big bike there was a customary nod towards a fellow biker when encountered on the road, but this time around on my daily ride around London/South Essex it doesn't happen. However, went for a blast around Hertfordshire on Sunday, and every biking brethren gave me the nod which reminded me of the old days.

How about you?

[FNG]

I always nod or if I'm mid corner and leant over, perhaps wave a leg (as I'd rather keep looking where I'm going).

I noticed at the start of the riding season there weren't many nods back - perhaps people were a bit overloaded on first rides out?

Most times now I get a nod, although amusingly sometimes from the first in a group but none behind bother their arse.

GS riders don't usually. Harley riders, very rarely. Scooterists I think know not to bother trying

[sgtbash]

I've just started biking and it seems hit and miss, maybe because I have L plates

As above, GS, Harley and scooter riders never nod but I think that's expected.

On the flip side, i've nodded to other L plate riders and they never nod back!

[KTMsm]

It is locally (countryside) and that's fine when I see maybe 10 bikers in an hour

However when near a biking spot and it can be 100 in 10 mins I don't and nor do most others IME

[alfaracer85]

Yep still a thing for me too. I've noticed I'm invisible to Harley riders but most others nod, L plates less so but I guess they're mostly new/don't care about some creepy bloke nodding to them.

Curiously I've noticed folk on cruisers/twins will nod to me more on the Aprilia, but on the ZX6R I'm invisible again

[Matt_Zeus]

Yeah I like to nod or wave. Very rare do I get a nod back from a Harley

[Cylon2007]

I still do

[KobayashiMaru86]

I try to, unless I'm mid bend or coming up to a junction. Even found myself doing it if I cycle too. Had a longer ride last weekend and saw plenty of nods, even bikers parked up would wave.

[Dick Seaman]

I'm a regular nodder, usually get one back.

Forgot about the GS riders' general dislike for it. Nodded as two GSs approached at the weekend and the first chap seemed to straighten up slightly to fully deflect my nod.

[Carnage]

It’s funny the comments on GS riders; I’ve got a GS and nod at everyone, but usually get ignored!

[FNG]

I think I might try a massive over-the-top impossible-not-to-notice wave for the Harley and GS guys next time I'm out.

[_Neal_]

FNG said:

I think I might try a massive over-the-top impossible-not-to-notice wave for the Harley and GS guys next time I'm out.

quality - think I may do the same. I like to nod at fellow bikers, usually get a nod back, riding in London and Kent.

[mike-v2tmf]

I always nod tend to get a nod back most of the time

[andburg]

I'm a nodder

[Biker 1]

I'm a nodder.
I never used to bother about learners, but I like the rebellious attitude of the young lads during the lockdown BS, so now make a point of it!! If I see a group of bikes, I tend to stick my leg out. No idea why.

[WarnieV6GT]

I always try to nod to acknowledge other bikers, I also use the nod to say thank you when I get let out of junctions etc. I do this in the car as well out of bloody habit..

[DirtyHarley]

_Neal_ said:

quality - think I may do the same. I like to nod at fellow bikers, usually get a nod back, riding in London and Kent.

I'm in east Kent and commute up to London every day on a Harley and I'll nod at pretty much everyone with the exception of delivereat types.

[Chainsaw Rebuild]

I always nod, I remember getting nods as an excited/apprehensive learner and loving it.

Why is it Harley riders and apparently GS riders (I haven’t noticed but I will keep an eye out now) rarely nod back? You would think they would want to nod back instead of reinforcing their negative reputations.

[sooty61]

I ride a Harley and always nod. I guess I get a response from about 70%

[Bob_Defly]

Here (Canada) it's a downward V sign / wave. Easier as we ride on the right so left hand can be free.