The Motorcycle Nod: Where It Came from and Why It Still Matters

All us riders know ‘The Nod ‘. Whether you tilt your head forward or to the side, this passing gesture to other riders is a common motion we do, and it has been a thing for years. Drivers may not notice, but we certainly do. It shows respect, acknowledgment and a sense of belonging. 

But where did this tradition all start from and why did riders choose the nod?

Let's find out-

A Tradition Born from Brotherhood

If we trace back to where the nodding tradition all started from, the Post- World War 11 Era is where we will find it all began. 

Many soldiers that had returned from war took to riding motorcycles. Riding had a great sense of freedom after battling in the war. Veterans riding motorcycles soon became a brotherhood of men that came from the battlefield then into the civilian world. This shared identity of veterans on motorcycles then extended to fellow riders.

Back in the day, Motorcycling was somewhat frowned upon by the public. Riders were seen as rebels and outcasts. They were misunderstood. This led to riders acknowledging others to show them respect and acceptance, a way of saying “We’ve got your back” or “you're not alone’’

Why a Nod? Practicality and Culture

You may have seen or even done the nod here in Australia. It is most common here in Oz, the UK and parts of Europe. 

A Nod makes sense, no need to take your hands off the handlebars. You can be cruising, cornering or braking and a simple nod shouldn't distract your physical ability to control the bike. It is definitely the most visible to other riders and the acknowledgement is clear and obvious. 

The Nod is cool and fits well with old school riders. They are slick, discreet and don't need a show to let them know who is boss. 

British Motorcycle Clubs and the Nod

In the UK, the nod was used by members of Motorcycle Clubs. Some of the early clubs were formed in the 1950s, this also included regional riding groups. The Nod was a sign of being part of a riding community that was bound by the joy of riding. 

As riding was still seen an outlaw sport and riders were often seen as suspicious and out for trouble, the Nod tradition would remind other riders (that were also seen as a minority) that they were not alone and were sharing the road with other riders. 

The American Wave

Americas biker acknowledgement is slightly different. The nod is still a thing, but their greetings started with a Wave.  The left hand does a low peace sign or the shape of a V. The Biker culture really started to ramp up in the 1960s and 70s and so did the hand gesture. The hand gesture may have many different reasons in America, but still will always stand as ‘’We are the same, we got your back’’

More Than a Gesture

Motorcyclists will always be a minority on the road, even more these days with more cars than ever on our streets. Riders are outnumbered and can be vulnerable. A simple nod says, “you aren’t alone, we see you’’.

Seeing a fellow rider nod can give comfort and reassurance.

Do All Riders Nod?

No, not all riders nod. And you don't have to. New inexperienced riders tend to concentrate more on things that come natural to experienced riders so missing a nod is completely understandable.

 In parts of the world such as Vietnam or Thailand where scooters and motorbikes are the main transport, the nod is much less popular, and your neck simply couldn't keep up. 

And some riders just don't want to. They may be cooler, older or simply just want to ride, and that is ok.

So, riders do The Nod all over the world, just not all of us. 

Final Thoughts

Born from Veterans and kept alive by culture and brotherhood. It is more than just a nod, it has meaning. It keeps Bikers connected and proud. 

Riding is a culture and can be a dangerous hobby. Having the reassurance that you aren’t the only one tackling the streets on two wheels makes you feel safer. You have fellow riders that have your back. 

We don't care what you do, where you are from or how you got here, we are all bonded by our steel horse and that's enough to join us together. 

If you pass a fellow rider, keep the tradition and the brotherhood going., give ‘The Nod’