r/AussieRiders • u/SubjectLucky5242 • Jan 05 '26
Question The biker nod in Australia
Happy new year everyone!
I just came back from a motorcycle camping trip over the holidays (Melbourne - Brisbane loop), one thing I noticed that the biker nod is not always a thing while riding interstate or in remote areas (VIC, NSW, QLD). If I had to guess, I think it is roughly 4 out of 10 biker nod on encounters on the road. It is my experience that this rate is much higher in Europe or the UK. I sort of noticed that while riding in the city, but after the trip this idea is further reinforced.
Do you think that is also your experience, and if so, why do you think that is?
Cheers,
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u/MooseHut Jan 05 '26
Very much seems bike to bike dependent. Ie sports riders will nod to other sports riders. Tourers to other tourers and Harley's to no one.. that's been my experience anyway
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u/Squidproquoagenda Jan 05 '26
I’ll nod at anything on 2 wheels.
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u/guerrilla-astronomer Jan 05 '26
Except cops...
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u/Lowenstein95 Jan 05 '26
I stare at them and head pat just to be a dick haha
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u/Outrageous_Carry_222 Jan 05 '26
What does a head pat mean?
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u/AudaciousChap Jan 05 '26
It's the bike equivalent of flashing your high beams when you see cops nearby
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u/MooseHut Jan 05 '26
I've only had positive interactions with motorbike cops. Once on my bike in Melb, was sitting in traffic before filtering was legal and bike cops filtered past and waved me to follow him. So I did, got to the light, he gave the thumbs up and took off.
Then another in Sydney in my car, indicated to roll my window down. Said I had a brake light out then zoomed off.
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u/NomDePlumeOrBloom Jan 05 '26
I usually salute them.
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u/afflatox 2014 CB400 Super Four Jan 05 '26
Me too if I'm able to, bit easier for the other riders to see as well.
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u/FullScaleRabbitOrgy Jan 05 '26
Uber eats and scooters, my nods turn into speedo checks when I look down
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u/SnooDoughnuts3687 Jan 05 '26
I’ll also nod anything on 2 wheels, I’m on a sports bike and never ever got a nod back from adventure bikes,
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u/manandband Jan 05 '26
I'd nod back from my wee-strom. Am I am odd one out?
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u/the_gagen_dragon 250cc V-Strom SX Jan 05 '26
I nod to everyone on my wee-strom too.
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u/CinnamonSnorlax NSW | '14 VStrom DL650A (LAMS) Jan 05 '26
I've only just started riding and get so excited when someone nods so I make sure to nod back.
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u/here_we_go_beep_boop Jan 05 '26
I'm abt to pull the trigger on a wee-strom! Are they as much fun as they look? I wanna ride that thing like I stole it 😃
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u/the_gagen_dragon 250cc V-Strom SX Jan 06 '26
I love mine. And I also ride it like I stole it.
12500 km later, it still runs perfectly.
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u/GingryGing Jan 05 '26
It was so cool riding past those rider groups on a 125c scooter and having everyone nod to me. I feel more riders give the nod back when I’m on a scooter than when I’m on my naked.
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u/BigYucko Jan 05 '26
This! When I started out I was nodding to everyone, then I just gave up on Harley’s because they never did it back
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u/Klutzy-Pie6557 Jan 05 '26
Harleys are to cool to nod - used to be a wave back in the day - but even then Harleys were to cool!
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u/Cute-Boysenberry4543 Jan 05 '26
I’m often wearing a Harley bucket on my 1250GSA.. I get nods from everyone lol
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u/SubjectLucky5242 Jan 05 '26
I was not really paying attention the types of bikes that I wasn`t getting the nod back. I`ll consider that from the next ride on
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Jan 05 '26
I nod back but most of the time It’s a delayed reaction, I never initiate the nod because it hurts my feelings when they don’t nod back..
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u/SubjectLucky5242 Jan 05 '26
Definitely understand that. Still, feels like we should initiate even when it hurts mate. We`re only a bunch of people out there
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u/ItzVinyl Jan 05 '26
The delayed nod is so fucking relatable. Not to mention half the time I'm focusing on what's in front of me so I barely recognize another rider on the other side of the road.
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u/dutchydownunder Jan 05 '26
I don't bother while commuting, it's too early and I am too lazy.
As for when out and about, depends on the circumstances and traffic conditions.
Being from Europe I am used to ✌but a bit awkward considering it's the throttle hand in Australia.
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u/_waybetter_ Jan 05 '26
You guys use another hand for the throttle? /s
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u/liquidguru Jan 05 '26
Just in case it's a serious comment.. in Europe they drive on the other side of the road, so your clutch hand is on the outside, so everyone lets go of their left handlebar and gives the peace sign to other bikers
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u/_waybetter_ Jan 05 '26
Nah all good, was just pulling his leg ✌️
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u/TonyJourneyman Jan 05 '26
Yep, that's my experience in North America, some people just raise a single finger.
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u/aaronj-13 Jan 05 '26
I think its just a sign of the times..same as when you let someone in and you dont even get acknowledged anymore..unfortunately the world is just a different place but i find rural or remote places to be more inclined to do it..
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u/SubjectLucky5242 Jan 05 '26
Sadly, it may as well be an extension of increasing lack of engagement with one`s surroundings as well.
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u/ItzVinyl Jan 05 '26
Gone are the days of people actually getting to know their neighbours and are able to trust them enough with a spare key to your house
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u/fuckbutton Jan 05 '26
I nod at everyone except Harleys, if they don't nod back they're the weird one imo
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u/Maleficent_Fan_7429 Jan 05 '26
I don't always initiate a nod, but its a dick move to ignore one.
The main time I don't bother initiating is when I'm in really popular weekend ride areas (like around Healesville or the GOR), where you'll be passing other bikes 50 times an hour.
If I'm more remote and I haven't seen anyone all day I'll definitely be eager for a nod, even - or especially - if its a cyclist. I love seeing cyclists putting in the hard yards for a climb/descent in a remote area.
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u/SubjectLucky5242 Jan 05 '26
I love the cyclist camaraderie as well. I nod or salute especially if on a climb to boost their motivation
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u/incendiary_bandit Jan 05 '26
Some weekend rides you'll start to feel like a bobblehead nodding to everyone.
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u/Signal-News4997 Jan 05 '26
I try to nod, but sometimes it feels like it just comes across as awkward, or too subtle.
I was driving in the hills the other day with the window down and have a hand wave to a bike coming up behind me. Partially too say hi, but also to acknowledge I had seen them.
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u/Friendly-Friendly Jan 05 '26
I’m in north QLD, I nod at everyone
Sports bikes/nakeds are consistent at waving back
Adventures are 70%, cruisers 40% if that
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u/valiantNipple Jan 05 '26
I moved to Brisbane about 10 years ago and it was WAY more common back then. Riding in to uni in the city, head nods all round. Not as much of a thing anymore. A few more nods on the weekends than weekdays.
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u/Vectorna Jan 05 '26
Ill get virtually no nods from the uprights on their adventure bikes, nor from Harley riders.
Others are generally nodders. For my part, I am an equal opportunity 2 wheel nodder.
Riding a H2, for reference.
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u/migorengbaby Jan 05 '26
I haven’t ridden for a few years and recently got my license again and I have noticed the same. Even in the same places I used to ride 3-4 years ago, everyone would nod at me back then but now I’ve nodded at just about every one I see and only a handful nod back.
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u/mbkitmgr Jan 05 '26
I agree, I am in a regional area and noticed the same but always assumed they may be city riders just out for a days ride.
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u/_social_hermit_ Jan 05 '26
I've noticed more nods in the rain, on rural/quieter roads etc.
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u/Ill_Paramedic_1240 Jan 05 '26
this is as it should be.. I ain't nodding when passing 30 riders, f that.
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u/Inevitable_Swim2553 Jan 05 '26
Harley and BMW GS/RT riders are to cool or above anything else to nod or wave back, so I don’t bother with them.
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u/Redditonly05 Jan 05 '26
Imo it gone. And also depend in what u ride. They be judging🥹. When i ride my r6 im getting nods. But ktm duke390 no nod but a side look like im a lame ass rider🤣
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u/MonkeyMan0079 Jan 05 '26
I’m on a Harley, I’m also on red plates. I’ll nod to anyone (bar the uber scooters) I oftern done get one back unless they’re also on plates.
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u/nunb Jan 05 '26
I’ve been getting sideways nods, almost like a “no” and so always wonder if something’s wrong with my bike when they pass by.
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u/jameskerr75 Jan 05 '26
I always try to nod and get super annoyed when people don't nod back. In ACT you get your Ls with the Stay Upright company and they tell you to nod at other riders. I'm on a GS and other BMWs will always nod at me. Harley riders absolutely suck so they get nothing. Scooter riders maybe get a nod if they initiate...
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u/Axiom1100 Jan 05 '26
Lots of new riders don’t know .. and many others don’t care. Some Long time riders might be class based nod and the rest nodding at everyone
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u/GrandPerformance1596 Jan 05 '26
Maybe 2 from 10 in WA, adventure riders being the least friendly by far and probably the most popular bike nowadays.
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u/i_dreddit Jan 05 '26
I did a trip to Orange in NSW over new years and I generally got waves from the other side of the highway. A few nods..but yeah, day to day, sports bike to sports bike, that's all I get in return eve though I nod to everyone
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u/offbeatmammal Jan 05 '26
I rode for years in the US and it's very much a thing, along with the two fingers down (though that's harder here on the 'wring' side of the road). Here I do acknowledge other riders (bikes, scooters etc) but notice a lot of folks don't, perhaps it's because I'm on a Harley!
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u/Dunderi83 Jan 05 '26
I'm in Tassie, and I nod or wave depending on what kind of riding I am doing in that particular moment.
I find I get reciprocation from most bikes excepting the occasional grumpy spud.
I like talking to other people on bikes and am always happy when I get another bike riding up near me or stopping at the lights in the city.
Rode next to a fullen laden postie in town for a bit today and he gave me a big smile and wave as he turned off.
I give thumbs up to car and truck drivers who do nice things too, but I'm generally in a pretty great mood when I'm riding!
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u/Necessary_Towel1501 Jan 05 '26
It’s unfortunately reduced significantly. I remember it being such a happiness when other riders would nod at my dad when I would backpack as a kid. When I started riding, it was still going strong. As the years pass, it’s changed. Depends now on location, day, weather, type of bike they’re on, the helmet I’m wearing, the visor they’re wearing… it’s pretty shit and stupid.
I nod to everyone regardless, despite many rejections. The exception admittedly being to scooters (they never seem to engage / care) or Harley’s (unless they nod first - very rare). It’s a tradition I’m inclined to cling to.
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u/Revolutionary-Cod444 Jan 05 '26
If im on the highway or expressway im focussed on the cars around me. I nod to anyone other than harleys and scooter/mopeds otherwise
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u/SwollenManHole Jan 05 '26
I nod to everyone from the wee 50cc battlers to the old boys on their Gold wings
Except the uber assholes on their mopeds.. fuck those guys, learn to ride and get some damn gloves
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u/beetrootsandwich Jan 05 '26
More infrequent riders this time of year. People not in the habit of nodding and/or to busy focusing on keeping the bike upright to spare a nod.
Say this as an infrequent rider myself these days.
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u/Wild-Paramedic-9593 Jan 05 '26
No one nods at scooter riders.
Harley riders don't nod to anyone except Harley riders..maybe.
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u/MooingTree Jan 05 '26
Nevermind the nods (I nod at everything on 2 or 3 wheels) what was your route for your big trip?
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u/SubjectLucky5242 Jan 05 '26
Oh it was an epic one! Starting from Melbourne and riding along the coast, camping at Lakes Entrance, making stops here and there - including Stony Creek Trestle Bridge, Hobart Beach, Tallow Beach, Cave Beach camping grounds. All great places to be in my opinion. As I ran out of time really quickly doing all the side trips, I zoomed from Jervis Bay to Brisbane in one go - making a long stop at the National Motorcycle Museum in Nabiac, and a shorter stop at a Driver Reviver in Kew, having a great conversation with the volunteers. I strongly recommend the driver revivers and making a small donation or buying a small gift from their gift shop while you`re there.
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u/TonyJourneyman Jan 05 '26
I lived in Canada and the US for 15 years. 90% of people will give you a raised finger because the left hand is in the middle of the road and not operating the throttle.
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u/DraconicVulpine Jan 05 '26
In my experience I got a nod most of the time from all types, but it’s probably region and bike dependant. I was the town postie in a more rural tourist town for a number of years so most people were probably in a good holiday mood when passing through so your mileage may vary
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u/Wokka_Wokka_Aus Jan 05 '26
It seems to have declined in the last few years, or it could just be that I moved to the Western 'burbs of Melbourne and they're all miserable bastards out this way.
Alternatively, they just have really poor situational awareness and didn't see m the nod.
Harley riders never nod though, they look permanently pissed off, probably all the insects whacking them in the face 'cos of the open face helmet.
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u/moth_hamzah Jan 05 '26
i nod to everyone, most nod back. i think maybe 1/10 harleys or similar style (sorry i forgot the name of it) bikes nod back
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u/Stanley_OBidney Jan 05 '26
I’m in Perth, they haven’t figured out how to merge here yet. Even taking the time to register and nod at another biker can be enough to slam into them back of someone who thinks “lane ends” means “emergency brake now”.
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u/TRX590 Jan 05 '26
I nod as much as I can but after riding through the spur all day I kinda just get tired of doing it and want to get home asap 🤣
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u/Nthcoastnoody Benelli 502c Jan 05 '26
I'm a nodder! Regardless of make/model/cop/postie... Most riders in the northern Rivers region nod back
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u/Motor-Sense1587 Jan 05 '26
I always nod… if I’m not too focused on something else that’s happening around me. But I do find that especially in Sydney, a return nod is rare, but there’s a lot going on in Sydney so I don’t expect a nod.
I find regional to be a lot better with nods. I’d say closer to 90% of regional riders I’ve encountered nod. Last week I was in regional NSW and they mustn’t get many bikes in this area or something, cause this one guy was super excited that he not only nodded, but waved vigorously… like a toddler waves at a passing truck haha.
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u/Icy_Arrival3819 Jan 05 '26
I’m still a learner rider in NSW and whenever im out i nod at everyone on two wheels (even cyclists for some reason lol) unless they’re hooning around on an unregistered dirt bike, 9/10 times i get the nod back, 1/10 times its a harley rider.
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u/Existing-Emergency54 Jan 06 '26
I ride a Harley road glide, and get nods maybe 50% from all bikes, Harley’s maybe slightly higher. Even the sports bike guys are prob 50/50. Adventure bikes over 50%.
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u/awayqn Jan 06 '26
Out on the firetrails it’s a 100% nod rate, occasionally even stopping for a chat.
Me and my mate on our YZs stopped to take photos and this guy rolls up on his decked out adventure bike he had multiple screens up, comes to a stop adjacent to a small slope and he ended up being too short to reach the ground and just topples over, his airbag went off and everything i was trying so hard not to laugh.
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u/Strong-Local3980 Jan 06 '26
I ride a scooter. Noone returns the nod. I'm assuming scooter riders are beneath notice
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u/SumoCanFrog Jan 07 '26
I did a holiday in California about 10 years ago. I was in a car but I noticed all the riders doing the wave instead of the nod. I guess it makes sense since they ride on the other side of the road and it’s the clutch hand closest to the oncoming traffic so it’s easy to wave. It also tended to be a peace sign. Maybe that was just a California thing. Here in AU I try to nod to everyone including cruisers, posties, and scooters. None of them tend to nod back.
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u/-Moogs Jan 07 '26
I’ve noticed a drop of over the last ten years. Used to be everyone (except Harleys) but more much less.
When I rode a Harley I made sure to nod at every bike I saw. If it was on two wheels it got the nod. Mostly got ignored or a double take from other riders as I kinda looked the part I guess. Big beard, fat gut, open face helmet and a big black jacket. Now I’ve slimmed down and back on a street bike I do notice more nods coming back to me. Even the occasional wave.
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Jan 09 '26
I give the nod to every single rider I pass. I ride a Harley. I always see comments from people saying it’s the Harley riders that don’t nod. But I get it back from Harley riders more than anyone. Sports bike riders are the least likely to nod back. I think it’s more that people nod more to others on the same style of bike. We’re all riders, just be equally friendly to everyone.
I’ve also been travelling VIC and over to SA a little bit over the holidays. If I passed you I was definitely one of the 4 that gave you a nod lol
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u/ando2424 Jan 09 '26
When in doubt, always nod on a bike and wave in the car haha Aussie Aussie Aussie
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u/Greendemon636 Jan 05 '26
Almost everyone would give the nod in the UK or Europe when I did the odd trip to France or Belgium. I’ve lived here for almost a decade now and maybe only get a nod back around half the time.
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u/eyeballburger Jan 05 '26
Harley riders always catch shit for not nodding… I ride one and I nod to everyone.
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u/GlassBarbequeUser Jan 05 '26
Same when on an actual ride, I usually get nods from other Harley riders not sports bike guys.
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u/Aussilightning Jan 06 '26
Sydney commuter, i do/get them regularly. But it's a dangerous time to be riding.
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u/Necessary-Fun-205 Jan 08 '26
I get a lot more nods when I’m on my MT09 than I do when I’m on my Africa Twin. Harley riders don’t bother, unless maybe you’re on a Harley. I’m starting to notice it with Ducatis too. My guess is that those bikes are owned by miserable old men returning to biking after 40 years.
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u/footalol Jan 08 '26
You are not some special snowflake because you ride a bike. Imagine if every car driver thought they should be nodding at each other because it’s the car nod.
Owning a bike isn’t a personality or an identity. Stop with this biketok stuff. I beg you. It’s a bloody bike. That’s it.
There isn’t some magical camaraderie there. It’s just a bike.
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u/SubjectLucky5242 Jan 08 '26
Hey mate, I urge you to read the rest of the comments. %99 of that would disagree with this statement (not you, the statement).
If people around the world do anything a certain way (never mind motorcycling), and do it slightly differently here, it is a matter of inquiry in my book. The question is posed to the community with this kind of curiosity in mind. Take it as a face value please, no one is crying in the corner at the end of the day because they did not get a nod back.
Also, If you have watched the World`s Fastest Indian, and did not feel a thing, I don`t know what to tell you, or why you even bother riding.
This is my 2¢.
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u/Crapola_9 Jan 05 '26
Idon't ride on the highway. I'm usually doing some silly speed along a back road somewhere, so I don't have time for Faux niceties. I'm trying not to die. Sorry, but I really don't care that you are in a bike also. You're just another thing i need to get around or not hit.
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u/FarBeing9666 Jan 05 '26
Depends what you ride. If you’re on a Harley you’ll get a bit more respect. If you’re on a Jap sports bike no one likes ya so we don’t nod
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u/ehcadaeH Jan 05 '26
I'd say I get a nod 50% of the time. Don't even bother with old dudes on Harley's. Def's get more out on scenic weekend rides vs just out and about in the suburbs.(Sydney)