head nodding. what's the deal?

[Zed]

...I have two questions concerning the "nod". Where did it start?

An explanation from The Nonverbal Dictionary:

Rhythmically raised and lowered, the head-nod is an affirmative cue, widely used throughout the world to show understanding, approval, and agreement.

Though other types of affirmative head movements have been observed cross-culturally (LaBarre 1947), the affirmative head-nod is well-documented as a nearly universal indication of accord, agreement, and understanding (Darwin 1872; Eibl-Eibesfeldt 1970, 1971; Morris 1994). 2. "Others see it [the head-nod] as an abbreviated form of submissive body-lowering - in other words, as a miniature bow" (Morris 1994:142).

Moreover, the accessory nerve (cranial XI, which innervates trapezius), has a relationship with the vagus nerve (cranial X, which innervates the larynx in producing "hmm," "uh huh," and other "digestive" vocalizations). Thus, the affirmative head-nod may reflect an agreeable response to food. 3. Regarding the emphatic head-nod, the strong physical emphasis during its downward phase suggests a separate origin from the "yes" nod, which begins with an upward motion.

Second question, why do MOST cruisers not do it?

I don't believe you can stereotype cruisers cos I had two nod at me today!

You'll find that sprotsbike riders wave/nod at eachother more frequently because they are of the same breed, likewise cruisers I suppose. At the end of the day it comes down to the individual and what mood they are in at the time will determine whether or not they acknowledge the oncoming rider!

[Waylander]

Oddly enough I find that most SPORTBIKER riders don't wave back....

There are the exceptional few however.

[skidMark]

whether or not they acknowledge the oncoming rider!

or the one finger salute at the one who shows off overtaking them at higher speed lol

Cheers:MA

[cheetor]

Well I'll Wave if I can.. hpwevere it seems I'm always in the middle of changind down for a corner etc, so A nod is all I can safely manage

it sucks how so few bikers nod or wave theese days, I'm only a new biker, an d I'm always like to nod/wave, i've even had a few harley riders wave to me 9on my screaming 250

I like to think if ebven harley riders nod to me therestill hope for ALL bikers

I nod out or courtesy/respect for my fellow 2 wheeler

[Zed]

or the one finger salute at the one who shows off overtaking them at higher speed lol

Only if he's riding your bike!

This head nodding/waving thing is great if both riders acknowledge eacthother, otherwise it's the pits!

[TerminalAddict]

I'm a cruiser (and slow )
I wave, just about everytime .... if I can't spare the left hand I raise all four fingers on the left .. I've been acknowledge using both methods.

I've nodded twice, and been ignored :'(

[NordieBoy]

I wave :spudwave: to everyone... and I have had the 'patch' riders wave :spudwave: back to me...

Maybe they're trying to make you go away

[Dazza]

If a hairy face on some American Iron is too cool to wave back I give them the bird, I especially go out of my way to wave to scooter:

[idb]

I like to lift my visor and remove my sunglasses so that I can make eye contact.
I then call out a friendly greeting such as "great day for a ride innit buddy, that's a mighty fine *insert bike name here* you've got there - have you had it long or are you stealing it?"
I might then take off a glove and reach out to slap them on the shoulder as they go past to indicate that it's merely a joke.
I haven't yet had a response - and it doesn't matter what they are riding.
F*ckin snobs!

[Mattyc]

when ppl see me knod they are mistaken , im having a flashback from headbanging from my old long haired bogan days

[zadok]

If you do the head nod, at least you are doing the 'right thing'. If someone doesn't respond, you don't know why. It comes down to treating others as you would like to be treated. If you set the example, others that maybe wouldn't normally respond, just might start.

[sAsLEX]

..but at times both hands are required to ride

some people would disagree with you there OAB for one!

[Edbear]

I usually try to wave or nod dependin how busy I is, and I don't worry overmuch if someone doesn't respond as there can be a number of reasons - distracted by other traffic or something. HAve found most bikers to be real friendly and when I's on my bike I's pretty happy and unstressed.

[Zed]

...there can be a number of reasons - distracted by other traffic or something...

That's a good point my dear Watson , sometimes you do have to avert your whole attention to more 'life-threatening' happenings!

Officer: "so why did you ride into the back of that stationery truck?"
Injured Rider: "argh...too busy waving and looking at that 996 Ducati."

[DingDong]

I dont consider myself to be a prick but... I break peeps into:
1 Posers
2 riders
3 commuters
4 Harley riders

Posers include: all peeps sitting in cafe's no matter what they ride and anyone who just wants to say "look at me, Im a biker"

Riders include: sports/touring/enthusists (sp)/dirt/nostalgic and anyone who rides because they love their bike no matter what it is.

Commuters include: scooters and anyone who owns a bike because its cheap to run.

Harley riders: not all are concerned with image but most are... almost posers

I wave to everyone except cafe' goers and scooters... because I'mm 100% sure they're posers and commuters, I wave to harleys because some wave back but some are more concerned with how tough they look.

Sorry if I've offended you... but you'll need to get over it