Meeting a group while riding solo etiquette

[DaHawk]

So today I was pulling on to the highway and a group of 6 riders go past, I was in a rush and passed them in the left lane and didn't wave.  Is there a way to have or acknowledge other riders when coming from behind, I was accelerating and wasn't about to wave with my right hand.  So what is normally done in that situation.

I passed them but we all met up at a stop light and they were in a tight group behind me.  I also have a full face helmet so any face gesture is out of the question.  I sorta just checked them out in my mirror and took off again because I was rushing to the bank.  Anything to do there?

I also have been wondering what to do if on the highway I come up behind a solo or a group and I don't want to pass them right away.  Is it standard to just hold back a few bike lengths?  If traveling a great distance does the rider in the tail end ever drop back and signal to the new comer anything?  Or if wanting to pass, would I just pass at a casual pace like passing any other vehicle? 

What are your thoughts and experiences?

[SteveM]

You could always give the lead rider a nod and a left hand wave when passing.

[Burgi]

I've had riders pass and throw me a wave down with their left hand, left hand over right shoulder "peace" sign style, a regular wave over their tank or nod (have to be looking sideways at them to catch the last two).
I've been passed a lot since when I am riding a scooter every motorcyclist seems to feel it is their duty to pass no matter how fast I am going. I guess they think it is an honor thing
When riding alone or in a small group I have had a solo that will sort of join up and fall in behind. There is a certain feeling of safety in numbers when you have a group of motorcycles riding together on the freeway, harder to miss seeing us. Just follow at a distance similar to a car, not closer, in formation as you might with a rider you know and are riding with.
If you are going faster than a group pass and wave if you wish, no obligation not to pass a bike anymore than there is not to pass a car. Just don't pull up a wheelie as you go....I HATE those guys

[skramer360]

Just don't pull up a wheelie as you go....I HATE those guys

+1 on that. I was riding last year on a semi back road going like 45, and these two bikes come up behind me. The first one was a squid and pulled a wheelie as he went by and the other was an older guy on a cruiser. The older guy shook his head in apology as he went by.

[ROJ]

When coming up behind another rider or group of riders, I'll tuck in and stagger them, as Burgi said - Safety in numbers. IMO anyway. I'd say as you pass, wave if possible or another sort of acknowledgement. I've also had guys come in and stagger behind me and if they leave oir I turn I get a wave from them.

[Brittles]

I always nod as I'm passing them.

Sometimes I'll ride in the back of the pack (keepin' a little extra distance) unless they lool like a bunch of 2 %r's.......

[coffee_brake]

When passing other riders (and also when being passed), I just extend the fingers of the hand on the grip nearest the other rider, as a wave, an acknowledgement of their presence on two wheels near me.

Anything less is just rude. I expect some acknowledgement from them if they are that near me, and if they don't, I assume they are either a newbie or a rude a-hole.

Then again, I'm Southern and our manners set is highly developed...

[soyavenger]

i like to slap my passenger seat like a jockey on a racehorse

HYAA!

in all seriousness, i dont feel theres any "obligation" to wave to other bikers, i try to if its safe and convenient, but if you go way out of your way, it looks kind of elitist, like hybrid drivers that wave to each other

[jerjohn]

Were better than hybrid drivers...

[happycommuter]

When faster riders pass me on the highway, I sometimes get a Roadrunner double horn honk.  As far as I know, it's a friendly recognition. 
Passing groups is less problematic than dealing with other solo riders at different speeds.  The group is unlikely to change lanes or suddenly vary their speed.  I make a point of hanging in the mirrors of slower riders before passing.  I've been startled by riders that buzz by out of nowhere, and I worry that I'm going to spook some newb or have some competitive dope think I'm issuing a challenge.

[LOKi]

You can also wave with your foot if your hands are occupied. Like when your taking off from a stop.

[gammer]

like hybrid drivers that wave to each other

Smug Alert

As I'm passing another bike, I like to turn my body/head 90 degress so I am starring just at them, and not the road in front of me. Then I shake my head in a disappointing "no" motion...as if to say: "I'm disgusted with how slow you are going".
Just Joking 

In all seriousness, I give a little wave.

[soyavenger]

Smug Alert

Thanks!