To wave or not to wave, to help or not to help
Sexual Daredevil
SuperSport
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 597
From: Mother Earth- orbiting around Charlotte, NC. But now over the border in S.C.
I wave at most bike riders. Scooter riders have not yet caught on to the wave here as they are still in fear of their lives from the cagers. Most Harley folks do wave back though. If they don't, at least I showed respect first. I also wave as I pass someone so they don't become offended because I did so and want to race me up the road to the next light(see 600cc sportbike kids). I guess the wave really is about respect. It shows someone you you are aware of them and they are in the brotherhood of bikers. My wave is a arm out to the side with an open hand, similar to the players at the end of a game in single file on the field. I get more return waves and no problems from other bikers with this.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 137
From: Anniston, Alabama
I have no problems with other riders......so of my friends ride harleys, just not for me.
I laugh at some scooter riders though.....there is this one guy that sorta almost rides on the sidewalk, and never wears a helmet. The other day it was pouring rain and I fly bye him and all he has is a hat on. Come on people wise up and get some protective gear.......
Maybe I don't wave to scooter riders cause I am motioning for them to get a helmet or glasses or something.
I laugh at some scooter riders though.....there is this one guy that sorta almost rides on the sidewalk, and never wears a helmet. The other day it was pouring rain and I fly bye him and all he has is a hat on. Come on people wise up and get some protective gear.......
Maybe I don't wave to scooter riders cause I am motioning for them to get a helmet or glasses or something.
Thread Starter
AZ RIDER
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 294
From: Arizona
that puts my watching the dropped bike to shame that was great
this video rocks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rueC1r8W1s[/quote]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rueC1r8W1s[/quote]
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 105
From: Hudson Valley, New York
I wave to everyone, although scooters do make me hesitate...
I pulled off I-84 once to check on a Harley guy broken down on the shoulder (he'd broken his primary drive belt so was completely immobile). When I walked up to him, he started laughing, and told me I was the only biker who'd stopped to see if he was ok, and this on a gorgeous summer Sunday, with lots of riders on the road. "Figures the one guy who stops is on a Jap bike!" he said (I was on the VTR at the time)... so I figure it was a good gesture on my part. Funny thing: none of the Harley gangs riding by us stopped to check on 'one of their own'...
I pulled off I-84 once to check on a Harley guy broken down on the shoulder (he'd broken his primary drive belt so was completely immobile). When I walked up to him, he started laughing, and told me I was the only biker who'd stopped to see if he was ok, and this on a gorgeous summer Sunday, with lots of riders on the road. "Figures the one guy who stops is on a Jap bike!" he said (I was on the VTR at the time)... so I figure it was a good gesture on my part. Funny thing: none of the Harley gangs riding by us stopped to check on 'one of their own'...
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 276
From: Ranson, WV
I've only been riding for 3 years, so I have a tendency to not wave first because I feel that I should be operating my bike, and not socializing. I had a husband and wife duo in my subdivision on their brand new Harleys and pirate attire doing circles in my neighborhood (no helmets, of course) last winter and they gave me dirty looks and a middle finger. I haven't made it out much this year, and they ride less than me. I second the 'pre-weathered' jacket comment. I guess that is why finding a 10-yr-old HD with 2000 miles is common.
As for scooters, I have a 70-yr-old lady who in my neighborhood that rides a pink, Honda metropolitan to run errands most of the year. She wears a helmet every time, and actually waved at me several times. For that reason, I'll wave to a scooter before a Hardly Davidshit.
As for scooters, I have a 70-yr-old lady who in my neighborhood that rides a pink, Honda metropolitan to run errands most of the year. She wears a helmet every time, and actually waved at me several times. For that reason, I'll wave to a scooter before a Hardly Davidshit.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,452
From: San Clemente, CA
In Orange County, CA the "poser" Harley riders are usually too busy posing and looking tough to wave back. I can understand that, its a tough job. 
The real old style "biker" Harley riders, as well as most Black and Mexican heritage Harley guys usually do wave back.
I've been riding and waving for 27 years, and back in the '80s no one on a Harley waved at a Jap bike.
I do off to the side, two fingers.
I stopped to help a guy on a first generation Katana who ran out of gas at midnight on an empty stretch of PCH north of Laguna Beach, gave him a ride to the nearest gas station.
I might ad that the ride I gave him to the gas station was on the back of my '86 Nighthawk S. I normally wouldn't go 2 up with a passenger I don't know.
The real old style "biker" Harley riders, as well as most Black and Mexican heritage Harley guys usually do wave back.
I've been riding and waving for 27 years, and back in the '80s no one on a Harley waved at a Jap bike.
I do off to the side, two fingers.
I stopped to help a guy on a first generation Katana who ran out of gas at midnight on an empty stretch of PCH north of Laguna Beach, gave him a ride to the nearest gas station.
I might ad that the ride I gave him to the gas station was on the back of my '86 Nighthawk S. I normally wouldn't go 2 up with a passenger I don't know.
Last edited by VTRsurfer; Apr 10, 2011 at 04:33 PM. Reason: add to post
Senior Member
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 214
From: Palmyra, Va
Ive been riding for about 13 years now, and it was always the thing to do when passing another bike...any motor bike.
the past few months its seems like people are too good to wave anymore...irritates me.
the past few months its seems like people are too good to wave anymore...irritates me.
evil man of nothing
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,516
From: Boynton Beach, FL
When I was a kid everyone that had a vette, especially an old one used to do this cool wave to each other. Nowadays though its different and every ***** with a few bucks in his pocket has a new one and no one cares anymore...I WAS riding a big heritage softtail (are there two "t"s in that? 
) harley two weekends ago and you know what? Half the jackasses on harleys STILL dont wave. Don't lose any sleep over it they're like anyone else. Some are cool guys and some aren't. Don't lower yourself because of someone else. Even if the guy was a dick on the harley imagine now good you would have felt and how stupid he wouldve felt if you wouldve helped him anyway...I'm sure we've all done something similar and next time I'm sure you'll help him...
) harley two weekends ago and you know what? Half the jackasses on harleys STILL dont wave. Don't lose any sleep over it they're like anyone else. Some are cool guys and some aren't. Don't lower yourself because of someone else. Even if the guy was a dick on the harley imagine now good you would have felt and how stupid he wouldve felt if you wouldve helped him anyway...I'm sure we've all done something similar and next time I'm sure you'll help him...
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 26
From: WA
I was just thinking about this today. I wave to everything on less than four wheels, bicyclists included. My last bike was a 79 kz650, which I rode for four years, and I would get snubbed by Harleys and sportbikes. Honestly, I could care less what someone is riding, since we are all at odds with the cagers anyways.
As for helping folks out, I once went down on the kz, only I ended up under it. After the wreck, I was so dazed I couldn't manage to get out from under the 500lb Kawasaki. The cager that connected with me sure as hell didn't help out, but you know who did? A Harley rider. In one hand he lifted the bike, and pulled me out with the other. I'll admit, I used to be biased against Harleys, but now I don't hesitate to stop and help out another rider.
Btw, since this is my first post I'll tell you about myself.... I picked up my 98 SH a couple months ago, and have been loving every minute of it. I ride in the Western Washington area, and managed to put on 1000 miles in the last week!
As for helping folks out, I once went down on the kz, only I ended up under it. After the wreck, I was so dazed I couldn't manage to get out from under the 500lb Kawasaki. The cager that connected with me sure as hell didn't help out, but you know who did? A Harley rider. In one hand he lifted the bike, and pulled me out with the other. I'll admit, I used to be biased against Harleys, but now I don't hesitate to stop and help out another rider.
Btw, since this is my first post I'll tell you about myself.... I picked up my 98 SH a couple months ago, and have been loving every minute of it. I ride in the Western Washington area, and managed to put on 1000 miles in the last week!
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6
From: Caboolture, QLD Australia
We don't wave so much here, we have "the nod"
A rider nodding their head as they pass going the other way is the tradition. Cruisers like HD riders or yamaharley owners tend not to nod or wave to sportsbikes.
If you do see their hand go up, it's normally cause they're trying to stop their skull hanky from flying off...lol
A rider nodding their head as they pass going the other way is the tradition. Cruisers like HD riders or yamaharley owners tend not to nod or wave to sportsbikes.
If you do see their hand go up, it's normally cause they're trying to stop their skull hanky from flying off...lol
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,138
From: Austin, Tx
I wave at everybody. Even the heavy cruisers here in Texas wave back. The real posers don't but they don't make up a huge percentage of the cruiser crowd here.
There was a little blonde, way before the $4/gallon scooter craze here in the neighborhood. Yeah, like most she wore her shorts but did wear a helmet and she would look absolutely excited if you waved to her. Her hand would go up and wave back and forth like a daisy. Making people smile inside their helmet is a good thing.
I was proud of her for having the guts to get out here with the rest of us.
It's all two wheels to me.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 226
From: East TX
I have been riding street for 33 of my 48 years and have always waved at bikes. Not to worried if they wave back or not, that's not why I am waving. I am waving at the bike, can't blame it for the buckethead in the saddle. All bikes are good and worthy of a wave, Harley, Jap or whatever.
Here in East Texas we are out in the country and everybody waves at everybody, in cars, on bikes, on bicycles, or horses. Kind of feel like a dick if you don't wave back.
I also put a lot of miles on a bicycle every week, 100-200 miles. I wave and about 90% of the drivers wave back. I have lived here for six years and when I first started cycling, not everyone was waving back. But I kept waving and being polite on the road and they started waving back. In the six years I have been cycling on these roads, I have never had a horn honked at me in anger(or a bottle thrown,or been buzzed,or flipped off,or screamed at), which is unheard of. And if a driver gets stuck behind me, they patiently wait and go around when its safe and wave as they go by. I am sure the wonderful people of this area have alot to do with this.
I try to live by these same rules when I ride my Hawk: be polite and friendly, wave and treat other drivers(which are really people) like I would like to be treated. It's all good.
And on the other point, not helping someone pickup their bike is just wrong. How would you feel if for some reason you dropped your bike and some guy just sat there at looked at you twiddling his thumbs? you would feel just like that guy you sat there and watched. Be the bigger man and help him pick his bike up. Karma's a bitch.
Here in East Texas we are out in the country and everybody waves at everybody, in cars, on bikes, on bicycles, or horses. Kind of feel like a dick if you don't wave back.
I also put a lot of miles on a bicycle every week, 100-200 miles. I wave and about 90% of the drivers wave back. I have lived here for six years and when I first started cycling, not everyone was waving back. But I kept waving and being polite on the road and they started waving back. In the six years I have been cycling on these roads, I have never had a horn honked at me in anger(or a bottle thrown,or been buzzed,or flipped off,or screamed at), which is unheard of. And if a driver gets stuck behind me, they patiently wait and go around when its safe and wave as they go by. I am sure the wonderful people of this area have alot to do with this.
I try to live by these same rules when I ride my Hawk: be polite and friendly, wave and treat other drivers(which are really people) like I would like to be treated. It's all good.
And on the other point, not helping someone pickup their bike is just wrong. How would you feel if for some reason you dropped your bike and some guy just sat there at looked at you twiddling his thumbs? you would feel just like that guy you sat there and watched. Be the bigger man and help him pick his bike up. Karma's a bitch.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,452
From: San Clemente, CA
We don't wave so much here, we have "the nod"
A rider nodding their head as they pass going the other way is the tradition. Cruisers like HD riders or yamaharley owners tend not to nod or wave to sportsbikes.
If you do see their hand go up, it's normally cause they're trying to stop their skull hanky from flying off...lol
A rider nodding their head as they pass going the other way is the tradition. Cruisers like HD riders or yamaharley owners tend not to nod or wave to sportsbikes.
If you do see their hand go up, it's normally cause they're trying to stop their skull hanky from flying off...lol
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6
From: Caboolture, QLD Australia
All jokes aside, the nod as I understand it, was initially introduced to inform the passing rider, that the road ahead is clear, from trouble and police.
I nod to most riders passing the other way, and try to alert them if I've seen trouble.
It's a bit like sticking your foot out to mark a pothole for your mate behind you, everyone benefits
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 139
From: Mississippi
I wave at all riders.....well .....not scooters.
Even moto cops. Most will wave back.......but seem shocked you waved at them. LOL
Helped a 1%er just North of Seatttle once. He had flat and I helped him plug and inflate it to get him off the highway. He give me a handshake and said I gave him a new outlook on "sportbike" riders, no Harley riders had even gave him a second look.
Even moto cops. Most will wave back.......but seem shocked you waved at them. LOL
Helped a 1%er just North of Seatttle once. He had flat and I helped him plug and inflate it to get him off the highway. He give me a handshake and said I gave him a new outlook on "sportbike" riders, no Harley riders had even gave him a second look.
Greenmeansgo!
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 199
I wave at everybody if I see them in time. If they're hidden behind traffic or I'm focused on where I'm going not who's going the other way, I don't worry about it. I used to not wave at scooters, but then I remembered how annoying it is to not get a return wave from Harley riders. I realized I was being racist towards scooters so I wave at them now. They're not really motorcycle culture oriented though so most don't wave back. If a Harley rider doesn't wave back I just curse him under my breath and remind myself that he's probably just jealous that my bike has actual power. I do get some waves though because my Hawk is black and streetfightered, and with the higher handlebars it looks less like a sportbike and more like a standard.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 499
From: Kansas City
I wave to anybody on two wheels that are not wearing shorts and/or sandles...those guys can catch a wasp to their big toe and an exhaust pipe to their inner calf for all I care
unless it's a lady in little hot pants
unless it's a lady in little hot pants
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 344
A month ago my buddy went down in the Bay Area (5 miles east of Skyline) we were on 84 near Alice's (biker joint). We parked on the side and dozens of bikers asked if we needed help. The offering of assistance was way cool, but for some strange reason the soccer moms gave us mean looks and middle fingers. What is up with soccer moms and why don't we have them on the front lines of our current wars?
Senior Member
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 133
From: sonoma county Ca.
the soccer moms gave us mean looks and middle fingers. What is up with soccer moms and why don't we have them on the front lines of our current wars?
I think you guys spend way to much time pondering this stuff. How do you find time to ride?
PB215C
Squid
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 87
From: Nashua, NH
My parents ride beemers and my mom won't wave to harley's. I disagree with this. Its just like anything else. there are 1.1 million people in the Army and there are bound to be some ******. There are howevermany (new word) harley riders and there are bound to be some ******. I find the majority of harley riders do wave back, even in groups! I definately would have helped the metrosexual pick his dresser back up too. Bad form on your part brother. You will do better next time. I believe in you.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 186
From: Santucky, CA
98, dogger, and DD pretty much sum up the thread.
Help a person in need. Who cares what they ride or why. They ride and contribute to our sport and cause of being out there on 2 wheels. Now if they're a ***** about it, screw 'em and walk away.
I guarantee that if you're in need, Karma/fate/whatever you believe will either come to your aid or kick you in the butt for what you've done to others.
I wave to everyone except for scooters. Now if a scooter were to wave, I'd return the wave. Same for a cager.
Hell, I've even stopped on my bike to help a cager get his car runnin! 8)
Help a person in need. Who cares what they ride or why. They ride and contribute to our sport and cause of being out there on 2 wheels. Now if they're a ***** about it, screw 'em and walk away.
I guarantee that if you're in need, Karma/fate/whatever you believe will either come to your aid or kick you in the butt for what you've done to others.
I wave to everyone except for scooters. Now if a scooter were to wave, I'd return the wave. Same for a cager.
Hell, I've even stopped on my bike to help a cager get his car runnin! 8)
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 136
From: chambersburg,pa
I pretty much wave at all other bikes. I have been noticing lately alot of cruiser riders wont wave back. Hell anymore you cant tell if its a harley or jap cruiser unless its stopped and you can see the name on it.
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 26
From: WA
Hello!
Thanks for the wave! I have seen quite a few superhawks around the sound, and am willing to bet at least some are lurking around this site.
Back on the wave topic, lately it has been rainy (of course), and I can understand that riders are more weary of letting a hand off the bars, but what kills me is when another rider clearly looks at my wave and doesn't even nod. Oh well...
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,452
From: San Clemente, CA
Therefore I NEVER wave at soccer moms.
