To wave or not to wave, to help or not to help
In my experience most Harley guys are a-holes. They are all caught up in their "look at me image". I usd to wave at all bikers and these jerk-offs never wave back so I just don't bother anymore. I am now an "anything but Hog" waver and most wave back. To be honest, the only thing I'd like to do when I see a Harley is run it off the road. I realize there are some decent Harley guys but they get lost in a sea of **** orifices out in search of an identity.
chit, over here everyone ways, even harley guys the only people that keep their hands to themselves are the moped people.
hmmm, i wonder if the harley guys wave because they are on rentals..........
hmmm, i wonder if the harley guys wave because they are on rentals..........
i rode my friends soft tail deuce 2 weeks ago and all of a sudden, i didnt wanna wave at ANYONE! lol j/k
Poser Harley riders work hard at building up and maintaining that "bad boy/rebel" image. Waiving at ANYONE would deminish what they worked at so hard.
My other reason is they hands must have falled asleep from all the vibrations...they wanna wave at ya! they really do! but cant let go off the handlebars!
Poser Harley riders work hard at building up and maintaining that "bad boy/rebel" image. Waiving at ANYONE would deminish what they worked at so hard.
My other reason is they hands must have falled asleep from all the vibrations...they wanna wave at ya! they really do! but cant let go off the handlebars!
Maybe there's a few of you who haven't seen this already, so I thought I'd post it:
Top Ten Reasons Why Harley Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Afraid it will invalidate warranty.
9. Leather and studs make it too heavy to raise arm.
8. Refuse to wave to anyone whose bike is already paid for.
7. Afraid to let go of handlebars because they might vibrate off.
6. Rushing wind would blow scabs off the new tattoos.
5. Angry because just took out second mortgage to pay luxury tax on new Harley.
4. Just discovered the fine print in owner's manual and realized H-D is partially owned by Honda.
3. Can't tell if other riders are waving or just reaching to cover their ears like everyone else.
2. Remembers the last time a Harley rider waved back, he impaled his hand on spiked helmet.
1. They're too tired from spending hours polishing all that chrome to lift their arms.
Top Ten Reasons Why Gold Wing Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Wasn't sure whether other rider was waving or making an obscene gesture.
9. Afraid might get frostbite if hand is removed from heated grip.
8. Has arthritis and the past 400 miles have made it difficult to raise arm.
7. Reflection from etched windshield momentarily blinded him.
6. The espresso machine just finished.
5. Was actually asleep when other rider waved.
4. Was in a three-way conference call with stockbroker and accessories dealer.
3. Was distracted by odd shaped blip on radar screen.
2. Was simultaneously adjusting the air suspension, seat height, programmable CD player, seat temperature and satellite navigation system.
1. Couldn't find the "auto wave back" button on dashboard.
Top 10 Reasons Sportbikers Don't Wave:
10. They have not been riding long enough to know they're supposed to.
9. They're going too fast to have time enough to register the movement and respond.
8. You weren't wearing bright enough gear.
7. If they stick their arm out going that fast they'll rip it out of the socket.
6. They're too occupied with trying to get rid of their chicken strips.
5. They look way too cool with both hands on the bars or they don't want to unbalance themselves while standing on the tank.
4. Their skin tight-kevlar-ballistic-nylon-kangaroo-leather suits prevent any position other than fetal.
3. Raising an arm allows bugs into the armholes of their tank tops.
2. It's too hard to do one-handed stoppies.
1. They were too busy slipping their flip-flop back on.
Top Ten Reasons Why BMW Riders Don't Wave Back
10. New Aerostich suit too stiff to raise arm.
9. Removing a hand from the bars is considered "bad form."
8. Your bike isn't weird enough looking to justify acknowledgement.
7. Too sore from an 800-mile day on a stock "comfort" seat.
6. Too busy programming the GPS, monitoring radar, listening to ipod, XM, or talking on the cell phone.
5. He's an Iron Butt rider and you're not!.
4. Wires from Gerbings is too short.
3. You're not riding the "right kind" of BMW.
2. You haven't been properly introduced.
1. Afraid it will be misinterpreted as a friendly gesture.
And Finally... Top Ten reasons Metric Cruiser Riders don't wave back
10. New leather jacket was purchased at the same size as suit jacket.
9. Didn't know that the bike wouldn't fly off the road if left hand was removed
8. Was looking at the handle bars wondering what accessory could mount where.
7. Was wildly grasping at some valve under seat. (3.7 gals BAH!)
6. Rider was actually pulling up black socks and pulling down on jeans trying to close a few air gaps.
5. Rider was too caught up in reciting his mantra 'Left hand clutch' 'Right hand Gas AND Front brake' 'Left foot Gears' 'Right foot Rear brake' 'And for Gods sake Both feet down at light'.
4. Waved after you went by. You just thought they didn't wave.
3. Was searching GPS to find local Bike wash
. 2. Rider wasn't really waving, was doing wind airfoil test with hand and arm.
1. Rider was involved in trying to get new throttle stop to STOP.
Top Ten Reasons Why Harley Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Afraid it will invalidate warranty.
9. Leather and studs make it too heavy to raise arm.
8. Refuse to wave to anyone whose bike is already paid for.
7. Afraid to let go of handlebars because they might vibrate off.
6. Rushing wind would blow scabs off the new tattoos.
5. Angry because just took out second mortgage to pay luxury tax on new Harley.
4. Just discovered the fine print in owner's manual and realized H-D is partially owned by Honda.
3. Can't tell if other riders are waving or just reaching to cover their ears like everyone else.
2. Remembers the last time a Harley rider waved back, he impaled his hand on spiked helmet.
1. They're too tired from spending hours polishing all that chrome to lift their arms.
Top Ten Reasons Why Gold Wing Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Wasn't sure whether other rider was waving or making an obscene gesture.
9. Afraid might get frostbite if hand is removed from heated grip.
8. Has arthritis and the past 400 miles have made it difficult to raise arm.
7. Reflection from etched windshield momentarily blinded him.
6. The espresso machine just finished.
5. Was actually asleep when other rider waved.
4. Was in a three-way conference call with stockbroker and accessories dealer.
3. Was distracted by odd shaped blip on radar screen.
2. Was simultaneously adjusting the air suspension, seat height, programmable CD player, seat temperature and satellite navigation system.
1. Couldn't find the "auto wave back" button on dashboard.
Top 10 Reasons Sportbikers Don't Wave:
10. They have not been riding long enough to know they're supposed to.
9. They're going too fast to have time enough to register the movement and respond.
8. You weren't wearing bright enough gear.
7. If they stick their arm out going that fast they'll rip it out of the socket.
6. They're too occupied with trying to get rid of their chicken strips.
5. They look way too cool with both hands on the bars or they don't want to unbalance themselves while standing on the tank.
4. Their skin tight-kevlar-ballistic-nylon-kangaroo-leather suits prevent any position other than fetal.
3. Raising an arm allows bugs into the armholes of their tank tops.
2. It's too hard to do one-handed stoppies.
1. They were too busy slipping their flip-flop back on.
Top Ten Reasons Why BMW Riders Don't Wave Back
10. New Aerostich suit too stiff to raise arm.
9. Removing a hand from the bars is considered "bad form."
8. Your bike isn't weird enough looking to justify acknowledgement.
7. Too sore from an 800-mile day on a stock "comfort" seat.
6. Too busy programming the GPS, monitoring radar, listening to ipod, XM, or talking on the cell phone.
5. He's an Iron Butt rider and you're not!.
4. Wires from Gerbings is too short.
3. You're not riding the "right kind" of BMW.
2. You haven't been properly introduced.
1. Afraid it will be misinterpreted as a friendly gesture.
And Finally... Top Ten reasons Metric Cruiser Riders don't wave back
10. New leather jacket was purchased at the same size as suit jacket.
9. Didn't know that the bike wouldn't fly off the road if left hand was removed
8. Was looking at the handle bars wondering what accessory could mount where.
7. Was wildly grasping at some valve under seat. (3.7 gals BAH!)
6. Rider was actually pulling up black socks and pulling down on jeans trying to close a few air gaps.
5. Rider was too caught up in reciting his mantra 'Left hand clutch' 'Right hand Gas AND Front brake' 'Left foot Gears' 'Right foot Rear brake' 'And for Gods sake Both feet down at light'.
4. Waved after you went by. You just thought they didn't wave.
3. Was searching GPS to find local Bike wash
. 2. Rider wasn't really waving, was doing wind airfoil test with hand and arm.
1. Rider was involved in trying to get new throttle stop to STOP.
I rented a Harley and rode through new england. I waved to all the hogs, and snubbed all the sportbikers.
I did still get snubbed by a few Harley guys though, I think it was the full gear and full face helmet.
I generally wave at most everyone whether I'm on my Sport Bike, Dual Sport Bike or Adventure Bike.....likewise, I carry a couple of 8' 2 X 12's in the back of my truck and tie down straps because you never know when you may come across someone having bike problems that needs a lift......I could care less what type of bike they're riding.......so far I've given two folks a lift....one sport bike and one Harley......both were grateful........I don't give a **** what type of bike others are riding.....if it works for them it works for me........what's most important (to me) is that they're part of the 1% of the population that "gets it".......that realizes what fun/satisfaction can be had on two wheels.....
All you Harley haters need to pull your heads out of your ***.......I don't own one and I don't want one....they don't interest me......but to each his/her own......just because it's not my cup of tea doesn't mean it's not the right choice for them......more power to'em and good for them if they're able to escape the confines of a cage now and then and go riding on their motorcycle.......whatever type suits'em....
All you Harley haters need to pull your heads out of your ***.......I don't own one and I don't want one....they don't interest me......but to each his/her own......just because it's not my cup of tea doesn't mean it's not the right choice for them......more power to'em and good for them if they're able to escape the confines of a cage now and then and go riding on their motorcycle.......whatever type suits'em....
WHEN AND HOW NOT TO WAVE
Coming home from a canyon ride today with my wife, we are stopped at a red light and an old Gold Wing with a Windjammer and tons of chrome is in the left turn lane facing us. The rider is nodding his head to his stereo. When he gets the green arrow, I wave as he passes through the intersection. To my surprise he takes his RIGHT hand of the bars and gives a big wave. Since the throttle rolled off when he removed his hand his bike fell more into the turn and METAL TOUCHED DOWN LOUDLY. Fortunately, since he was wearing shorts and a t-shirt, he recovered and rode on.
I just sat there and went

Coming home from a canyon ride today with my wife, we are stopped at a red light and an old Gold Wing with a Windjammer and tons of chrome is in the left turn lane facing us. The rider is nodding his head to his stereo. When he gets the green arrow, I wave as he passes through the intersection. To my surprise he takes his RIGHT hand of the bars and gives a big wave. Since the throttle rolled off when he removed his hand his bike fell more into the turn and METAL TOUCHED DOWN LOUDLY. Fortunately, since he was wearing shorts and a t-shirt, he recovered and rode on.
I just sat there and went
Last edited by VTRsurfer; Jul 8, 2009 at 03:54 PM.
I wave to scooters....occasionally. Make sure they are paying attention....I consider scooters as 'stepping stones' to more HP! 
As far as Harleys....I have one that will be on the road someday....I'll keep my same approach. Wave when it's safe. I usually give 2 fingers low down....easier to get back to the bar in case something happens on the I-8 here in San Diego (which stands for The Whales Vag!n@, in case you didn't know.
)
As far as Harleys....I have one that will be on the road someday....I'll keep my same approach. Wave when it's safe. I usually give 2 fingers low down....easier to get back to the bar in case something happens on the I-8 here in San Diego (which stands for The Whales Vag!n@, in case you didn't know.
Last edited by 01SuperChicken; Jul 9, 2009 at 12:52 AM.
I wave at EVERYONE, regardless of what they are riding/driving. I'll stop and help ANYONE when I can. I reckon there's not enough courtesy and good manners on our highways, so all I can do is set a good example and not worry about anyone else, and remember.... Bikes are FUN!!
I ride a honda metric cruiser and also the hawk, when I ride the cruiser it seems everyone will wave to you except for the odd harley a**hole. All the crotch rockets wave all the time. When I ride the hawk it seems only sport bike riders will wave back, most dual sporters and the odd metric cruiser guy. I can count the number of times a Harley rider has waved back to me when I'm riding the hawk on one hand.
Posers know no brand, unfortunately. I wave to all, mostly.
One of my old memories is riding for what seemed like forever down the PA Turnpike in the rain - I was a newb and totally soaked with no rain gear. (Who knew about rain gear in the '70s?) Eventually, I saw two headlights coming the other way. It was two other crazy riders making their way through the storm - our waves were a brief sign of camaraderie in sh*%ty conditions.
IMO, scooters rock! Though I'm surprised that they can cost as much as a decent bike.
One of my old memories is riding for what seemed like forever down the PA Turnpike in the rain - I was a newb and totally soaked with no rain gear. (Who knew about rain gear in the '70s?) Eventually, I saw two headlights coming the other way. It was two other crazy riders making their way through the storm - our waves were a brief sign of camaraderie in sh*%ty conditions.
IMO, scooters rock! Though I'm surprised that they can cost as much as a decent bike.
i wave to everyone but only help a few. like once i was in ybor on a saturday night and this hardly rider comes stumbling past me i laugh and smack a few shoulders to grab my buddies' attention and we watch the proceding train wreck with **** eatin grins, this guys sees us and thinks we are looking at him cuz hes soooo cool so i wave he waves back proud as hell, well he gets on his bike turns it on the drops it in a ******* gutter so its more than on its side both the weels are in the air and he is pinned underneath it. god i love this so instead of doing the right thing and getting one of the million cops out there who are looking for guys like this i get my friends and we go pick him up dust him off and scoot him on his merry way. my biggest regret is i didnt check the papers to see if he made it all the way to the next bar.
I wave at all bikers. I've found more sport bike riders that don't wave back than anyone else but I don't really give a rats azz if they wave back or not so it doesn't bother me.
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Last edited by Malice; May 1, 2011 at 07:39 AM.
Harleys: I only return the wave.
Sportbikes: Always, unless its might be unsafe. Then I nod.
Scooters and Dirtbikes: Never wave to me, and I never wave back.
Stopping to help: Always, without hesitation. I've been the one on the side of the freeway with a flat waiting for my friend with a truck. All those guys who stopped, or slowed to see if I would wave them on, were VERY much appreciated.
Sportbikes: Always, unless its might be unsafe. Then I nod.
Scooters and Dirtbikes: Never wave to me, and I never wave back.
Stopping to help: Always, without hesitation. I've been the one on the side of the freeway with a flat waiting for my friend with a truck. All those guys who stopped, or slowed to see if I would wave them on, were VERY much appreciated.
The reason Harley Guys Don't wave Is they might drop there $45,000 oil leaking POS. I seriously don't understand cruisers anyway, I guess it's just not my bag, I enjoy the twisties, not all the cleaning. So no, I don't initiate the WAVE, I let it come to me, and then return it, unless it's a sportbike or Bimmer.
I'm not posting to restart this thread but rather just looking to rant a bit. I consider myself to be a nice person and therefore always enjoyed the friendly wave to/from other motorcyclists. Kind of a small token of acknowledgement to the thrill and enjoyment to the ride that all riders share. Well, that is dead and gone. It seems like year after year there are less riders who wave and this year I have counted 1, yes ONE, who has waved. I continue to wave but after this weekend, I think I am going to stop. I will feel a bit stuck up and snooty for not waving, but feel forced into it. Sick of all these "new" riders who don't grasp the concept that all riders are generally the same in that we all love to get out in the open and feel the breeze and freedom riding a motorcycle gives us. It isn't a situation where if I have a Harley and and you have a Harley that we wave and if you don't have a Harley, I'm not waving to you. Well, screw you! As a side not, the riders who wave the most frequent...sport bike riders.
Ride On Fellas. Enjoy the Ride.
Doc
Ride On Fellas. Enjoy the Ride.
Doc
I wave at everyone but i do agree sometime you do come upon those hardcore Harley douche that don't wave back.. I do the Mrs Universe wave.. nah j/k same here out to the side...
I'm not posting to restart this thread but rather just looking to rant a bit. I consider myself to be a nice person and therefore always enjoyed the friendly wave to/from other motorcyclists. Kind of a small token of acknowledgement to the thrill and enjoyment to the ride that all riders share. Well, that is dead and gone. It seems like year after year there are less riders who wave and this year I have counted 1, yes ONE, who has waved. I continue to wave but after this weekend, I think I am going to stop. I will feel a bit stuck up and snooty for not waving, but feel forced into it. Sick of all these "new" riders who don't grasp the concept that all riders are generally the same in that we all love to get out in the open and feel the breeze and freedom riding a motorcycle gives us. It isn't a situation where if I have a Harley and and you have a Harley that we wave and if you don't have a Harley, I'm not waving to you. Well, screw you! As a side not, the riders who wave the most frequent...sport bike riders.
Ride On Fellas. Enjoy the Ride.
Doc
Ride On Fellas. Enjoy the Ride.
Doc
If you feel forced to either wave or not wave... Get your head examined...
I wave at everybody. All bikes, scooters, bicyclists and cute blonds in supercharged Mustangs. I really don't give a **** whether they wave back or not.
Why would I?
Yeah, if you're riding a sport bike, you'll get more waves from sport bikes. If you're riding a HD, you'll probably get more waves from Harleys. Who cares?
Unless I'm on my way to Laguna Seca and passing 20 bikes per minute, I wave. Most riders wave back, including Harley riders.
Why would I?
Yeah, if you're riding a sport bike, you'll get more waves from sport bikes. If you're riding a HD, you'll probably get more waves from Harleys. Who cares?
Unless I'm on my way to Laguna Seca and passing 20 bikes per minute, I wave. Most riders wave back, including Harley riders.
Don't assume the worse when you do not get a return wave. The guy may be braking; he may be concentrating intensely and simply does not see you (this happens a lot with me; I’ll see the guy way too late for him to see me wave back. In mid corner I may pushing too much to safely take my hand off the bar as was the case many times when I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sometimes a Harley hard *** clearly sees you and could wave back (most do wave) but consider the source.
Last edited by Jim TT; May 17, 2010 at 02:07 PM.
Ya I usually wave to everyone honestly, and everyone usually waves back. Just have to watch out for the harley with an American flag on the back. I have noticed that harleys must induce wrist spasms, as wherever their bike is running, but stationary, they will rev rev......REV....rev rev rev... rev rev.. then finally go. I mean i love revving to, but it gets stereotypical fast.
did I just create a thread? Ive been wandering how to do that.
and so i have a question!
Are there any ways to check for a bad CCT? I got 40,xxx on my 98, and The guy before me took real good care of it, modding and all that jazz. The engine is pretty clean, not alot of soot or oil gunk. But that would help thanks.
and so i have a question!
Are there any ways to check for a bad CCT? I got 40,xxx on my 98, and The guy before me took real good care of it, modding and all that jazz. The engine is pretty clean, not alot of soot or oil gunk. But that would help thanks.
did I just create a thread? Ive been wandering how to do that.
and so i have a question!
Are there any ways to check for a bad CCT? I got 40,xxx on my 98, and The guy before me took real good care of it, modding and all that jazz. The engine is pretty clean, not alot of soot or oil gunk. But that would help thanks.
and so i have a question!
Are there any ways to check for a bad CCT? I got 40,xxx on my 98, and The guy before me took real good care of it, modding and all that jazz. The engine is pretty clean, not alot of soot or oil gunk. But that would help thanks.
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Mine's a Pavlovian reaction. See bike on open road: wave. I've been like that for 40+ years now, so if they don't wave back, I hardly even register.
Like when I help someone stranded at the roadside, I don't expect that person to reciprocate, at that time or later.
But something good'll happen to me, or the hand of friendship will be extended to me, some time, too. It's not connected, and doesn't have to be.
Like when I help someone stranded at the roadside, I don't expect that person to reciprocate, at that time or later.
But something good'll happen to me, or the hand of friendship will be extended to me, some time, too. It's not connected, and doesn't have to be.
Dont you just hate it when you wave at a fellow motorcyclist and you dont get a wave back.. Or , feel bad when your hand just didnt make it off the bar?
I always try to do "The Wave" to my fellow motorcyclist...
Well.........i havent been on the street for more than a couple months or so and the other day i was telling this guy at work of how proud i was to be part of such a commeradic "CLAN" if you will.. He rides a harley. ..He proceeded to tell me " WELL DONT BE GIVIN THAT WAVE TO ANY HARLEY DUDES!!" And i said " I sure wont be taking my hand of my grip for your ***!"
Ultimatley i am hating "Harley Riders now", im going to say most of them think they are tough **** bad asses that have thier leather chaps and jackets professionally "weathered" so they look like they ride alot..
One more thing... I was at my local moto shop yesterday getting a new chain put on when some dude with Oakleys, gold chain and daimond studs in his ears pulls up on his big harley, a dresser, or whatever you call the one with speakers, saddle bags, out riggers and chase helicopter..well HE DROPPED IT, right in front of me !!and i did NOT help him!!..He was struggling and sweating trying to get the bike back up, after watching this for what seems to be an eternity while i sipped my Quiznos Mug Rootbear, i motioned too help ,he had muscled his bike up about half way, meanwhile the bike shop guy comes sprinting out of the shop past me to help........i do feel terrible now...this guy is probably a nice dude, not like the ignorant ******* i work with.. but look at what this *** at my work has created. A HARLEY HATER!!!! Should i wave, should i not wave, are we in a class of our own here gentlemen?!?! Should i hate maybe say.... 60 percent of Harley guys and call it good?
I always try to do "The Wave" to my fellow motorcyclist...
Well.........i havent been on the street for more than a couple months or so and the other day i was telling this guy at work of how proud i was to be part of such a commeradic "CLAN" if you will.. He rides a harley. ..He proceeded to tell me " WELL DONT BE GIVIN THAT WAVE TO ANY HARLEY DUDES!!" And i said " I sure wont be taking my hand of my grip for your ***!"
Ultimatley i am hating "Harley Riders now", im going to say most of them think they are tough **** bad asses that have thier leather chaps and jackets professionally "weathered" so they look like they ride alot..
One more thing... I was at my local moto shop yesterday getting a new chain put on when some dude with Oakleys, gold chain and daimond studs in his ears pulls up on his big harley, a dresser, or whatever you call the one with speakers, saddle bags, out riggers and chase helicopter..well HE DROPPED IT, right in front of me !!and i did NOT help him!!..He was struggling and sweating trying to get the bike back up, after watching this for what seems to be an eternity while i sipped my Quiznos Mug Rootbear, i motioned too help ,he had muscled his bike up about half way, meanwhile the bike shop guy comes sprinting out of the shop past me to help........i do feel terrible now...this guy is probably a nice dude, not like the ignorant ******* i work with.. but look at what this *** at my work has created. A HARLEY HATER!!!! Should i wave, should i not wave, are we in a class of our own here gentlemen?!?! Should i hate maybe say.... 60 percent of Harley guys and call it good?



