Unwritten Book of the Road

[a1c_joker]

Hello all. I'm fairly new to the site, but have been riding for over 4 years now. I've got a question. What's with bikers waving to eachother while passing? What I mean to say is, I see a lot of waves between cruisers and Harleys, but when rockets come by, the seem to let the wave go. Is there a big enough discrimination between cruisers and rockets to neglect the friendly highway salute? My dad, who brought me into this two-wheeled road, instructed me it's a sign of respect to one another on the road. Is the genre of the bike we ride a big enough icon to deter us from showing respect to one another? Just a curious question, any thoughts on this matter would be appreciated. Thanks.

~Joker

P.S. If there is an unwritten law that others might not know about, or should know about, let it be heard. I'm curious to hear what others out there expect from fellow riders. For example:
1. Riders stopped at an eatery, gas station etc., it is openly welcome for one rider to approach the other and comment on his/her bike.

[Uesque]

Hello all. I'm fairly new to the site, but have been riding for over 4 years now. I've got a question. What's with bikers waving to eachother while passing? What I mean to say is, I see a lot of waves between cruisers and Harleys, but when rockets come by, the seem to let the wave go. Is there a big enough discrimination between cruisers and rockets to neglect the friendly highway salute? My dad, who brought me into this two-wheeled road, instructed me it's a sign of respect to one another on the road. Is the genre of the bike we ride a big enough icon to deter us from showing respect to one another? Just a curious question, any thoughts on this matter would be appreciated. Thanks.

~Joker

P.S. If there is an unwritten law that others might not know about, or should know about, let it be heard. I'm curious to hear what others out there expect from fellow riders. For example:
1. Riders stopped at an eatery, gas station etc., it is openly welcome for one rider to approach the other and comment on his/her bike.

That wave started a long time ago when there were far fewer bikes on the road. When I started, you were still considered somewhat of a bad boy on the road, even on my Yamaha 125 Street and Trail. I had more than one girlfriends parents look at me a little funny. It was more of a sign of respect for the few of us that rode despite public distrust and misinformation.

I wave at everyone(except scooters:eek:), and usually the only ones that don't wave back are the $15K/15mi garage queens. A true biker doesn't care what you ride, only that you ride.

As for others, if I see something I like, I'll say "nice bike", and see what the response is. You'll know if they're going to chat or not.

[Capt.]

Uesque is right. Back when the "wave" started, what bikes where on the road overall where sparse compared to today. The sport bikes had yet to arrive and when they did, their young riders had not been school'ed in common biker courtesies. Back in the day when a fellow biker gave you the wave,(your dad was right) it was a sign of mutual respect and more. It mean't also that all was good from my direction and you either gave the same signal or, if you just passed a cop, you would lay out your hand flat to let the guy know or some other sign depending on what you just came across. Remember that back then, we cobbled together some bikes that didn't really meet with local and fed DOT reg.s if ya know what I mean. So you looked out for each other. It was more of a brotherhood then and if a biker was down, for any reason, you pulled over and offered whatever you could to help out. These where considered unwritten laws along with other rights of passage acquired with enough saddle time. Like most things that become popular, courtesies, standards and unwritten rules become blured in the onslaught of people getting on board of the latest thing. Personally, I always wave and stop when a biker is in need.;)

[a1c_joker]

True. I didn't think about the way back history aspect of it, though. It's nice to learn these things from the riders who have been out on the highway turf much longer than me. I've always thought there has been an underlining brotherhood type feel with motorcycles, simply because they mean so much to so many different people. Thanks for the replys! Keep 'em comin!!!

~Joker

[Maico Shark]

It's brotherhood recognition but I disagree about how bikers used to be more rare. In my biking heyday back in the mid 70's & early 80's there were a lot more bikes around and a lot more variety of bikes. There was a lot less concern about developing a "personna"...about coming off as some hardass dude. Uesque doesn't wave at scooters...for shame:)

[Uesque]

Uesque is right. Back when the "wave" started, what bikes where on the road overall where sparse compared to today. The sport bikes had yet to arrive and when they did, their young riders had not been school'ed in common biker courtesies. Back in the day when a fellow biker gave you the wave,(your dad was right) it was a sign of mutual respect and more. It mean't also that all was good from my direction and you either gave the same signal or, if you just passed a cop, you would lay out your hand flat to let the guy know or some other sign depending on what you just came across. Remember that back then, we cobbled together some bikes that didn't really meet with local and fed DOT reg.s if ya know what I mean. So you looked out for each other. It was more of a brotherhood then and if a biker was down, for any reason, you pulled over and offered whatever you could to help out. These where considered unwritten laws along with other rights of passage acquired with enough saddle time. Like most things that become popular, courtesies, standards and unwritten rules become blured in the onslaught of people getting on board of the latest thing. Personally, I always wave and stop when a biker is in need.;)


It really pissed me off last year when I got hurt and nobody even stopped to check. Baseball sized chunk of asphalt kicked up off of a truck tire and nailed me right in the middle finger, 7 stitches and a cracked tendon. I'm on the side of the road, blood all over my left pantleg, working on stopping the bleeding, no bikes stopped, and I saw at least two go by. Damn RUBbers.

[Uesque]

It's brotherhood recognition but I disagree about how bikers used to be more rare. In my biking heyday back in the mid 70's & early 80's there were a lot more bikes around and a lot more variety of bikes. There was a lot less concern about developing a "personna"...about coming off as some hardass dude. Uesque doesn't wave at scooters...for shame:)

OK, maybe I'll wave if it's not an overly girly scooter.

[Capt.]

OK, maybe I'll wave if it's not an overly girly scooter.
I have a rule of thumb for girly waving.
1. Brunettes get a double wave
2. Blondes, get a full stop and wave
3. Redheads get a backup for 2 full blocks and a wave:p

[Uesque]

3. Redheads get a backup for 2 full blocks and a wave:p

All the more reason to keep my helmet on. Oh, nevermind, you said girly.:rolleyes:

[a1c_joker]

Here's another thing. I've never owned a Harley before, I've ridden, but never owned. I don't have the budget recommended for one, but I'll give it to them, they are a nice motorcycle. I've heard both good and bad comments, as you'll find with any manufacturer. Being that, why such the school yard line between metric and Harley riders? A common word-of-mouth reply I hear is "they're an American bike for the American Patriot" type rebutle, yet some Harley riders park their bike and hope in a Honda or Toyota car/truck and drive away? What gives? I mean, to me, at the end of the day, does it really matter what bike you ride? I had to park my Yamaha in a Harley Dealer parking lot to go in and look for a buddy of mine, and I thought I had walked in with a huge "Kick Me" sign. "If you prick us, do we not bleed?" I read through some of the entries and realized that I get the feeling that some Harley riders seem too "high and mighty" to give me the wave back. Maybe, or I might just be mistaken. Any thoughts?

[Uesque]

Here's another thing. I've never owned a Harley before, I've ridden, but never owned. I don't have the budget recommended for one, but I'll give it to them, they are a nice motorcycle. I've heard both good and bad comments, as you'll find with any manufacturer. Being that, why such the school yard line between metric and Harley riders? A common word-of-mouth reply I hear is "they're an American bike for the American Patriot" type rebutle, yet some Harley riders park their bike and hope in a Honda or Toyota car/truck and drive away? What gives? I mean, to me, at the end of the day, does it really matter what bike you ride? I had to park my Yamaha in a Harley Dealer parking lot to go in and look for a buddy of mine, and I thought I had walked in with a huge "Kick Me" sign. "If you prick us, do we not bleed?" I read through some of the entries and realized that I get the feeling that some Harley riders seem too "high and mighty" to give me the wave back. Maybe, or I might just be mistaken. Any thoughts?


Any rider that thinks they're better than you because of what you ride doesn't deserve to be on what they're on. That's just posing and disrespect. Now I'm not above giving my Harley riding friends a hard time,
and they're just as willing to give it back, but that's different than a full snub.

When I don't get a wave back, my immediate reaction is "Fcking RUBber newbie biker", or just that they're too scared of the bike to take their hand off of the bars.

[AdrenalineRider]

I have a rule of thumb for girly waving.
1. Brunettes get a double wave
2. Blondes, get a full stop and wave
3. Redheads get a backup for 2 full blocks and a wave:p


lolz.... In India, you dont find girls riding motorcycles.... you would find 99% of the motorcycle riders as guys ....

Very rare to actually see a female rider.... and if by chance we do see.... we dare not wave at them or else... they would simply stop ... get down and take their sandels / slippers or what ever they are wearing and slap our faces :p

[Capt.]

lolz.... In India, you dont find girls riding motorcycles.... you would find 99% of the motorcycle riders as guys ....

Very rare to actually see a female rider.... and if by chance we do see.... we dare not wave at them or else... they would simply stop ... get down and take their sandels / slippers or what ever they are wearing and slap our faces :p
:D Gotta love the cultural differences...in this country, if a female bitch slapped you with her sandle it could be considered as a form of foreplay...to be followed by whips and chains:eek:. Not into that sort of thing though. LOL
Capt.

[CB750F]

About Harley and Metric bike riders. I never had a problem with Harley owners. The one guy I used to ride with is a Harley guy. We rode to the Harley Open house a couple years ago. Him on his Sportster with his wife and his son on his 883 and me on my Virago 1100. Never had a lick of trouble with any of the folks at that event. I never thought twice about parking my bike in one of the Harley shop lots while going in to look at their stuff. Besides some of the Harley accessories like bags and whatnot are high quality and some are reasonable priced and will fit on a Metric bike.
Like I said never had a bit of hassle from Harley owners.

Now trendy Harley owners or wannabe's thats a different story. By trendy I mean the folks who buy a Harley just because the guy down the street has one. Wannabe ones are the guys you see with all the Harley garb but no bike. They are the guys who ask "Why do you even ride that POS?" when they either have a year old Harley sitting in the garage with 100 miles on it or no bike at all.

Harley Davidson makes a nice product, no doubt about that but I probably won't own one. I'm not a cruiser type of guy (as I found out) and I don't much care for the look of a V-Rod. I would probably buy a Buell before a Harley because that styling appeals to me. I like the naked bike look and the standard look. If I was to win a Harley I would probably trade it off on 10 old bikes or a 4 wheeler.

Old ratty bikes are cool mainly because you don't have to give a **** about them and aren't afraid to ride them anywhere. I had a nice bike, my Virago 1100, but spent more time cleaning it than riding. I didn't like to ride it to work because in the morning it be all covered in dew or get rained on then I'd have to go home and spend an hour cleaning it. The old KZ 650 Kawaski I had I didn't think twice about taking it down an old dirt road or through the woods. Just hose it off when you remember to. It wasn't a bad looking bike all in all but it was when I got it. Seems to me that non-factory paint is easier on you to get dirty than flawless 1987 factory paint. I could always paint the KZ again because it had been painted a few times before I got it but I couldn't bring myself to even consider getting damn near 20 year old perfect paint dirty.

When the CB is done someday I'll probably be careful with it to a degree but trust me it will get used. Besides I got very little cash outlay in it.

Redheads are cool too. I'm married to one and one of my boys is one.

[CB750F]

Double post.

[Maico Shark]

You know CB, you hit on a real problem. A buddy of mine bought an OCC chopper online & has a hundred grand in it. He likes to take it to shows but can't walk away from it for fear of theft. Crews with vans work constantly stealing bikes at shows. Anyway he can't even go take a piss when he takes that bike anywhere...Where's the fun in that? The cost of the big bikes coupled with the ease of swiping them has opened a whole industry selling hot parts. There's even companies that make blank engine cases that you can punch a new serial number on. The reason I like Harleys is because you ride more IN the bike than on top of it. It's like you become a part of it. If I had to wait until I ID'd a bike coming at me before answering a wave...I'd just forget it and watch the road ahead.

[Capt.]

Yeah CB, got two redheads in my house too. Double trouble. One's the wife, the other is the youngest daughter ( the oldest is a blond). Turns out neither of the Redheads can hardly think their way out of a wet paper sack and the Blonde too smart for her own good....go figure! Maybe someone pee'd in the gene pool....:confused:
BTW, I also agree with you on the high investment some of these guy's put on their "Bling Bikes" as I like to call them. I should know, I've built alot of them and can't believe these guy's when they whip out their check books, then come back to have an anti-theft (GPS) system installed because they quickly realize that their prized toy can be gone and stripped in a heartbeat. I can only guess what they pay for insurance on 'em. Maybe that might be, in part, why bobbers have become a little more popular than before. A nice stripped down, basic machine. The ole KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) method. If ya bang it up, scratch it or whatever, it ain't no big deal, just get on it and ride. That's what I think it should be all about anyway no matter what ya got under ya.
Capt.

[CB750F]

Never ever piss a redhead off. That's one thing I did find out.

My Virago wasn't like an real expensive bike. It was just too nice to give it a beating.I'll have to put a pic up. It was an 87 and looked the same as the day it rolled off the assembly line. The only thing I did to it is strip off the stupid looking windshield and all the cheesy add-ons the previous owner put on. I never really rode it much so I sold it then used that money to buy my 660 Raptor and I found out I'm not a cruiser bike kinda guy also.

That's got to suck worrying about a bike being stolen at a show.

[Maico Shark]

Well I got to amend that a bit...not so much danger when it's IN the show, just out in the parking lot while you're AT the show.

[CB750F]

Here's a pic of the Virago. The old CB is beside it but now I hate the color.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o200/CB750F/virago.jpg

[adrian]

What I mean to say is, I see a lot of waves between cruisers and Harleys, but when rockets come by, the seem to let the wave go. Is there a big enough discrimination between cruisers and rockets to neglect the friendly highway salute?

It just comes down to the person; I get waves or I get ignored and it doesn't really seem to matter what bike they are on.

[Lorry]

In Australia I find we don't wave so much, we have "The Nod". There are a lot of bikes in my area- a lot! And for the most part I'll get a nod in return every time. It does seem that a lot of people wait for the nod before they venture one of their own, though. Sometimes I see actual looks of surprise on some of the faces that go past, perhaps because i'm a little girl with a little bike and an L plate attatched :D so maybe the old roadsters wouldn't expect that courtesy from me. My mamma raised me polite :p .

[Uesque]

My Father in Law does the Nod, but that's just his personality. He also doesn't wear hats or clothes with any kind of writing on them because he doesn't want to advertise for free.

[a1c_joker]

Maybe it's just my location. I remember a lot of the older guys joke around about my Yamaha's, but in reality it never mattered to what bike we're riding, just as long as we were riding. My problem is, as CB and Maico were tapping on, was that you've got this group of riders that only focus on the brand name. That really gets under my skin. "Can't we all just ride along?"

[BeyondThePaintInc]

I started riding in the '70's when being a biker wasn't cool. And we didn't all ride Harleys. My first bike was a Norton. But anyway, the wave was a sign of respect, it had nothing to do with the bike. I will always wave at another biker, doesn't matter what they are riding. And I will always stop to render aid to a biker, I too have stood on the side of the road watching one bike after another pass without stopping. But thanks to cell phones, I hope that won't be a problem anymore. Ride safe, Jim

[BabyBecky]

Hey Joker! My dad says that in his day, all the bikers waved to each other because there weren't very many then. They were all 'brothers' back then, and often had to stop and help each other on the road. I think today there are so many riders that it gets hard to wave to all of them.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[CB750F]

Happy New Year to you too Baby Becky

[BabyBecky]

My dad says they ALL used to wave. I think there are so many bikers today that it's hard to wave to all of them. So I think they have started waving to 'similar' bikes and situations. Like 2-up waves to 2-up, cruisers to cruisers. A friend took me for a ride three weeks ago and there were so many bikes i got tired of waving (that was my job on the back). Happy New Year!

[Maico Shark]

Well this might date me but when I first started riding kids on the sidewalk would flash the peace sign...Bikers then represented anti-establishment values more so than they do now. The peace sign, the raised fist, these gestures of defiance are gone now...replaced by a conditional wave providing you're deemed suitable it seems.

[gregair13]

A true biker doesn't care what you ride, only that you ride.
exactly. any sort of wave to a fellow biker is nice. we all basiclly have the same mind set about life and our bikes.
as for seeing other bikes and complamenting, i plan to to every bike i see. never know who you are going to meet (good or bad)

[KaJuN]

I hate people who buy a Harley just to be seen on one. Call me weird but I can't see spending 15k or more on a bike when you can get one that's just as good, if not better, for half that price. I love my Maxim for the simple fact that they don't make bikes like that anymore. It's like it gives me a sense that I'm preserving history. I also love the sense of accomplishment from bringing it back to life after it sat for three years.

I wave whenever I can. It's sometimes hard in town with people driving like monkeys with muscle spasms, but a passing biker always gets a wave from me on the back roads. (Even the cheaters on Goldwing trikes :p )

[CB750F]

I also love the sense of accomplishment from bringing it back to life after it sat for three years.


Ain't that cool? The sometimes puff of smoke it puts out when it fires to life for the first time in years all smellin' like old gas and other stuff that you just can't identify. Not a better feelin'.

[TxFLSTC]

It really pissed me off last year when I got hurt and nobody even stopped to check. Baseball sized chunk of asphalt kicked up off of a truck tire and nailed me right in the middle finger, 7 stitches and a cracked tendon. I'm on the side of the road, blood all over my left pantleg, working on stopping the bleeding, no bikes stopped, and I saw at least two go by. Damn RUBbers.

What is a RUBber? Is that short for rubber-necker?

I don't remember if I posted this before... a friend of mine saw a fellow motorcyclist on the side of the road, so he stopped. The guy was a Bandito and was really rude to my friend, which was only trying to help him. So my friend just drove off.... Last year the same friend was in Galveston pulled over to the side of the road taking pictures and another Bandito pulled over and ask him if he needed help... maybe they are trying to change their image?

If it is a lone biker, I may stop to help depending on the situation. You just got to be careful stopping on the side of the road. It could easily be a setup to rob you or worse.

[TxFLSTC]

Hello all. I'm fairly new to the site, but have been riding for over 4 years now. I've got a question. What's with bikers waving to eachother while passing?


I have been riding off and on since the 80's. Personally, I don't remember a lot of waving like you got now. I am not saying it didn't happen, but it didn't happen as much as it does now. I took a few years off from riding and returned a little over a year ago as a daily rider. I had more people waving at me than the other 20+ years combined. I mean waving is waving... no big deal, but good grief this was 99% of the bikes. I ask a buddy of mine about it and he told me about the biker wave.


What I mean to say is, I see a lot of waves between cruisers and Harleys, but when rockets come by, the seem to let the wave go. Is there a big enough discrimination between cruisers and rockets to neglect the friendly highway salute?


I wave at all motorcyclist. Rocket's, trikes, and metrics... and even girlie scooters :o


My dad, who brought me into this two-wheeled road, instructed me it's a sign of respect to one another on the road. Is the genre of the bike we ride a big enough icon to deter us from showing respect to one another? Just a curious question, any thoughts on this matter would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have always thought of it as the brotherhood of bikers... but that is my perception of it.


P.S. If there is an unwritten law that others might not know about, or should know about, let it be heard. I'm curious to hear what others out there expect from fellow riders. For example:
1. Riders stopped at an eatery, gas station etc., it is openly welcome for one rider to approach the other and comment on his/her bike.

I have no problems with someone talking to me or approaching me at a gas station or diner. I typically don't initiate conversations with strangers... it's just my way. However, I am always friendly to everyone.

I ride a Harley... it's just what I like. I respect everyone and what they choose to ride is their business. However, the guys and gals out there that conduct themselves in such a manner that makes all of us look bad... I don't care for them. More on this later....

[TxFLSTC]

I found the definitions of some of the slang that I didn't know...

RUB - Rich Urban Biker. A term usually used by real Harley Bikers to describe the weekend wannabe accountant types who buy a Harley ''cause they can and the status of it, but couldn't tell a camshaft from a brake pad. Bikers that ride with more money than knowledge, experience, and ""street saavy"".

Now I know....

[a1c_joker]

Good God, Tx, those are reply posts worthy of awards. You must have some free time on hand or you are very opinionated. Regardless of whatever rules any biker abides by, I do know that some people are prejudice against the type of bike you ride. I don't think it's any major thing, but I do know that it exists. All I know is that when I park my Yamaha in a parking lot full of Harley's, I get some strange looks. But some previous posters' have got it. It's not what kind of bike you ride, it's the fact that you ride.

[TxFLSTC]

Good God, Tx, those are reply posts worthy of awards. You must have some free time on hand or you are very opinionated. Regardless of whatever rules any biker abides by, I do know that some people are prejudice against the type of bike you ride. I don't think it's any major thing, but I do know that it exists. All I know is that when I park my Yamaha in a parking lot full of Harley's, I get some strange looks. But some previous posters' have got it. It's not what kind of bike you ride, it's the fact that you ride.

Well my job allows me some liberties to web surf and make wordy comments... plus it keeps me awake on the long nights. I wouldn't say I am opinionated. I don't hold on to my own idea's... I embrace a healthy conversation with differing views with the hopes of learning something new. I will support my opinion with what I know, but I am not the kind of person that is unwilling to admit when he is wrong.

as to the rest of your message.... Dr. Suesse had it right....

Sneetches and Other Stories. by Dr. Seuss. N.Y.: Random House (http://www.randomhouse.com/), 1961.

Sneetchland is populated by two types of Sneetches: the Star Belly Sneetches, born with a yellow star on their stomachs, and the Plain Belly Sneetches, born with no stars. The Star Belly Sneetches flaunt their belly stars as proof of their superiority and refuse to mix with the "inferior" Plain Bellies. They snub them at every occasion and prohibit their Star Belly children from playing with Plain Belly kids. The Plain Belly Sneetches, for their part, feel inferior to the Star Belly Sneetches and envy them their belly star status symbols. Everything changes when a clever man named McBean arrives with his Star-On-Off machine. The Plain Belly Sneetches eagerly pay him to put stars on their bellies so they can join the ranks of the "superior" Star Bellies. This infuriates the Star Bellies, who can no longer tell the "good" sneetches from the "bad", since everyone now has belly stars. They therefore get together and decide that not having belly stars is the new "in" status symbol, and pay McBean to take off their belly stars. Next follows a crazy on-again, off-again race as the Star Belly Sneetches run through McBean's machine to add or take off stars and the Plain Belly Sneetches keep imitating them. Finally, both Star Bellies and Plain Bellies run out of money and McBean drives off with their cash, laughing "You can't teach a sneetch." By this time, no-one can tell who's a Star Belly or Plain Belly any longer. On the last page, the Sneetches decide to abandon their silly status games and to treat each other as friends and equals, vowing never again to discriminate against thers who look different.:cool:

[a1c_joker]

Yeah, I'd say I have to agree with ya. I never meant to stir up issues between HD riders and overseas riders, it was just a question I had. A lot of people I talk to are very opinionated about Harley's. A guy I ride with who owns a really nice Dyna rides his just because that's what he's got, and if Honda or Yamaha were to come out with something more attractive to him, he would pick one up. But there seems to be a majority of two different people out there. Type A - I hate Harley's. They're crap and I'll never own/ride another one. Type B - Harleys' are okay bikes, they're the perfect example of an American institution. Anyway, enough blabbering. Oddly enough being only 20 years old, I'm a big fan of the cruisers. RoadStar's, V-Stars, Vulcans, VTX, RoadKings, so on and so forth (I know there are a lot of cruisers out there), and I'm the kind of guy who can admit that there are a lot of bikes out there just waiting for the right butt to sit on the seat. I'm glad this forum has had such the response it's gotten! Thanks to the site moderators for keeping it!

[CB750F]

Would I buy a Harley, a dyed in wool Japanese bike rider? Possibly but right now I can't afford any of the ones I like.

[Uesque]

Would I buy a Harley, a dyed in wool Japanese bike rider? Possibly but right now I can't afford any of the ones I like.

I found the only one I really liked and at a price I could afford, and I love it. But I'm not going out and plastering myself head to toe with Harley gear. Other than my gloves and boots, and I've had them long before I bought the bike. Oh, and a t-shirt from Capetown HD, South Africa, but I just bought that because I was there, and a Yamaha rider had a more unique Harley shirt than the actual Harley riders at bike night. :D Hmmm, maybe if I could find a Jay Springsteen replica jacket... But that's it!

I'd love to also have a crotch rocket, a sport tourer, a dirt bike, and a vintage two stroke triple, but those will have to wait for the budget to recover.

[TxFLSTC]

I found the only one I really liked and at a price I could afford, and I love it. But I'm not going out and plastering myself head to toe with Harley gear.

Some folks really get into the biker gear. I got my boots, gloves, and leather jacket. I would like to get some dragin pants one day.

The chaps... I just don't know. I know they offer some protection that jeans do not, that is not why a lot of them folks are wearing them... i assume this because the same folks are not wearing a helmet... guess they have enough experience that a helmet is overkill...? I dunno. Women look cool in chaps.

What is the wallet with the chain all about? Is there some utility to it? My assumption is so it don't fall out while riding or get stolen at the bar?

[Forgewizard]

I'm friendly and I wave to everyone I see on a motorbike! I don't care if they are Harleys or Rice Rockets! I think that maybe the reason that many of the Rocket riders don't wave is that they may not actually SEE a wave and it may be harder for them to take their hand off to wave.

Lots of times I'll get a return nod from them. If not its no biggee, at least I was friendly. :)

I like the biker wave - its much nicer than the four wheeler "salutes" often shot across lanes! :rolleyes:

Cheers, Kim

[Uesque]

Some folks really get into the biker gear. I got my boots, gloves, and leather jacket. I would like to get some dragin pants one day.

The chaps... I just don't know. I know they offer some protection that jeans do not, that is not why a lot of them folks are wearing them... i assume this because the same folks are not wearing a helmet... guess they have enough experience that a helmet is overkill...? I dunno. Women look cool in chaps.

What is the wallet with the chain all about? Is there some utility to it? My assumption is so it don't fall out while riding or get stolen at the bar?

I always wear my boots, my jacket is just a plain brown leather A2. After encountering the rock, I need to get some better gloves with armored knuckles, but have been procrastinating.

I got rid of my wallet on a chain when I cut off my mullet.

[Maico Shark]

I'm friendly and I wave to everyone I see on a motorbike! I don't care if they are Harleys or Rice Rockets! I think that maybe the reason that many of the Rocket riders don't wave is that they may not actually SEE a wave and it may be harder for them to take their hand off to wave.

Lots of times I'll get a return nod from them. If not its no biggee, at least I was friendly. :)

I like the biker wave - its much nicer than the four wheeler "salutes" often shot across lanes! :rolleyes:

Cheers, Kim
The true biker spirit:) We are members of a brotherhood. Some riders don't feel secure enough to take a hand off the bars. A sudden bump or dip could turn the wave into a farewell salute:) Sometimes I can wave and other times I don't feel secure enough...so give a nod and yet other times an oncoming rider who has waved is gone before I decide what to do :confused:

[a1c_joker]

Funny thing, I was asking one of my co-workers who rides the big, "Do you wave, who do you wave to?" question. He told me a funny story about how we went to wave coming out of a corner and thought he was stable enough, waved, and damn near wobbled off the road. I chuckled 'cause the first thing to come to mind is Jim Carrey waving into a wobble in Dumb & Dumber (a personal all-time favorite) while he's waving at the trucker. Hahaha, I had a laugh. Ever see riders doing something stupid on highway like that?

~Joker

[CoolCruiserM50]

Whats the rule about pulling up next to someone at a stop light? is game or just rude, I get close but not right next too, maybe for fear of not being notcied as a fellow rider on my pink scooter:D jk. But seriously, I can't stand the guys that don't wave back, it's just ****ing rude, makes me want to waist a perfectly good spark plug to throw at em.
But those are for the cars that don't see me or try to run me off the road just cause i'm on a bike.

[CoolCruiserM50]

Sometimes I don't see the other rider in time to wave, but I've done the wobble once or twice, it scared the **** out of me since I've only been riding for about a 1 and 1/2. Kinda regret getting a brand new 2006 cause I've already dumped a few times, but not fast enough to make me **** myself, more like smash my face on the ground for being an idiot and laying down the bike, espiaclly whens it happen in front of the women:o

[Forgewizard]

I'd be interested in that "rule" too. Since I ride by myself all the time - and there are a LOT of other riders in my area, When I approach a red light if there is another rider in front of me, I"ll treat them as if they are a car.

I'm pretty sure that's what the actual motorcycle laws state, but the written law and the laws of real life often are quite different, right?

So I'll pull up behind them but off to their left slightly - in the line of site of their rearview mirror. So far I am comfortable with that, and nobody has "invited" me to come any farther forward.

One time, a VERY rude rider on one of those "drag style" bikes came whizzing by me at a light so close I swear he brushed my elbow! His fat butt girl friend was plopped on the back too and she gave me the hairy eyeball as he went by.

Since he got stopped by the next light and I was now in the moving lane of traffic, as I went by I shouted at him, "Were you born an a**hole or did you acquire the trait? You "F-ing" moron - learn the rules of the road!"

I must have caught him unawares, because his only response was to "salute me"! :eek:

After that incident, I tend to position myself in the middle of the lane to hopefully discourage idiots form crowding past. Some other riders may think me rude to lay claim to a whole lane, but I'm just laying claim to as much of my safety as I can!

There are places in Daytona that will rent cycles to anyone with enough money and I doubt the renters have to pass anysort of riders test.

While I don't actually have stats to back up my theory, I get the feeling that the rudest of these idiots are NOT from here. - how can I tell they aren't from here? - Usually their lobster red sunburn gives them away and their helmets hanging on the side of the bike ( helmets are optional in FL).

For some reason as soon as drivers ( whether 4 or 2 wheelers) cross that state line - they just forget EVERY rule and common courtesy of the road!

Cheers! Kim

[Uesque]

There are rude riders everywhere(notice I avoid the term biker, the rude ones mostly RUB'ers without a clue). Unless it's someone I'm riding with, I don't pull up alongside at a light, and I definitely don't pass in the same lane, that's just uncool. It also annoys me on my annual charity ride when the idiot behind me thinks it's OK to come beside me in a group of 400 bikes. Give me space!

It seems a substantial proportion of rude riders are 40-60 year old men with bright shiny new Harley Davidson Midlifecrisis Glides. I still wave at them, and sometimes even use all my fingers.

[CB750F]

I never ever pull up beside anyone at a redlight unless I know them. I don't like it bein' done to me so I don't do it. I always wave though.

[CoolCruiserM50]

I had some Jackass whiz by me at a light and I was gonna say somethin at the next light but I let cop that was watching pull him over instead so I just waved at him:cool:

[CoolCruiserM50]

what about waving to cops on bikes, I think that that's probably a must with everybody, even if there in a car. I'll wave to em to be respectful and to also I say "I see you over there watching me"

[Maico Shark]

After that incident, I tend to position myself in the middle of the lane to hopefully discourage idiots form crowding past. Some other riders may think me rude to lay claim to a whole lane, but I'm just laying claim to as much of my safety as I can!


That makes me wonder about where on the road is actually the best. Cars leaking oil and transmission fluid tend to spill on the center of the road. This can result in a slick forming in the center of the road particularly at stops signs and traffic lights, but then potholes usually form on the tire lanes caused, usually, by overloaded rigs. (I hate potholes) So I generally stay in the center but keep an eye out for oil slicks.

[KaJuN]

I tend to stay out of the middle of the lane even if there isn't a lot of oil on the road. I just don't like the idea of it accumulating on my tires as I'm riding along. Potholes don't worry me too much because we really don't have a problem with them around here. Plus my bike glides over the bumps just beautifully; I've been in Cadillacs with rougher rides. :)

[a1c_joker]

Here's one for ya. I was parked at a Subway's grabbin' some lunch with the girlfriend when a rider on a V-Star pulled up. He dismounted his ride, walked over and continued to inspect my bike. After some thorough inspection, he started kicking my road bell, as if to insure himself of what it is. (The tiny bell to ward against road demons) Now, I know it's not a big piece of chrome that's gonna scratch easily, but it's ON MY BIKE! Come on, look, don't touch unless you've got permission, right? Thoughts???

~Joker

[Uesque]

I'm with you joker, I would have been out there in a flash asking what was going on. I've stopped to check out a nice bike (saw a great CBX yesterday), but I'd never touch anything on it. That's just uncool.

[CB750F]

You simply do not touch someone's bike unless thay say it's cool.

[a1c_joker]

Well, that's what I thought, but ya never know how different people are going to react. I mean, I totally understand the guy was curious, but as soon as he walked in he had to have saw me. I was raised to give as much respect to your fellow rider as possible, and pulling that BS kinda hit out in left field, nice to know you guys are with me in that subject.

~Joker

[Uesque]

Damn RUB'ers are ruining everything. Don't touch my bike and go back to your SUV's.

[CB750F]

It's either RUBbers or Squids ruinin' somethin'.

[Maico Shark]

Well according to my Theory Of Converging Velocities...10% of all vehicles being passed will increase their speed to exactly match that of the passing vehicle resulting in two vehicles traveling side by side for miles. Then there's the 10% of all passing vehicles who, after completing the pass, will slow to a speed slightly less than that of the passed vehicle resulting in a leap frog activity where two vehicles pass & repass each other for miles....then of course there's the 10% of vehicles who, when the vehicle in front of them is about to overtake another, performs a "pre-emptive" pass forcing the leading vehicle to either cut them off or be trapped behind a slower vehicle for miles on end. My theory goes on to include all sorts of what I believe to be largely sub-conscious behaviour and concludes with the observation that, at any given time, we ourselves are part of the 10% that's screwing up.

Perhaps the reason I don't become angry at those who are inconsiderate or foolish on the highway is because I try to see them as vehicles rather than individuals...they are road hazards like deer, dogs, kids chasing soccer balls, and dead skunks in the middle of the road....I simply veer, slow down, pass, or do what I must to avoid them and refuse to dwell upon them. Otherwise I might forget the sheer beauty of my world, the conflicting caress of sun and shade on my skin, the sound of birds singing along the roadside, the sweet perfume of a fencerow grown over with honeysuckles...the warm summer wind blowing through what's left of my hair...and all the thousand reasons why I ride.
Chill my brothers
and smile

[CB750F]

Speaking of deer..........

I almost plowed a deer right by the Dairy Queen in Huntingdon PA on the Ninja today around 11am. There was a woman joggin' that damn near got it by the deer. I doubt she even knew because it ran right behind her.

I just let it go because I might end up at there house yellin' obsenities at the top of my lungs until I either get shot or the cops show up.

[Uesque]

I like your Theory, but I'd change all three 10%'s to 50%'s.

[KaJuN]

then of course there's the 10% of vehicles who, when the vehicle in front of them is about to overtake another, performs a "pre-emptive" pass forcing the leading vehicle to either cut them off or be trapped behind a slower vehicle for miles on end.

That always happens to me and I hate it. I'm playing Mr. Courteous Driver by not hogging the left lane. I come up to someone driving slowly (usually a semi) and I've got not one but a half dozen or more cars behind me and they all proceed to pass around me. I've given up signaling in the hope that someone will let me in because it never happens.

Here's something else I don't understand. Whenever I'm on the highway and I'm in the right hand lane I have someone barreling up the road behind me. It's obvious they're going to have to pass me and that the road ahead is clear. But what do they do? They come up within a few feet of my bumper and get even closer as they pass. Why?? Would it have been so hard to get in the left lane long before you got to me?

[Uesque]

Would it have been so hard to get in the left lane long before you got to me?

That would require diverting attention from their cell phone/latte/CD/DVD movie/cigarette/Big Mac/makeup...

[extro90vert]

I'm new to the forum, so please forgive the late reply. This is an article I wrote a while back on the subject that gives my outlook on some aspects of the current state of motorcycling. Right now I'm riding a R1100S and an
XL1200C that will run the pants off of most other HDs. Here
is the article, and yes, I'm wordy.


After about 25 yrs of various imports, often several at once, another 7 years of Dyna Low Rider, and now on my 4th in a series of BMWs, the latest being a K1200RS, 130 hp sport touring bike, I've formed a few opinions / philosophies / observations of my own concerning motorcycles and those that ride them. If you're interested, read on, if not, hit delete.

Harley Davidson doesn't make a part that I can't break, and will not stand behind their product when I do. By the time I built the motor enough to make adequate horsepower, and fixed the parts that broke or were defective, there were more after market parts than "Genuine H-D" on the Dyna. Oddly enough, I've never had that problem with other makes.

Motorcycles are like your kids. They are individuals, each having their good points and their flaws. You love them for differing reasons, but love them none the less.

Stay away from the masses. I've lived too long and ridden too many miles to have a new rider cross a center line and take me out while he's gawking or riding side by side through the Black Hills, or on a county road for that matter.

I hate the "see and be seen" posers with a three day growth and the "attitude". Bad news dude, if I could whip you before you bought the tee shirt, I can still do it now that you're wearing it.

Speaking of attitudes, whining about discrimination against motorcyclists, all the while trying to put on airs that you're a badass to intimidate or impress the general public doesn't add up. That's like advertising a car for sale and listing it as a piece of junk. I doubt you'll get many buyers.

The logo tacked on every piece of property they own cracks me up. Jeez, it's just a freekin' motorcycle.

You are only as good as the equipment you use. After I switched to BMW, a friend from out of town I hadn't seen for a couple of years showed up and we went for a ride. He told me "you ride just as fast as you ever did, but now you don't slow down for the curves". I didn't know I had to. The bike sure as hell doesn't know it has to. Compared to the Low rider, another 50 hp and ABS, not to mention tires and a chassis designed for the task makes a hell of a difference.

There are bikers, and there are motorcyclists, and there are wannabees. I could be classified as a biker, but prefer to think that I'm a
motorcyclist. I live and breathe motorcycles. All makes, all models, and ride with riders of them all, except for the wannabees discussed below.

I'm having an affair with the beemers right now, but when they catch on and everbody owns one, Ducati is next, although the Benelli Tornado looks mighty interesting.

My son grew up in a shop from the age of 8, went to MMI and is certified as an all make technician. He wants to be a biker, whatever the hell that is. He worked at a BMW shop, but gave it up because he got tired of adding accessories, since there is so little repair work needed on BMWs. He went to work at the local HD shop so that he can actually fix broken stuff. He's dyed in the wool HD, which makes for some interesting conversations. An afternoon with the K12 kinda gave him a little better insight into the other makes argument.

Wannabees, "live the lifestyle", ha! Ride to the next tavern. Bull**** about the latest lick em stick em chrome doodad, or the cool new shirt with the eagle or wolf plastered on it. Brainwashed, but it was a small load of laundry. What the hell does HD have to do with eagles, wolves or, for that matter, native Americans?

Never pass a motorcyclist on the side of the road. I've turned around and hauled riders for gas, to a phone for help, etc. countless times. Real bikers/motorcyclists know that we're all in this together. Wannabees for the most part wouldn't think of doing that. In
that same vein, never take money if offered. just tell them that if they want to repay you, never pass a broke down bike without stopping to see if they need help.

There are *******s in all walks of life. There are snobbish people riding all makes and models. To hell with 'em. I ride with folks that have similar interests, and enjoy meeting new ones, be it at a rest stop, gas pump or tagging along for a Saturday ride. Who give a rat's ass if a Winger, or a Beemer rider or a Harley rider waves or not. I'm too busy staying alive to pay attention or keep
score. The median across a busy interstate isn't there to socialize. I'd be thrilled if that was all I had to worry about.

The only reason you'll ever see my bike in the back of a truck, is if it's stolen. I've been heavily involved in a number of rallies, primarily running gate security, and nothing pisses me off any worse than a Winnebago pulling a trailer full of bikes with license plates from a county 100 miles away. I ride in in the rain and sleep in a tent. They don't get much sympathy from me when I have to tell them there's no room for Winnie's in the park when camping space is at a premium and one of those things take up a dozen sites that could be used for tents. It's a bike rally, not a Winnie rally or a car rally. "I won't be back!". Good.


-MHaney

[Maico Shark]

Love your piece Extro....You are a man with firm opinions and the ability to express them eloquently. You are only as good as the equipment you use. Well you know I kinda disagree with that concept. In my early days I was a dealer for Steen motorcycles. Steen was an American made bike that used a Hodaka Ace 100 engine. It had a cheap front end that used shock absorbers instead of hydraulic tubes. It was sturdy but heavy and one of the last US made dirt bikes that sold for less than the Japanese brands that dominated the 100cc motocross class. I found a local kid that could ride, took him to the track and put him on a Steen. He never lost a race. All the rich kids with their CR's, RM's, KZ's...with all their aftermarket upgrades, fancy boots and leathers...they ate his dust. He transcended the equipment he had to use.

[extro90vert]

Never heard of them. The kid had the talent to transcend the limitations of his bike. Let me rephrase my statement. Better equipment for the particular task allows you to better to use your abilites.

My statement about the HD vs BMW is a good example. The typical HD is at a disadvantage when it comes to power and handling. It's built for a more relaxed pace and is great for that.

The BMW is good for long hauls in the triple digits, and carving up curvy back roads. Its power and handling is more than adequate for my skill level, plus the ergonimics are such that it's better for these old bones than a knee dragger, otherwise, a 1098 Ducatis would look good in the garage too.

Thanks for the compliment on the article.

[Uesque]

My statement about the HD vs BMW is a good example. The typical HD is at a disadvantage when it comes to power and handling. It's built for a more relaxed pace and is great for that.


You're just jaded from your Dyna. Hop on an FXR sometime and hit the curves. You'll still need to keep your momentum up, but you won't need to slow for the twisties. Of course, the FXR is not the "typical" HD, either.

[extro90vert]

You're just jaded from your Dyna. Hop on an FXR sometime and hit the curves. You'll still need to keep your momentum up, but you won't need to slow for the twisties. Of course, the FXR is not the "typical" HD, either.

Ridden FXRs, couldn't see what was in the mirrors. Great bike for a mild custom job. I didn't ride it hard enough to comment on the difference between the handling from that and a dyna.

Pls keep in mind that we're talking apples and oranges. I ride very hard. I use all of the tread. I put Metzler Lazers on the dyna and Sporty. I have lhe latest incarnation of MEZ4s on the Beemer. There's no way I'd try the stuff I do on an HD similarly equipped.

Also, the Beemers I ride aren't tourig bikes or cruisers. The K12 was a high speed sport tourer, with 130 hp and a 160 MPH top end. I did 3000 miles in a month, including a week vacation through Ia, Ill, Ky, Tn., NC, SC, GA, Fl, Al, and back.(By myself, nirvana achieed). A big portion of the trip was through the smokies and mountains of north GA. The R1100S is a sport bike for old dudes. It runs ptretty good, has ABS and handles like it's on rails. I doubt I'd do the trip on it due to ergonomics.

The Dyna couldn't have kept up, and if it did, I'd have felt like I was a million years old at the end of the 3rd 500 mile day.

[Maico Shark]

Goes to show the vast diversity of the motorcycle experience...The thought of a vacation cruise through the southern Appalacians by motorcycle might seem pleasurable but The Dyna couldn't have kept up, and if it did, I'd have felt like I was a million years old at the end of the 3rd 500 mile day. I have to ask...keep up to what? Although I know what...an inner drive...the demon that used to set me running down a mountainside, flying over loose rocks that tumbled in a rush behind me...knowing that a slip or fall could spell disaster.

The pleasure that you felt on that trip, the nirvana...had nothing to do with the drifting mist of the Smokie Mountains or the silent cathedral of Mammoth Cave, or any other natural wonder but was achieved simply by survival. Pls keep in mind that we're talking apples and oranges. I ride very hard. I use all of the tread. That's it exactly...Great post!

[extro90vert]

The Dyna couldn't have kept up with the K12RS on that trip, or more accurately, my old bones wouldn't have been as comfortable during the long haul, and the Dyna wouldn't have been nearly as happy shaggin' butt across long stretches of interstate or the curves in the mountains of north Georgia.
I blew through the mountains on a weekday, and ws just about the only person up there. Boy, that ws nice.

The dyna was quite a bike, and was a piece of my anatomy for many years. It dynoed 82 bhp, 72 lb/ft of torgue. I put in a fork kit and some progressive shocks, as well at the Metzlers, so it was pretty capable in the twisties.

The K12 was scary fast and rode like it was on rails. It's an extremely competent high speed touring bike and very easy to use the whole tire with. I reckon the cruise shut off at 120 mph because the German's think that you need both hands on the bars to go faster than that.

One of the apples and oranges differences, and a big one at that, is that my Dyna, after everything I had done to improve it felt like it was a part of me. It had soul, and I had the worst case of seller's remorse the day some guy paid me for it and rode it away. The K12 didn't need a nickle's worth of improvement, could exceed anyone's expectations and most people's capabilities, but it was just another bike. I sold it, bought an R1100S BMW, and other than the R bike being less quick, I don't miss the K12 all that much.

[Maico Shark]

Remembering days of my youth I recall a 750 Honda that I had splurged on and put a 900 kit in it. In '75 there wasn't much out there with a higher top end. Smooth as only a four can be I cranked it up after leaving an MX race in the woods. Curves came like a strangled snake and my young wife leaned into them with me. Coming up out of a tight turn into a straightaway the hornet hit me. It hit my glasses and was already dead when it blew down my shirt but it's ass didn't know that and stung me a half dozen times each one a blazing jolt of pain.

I weaved and wobbled but didn't lay it down...the sort of miracle you don't forget about, even 32 years later. Maybe there was something in the hornet's venom...or maybe some forgotten promises were made to powers unseen but I never really exceeded the speed limit by more than 10 mph ever again on a motorcycle. For some reason the scenery became important and I enjoyed the sights and sounds and smells of the world around me. Then came the day I pulled over and walked up to a bush...took a deep breath....and realized that for the first time...I had stopped to smell the roses.

[extro90vert]

Fully understand the hornet. Whacked a bumble bee once & really pissed him off. I grabbed him and smashed him inside of the shirt before I pulled over. I dont know where you are, but around here we have June bugs, big hard beetles that have a tendency to zero in right between between the eyes. They're like hitting a rock. Everytime one hits the face shield I think "oh that would've hurt". Those, and trucks without their load covered, or semi's that can't keep the trailer off of the shoulder are some really good reasons for a full face helmet.

[Maico Shark]

You know I was a bit worried about June bugs...only wearing glasses and all but not only didn't get hit with one but didn't even see one all summer. They say the honey bees are disappearing too...wonder what else is going extinct. The railroad, the power company, and the Dept of Transportation are all spraying the roadsides with poisons....cheaper I guess than hiring people to use weed wackers. After years of this, it takes a toll.

To me it would be better to use a windshield than a full face helmet. a full face would sufficate me...insulate and isolate me from the environment and take away much of the pleasure I get from riding. I understand that others enjoy wearing full face helmets and I support them in that. Getting hit in the face by a bug is no fun but it is an acknowlegement that something has died though a face being a bit softer than a helmet some may survive the impact.

[slicknick218]

I'm a younger guy and I wave to everybody now on the bikes (when I'm not too busy daydreaming about the redhead I just passed) but as a kid a large portion of the bikes in my area (southern ohio) would not wave to each other unless they actually knew each other. Where I grew up was a hot spot for several of the bike clubs who really didn't care to have anything to do with one another a lot of the time.


As far as the blonds go they can have the same courtesy wave as anyone would get but beyond that no special treatment (unless they're a real knkockout)
Brunette's :) :D they are great and get extra effort from me to be shown courtesy as I store them in the back of my mind for later recall
REDHEADS :eek: :D Take a picture for my toolbox at work and save that phone # for later use (thats how I ended up married to the redhead I am with)

[CB750F]

Damn redheads. (I'm married to one too)

[Uesque]

(I'm married to one too)

AHEM.


My wife is married to one also.

[Capt.]

Yup, got one back at the barn myself.....what where we thinkin?!?!
As Robin Williams once said: "God only gave man enough blood to think with only one head at a time". :D Least, that's my story and I'm stickin to it.
Capt.

[extro90vert]

My mother in law is (was) a redhead. That's one more than I can stand at times.

[Uesque]

OK, I'm standing right here! :rolleyes:

[CB750F]

Guy redheads are different. I used to work with a redhead guy who could immitate Pee Wee Herman to a T.

[Uesque]

Guy redheads are different. I used to work with a redhead guy who could immitate Pee Wee Herman to a T.

Mentioning Mr. Shot in the Dark is not making me feel any better. :rolleyes:

[CB750F]

Sorry. :cool:

[BH121869]

Hello all. I'm fairly new to the site, but have been riding for over 4 years now. I've got a question. What's with bikers waving to eachother while passing? What I mean to say is, I see a lot of waves between cruisers and Harleys, but when rockets come by, the seem to let the wave go. Is there a big enough discrimination between cruisers and rockets to neglect the friendly highway salute? My dad, who brought me into this two-wheeled road, instructed me it's a sign of respect to one another on the road. Is the genre of the bike we ride a big enough icon to deter us from showing respect to one another? Just a curious question, any thoughts on this matter would be appreciated. Thanks.

~Joker

P.S. If there is an unwritten law that others might not know about, or should know about, let it be heard. I'm curious to hear what others out there expect from fellow riders. For example:
1. Riders stopped at an eatery, gas station etc., it is openly welcome for one rider to approach the other and comment on his/her bike.

I wave to all, even the scooters. I started out on a hard tail, two speed Cushman Eagle back in 1957. I loved those days and was the king of the road. Dirt road back then in florida. I'm glad to see everyone out enjoying themselves whatever they ride. Not sure when the sign started as I did not see it till after Nam in 1969. Don't be afraid to say hi to another biker and for sure tell them they have a nice bike when you can. As for the females, the more the better and wave and throw kisses. Every now and then I get the finger but in the south thats just another way to say hi.

[LowRiderGhost]

I always did choose to wave to passing riders as they came the other way. Or even the few I managed to pass now and then. :D I never cared WHAT they were riding, or what I was riding at the time either. I gotta' confess when I was a lot younger I might of felt uncomfortable waving to a group of patch holders / 1%ers with me on a Metric! :eek: But even that, these days I just don't give a rat's behind! :cool: People can wave or not wave - they're choice! Most of the time I've been out on a Harley over the years, and EVERYBODY gets a wave from me - wanted or not! :D

What I always did think was pretty neat though was over the years was more often then not, out in the rural backcountry often times getting a friendly wave from Ranchers, people on Horseback or the occasional tractor driver! :o That really gives me a bit of a feeling what it must of been like riding these old roads back in say my late Uncle Bud's time, when he had rode Harleys AND Indians in the 30's & 40's. Must of been neat....:)

The only time I WON'T wave though is going down Multi-lane Freeways / Highways as I just feel it's a safety issue: Cage Drivers around us are dangerously confused enough as it IS - I sure as heck refuse to confuse the ('cough') 'citizens' even more by waving at riders far off coming the other way, ya' know?! ;)

LRG

[Maico Shark]

When I first started riding everyone, especially the little kids, would flash the peace sign. Bikers then were kinda seen as anti-establishment, anti-war, and part of an alliance of sorts. It was neat.

[Aqualung]

I will wave. ONe thing that really impresses me about motorcycles is the whole motorcycle subculture. You can ride with people you've never even met and nobody will think it's weird.

[booger]

you wont find a brand on my girl hell the crowd i ride with looks like a bunch of misfits metric harley we need all the freinds we can get ill speak to you on the street ill wave at you on your bike...branch

[HarleyWoman]

I wave at everyone, even if they don't wave back. The only time I don't wave back is when I am going into a turn. Still a novice and am not ready to take my left hand off in a turn.:D

[Badlag]

i'm still low on the post-count but i thought i'd share my side anyways...

i'm riding a rocket and i'll wave to everyone i see on a bike. the only times i won't wave is when i don't notice them soon enough, or i'm in the middle of navigation through traffic. (traffic in southeast louisiana tends to keep me alert)

[Maico Shark]

I feel the same way...gotta keep your eye on the road but wave if I get the chance. What's a rocket? is that the Triumph triple?

[Roadrash]

I wave whenever I can (don't wanna wreck, y'know?) at anyone riding a motorcycle of any kind. For me it still is a kinda us vs. them mentality. I figure anyone on a bike is one step above anyone not on a bike.
I think the only etiquette (if you can call it that) is that bikers typically do the "low wave". Swinging your hand wildly up above shoulder level would look kinda goofy and probably give an impression of newbiness to any onlookers.
I also think that one biker waving at another gives an outward impression of solidarity to onlookers. "Look, they all must get along, they wave at each other."
Respects,
Roadrash
PS: I think any motorcyclist who passes a downed biker should be forbidden to ever ride again. What a disgrace!

[point]

You know, it's funny about guys with a Harely attitude. My little brother rode Yamahas for over 20 years and waved at anybody. He went and bought a beautiful Harely 2 years ago, decked himself out in every conceivable HD piece of clothing and now rides with his nose in the air and only waves at HDs.
Sad Eh? I ride a 20 year old Virago, love it and think ALL bikes are cool. I've been riding for 40 years now and If you are on a bike, no matter what make, colour or creed, it's cool.

[Maico Shark]

Could be your bro is unsure of himself yet on the hog. It takes a while.

[jt38]

I ride with a few friends, one has a 1981 Suzuki GS750, a 1997 Virago 750, and me on my '07 Suzuki S50. We are just happy to be riding that we wave to every bike on the road. Our experience has been that most every other rider waves, except the HD riders. They jusy seem to look past us and keep riding. Now we do ride with two other guys from time to time and both of them have HD's. One time on a trip to Boston for lunch (we live in Albany, NY) we ALL, including the orginal three got waves from all the HD riders. I find that to be a bit interesting that it seems that us non-HD riders got waves when we were with the two HD riders.
Also, the wife would wave to everyone, and when there was no wave back, then she would flip them off.....GOD, I love her......
Plain and simple.......life is too damn short to be alone in this world....plus, if it has two wheels and runs, then you are doing better than most.

[point]

We may all be brothers,,, But sometimes your brother can be an ass to.

[Maico Shark]

It's a little like playing russian roulette you know...flipping off riders who don't wave...do it enough and sooner or later you're in a **** storm. Some people actually get offended by the gesture and depending on what kind of day they've been havin'...how many clips for the 9mm they're carryin'...and other factors there's no accounting for...

[edger]

I ride with a few friends, one has a 1981 Suzuki GS750, a 1997 Virago 750, and me on my '07 Suzuki S50. We are just happy to be riding that we wave to every bike on the road. Our experience has been that most every other rider waves, except the HD riders. They jusy seem to look past us and keep riding. Now we do ride with two other guys from time to time and both of them have HD's. One time on a trip to Boston for lunch (we live in Albany, NY) we ALL, including the orginal three got waves from all the HD riders. I find that to be a bit interesting that it seems that us non-HD riders got waves when we were with the two HD riders.
Also, the wife would wave to everyone, and when there was no wave back, then she would flip them off.....GOD, I love her......
Plain and simple.......life is too damn short to be alone in this world....plus, if it has two wheels and runs, then you are doing better than most.

I try to wave at everyone but sometimes its just not possible. Both hands busy whatever. I have found this to be true with just about everyone. I think it makes a difference where you live but I don't think a negative gesture is in order as you don't really know why they didn't wave. I have always found the Harley riders to be as courtious or more than any. It has been my experience that I can talk to or approach any HD rider on the road and be fine. Ya know, I have taken off before with a group that had 4 Harleys, 3 Honda's , 3 Kawasaki's, and my lone Suzuki, and don't really think anyone cares what anyone else is riding, as long as that is what your doing. Isn't it all about Riding!!!

[Roadrash]

It's a little like playing russian roulette you know...flipping off riders who don't wave...do it enough and sooner or later you're in a **** storm. Some people actually get offended by the gesture and depending on what kind of day they've been havin'...how many clips for the 9mm they're carryin'...and other factors there's no accounting for...

AMEN to that!
Respects,
Roadrash