New Moto Guzzi Door Mats Available Now
I was out today on the Bassa, and I experimented. I normally wave at everyone. I should add, at first glance, people assume I'm on a harley because I kind of look the part, bushy beard, open face helmet,etc. I get the pulled back wave often from HD riders and the ignore from metric guys, not that I'm complaining. Today I gave every bike I passed a fully extended arm to the sky flashing the peace sign, great idea Chuck Peterson. I went by a group of 8-10 hogs, trikes and other assorted barges and got at least a couple of waves and a total ignore from a pair of metric cruisers. It was 80 today but there was a chance of showers so not too many bikes out. I'm going to continue the peace sign for the rest of the season, and maybe reverse it for the haters. Maybe I should add it was so muggy I was, jacketless, in a bright white tee shirt that says "Kiss Me I'm Irish" , only clean thing I had.
I think it’s more the case that we are wondering at the mentality, than actually getting mad.The aloof 1,000 yard stare is part of their brand identification. You know, the “lone wolf” thing.
I posted this on ADVrider last year. There were some interesting responses. I didn’t know that people on ADVrider read Psychology Today. Maybe someone gave them gift subscriptions.Here’s the post (titled, “Sportster scorners”):I bought a Sportster last year. It’s a “Roadster” model with dual front discs, etc., but it’s still a Sportster.I have been riding my Guzzis this year and haven’t spent much time on the ol Sporty. So I’ve taken it out the last couple days.Sportsters have got to be the Rodney Dangerfield of bikes. Most riders won’t wave when they go by. BMW riders look the other way, as though they aren’t seeing this orange thing with two wheels and “Sportster” on the tank. The do-rag crowd just looks straight ahead, I suppose because I’m wearing a helmet. The Vespa crowd ignores me because they think that HD riders will eat their children, or something.So I’ve parked it. Everyone waves to the ‘90 Guzzi LeMans.So — how many Sportster scorners are on advrider? Or, how many will admit to being one?
pfffffttttAmateurs !Get yourself a Honda Gold Wing. They come from the factory nicely accessorized. Just set the switch and ride. No more pesky manual wave.I want that. Do they make it with positive earth?
I decided my 3rd week of riding that I'm not waving to or back at anyone, if they are on a guzzi and I notice in time they might get a beep or a thumbs up. Perhaps this has eliminated a lot of stress from my life?
https://youtu.be/CQVahbr_lHcSome discussion on rules for the wave from a HD perspective, note the optional wave to Sporsters
My experience is that sport bike riders are pretty consistent with the two fingers to the ground, rubber on the road, wave, but they almost always wave. Harley and big dresser riders not so much, but not too bad. People get busy concentrating on other things or miss the opportunity, what ever, I’m guilty myself of missing a few waves. I also wave to bicyclists as I have a lot of respect for what some of those folks do. I wave to motorcycle officers, CHP, etc., but have yet to receive a wave back or even a nod. They seem even more aloof than the tough guy HD riders.
pfffffttttAmateurs !Get yourself a Honda Gold Wing. They come from the factory nicely accessorized. Just set the switch and ride. No more pesky manual wave.
I wave to everyone on two wheels, even the scooters.My anecdotal experience here in Massachusetts aligns with others; 90% of folks wave back or wave before I do.As for the other 10% - I would estimate 90% of those are HD riders. But it's pretty rare I pass a BMW or other of the brands mentioned.I actually find it hilarious when people don't wave back. I literally LOL when it happens... mostly because it occurs to me that they MUST be thinking something... what could be going through their minds? The most obvious thing is, "You do not ride a HD, you are below me." I bet me waving at you pisses you off. Oh well.And then 2 seconds elapse and my mind has all but erased the encounter.Yep, anything on two wheels. And I've even started waving to the trike crowd... a couple of times they seemed to wave back with a completely unsure-of-themselves wave... and I think, "Wow, I bet a lot of riders don't wave to them. I probably just made that dudes day (or at least I made that 4 seconds more enjoyable for him or her).So screw 'em. Keep wavin'. Laugh at those that don't reciprocate, for they lead a lonely life... or at least they want to pretend they do.
Perhaps. I love waving mid curve. You really find out who is in total control of their ride.
Why would you want to wave to someone mid-corner, knowing full well that you might be asking a less than confident rider to wave back?
