Another Harley Wave Thread

[Huzo]

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.

Coming from Finger Lakes, they probably expected something different..
Although, you do have FLH in your signature.

[twowheeladdict]

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.

You talking about BMW, or Ducati?

[bobrebos]

i only wave at fellow Stelvio riders.  We are bad ass!   

[stubbie]

I think I'm with LowRyter, probably scared to take his hands of the wheel in case he ends up in the weeds.

[twowheeladdict]

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?

The fact that anyone knows a sportster is coming towards them instead of a myriad of other model bike is pretty impressive.  Those people must really know their rides.

[Kiwi_Roy]

I give a left hand salute when I see a hack coming, they are so rare around these parts, usually a Ural
The only Hack I have driven was a Chang Jiang in China, I couldn't wait to get back in the chair.

[cappisj1]

I have an almost 100% success rate on the 73’ Eldorado. Maybe 60% successful when on my Norge.

It’s a challenge for me. I start with a solid hand up off the grip palm facing towards the oncoming bike. Depending on their response I might just drop my hand back down or give a good solid twisty wrist wave back.

For the ones that don’t wave I have gone into a big side to side wave, coming off the seat at times, challenging them to wave back. It just makes me chuckle and breaks up whatever I was day dreaming about.

[JJ]

In my experience, I would estimate that 8 or 9 out of 10 riders will wave, no matter what they are riding.

Sometimes, maybe they are looking the other way or distracted somehow.   

On long trips, and out on the long, lonesome highways, almost everyone waves, because I think they are all just glad to be alive and out riding! 

[Kev m]

Oh goody another one of these.

* ONE - I strongly suspect you mostly get what you expect in this world be it from observational bias or by subconsciously influencing outcome through actions.

* TWO - others actions define them and not me. My actions define me. I wave to everyone (all other bikes, bicycles too, pedestrians, kids, cool cars, old guys on their porches, even that stuck up bitch in the neighborhood with the Range Rover rho never returned my wave till I was in the Defender). I get confused and sometimes wave at Jeeps when I'm on the bike whatever.

Most people wave back, some don't. Some are busy, some are probably cranky or shy or annoyed or whatever. It really REALLY doesn't matter what it is. I waved, and the lack of a return wave doesn't insult me. Though a returned wave can make me smile.

Wave or smile more, worry less.

[Jorg66]

Well put Kev m, personally i wave at any Rider ,...Sports,cruiser ,make and model .Or sometimes just a Head notch .If some don't return ,doesnt phase me at all !!

[berniebee]

It's only a small, fleeting connection but for me sending out that positive vibe just makes my day brighter. I'm always hoping that I'm the first to wave at a newbie. "Welcome to the club."   

[Ncdan]

Me and 3 pals, son and grandson just rolled in from a weekend in  the Smokey’s. Great ride and weather, all had a blast!
Keeping up with the forum at night as well.
Yea Kev pretty much summed up my feelings also.
Someone, cant remember who, posted that around 90% of the riders wave. I got curious about that number so On the way home I kept up with the wavers and non wavers. Who ever said 90% is about spot on.
Now just to clear up the Harley riders being the stuck up crowd, that was debunked, today at least.
The majority of non wavers were NON HARLEY RIDERS. I didn’t strain my neck risking running off the road for the specific brands, just non HD.
No argument starting statement because I personally could care less of bike types or even if  someone waved or not, I don’t always wave if I’m deep in thought or really into a tune. If I can be perfectly honest, to me it’s like waiting for everyone who is driving a 2005 Ram 1500, charcoal gray in color, with a black vinyl bed cover with a beautiful lady passenger, to wave at me and I assume you know who’s driving this description of vehicle🤔

[bad Chad]

If someone waves I wave back, regardless of what or who.   I usually respond with what ever style the through first.

[kballowe]

pffffftttt

Amateurs  !


Get yourself a Honda Gold Wing.  They come from the factory nicely accessorized. 

Just set the switch and ride.  No more pesky manual wave.

[Scout63]

pffffftttt

Amateurs  !


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?

[JJ]

"The Daily Driver..."  

I see this HD on the road all the time.  Parked in front of a local Pizza parlor every day.  He obviously works there.  He always waves when I pass him on the road...

FXRP fairing, mini-ape hangers, 2-into-1 headers, Saddleman seat, crash bars...

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

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?

[twowheeladdict]

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?

Perhaps.  I love waving mid curve.  You really find out who is in total control of their ride.   

[Canuck750]

https://youtu.be/CQVahbr_lHc

Some discussion on rules for the wave from a HD perspective, note the optional wave to Sporsters

[twowheeladdict]

https://youtu.be/CQVahbr_lHc

Some discussion on rules for the wave from a HD perspective, note the optional wave to Sporsters

Someone ought to make this type of video for each and every brand of Motorcycle.  Seems like every brand has it's brand identity.  LOL!

[dirtiegirtie]

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.

[Guzzi Gal]

If you're happy and you know it, drop a wave.
If you're happy and you know it, drop a wave.
If you're happy and you know it and you really want to show it.
If you're happy and you know it, drop a wave.

I wave at anyone on anything and if I can't wave, I nod. Yes, about 90% wave back. 

[Guzzistajohn]

I only wave with Dyno oil on my hands. https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=beating%20a%20dead%20horse

[jumpmaster]

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.

I've occasionally waved to motor officers on the road, if they don't look too busy, & I've even gotten a wave or at least a nodded acknowledgment  back a few times.  I'll even wave to police cruisers if we're crossing paths on a lonely stretch of road - kind of a "I'm glad you're out here" sentiment.

[Huzo]

pffffftttt

Amateurs  !


Get yourself a Honda Gold Wing.  They come from the factory nicely accessorized. 

Just set the switch and ride.  No more pesky manual wave.

Now that is brilliant...!
Witty, on point and deeply soaked in comic timing..

[twowheeladdict]

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.

It could be that they are just paying attention to traffic, or shifting, or are a daily rider and can’t be bothered with the weekend hobby rider. We can make up all sorts of things in our heads because no nice person would snub our wave.

[LowRyter]

Perhaps.  I love waving mid curve.  You really find out who is in total control of their ride.   

OOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAA AAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aa woahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

[LowRyter]

https://youtu.be/CQVahbr_lHc

Some discussion on rules for the wave from a HD perspective, note the optional wave to Sporsters

LAMO,  nailed it!   

[bad Chad]

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?

[LowRyter]

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?