1- 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.
2- 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.
3- Top 10 Reasons Sport bikers Don’t Wave At All.
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.
4- 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 acknowledgment. 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
NUMBER 11. FOR BMW RIDERS…THEY ARE AFRAID OF LOSING THEIR NEW ALLUMINUM CRUSH WASHERS WHICH MUST BE REPLACED EVERYTIME THE DRAIN PLUG IS LOOSENED THEY ARE CLUTCHED IN THEIR WAVING HAND
Good stuff, especially the BMW jokes.
And lets’ not forget the post-wave “who the hell was that?”
HAHA I wave at everyone.
or maybe we dont wave cause we dont know you!
I wave to all the chicks, but they usually don’t wave back 🙁
RF
I noticed that a few years back some Harley rides didnt wave back, but now most do.
I think they have become more mellow and the RUBS have learned how to
ride with only hand on the bar
@ Rick, you’re waving the wrong thing!
@ ALL RIDERS. Too busy trying to figure where your going to turn left.
As an aside, how about waving during bike week events. Love the friendliness, but it gets kind of silly when you have 300,000 bikers passing each other constantly. Just leave your hand out in the wind.
I have perfected the ‘left pinkie lift’ to acknowledge other riders. peace
head nod 😉
I think it’s a good thing to wave, shows you notice, how others seem not too. Drive safe.
I don’t do the friggin’ “WAVE” unless you’ve paid yer DUES! “Did ya BUILD It or Did ya BUY It!! YUPPIE PUNK MUTHA-F*CKAS!! “OOOO”, Ya Bought a motorcycle ‘an now yer a “BIKER”, HUH!! Back when there wasn’t many of us anti-social, against the establishment, outcast, spurned, shunned, degraded, misfits we needed to stick together to survive! We were a special breed ‘an we acknowlegded each other. We built our bikes from nuthin’ ‘an constantly had to wrench on ’em just to keep ’em alive. But it was an accomplishment that we were proud of! Not everybody could do that, or had the BALLS to step out of the box that society was tryin’ to cram us in! It set us apart from the homogenized, pasturized, deodorized, wash yer hands after ya pee, bricks in the wall! Our physical appearance screamed “I ain’t swallowin’ this SHIT!! I’m on a personal Quest for Freedom, it’s a BITCH, but to me, it’s WORTH it!” You can’t BUY bein’ an OUTLAW!! YA STEAL IT!! Yeah, I’ll do the “WAVE” to my kind, not to some clown tryin’ to BUY my lifestyle that I have sacrificed sooo much to attain and maintain! It’s just as much about the SOUL as it is about the MACHINE! Wiz
Wiz is a knob!
Wiz, why don’t you jus say what you really mean? he he..I’m with ya all the way!
I don`t usually wave much on the street except when someone initiates a wave and conditions allow a wave back. But I always pull over when I see a motorcyclist on the side of the road.
I also do a lot of riding in the dirt and trails and usually try to avoid waving to oncoming riders as I`m kind of holding on for dear life, usually the polite gesture is to narrowly miss each other.
Wiz is the man. There’s a hell of a difference between a biker and someone who rides a motorcycle. It’s a way of life not just a hobby. $10,000.00 and some leather doesn’t make you a biker!
First off I’m not a “people person” I would rather wave at a dog in the front yard. Usually the wavers are the ones that just hauled there bike 1,000 miles and are full of trailer rage. We all know trailer rage, those that twist the throttle until it hits the rev limiter as they sit in a parking lot and has more miles in the burnout pit than actually riding the bike. The ones wearing shorts with flip flops or suede loafers. You know the ones.
(wiz) brother you said it all… They think just because they own a motorcycle that we are all the same… (example) I was at a traffic light, some rub pulls up next to me in my lane stretches out his hand and says hi Fellow Brother… In response i SQUARED UP on his gas tank and kicked him over…Here is some free advice to you thinking we are all the same.. Keep your distance from those of us that wear a patch.. I have no interest in being your friend
I’m just glad to see the Boutique chopper faze die.I usually wave to fellow bikers some of ’em dont .I’ve ridden lots of different brands and price points.Someone elses actions do not Impact my psyche,just like society some are cool some aren’t , Peace.
Used to throw up the hand all the time, until my hand and another guys hand slapped , going the opposite direction, guess he didnt realiaze how close we were as I didnt either. Was riding with a group of friends! To say the least , hand felt like it hit a brick wall at 120 mph, we were traveling 60mph ! Had to park my bike for the rest of the day, and jump on back with a friend. for the trip to the mountains. My hand took about 3 weeks to get healed up, but to this day my hand goes out no farther than the handle bars! When me and my friends get to talking about good ole times, they always rmeind me, Hey girl! remember when!! lol Good lesson learned the hard way. Never2lay8, :))
I remember those “real” bikers. They were the ones telling us: “real” bikes don’t have windshields. They were the ones who were huddled under bridge overpasses during rain enroute to their once/year ride-Sturgis. We (the not “real” bikers) were the ones hammering on in the middle of a 3000 mile trip just to be riding. I’ve seen SO many of the 1% badasses like Wiz who either don’t ride cuz their bike is in pieces or traded it for a Toyota so they can get to their job at Walmart. Wiz is the kinda guy who can judge you at 65mph. Impressive. We will continue to give em all the WAVE as long as they are RIDING. Trailers are for cattle.
Waving has been a hot topic online for as long as I can remember. I’m amazed by not only how many people think waving is an extremely important part of riding, but also how many seem deeply hurt when their wave isn’t reciprocated.
Forty years ago it was common for us Harley riders to acknowledge each other on the road, but back then there simply weren’t that many Harleys, or motorcyclists for that matter. To give you an idea, in the first five years of its production Harley made more Twin Cams than all Knuckleheads, Panheads, Shovelheads and Evos combined — by a wide margin.
So now we have all these relatively new riders wanting to be a part of some perceived “brotherhood” into which they’ve paid absolutely no dues. And I’m supposed to feel obligated to wave at them? I’m supposed to think we share some deep-rooted kinship simply because they bought a motorcycle?
What’s equally peeving is that they all demand to be referred to as “bikers” and get very upset if they’re not treated as such. Sorry, but plunking down your platinum card at a Harley dealership doesn’t make you anything special in my book. The only numbers I respect are the ones on your odometer, which are embarrassingly low on virtually all modern Harleys.
Ironically, the riders who devote the most thought and effort to waving are usually the ones who should be keeping both hands on the handlebars and concentrating on their riding. Yes, I see you. Yes, I’m thrilled that you bought a Harley. So how about learning to ride the damn thing instead of trailering it everywhere?
Several years ago I had a flat on the way to Biketoberfest (four separate punctures at once!). While repairing it on the side of I-95 literally hundreds of “bikers” went right past me (mostly in SUVs with their Harleys on trailers, since Daytona is over two hundred away and that’s FAR too great a distance to ride), but not one stopped and offered to help. Some waved, though.
WIZ! I too am an Old Time Bike Builder/Rider from the 70’s. When 1 roll of wire,Roll of black tape,Few Wrenches,set of Spark plugs and a Spare Master Chain Link was all that I needed to fix anything that went wrong on the side of the road. Now aday’s you need a Computerized Shop to fix even the smiple things on Bike 🙂 I do ride a newer Harley now but still have that old time Biker Soul and Wave
Waving in bumper to bumper traffic no! Waving at a poker run no! Middle of nowhere eating bugs, sure, why not!
Right on Russ! I ride with several “1%ers”…they would slap wiz and diamond just for calling themselves bikers. You gentlemen are the reason I never badged up. Retarded comments like that. Do you even know what “1%er” means?! I’m guessing not.
The REAL bad asses (for riding) are the iron butt guys. Still, I bet I put more miles on my bike (riding in the frozen North) in one week than you do all year! STFU. No one wants to hear your rhetoric about “the good old days when we had to wrench on our bikes to keep ’em on the road”. You ain’t that old. If you were, you wouldn’t be saying that anyway!
F-ing posers…
Hmmm. No mention of Yamaha bikes by brand. Nothing mentioned about Yamaha Crusiers (like my Virago 920).
Oh yeah, I always wave back. LOL
4:33am, and Wiz needs a nap…
Wave? Hah! Why, I remember when we had to build our bikes out of nothin’ but oilstains and leftover Korean War surplus golf carts! That’s when we were REAL men! We didn’t go to supermarkets, either: those were for pussies! Why, I know seventeen different recipes for SQUIRREL!
Yeah, I own a motorcycle. No, I don’t think we’re all the same: I wouldn’t EVER want to be like some of you dirtbags who wear your stupidity like a badge of honor. Yeah, you’re a special breed: INBRED. Tell me: if I neglect my teeth, stop shaving, and get up a really rank case of SwampAss can I learn your secret handshake?
I display the Marine Corps Emblem on my bike. That says enough about me for most folks. And I wave at everybody. Except during bike week: have to keep my hands on the handlebars SOMETIME!
Oh my god, someone waved at you?! Better whip out your .45 and blow their head off. Give me a break. If you wanna be a social misfit then stay off the public roads.
Well thius is what i think. RESPECT,and if you cant give it done think your going to get it. After almost 30 years in the saddle and having almost ever kinda bike its all about respect. Just because you wear a patch on your back doesnt give you the right to disrespect your follow man, I to wear a patch but not what you think , I wear a patch that respects the missing and fallen brothers and sisters that have givin you and i the right to be who we are. ok im off my soap box now. Ride free and ride with respect.
the wave thing is lame….. I don’t do it, I don’t get it. I see you, YAY! you have a motorcycle.
Gee, Wiz…if everyone built their bike, you’d be out of business. If no one bought a motorcycle, there would be no one building engines, tires, batteries, brake pads, etc. that you use for your builds. Lemme guess, you cast your own cases and manufacture every fucking part in the engine and even motorcycle tires too, right?
Diamond 1% – you are so fucking cool, I can hardly stand it.
These are all so funny but what the heck you forgot Metric Cruiser dudes. I feel left out. I’ve been riding for 41 years now and frankly I am SO tired of waving I pretend not to see some of ya. Hell the last 15 years everyone and their moms went out and got a bike, I pass 300 of em every ride! Now days I just move my finger and hope they see it. Hell, why don’t we all just start waving to each other in cars too, now there’s the real brotherhood!
i sometimes wave, sometimes not, i initate it sometimes, sometimes not.
@sololobo – shut up man, cuz then all those drivers would have to learn to text with one hand and they are already distracted enuff as it is.
i dont wave unless i no who you are im 63 been riding a long time when i started you could ride for weeks and not see another bike now you dont make it a mile i have had some of them ask me why i dont thats when you no they are the new bees i just built a 59 pan hard tail chopper for myself most of you wont no what i just said for the guys that did nice to no you are still rideing i have 6 indians 48 or older all built buy me hd vl s jd s a restored 1957 sportser a 1953 k modle a 58 pan chopper with a 48inch girder i built all these bikes i have a stroker evo and a 08 dresser i ride more in a week than 20 of the wavers in a month put together and i ride all year and live in the north east now you no what a biker is keep waveing if you like but sell your bike sone it has almost 3000 miles on it and its an 08 WAIT i just got that one from a biker this year it now has more than 9000 and it is not the only bike i ride i keep 3 on the road and only ride this one when my old lady wants to go with me this bike can expect to have around 20,000 buy december and when it breaks i wont have to spend 100 dollars an hour to get it back running IF your girl wants to see how it is to run at her top speed im the guy that will tune her up and give her back to you yuppes all wet
If you need somebody to validate that you’re a “biker,” you’re probably not. I’ve rode for literally forty years, but most of you hardasses wouldn’t call me a biker. Believe me, I don’t care. If I’m riding AND I see you AND I feel it’s safe to do so, I’ll wave back. I figure I’ve got more in common with anyone on two wheels than I do with the cage drivers.
Except for scooter riders, a man’s gotta have SOME standards, of course.
I thought the espresso machine on the Goldwing was pretty damn funny. For the people getting serious about waving only at certain types… I look like a yuppy, I work on my bike but I didn’t build it, I probably commit more crimes a day than you, I have borthers but we don’t need outward evidence of that. Don’t judge a book by a cover. I don’t feel the need to wave just cause we are both riding a bike. I throw fingers up but I am not making gestures and dancing for ya.
i usually wave at everybody…some wave back… some dont… aint no big thing… just like to ride not trying to impress old time or new bikers… dont know why there is all the hate….. just ride, have fun and be safe..
Hey all you bad ass 1%ers on here. pretty bad ass to be on yer laptops cruising facebook for places to act tough! Did ya all wrench your own computers too? Maybe learn typing from one of your teacher 1%ers? What a crock o crapola you posers. I been riding for 45 years and had to fix my own bikes too but I ain’t thinking I’m all bad for doing it. The real piece of s*** 1%ers made their bikes out of stolen parts and made their money stealing and selling drugs then went about killing other riders for having a different patch. Their claim to fame is murder and rape and pillage. OH yea don’t let me forget treating your own women like crap too. They sure as hell wouldn’t me cruising facebook, give me a break will ya? What a sorry bunch a cowards. You posers sitting in front of your computers need to wake up and smell the coffee cuz the rest of us don’t care about your retarded babbling. And kick over a dudes bike.
Let me first say that I always try to return a wave & initiate plenty of them when I’m in the mood to. However if I don’t get a wave back, oh well. I’ve met plenty of great riders who’ve gone above & beyond to help a fellow rider in need. However if you ride past me on the side of the highway without a glance, that sucks but… oh well! You want to tell me I’m not a biker, oh the f*** well!
Last year I bought a brand new HD Fat Boy & I got called a “dimer” by a guy at work who I didn’t even realize rode at all. He claims “those bikes are a dime a dozen” (apparently he build his bike so guys like Wiz would consider him a biker, right?) Well this guy has only put about 5 miles on his because he only rides it to shows & parties. I’m sure he trailers it. My “dimer” already has over 7500 miles on it, I know that’s not much but I had to work too. I rode mine last year on a trip from MI to GA & several places in between. My bike hasn’t seen a trailer since the dealership delivered it to my house. Oh and I’m a 28 year old woman who rides because I love it. I’ve loved it since I sat behind my dad 20 years ago on his Heritage.
For all of you who ride because you love it, keep riding & be safe. I’ll see you on the road. For those guys who have a stick up their a**, just give me a sign of who you are & I promise not to use all my fingers when I wave at you. 🙂
Nothing brings out more comments than the topic of waving or not.
I hung, I built, we rode and I grew more mature. Maybe Wiz and 1%er are teeny bobs! lol! In my town where I grew up in Maine everyone waved to everyone anyway. Nowadays I can afford to pay someone else to build my ride. I was meaner when I had to build my own! lol Keep the bumpers off your ass and just be glad your on 2 wheels!
Well well well, isn’t this nice. All the ” real ” bikers coming out of the woodwork o bitch like little girls because some dude passing by them stuck a hand out to acknowledge the fact that they were each on two wheels. What is the big F***ing deal? You don’t want to wave don’t F***ing wave!
I’ve been riding on the streets all across this land for 37 years, and about 5 years before that in the dirt. I’ve logged plenty of miles on all manner of bikes. And the truth is, I’m gonna give a guy a wave most of the time. I don’t give a damn when or where you got your bike. And I don’t care what brand it is. Hell they all look alike these days anyway. My view is, if you’re out there with the wind in your face, we have something in common. Good on you for getting out there.
My only exception is for those poor boys on the crotch rockets. Those boys have to lean so heavily on there hands that after a while they simply can’t wave anymore. I still give ’em a nod though.
Ride because you love it, not because of what you think it says about you. If your identity is so tied up in what you ride or wether you have a patch then you got issues far deeper than can be fixed by riding. I’ve been friendly with quite a few “patch” guys, and most of them are pretty normal guys. Others, well…wiz.
I would much rather give a nod to someone that has obviously worked their ass off to afford even the most bottom barrel bike just to be riding, or any bike for that matter. I don’t know if anyone has looked but even to buy a fixer upper is at least 3000-4000 for a harley at the cheapest. I for one have worked very long and hard to save and pay cash for my bike. I waited and saved for years and put it off for many other obligations in life while others I knew had nice new trucks and bikes years before. And the bad thing is I know most of these guys were collecting unemployment checks. Anyone on the road riding deserves, if not a wave, at least a nod in my book for working long and hard to be able to enjoy riding. I would not give a nod to a piece of shit “bad ass” who makes bike payments with a welfare check and money that could go to a their kids child support. There are different people in the world, but I think the true 1%ers are the ones who work hard, and honest lives to afford a little piece of enjoyment. Those other guys might not wave, but they will certainly have their hand out for a free ride. That lifestyle is far from antiestablishment; and your hard life living has now, in your old age, has probably put you in the welfare of the state and is paid for buy having your out-streached hand in the pocket of those people you won’t wave at.
why the shit does being a biker have anything to do with my bank balance??
Thanks for the post Cyril,
Always good to read everyone’s comments.
I wave, I support all riders.
I acknowledge other riders if I’m on a Ducati as much as the Harley. Don’t give a crap what bike I’m on.
Sure we all got the cool biker wave, but hell I would “Pagent Wave” sometimes I’m so happy I’m just in the wind.
… then again there’s times with I’m flipping the middle finger wave.
its all good. Wave on!
i agree with Wiz, buying a life style is what most of them HOG, my house is paid for and now i can do what i wanted to do 30 or so yrs ago. Me i didn’t stop living my life, just because i have kids. Am been riding and havin fun for over 35 yrs. So i wave when i want too.
Rick F
– the only reason girls don’t wave back is they’re just overwhelmed by how sexy you are and dazzled by your tye die vibe.
Damn the down side of looking good …
I always wave , I just think if your out enjoying the open road like I am, then I salute you, if you don’t, your probably some old crusty asshole, with big ego, who isn’t as cool as he thinks he is anyways. Nobody wants to hear stories about how you fixed your bike with duct tape and what a manly, smelly, old school biker you are. You didn’t invent the f**king wheel for God sake.
LMAO good one Cyril….
Anyone who enjoys the open road on two wheels is a biker by me and usually gets a wave. Metric, HOG, new, old. ‘cept them darned scooter riders, I die of shame every time I mistake them for real bikes and wave before I realise.
What’s all this crap about paying dues, it’s a wave. Either wave or don’t, gu.ys like Wiz, et al, think far to much of themselves. Guys who were rebels, different, antisocial types, guess what they all dreesed the same, drank the same beer, did the same drugs and rode the same brand of bike. That doesn’t sound very different or antisocial. How do we judge who has paid dues and who hasn’t in a split second of passing upon the road. My father has been riding and wrenching, building his own bikes since the 60’s, yet he now rides a Cavalcade, does his own wrenching to this day and still has Triumphs from the sixties. No patches, no show, no attitude, a biker, moreso than closed minded Wiz’s.
Like I said, many seem deeply hurt when their wave isn’t reciprocated. Why is it such a big deal to wave and get waved at? The time to socialize is after you’ve parked the bike.
Where I live (Fort Lauderdale) there are more bikes than you can shake a stick at. You can’t go two blocks without passing someone on a motorcycle. If I was to wave at every yingyang on a bike I wouldn’t have time to clutch, and frankly the way cagers drive down here I’d just as soon keep my hands on the controls.
So wave if you want but try to understand not all of us get that excited when we see someone else on a motorcycle.
Maybe this little poem will help explain, it’s called “How to Be a Biker”. I think you’ll like the last illustration.
http://thp.yuku.com/topic/117/How-to-Be-a-Biker
Ah yes the “wave issue”…… 🙂
It may just be an indication of an advancing case of “oldtimers,” but i certainly can’t remember waving as part of the Scooter culture……. certainly not someone you didn’t know.
Seems to me that sort-a thing started happening about 1978….[???]
Anyway, it’s a very simple proposition really.
Wave if that makes ya feel good and don’t if it won’t.
Read the posts, it should be self evident (even to the dimmest bulb) that we are NOT all the same.
And so waving is for the benefit of the waver(s), the rest are indifferent.
Jronk, listen up dude:
Regarding “old crusty asshole”…….
At some point in time you’ll understand that old man time has a way of kicking your ego back into proportion, which puts a real damper on your cool.
So, -NO- the REAL crusty old assholes typically don’t think they are cool.
And regarding “Nobody wants to hear stories about how you fixed your bike with duct tape”
-NO- crusty old assholes want to hear what the other old crusty assholes did with tape & wire etc.
-NO- we didn’t invent the wheel, but most of us have fixed it by the side of the road… with tape.
So, who did or didn’t way ….all the rest of that stuff is not very interesting to us crusty assholes.
It’s called paying your dues.
-nicker-
Wiz….I never wash my hands either after I take a leak….Remember that when you shake my hand the next time or would you rather just wave?????
SSDD; David
YEEZE! Here we GO!! I’m 57 years old, got my first ’48 Panhead out of a chicken coup at 14 years old. It burst into flames at 60 mph within the first 5 miles [hadta bail off, didn’t bust nuthin’, but allota road rash]. Had so many Harleys I can’t even count ’em. Got 9 5/8 scooters right now [built every one of ’em] choppers, bobbers, baggers, Sportys, and trikes. I ride the dogshit outta ’em, rain or shine [Sugar melts, Shit floats, and I sure ain’t sugar!!]. Usually run solo, sumthun’ about the group mentality takes away from the ZEN of ridin’! Eagles don’t flock, chickens flock, turkeys flock, Eagles don’t! A single man travels fastest. You come into this world alone, you leave it alone. You are all you got! I have self-respect and ain’t no welfare mutha-f*cker, I take care of my own and have earned everything I got. It’s been a rough life, starting at the bottom; three broken toes, two shattered ankles, 50 stitches right leg, torn ligaments [ACLs] both knees, broken tailbone [still ride tha crap outta rigids], multipe bullet holes [been clinically dead three times on the operating table from gunshot wounds, been on both sides of the gun, if ya know what I mean, and I ain’t proud of it. Hardcore biker lifestyle kinda thing!], three cracked ribs, tore my nose off, ripped my forehead damn near off, and laid back the top of my scalp [that little button on yer hat can do sum damage iffin’ ya land on it!], multiple brain cuncusions [they say it causes dain brammage, but I don’t think it has affected me none, Yuk-Yuk!!], and my wife is paralyzed from the waist down from a 16 year old kid runnin’ a red light down in Texas 30 years ago. Dues you ask? Sacrifice for the biker lifestyle, yeah, that too? Stupidity? Well maybe, bein’ a warrior has a price, which I have paid dearly for! But I still live, breath, eat, shit, dream, FREEDOM!! To me that’s what it’s all about! I’m out there in God’s Creation feelin’ the sun, wind, ‘an smellin’ the smell [good or bad, I live in farm country ya know]! I was controlled by drugs and alcohol for many, many years. But through the Grace of God, I survived to use my wounds to help others [I’m a Level 2 Alcohol and Drug Councelor and work for the nation’s third best treatment center. I also work for the State of South Dakota in their Prison Meth Program]. I help habdicapped people all over the world get back in the wind, after they were told they can never ride again, bullshit to that defeatist thinking! Sure, I’m kinda [did he say KINDA?] jaded in my thinking on this subject, but the pain I have endured for it has made me so. I cannot change anyone but myself, but at the same token I don’t hafta be yer buddie jus’ cuz ya bought a motorsickle! Nuff said! Wiz
I have been riding for over 30 years and always wave. I have had my share of problems along the way but it seems like some one always stops to check and see if im Ok, as far as being so hard core you cant wave I bet your guts hurt all the time.
Mustang
In response to wiz, I built my bike (or rebuilt it) from a total loss bought at insurance auction. It looks 100% and stock again other than the grips, the handlebars, the saddlebags, the backrest, and the exhaust. I also have a health condition that the doctors would prefer that I don’t go motorcycling but have not forbidden it. But I love to go for a ride, so I don’t travel very far (usually within a 20 mile radius of home). When I do go out for a little ride, there is no gear involved other than a pair of safety glasses. No, I’m not talking flip flops and shorts. (I’m not stupid) I do enjoy my short rides, and I do wave when waved at, usually a hand still on the bars but fingers lifted or over the end of the bar, unless it’s the long straight stretch and i have kicked back with one hand on the throttle, then I will drop a hand next to me but not past the bars. (I have wide bars on the bike)
Way to stir the pot Cyril!
Personally, sometimes I wave sometimes I don’t … I have perfected the “head nod” in lieu of the wave and that is what most will receive from me …… unless you are female of course then I wave with both hands …… actually law enforcement has told me that my 2 handed wave is not a wave at all, they refer it to an SOS signal from a desperate person, but what do they know?
Wave don’t wave …. who really gives a rats ass?
Over & Out,
Jeff
Damn this is great David Letterman’s top ten don’t get this kind of response. Leave it to the Bikers (real or otherwise) to raise their collective voices. LOVE IT>
@Wiz: man I enjoyed reading your Greed rant – nice views. And the use of your paraphrase of the line from Floyd’s Money is apropos. I started out with nothing and will surely leave with the same. Truly the only thing that matters and is of significance is what and how you gave.
It ain’t like it was back 1979 in Alameda Naval Air Station as far as numbers of bikes on the road. Then, you might see 10 the whole evening out whereas now, you can literally see hundreds while riding around Charleston, SC on any given warm day. Riding past Middleton Plantation on Hwy 61 today I waved at and got wave to buy every rider who was damned happy to be feeling the wind on their face. I’ve ridden in sunshine, rain, fog so thick you had to cut it, and once in an ice storm while stationed in Norfolk. These days, I choose which days I ride based purely on the weather as I believe the AC in my pickup truck makes for a much more bearable transit in 100+ degree weather and rain just sucks. BUT, if I’m out riding and you pass me up, I’ll usually wave. If it ain’t your bag, so be it, no skin off my back and I’ll not give it another thought.
Knees in the breeze since ’76
Wiz is a bad ass. Who cares? Life is too short to deal with folks who want to define themselves as special.
I like to wave at the Vespa riders just to see the confused look on their faces 😀
Thank you Brenda, you’re a Sweetheart! I hope to see your beautiful self in Sturgis.
RF
Hey Wiz, I didn’t build it, but I can see by you’re language I’ve been riding longer than you have been alive. I wave to everybody. I’m afraid I own a Goldwing as I used to ride a police bike, and did quite a few escorts for “Freedom” rides, I would see a Harley broke down about every 1/2 mile. Hopefully the technology is a lot better. Peace out, and Wiz you are nobody special so get over yourself.
I usually throw out the “shocker”, and wonder if anyone notices….
very good………I thought it was great how you worked in the bi-polar extremes of Sport Bike riders……as yea we are either geared up (I am in this group) or absolutely no gear riding shirtless with sandals or flimsy shoes……….BTW – I way to every bike on the road, simply because I do feel like we share a common passion for choosing transportation that is so real……..riding in a car seems removes you from the experience of moving……good post
I grew up in the motorcycle culture , in a family owned shop and have been exposed to just about every form of ” biker ” or motorcyclist , whatever label you choose. I have found that there a plenty of jerks to go around. I have rode with so called ” 1% ers ” and discovered they are no different than anyone else. There are mean ones and decent ones, some who would help you in anyway and some who would’nt spit in your butt if your guts were on fire. Some , not all were no more that petty thugs and criminals using the gang for predatory criminal activity. Wiz and others have the right to there opinions , but I assure him that when I ride it is not an attempt to emmulate him or his kind in any way. I can live without him as I am sure he can live without me. But to suggest that any one group or type has a patent on a certain look or lifestyle is an arrogant crock. I have built,rode,raced ,customized, repaired,rebuilt and crashed just about everything in everyway because I enjoy it not because I want to be” like ” anyone else. I enjoy the comrade of most bikers
and leave the others alone, as they desire. I wave at anyone , but do not expect a response nor do I pitch a hissy fit when they don’t return it. I don’t need the validation of others to massage my ego or bolster my ” biker ” personna. Sometimes I miss an opportunity to wave because I’m too busy scratching, forgive me.
I’m new to the motorcycling world, got my bike two years ago and only put twenty some thousand miles on it so far. However- in those miles, i’ve seen and done a lot of things that i never would have experienced if i had taken a car. Some of those experiences were “close calls.”
I’m a sport bike rider, and i wave when i can. It’s just my way of saying, hey buddy- glad to see we’re both still up on two wheels.
Hey Wiz –
You’re one of those guys still using the “walked both ways uphill in the snow barefoot” kinda guys, aren’t ya? lmao!
Relax, honey…. Some of us haven’t been around long enough yet 😉
xoxo
Me 😉
I always wave @ everyone….. Now some wave back but for the majority of people they all wave back..
I’m a bit confused. So if I understand the hardcore bikers right, if you’re not older than 50 and you haven’t either; A: built your own bike, B: fixed yours on the side of the road, or C: wear a patch for some club you’re not a biker and will never be one? That doesn’t make sense, we all have to start somewhere. My bike was free to me with 15,350+ miles on it. It’s not a Harley, I can’t afford one. My buddy and I were stranded on the road once and ONE biker in an SUV (not towing his bike) stopped out of 30+ on Harleys went by for the next two hours. He said he doesn’t understand why none of them stopped. I suggested they were too hardcore to stop and help somebody, too into their brand, or didn’t know how to turn their head while riding to notice. Do I wave? Well yeah and I plan to stop and help too if I see somebody that needs it. The only person (aside from the fact that we could ALL be lying on here) that I trust is more hardcore than I am by default is the Marine and I have respect for him and all the soldiers of the United States military. The rest of the people on here talking about how they’re hardcore because they’re over 50 and have (fill in the blank) I’m not impressed with. My grandfather has been riding since he was 16 and he turns 80 this year. He’s just old and cool, not hardcore. No reason to be. Oh and as far as branding is concerned, I stopped at a place with about 50 Blue Knights and not a single one gave a crap what anybody rode. Goldwings, Heritage Springers, Panheads, Yamaha, sport touring were all apart of the group. If you have to tell people how hardcore you are, you probably aren’t. Except the Marine. I’m not hardcore. So? Do something about it.
CRC,
RE:
“… So if I understand the hardcore bikers right, if you’re not older than 50 …… you’re not a biker and will never be one?…”
No, i don’t think you do “understand” the issue at hand.
See, most younger than 50 didn’t grow up with the primitive MC technology that required the skill and stamina to own and operate a scooter. Before there was “the nicest people on a Honda” there was the dark ages of motorcycling when ya had to eat ,sleep, breath live, and love motorcycles to get any further than the edge of town.
In an age of electric starters, non-skid brakes, cell-phones, and 24/7 roadside assistance it take no skill or persistence to ride down town, or cross country (for that matter). So ya see, to the “crusty old hard core biker” is the one who’s made the commitment, invested the time and effort, and bothered to learn by experience.
That’s not to say that the youngsters are locked out of membership in this very “special club,” but it will require some extra effort who want to be a part of it (and it will change your life). Whereas we oldsters had to do it if we wanted to ride, today ya have to seek-out that “old-time” experience. Ask young guys like Matt Olsen, they make a business of it.
OK, so that should explain why, to many of us, the whole “waving” and “bad-ass” thing is just so much-to-do about nothing.
-nicker-
I`m whid live2rideaglide, we all love motorcycles one way or another, of course that exist many ways and difrent ways to live the experience, i belive that in the end it´s not what you ride or 1% MC, bikers,
motards, motorcyclists etc, the important is the way you feel it, if it´s passion it´s OK. Ride to Live, Live to Ride, Live and left others Live. Love one day make part of an MC, but one that i can have proud.
At the same time I can understend someway what first underground bikers feel at the moment, there exist many so called wanabee bikers, but is not necessary a bad thing, they buy bikes, tattos etc and start feel the same emotions.
If motorcycle world keep change people it´s because is a good thing if many want look like a real biker,
“real bikers”, must have proud too, because they are the exemple.(good exemples i hope).
About wave, there is come MC FARO, here hundred of people come to street and wave to bikers and reciprocall attitude that left nobody indifrent.Faro event is a good exemple where bikers every kind, can coexist in perfect harmony and have loots of fun together.
It’s a mental thing with me, in my head I’m waving at everyone I pass. Of course, in my head I’m also younger, much better looking, and a heck of a lot richer.
I wave at every biker and just to be safe when walking i wave at everyone I pass too.
Florida is wierd. When there are no major bike events going on…we wave at everyone…even the little bikes that can’t get out of their own way. During major bike events for the most part no one waves…I guess your arm would get tired after awhile during this time of the year….I would like to mention something else on this subject. I have riddeng the back roads in Wisconsin…while there I found that everyone waves at everyone…not only bikes..the four wheelers also…makes you really feel at home.
wow. it seems like anyone who considers themselves a “real” biker has no idea why folks ride. the wave is an acknowledgement of another who chooses to give up the security of a car to enjoy the pleasure of an open air ride. it also signifies “clear roads ahead.” alternate gestures (most of them covered by a slow down motion) indicate trouble ahead: diesel spill mid corner, gravel or debris on the road, a radar trap etc.
in this context, waves during rallies, on a massive highway, in bumper to bumper traffic, etc are kind of pointless, but remain a friendly gesture to other riders. not sure what it is about all the cruiser types, but i’m less likely to wave because of the ignorant attitudes that seem to pervade the culture. I’ll still motion if there’s massive trouble ahead, but I’ve gone passive aggressive lately…a little wave first, then gesture. if I get some dickhead ignoring me due to some misplaced sense of whatever, the gesture isn’t deployed. if I’m on an aimless ride I’ll occasionally turn around to watch arrogant 1% types receiving a ticket or picking up their bike.
it’s also good to remember that bikers, whether you consider them “real” or not, sometimes drive cars and/or trucks. If diamond 1%er kicked another rider down in front of me at a light, I wouldn’t hesitate to park on top of him until paramedics arrived to take him wherever it is that the cops put critically injured felons… except that I doubt the incident ever actually occurred – most trolls don’t ride anything bigger than the keyboard.
The weekend after picking-up my first street bike (a little Honda 450) I took county roads up to the river (Summerset WI) for Memorial Day Weekend, I remember pulling in and telling my friends that we had to hide the bike ’cause bikers were making fun of it all the way up -y’know waving at me and such. Sometime later it was pointed out that what matters is THAT you ride, not what you ride…in the twenty plus years (and many bikes) since, I’ve come to realize that people will wave at the most awkward times (like at the apex of a mountain switchback), so I personally tend to limit the waving to when I’m a ways from civilization (though I have been known to zip-tie a cotton-stuffed glove to the end of my left bar when I attend large rides).
It used to seem like a fraternity out there, and it’s been my experience that (though I’ll never own one) Harley riders are FAR more likely to stop when you are on the side of the road -maybe the others aren’t as familiar with roadside ‘engineering’. I’m gonna echo what some have already said here. The cummunity is large enough for all types; The RUBs may be better at making money than turning wrenches and that’s fine, their dollars help support the ‘hardcore’ BFL’s. I wouldn’t own a hog for many reasons (though I am considering other made in the U.S.A. choices), and I always get a kick out of bikers that talk about the freedom of the open road while thoughtlessly infringing on others’ freedoms with their straight pipes.
At the end of the day, I give you a certain amount of respect just for being on two wheels (we all face many of the same risks), where it goes from there is up to the individual.
That’s just my two (okay ten). Love the blog Cyril, you provide a great service to the community, and are a great representative of the French.
RE:
“…the wave is an acknowledgement of another who chooses to give up the security of a car to enjoy the pleasure of an open air ride…”
“acknowledgement”…..???
Isn’t that what 12-step programs are for.
-nicker-
Thanks Cyril. The 10 reasons by brand was a blast.
About waving in general: living in the rural areas, as others have mentioned, everybody waves…. Walking, driving, riding –sitting at the Diner window and somebody’s grandma passes by. You smile and wave. It’s just a friendly gesture; biker’s don’t own it.
But it sounds like I’ll never earn a place in the biker world. I’m a 53-year-old grandma myself, who recently bought a 1972 Honda enduro ’cause I’ve always wanted to ride. (It’s just about the right size for me, and it didn’t cost an arm-and-a-leg.) Up until now, my life was devoted to putting food on the table and teaching my kids right from wrong. But now I get to do something I’ve always wanted to do.
So there might be some mean old bikers who’ll mock me at the stoplight –just because of a friendly wave, or ’cause I’m riding the wrong kind of bike. I guess I’m not really looking forward to the ridicule. No matter. They might hurt my feelings, but they’re not going to keep me off the road.
Thanks to the rest of you who’ll smile and wave, and stop to help me when I need it. ‘Cause I will. 🙂
It takes all kinds, and that’s what makes life so interesting.
@ ID.Sister Welcome to the community, I’m sure you’ve found there’s idiots in all walks of life, we’re no exception. But you’d also be hard pressed to find better, harder working, people than bikers.
Good luck, have fun, and be safe!
If you are on 2 wheels then it’s all good. However, there is something to the phrase ” a real biker is defined by the number of miles on their odometer.”
As a Gold Wing rider I find this very offensive. BTW, do you realize how hard it is for me to type this one-handed – my cruise control isn’t working well so I have to keep one hand on the handlebars.
I ride, I wave (when I can). Was taught not to be a snob. If for any reason you think you are better than anyone else you are ignorant. You never know who you may need in life. You may need the person you chose not to return a simple gesture of friendliness. Dad rode bikes, I learned to ride in 76. Lots of attitude on this post. Went to War for freedoms, that are often taken for granted. Free to ride whatever you wanna, speak to whomever you wanna. Don’t if you don’t wanna. To those that think so highly of yourself, judge ye not lest ye be judged. I am a rider, tattd, veteran, antisocial, thug, trigger puller, brawler, that gave my life to God. I know ride in jeans t-shirt or suit, it doesn’t matter. You wouldn’t kick my bike over without repercussions. I often joke, that if I have to kill now, at least I can perform the funeral. I ride an 08 Harley and am rebuilding my 76 CB 750 Amen savior plunger frame, 10 over girder chop. Now that’s old school. Not typical preacher. You can’t judge another biker, rider, motorcycle enthusiast, RUBS, etc… Thanks for the post.
Unless you’re selling meth, underage girls in a trailer court or being watched by the FBI, you’re not a “biker” and Wiz is just a whiner.
I have bikes, now 3 scooters, what gives with the lack of respect by some?
Scooters are plain cool, so we need tolerate, and peace, love and understanding, all that said.
Part of biking community, wave don’t wave, small detail in my life. God Bless!
Wicked discussion Cyril. Thanks.