Bike snobs

As a cycle rider I give "the wave" to every rider I pass. Most wave back, just an acknowledgement that we're all part of the same community.

Metric bike owners are generally happy to acknowledge and gesture back. Sport bikes, cruisers, Dual sports, Touring, Sport tourers, etc.

Harley riders, in a much larger percentage, do NOT acknowledge anyone not on a Harley.


It's not upsetting or anything touchy feely like that, just makes me think they're dicks.

I ride an American bike now that even has a Harley engine, but since it doesn't fit the traditional Harley Davidson form factor (Buell Ulysses) I get snubbed just as often as I did when I was on my KLR.


I'm curious, since there are several Harley owners on this board. Do you or do you not gesture (when safe of course) and what do you ride?

I rank this rant 2.3/10. Lack of curse words.

WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU THINK THIS IS A RANT?

What the hell is wrong with dipshits who think that everythink you post is a damn rant, it's fucking ridiculous. EAT SHIT...


and then vote in the poll :D




Better?

Riding metric bikes exclusively I've found that Harley riders with helmets or windshields mostly wave back.

I hadn't even thought of breaking it down to helmet/no helmet etc.


I took my windshield off today because the wind buffets and shakes my head at speeds above 60. I should've stopped waving.

I wave to most riders, only when I physically can't is when I don't. Regardless, if they don't wave back, doesn't ruin my day.

I've thought long and hard about getting a cruiser, even a Harley.....at this point I'm just not man enough to rock one. Guess it's sport only for me

I like 22/7 more than Pi.

Back in the day everyone waved except the 1% outlaw riders. Today they are less that the 1% and really, who gives a shit if the Hardly Dangerous riders don't wave back. Screw 'em if they don't know the brotherhood is deeper than the brand. F'N poseurs!

Keep waving, the riders that live to ride will wave back, don't worry one bit about the others, they really don't understand anyway.

If you need to ask why I ride, no explanation is possible, if you ride, no explanation is needed.

Live it, ignore the rest.


TEA

Fresh out of a bike at the moment but mostly rode a Harley the last 35+ years. I'll wave back usually but not much of one to start it.

Heck with it all. Here's the motorcycle song and it ain't Arlo Guthrie.


Steve

Didn't wave to anyone, the wife and i would ask each other, "you know them?".

Also on a Ulysses. Funny, when I rode a Harley, other Harley riders would wave. Now, most don't, but when they pull up next to me and recognize the American Twin engine or the Buell name, they become friendly. I'll return a wave if it's convenient, but I'm not gonna prioritize the gesture above safety. Here's an excerpt from a Buell publication I like:
http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/z.../buellwave.jpg

I've seen threads about this kind of thing on about every kind of discussion forum I've been on, and I never understood it. Just because me and another person are into the same thing, doesn't mean we have some kind of bond.

Like I said:

No explanation is possible.

The wind in your hair, the bugs in your teeth,
Whenever you're riding there's never any grief.
A Honda, a Triumph, a Harley, or Beemer
Whatever you ride, it's your kind of screamer.

Found on a wall at Cherokee. Author unknown.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wctriumph

Like I said:

No explanation is possible.

---

You can use that quote for anything. I use that same line for my stance on self-defense and the 2nd Amendment, so it's not as if I don't understand. That being said, I always return waves and other forms of polite actions.

I think I'm going to start a Jeep wave poll over in the Jeepers thread! [Bang]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by T-Giv

I think I'm going to start a Jeep wave poll over in the Jeepers thread! [Bang]

---

Aren't they too busy fixing them to wave back?

Ya, I hate those people who don't wave back.... It makes me feel like a dumb ass when I'm on my mountain bike....

Always waved to all I saw, regardless of make or rider. But I rode sport bikes so I'm not brand myopic.

I wave when I can. Not that I'm home to ride too much, anyway.

I ride a Harley (and a BMW). I'm not a bike snob...I like them all, regardless of brand. As a matter of fact, in the little group I ride with, it's about a 50/50 split between metrics and Harleys. I don't like people because of the brand of bike they ride.

Having said that, I usually wave, but rarely initiate it. Sometimes I don't. And frankly, it gets a little annoying cruising down a busy road passing bike after bike and feeling obligated to wave. So, yeah...sometimes I have better things to do than wave back to you.

It seems in my experience that sport-bike riders are the least likely to wave. I'd say about 60% to 70% of the Harley riders I pass wave...helmet/windshield or not. Course, most sport bike riders are usually passing me on curves or in no-passing zones because they're always in such a hurry.

Regardless of the "brotherhood" or whatever, I don't get offended if you don't wave. I don't really give a damn if you get offended if I don't wave at you. If that means I'm not a real biker or I "don't get it", so be it.

Like so many other things, I ride to make me happy...not anyone else.

I don't wave, I don't know you, I ride pretty much alone unless I'm with my boys.

And BG is a BMW snob. LOL

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mtn.man

And BG is a BMW snob. LOL

---

Hey...not just anyone can own a 2001 bright yellow and black F650GS and look like a bumblebee going down the road.

[Coffee]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bailey Guns

I ride a Harley (and a BMW). I'm not a bike snob...I like them all, regardless of brand. As a matter of fact, in the little group I ride with, it's about a 50/50 split between metrics and Harleys. I don't like people because of the brand of bike they ride.

Having said that, I usually wave, but rarely initiate it. Sometimes I don't. And frankly, it gets a little annoying cruising down a busy road passing bike after bike and feeling obligated to wave. So, yeah...sometimes I have better things to do than wave back to you.

It seems in my experience that sport-bike riders are the least likely to wave. I'd say about 60% to 70% of the Harley riders I pass wave...helmet/windshield or not. Course, most sport bike riders are usually passing me on curves or in no-passing zones because they're always in such a hurry.

Regardless of the "brotherhood" or whatever, I don't get offended if you don't wave. I don't really give a damn if you get offended if I don't wave at you. If that means I'm not a real biker or I "don't get it", so be it.

Like so many other things, I ride to make me happy...not anyone else.

---

+1 You get it. [Coffee]

I wave to everyone......

unless I'm busy controlling the bike of course.
I'd say ( as a sportbike rider) 50% of sporty's wave back .. 30% of Harleys/ cruisers, and 100% of Goldwings.

You should never get mad about a missed wave back ESP if they are busy riding the bike ,.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bailey Guns

Hey...not just anyone can own a 2001 bright yellow and black F650GS and look like a bumblebee going down the road.

[Coffee]

---

[ROFL1]
I saw you the other day, need a welding hood to glance in your direction.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Goodburbon

As a cycle rider I give "the wave" to every rider I pass. Most wave back, just an acknowledgement that we're all part of the same community.

Metric bike owners are generally happy to acknowledge and gesture back. Sport bikes, cruisers, Dual sports, Touring, Sport tourers, etc.

Harley riders, in a much larger percentage, do NOT acknowledge anyone not on a Harley.


It's not upsetting or anything touchy feely like that, just makes me think they're dicks.

I ride an American bike now that even has a Harley engine, but since it doesn't fit the traditional Harley Davidson form factor (Buell Ulysses) I get snubbed just as often as I did when I was on my KLR.


I'm curious, since there are several Harley owners on this board. Do you or do you not gesture (when safe of course) and what do you ride?

---

Ok, here it is.... I ride a Harley and I don't wave at ANYONE, unless I happen to know them.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Goodburbon

It's not upsetting or anything touchy feely like that, just makes me think they're dicks.

---

Why yes, I am, thank you for noticing and QUIT waving, you look like an idiot. Seriously, it has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with what you or anyone else rides. I ride what I like, and I'm guessing most everyone else does the same. Good for them, seriously. It doesn't matter to me what or if they ride, the fact that two complete strangers rides DOES not make them members of somekind of elite fraternity..... get over it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Goodburbon

As a cycle rider I give "the wave" to every rider I pass. Most wave back, just an acknowledgement that we're all part of the same community.

---

GET THIS IDEA OUT OF YOUR HEAD RIGHT NOW!!!! We, as in you and I, ARE NOT BROTHERS!!!!! The term "brother" is AN EARNED STATEMENT and YOU have NOT earned it! A brother is someone I'll regard with highest respects as extended family. In tough times, he will have my back, and I will have his. "I am my brother's keeper". The only thing you've made it clear you and I have in common, is that we each ride motorcycles...... YEAH!!! Do you want a cookie or something?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Goodburbon

I ride an American bike now that even has a Harley engine, but since it doesn't fit the traditional Harley Davidson form factor (Buell Ulysses) I get snubbed just as often as I did when I was on my KLR.

---

Again, seriously.... I personally don't give one ounce of a damn what/if you ride. I'm not snubbing you at all by not waving, I simply don't care who you are, why you ride, what you ride, or how your day is going...... "Why?" you might ask.......... Now you've asked the right question:

You've failed to make a formal introduction to myself or my brothers personally. So you can pass by and wave every day until your hand falls off and you'll never get one in return. Sure, maybe we're dicks, and that's a term I wear quite proudly actually.... someone has to be one or most of the rest of the population continues on with stupidity because they don't realize they're doing so. But personally I think it boils down to the simple fact that you are not known..... Why should we wave at you? You could be some happy little pedofile riding down the road looking for your next local elementary school to stake out. You might be a total moron willing to vote for Obama. YOU very well MIGHT be someone I wouldn't like if we met formally, and THAT good sir.... is why you DON'T DESERVE MY RETURN WAVE.

Runs and rallys..... been there done that, have gotten completely turned off to the idea because I'm just not a people person and I tend to point out stupidity at a moments notice with NO regard about whose feelings get hurt. Get over it, get over yourself, and lighten up. You're just as small as the rest of us in this world.... you want a "community"? There it is... the human race.... read it and weep or celebrate it like some of the rest of us. The only ones going to care about how butt-hurt you are because people don't wave are other dillweeds who somehow think that riding a bike gives them some sort of ENTITLEMENT! What are you, two-wheeled OWS asshats?... YOU DIDN'T GET A WAVE, YOU WANT YOUR FREE WAVE!!!!! F/U.

You want respect? EARN IT

You want a wave? EARN IT

You have a bike? Then shut, up and enjoy the ride Sally. There's an entire beautiful planet out there to see and your silly ass is worried about what other riders think of you, so you go into a public online forum and make a post about it...... FUGG'EM!!!!! Ride on, and quit your bitching....


Rant over.


Badger

Do you know what the difference is between a guy who rides a Harley or any other kind of bike...What type of D bag is holding on to the handle bars.[Coffee]

I'd always heard it like this: What's the difference between a Harley and a Hoover? The location of the dirtbag.

I ride a harley and a suzuki, and the only people I wave at are the dipshit drivers that cut me off.... with one finger[Tooth]

OK...we need to get the poll results to the point where the percentage of people who respond "I like Pi" is 3.14159.

And, no. I have nothing better to do.

If someone doesn't wave at first, you should try waving your 1911 at them to see if they share your other favorite hobby.

Hey, back when I could still ride, I always waved at the non-Harley riders....

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...meonroad03.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jim

Aren't they too busy fixing them to wave back?

---

I certainly condone the Jeep wave and have no issues with it I was merely mocking the idea of this thread. Everyone has different opinions regarding if they want to wave or not. If you're into waving, then wave. If you're not, then don't wave. If you ride your Lazy Boy on wheels (Harley) and think you are tough shit down at the local bar and are too cool to wave then so be it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Badger

Ok, here it is.... I ride a Harley and I don't wave at ANYONE, unless I happen to know them.
Why yes, I am, thank you for noticing and QUIT waving, you look like an idiot. Seriously, it has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with what you or anyone else rides. I ride what I like, and I'm guessing most everyone else does the same. Good for them, seriously. It doesn't matter to me what or if they ride, the fact that two complete strangers rides DOES not make them members of somekind of elite fraternity..... get over it.

GET THIS IDEA OUT OF YOUR HEAD RIGHT NOW!!!! We, as in you and I, ARE NOT BROTHERS!!!!! The term "brother" is AN EARNED STATEMENT and YOU have NOT earned it! A brother is someone I'll regard with highest respects as extended family. In tough times, he will have my back, and I will have his. "I am my brother's keeper". The only thing you've made it clear you and I have in common, is that we each ride motorcycles...... YEAH!!! Do you want a cookie or something?

Again, seriously.... I personally don't give one ounce of a damn what/if you ride. I'm not snubbing you at all by not waving, I simply don't care who you are, why you ride, what you ride, or how your day is going...... "Why?" you might ask.......... Now you've asked the right question:

You've failed to make a formal introduction to myself or my brothers personally. So you can pass by and wave every day until your hand falls off and you'll never get one in return. Sure, maybe we're dicks, and that's a term I wear quite proudly actually.... someone has to be one or most of the rest of the population continues on with stupidity because they don't realize they're doing so. But personally I think it boils down to the simple fact that you are not known..... Why should we wave at you? You could be some happy little pedofile riding down the road looking for your next local elementary school to stake out. You might be a total moron willing to vote for Obama. YOU very well MIGHT be someone I wouldn't like if we met formally, and THAT good sir.... is why you DON'T DESERVE MY RETURN WAVE.

Runs and rallys..... been there done that, have gotten completely turned off to the idea because I'm just not a people person and I tend to point out stupidity at a moments notice with NO regard about whose feelings get hurt. Get over it, get over yourself, and lighten up. You're just as small as the rest of us in this world.... you want a "community"? There it is... the human race.... read it and weep or celebrate it like some of the rest of us. The only ones going to care about how butt-hurt you are because people don't wave are other dillweeds who somehow think that riding a bike gives them some sort of ENTITLEMENT! What are you, two-wheeled OWS asshats?... YOU DIDN'T GET A WAVE, YOU WANT YOUR FREE WAVE!!!!! F/U.

You want respect? EARN IT

You want a wave? EARN IT

You have a bike? Then shut, up and enjoy the ride Sally. There's an entire beautiful planet out there to see and your silly ass is worried about what other riders think of you, so you go into a public online forum and make a post about it...... FUGG'EM!!!!! Ride on, and quit your bitching....


Rant over.


Badger

---

Well I think this response proves that they're not waving because they are dicks. It just floors me that a grown human being would actually think like that. Oh and Badger...whether you like it or not you ARE a part of the motorcycle community. Just like you're a part of the CO AR-15 community. Just like you're a part of the Bailey, CO community. Would it kill you to at least be cordial to someone who is in the same community as you? Man...you and Jim need to get together and talk about how much you hate your fellow man, how stupid people are who know less than you and how macho you guys are for not forming any type of personable traits in your personality.

OT though...I've even been behind a Harley on the road and a Harley will be coming the other way and wave at the first guy and then intentionally not wave at me. Now I know it's not all Harley riders, just like I know that not all non-Harley riders are nice people either. But it just seems like the majority of Harley riders want nothing to do with non-Harley riders. Pretty elitist of them, but to each his own.

I guess some people just are dicks at heart...

Kanekutter, it starts with just waving, then all of the sudden it is, "I was broken down on the side of the road on my Heritage Softtail when some guy driving an F-150 Harley edition drove by and didn't even stop to load my bike and take me home for free! I thought we were all a community?!"

I've always ridden Harleys, but honestly, I'd always wave at other riders or return their wave. I never did the "snob" thing, but I would always let the conditions determine whether I'd wave or not. Sometimes a quick wave is easy, but other times I didn't see theirs in time, or I was changing lanes, or there was heavy traffic, or in a sharp turn, etc.

It's not always safe or easy to give a wave, and those people wouldn't get a return wave. Nothing about being a dick, it was all about what I was doing at that instant and how important my attention and concentration was at that moment. I'll always be polite to other riders, but I'll never compromise my own safety to do so. That's what it boils down to, IMO, and people who get offended at being "snubbed" should consider that it may not have actually been a snub. Although it quite often is, sad to say.

I have to admit though, that I do tend to giggle when I see some guy on one of those Japanese Harley-clone bikes with tall apehangers, leathers, cutoffs and patches, trying his damnedest to look like a real bad-ass 1%'er and acting all tough-guy I'ma kick-yo-ass bad mo-fo. I gave up all that "biker regalia" shit 30 years ago. Hell, I won't even wear Harley t-shirts anymore. I have no need to try and impress any-damn-body. When I rode, it was for me and my comfort and my pleasure, not to go out profiling or chest-thumping. But those guys are good entertainment.

Sadly, I don't know if I'll ever ride again. After the lumbar surgeries I've had, I'm just very leery of the risk. If I hit a hard bump or pothole in a damn car, it brings tears to my eyes from the pain. Just thinking of shocks to the spine while on a bike scares the shit out of me. Maybe after a year or two it'll heal up enough to not be a problem, but right now, NFW.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Irving

Kanekutter, it starts with just waving, then all of the sudden it is, "I was broken down on the side of the road on my Heritage Softtail when some guy driving an F-150 Harley edition drove by and didn't even stop to load my bike and take me home for free! I thought we were all a community?!"

---

That's quite the jump...but I get what you're saying. I just don't understand the attitude of "don't know you, don't wanna know you, probably wouldn't like you if I did" that guys like Badger have. It's just a very elitist and exclusionary way of thinking and just bothers me to no end.

Can't you just ride standing up the whole time and let your knees take the blow Ron?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kanekutter05

That's quite the jump...but I get what you're saying. I just don't understand the attitude of "don't know you, don't wanna know you, probably wouldn't like you if I did" that guys like Badger have. It's just a very elitist and exclusionary way of thinking and just bothers me to no end.

---

I posted that example because I have seen it before. It was on a 2nd generation Integra forum. Some guy was complaining because while he was broken down on the side of the road, he saw another 2nd generation Integra drive by and was all butt-hurt that the other guy didn't pull over to help him. I told him to get real.