Unfriendly Harley riders.

[Snake]

Is it just me or does it seem that when you try and give a passing Harley rider the two finger wave they ignore you or look at you like your crazy?

[00v_Lucky]

yea, this happens to me on a regular basis, the point to where I did not like them was when one guy passed me up on my same lane scaring the **** out of me with his obnoxious double dual pipes :rage:

[Rynownd]

Depends on the location really. When I'm around campus and it's a student, they usually wave. But when I'm any where else, they snub me. (in general)

[sometimesido]

the true riders wave, weekend riders in their brand new bike don't.
and i can usually tell who's who...
there are exceptions.

[islanderman7]

You're not the only one. I was given the bird the other day.

[Snake]

Originally Posted by 00v_Lucky

yea, this happens to me on a regular basis, the point to where I did not like them was when one guy passed me up on my same lane scaring the **** out of me with his obnoxious double dual pipes :rage:

You should have passed him...got in front of him...gave him a break check and then sped off. LOL

Not realy he could be in a biker gang.

[kkim]

http://www.ninjette.net/forums/showt...ghlight=waving

[ScraitT]

Depends. I have had them ignore me before, but more often then not I think it is them not expecting someone on a sportbike to wave to them.

Currently all of my friends ride harleys, so when I am out with them we get acknowledged by everyone...the sportbikes see me and the harleys see them.

[miks]

Don't even bother waving to a HD rider here. Good chance they're from some bikie gang, Hell's Angels, Banditos, Rebels etc etc.

Many HD riders here in Australia are very violent, we've had like 5 deaths already this year from gang fights, shootings, turf wars and the like.

Even the Government has to resort to drastic measures, making it illegal to be a part of any bike gang, but the 5-0 have a very hard time enforcing that law.

IMO, most HD riders need to treat people how they would like to be treated, show people respect and they'll do the same back.

[08_250R]

I think they are weekend riders probably cant drive good enough to take a hand off the bar and wave. In WI every bike waves, I think it is because we get a entire 3 or 4 months to ride, and we are all just happy to be on a damn bike.

[chinasmurf]

I get mixed responses. They usually don't but If I initiate I think they wave back cuz I'm a girl. But I've gotten the "cold shoulder a few times" But if I'm with my HD end (that has both street n HD bike) I get waved by both. Ehhhh hell w/ them if they are gonna give us the nose up

[sometimesido]

in short, there are other important things to worry about.
except for that guy Howard is talking about.

[CRXTrek]

This year i have noticed a few not putting out the two fingers. I think for some it is due to our economy and that i bought Japanese instead of buying an American bike.

[Buffalony]

I have this gut feeling one percenters deemed the phrase "Crotch-Rocket"
It seems everyone I know that is gung-ho Harley uses this phrase more often.
I now deem the phrase "Fart sleigh/sled"
I wave regardless. arrogant farts anyway.

[Verus Cidere]

I think you're on to something Joe! I agree though, I hate it when the stupid Fart-Sledders (see? I'm using it already! ) don't wave. I think they're just jealous! Does it really matter if we're so much faster than them? We're both on 2 wheels! Good enough for me!

[Buffalony]

Originally Posted by Verus Cidere

I think you're on to something Joe! I agree though, I hate it when the stupid Fart-Sledders (see? I'm using it already! ) don't wave. I think they're just jealous! Does it really matter if we're so much faster than them? We're both on 2 wheels! Good enough for me!

It's like we're not good enough cause we didnt buy american!!! though ironically they'd probably not wave if we were on a buell either not knowing the difference. The whole attitude is stupid and mostly uneducated. Alot of older import bikes were just as respected by the "hard core outlaw group" as american bikes. Some of those guys are still around. Now you see alot of a whole new breed....The old and ready to retire/retired yuppys who think only an american brand is the best. These are the same people who get a dog and name it harley around the same time they get their first harley motorcycle. Their not all bad.
The bike mod scene was just as big an bad in australia in the 70's as it was here in the US. And lets not forget about the UKs Motorcyle history!!! I personally would Buy a Japanese Cruiser (favor yamaha).
It's really alot of arrogance...the same type of arrogance that generates hatred towards our nation! Sadly enough alot of the older clubs around have adopted/are gradually adopting this same type of hatred towards anything non-Harley. It's pretty sickening. I've seen members even go to the extremes of pushing bikes over cause they were not harley.

[BlueTyke]

(I didn't read every single post just the first few)

I think this is a location thing. And whats going on around kind of thing. I have noticed though that while Harley riders wave at other Harley/crusers the just nod or lift their hand a little from their bars when it comes to waving at me.

I find that they wave at me more when I am with my 'Harley' friends I think they just accidently wave at me because I am generaly in the middle...

Does it matter? No. There are sportbike riders that don't wave to me either. Particular brand? Couldn't tell you. Tour bikes wave at me sometimes, sometimes they don't. Does it upset me? Hell no! I am riding and that is allll that matters

[CC Cowboy]

I've never had a problem with Harley riders not waving. We are all from the same group, motorcyclists. It's the Honda Goldwing and BMW crowd that never wave back around here. I guess they know that under my helmet I'm calling them all "Fags" (not the gay type, but the pussy type, if that makes any sense).

[sometimesido]

hahaha, BMW crowd definitely don't wave.
Never had one guy on a GS or K wave back.

[Cali619]

depends where I am riding at the time, if its in the city I rarely get waves from the cruisers, almost always from sport-bikers. If I'm riding in the canyons then almost 100% wave to be no matter what bike they are on, they all know were all there for the same exhilarating ride...

[Alex]

Originally Posted by sometimesido

hahaha, BMW crowd definitely don't wave.
Never had one guy on a GS or K wave back.

I hear this alot online, but I don't experience it. I wave just as often whether I'm on a Ninija or a BMW, and I get waves from BMW folks whether I'm on a Ninja or a BMW. Perhaps it's different in other parts of the country.

[sometimesido]

maybe...

[Snake]

Originally Posted by miks

Don't even bother waving to a HD rider here. Good chance they're from some bikie gang, Hell's Angels, Banditos, Rebels etc etc.

Many HD riders here in Australia are very violent, we've had like 5 deaths already this year from gang fights, shootings, turf wars and the like.

Even the Government has to resort to drastic measures, making it illegal to be a part of any bike gang, but the 5-0 have a very hard time enforcing that law.

IMO, most HD riders need to treat people how they would like to be treated, show people respect and they'll do the same back.

Aren't you glad that sport bike riders do not have the stigma of biker gangs? We are all very freindly and just want to ride.

[Buffalony]

Originally Posted by rcuriel

Aren't you glad that sport bike riders do not have the stigma of biker gangs? We are all very friendly and just want to ride.

sorry this must be an area thing. We have a couple of Sports bike groups of decent size around here that do dirt. They are pretty bad mofo's.
There is a hybrid club of 1centers here.they ride cruisers/Super sports together. they are obviously more open minded but still the wrong crowd for me.

[dyeclan]

Next time a HD rider points out the buy American thing, take a look and see if his starter is a Hitachi. If it is, have fun!

[Jacksmeow]

They may be afraid to take the hands off the handlebars.......

[NICUNinja]

It doesn't really bother me either way, I wave no matter if you're riding a cruiser or a sportsbike. We've had both and I think its the nice thing to do. Today, my husband and I had the bikes out and 2 HD bikes pulled up beside me. They were talking away to each other then the next thing I know they are honking to get my attention asking me if I'm riding a 250 and giving me the .

[g21-30]

Everyone waves around here.

[HKr1]

Originally Posted by rcuriel

Is it just me or does it seem that when you try and give a passing Harley rider the two finger wave they ignore you or look at you like your crazy?

Screw the HD riders

One thing that happened sticks out in my head. Bunch of us were out shooting.....(guys on bikes & cars< transporting guns) A sheriff showed up, told us to find some other place to shoot. So we headed out to the Tecate exit on old 94(SD). Me and another guy was in my camaro(with weapons), the fast guys on bikes had went head.. Anyway, we come up on this group of HD riders. I figured we would sit tight and not pass, since the exit is coming up in a few corners. So some other of our guys on bikes come by to try and pass them. Well these HD riders try and push/stop them off into a corner to kick there ass(the other guys had pissed them off). We were all set to roll in with our guns in hand if this was gonna happen, they just didnt know
Well the slow guys got around them, and everybody went on there way

This and one other time on Palomar Mt. .... I dont bother waving to them.

Sorry for the long post, the one on Palomar is even longer...... But good ending for the sportbikers

[Angel-be-Good]

I'd say around here, cruisers are the least likely to wave, followed by adventure riders (especially if they've got a passenger--are they ashamed?), but really almost all wave back regardless of their genre, especially in the twisties.

[dyeclan]

I raced a Harley today and after some really hard riding I managed
to PASS the guy. I was riding on one of those really, really
twisting sections of mountain road with no straight sections to
speak of and where most of the bends have warning signs that
say "MAX SPEED 50 KPH".

I knew if I was going to pass one of those monsters with those
big-cubic-inch motors, it would have to be a place like this where
handling and rider skill are more important than horsepower alone.

I saw the guy up ahead as I exited one of the turns and knew I could
catch him, but it wouldn't be easy. I concentrated on my braking and
cornering. Three corners later, I was on his mudguard. Catching him
was one thing; passing him would prove to be another.

Two corners later, I pulled up next to him as we sailed down the
mountain. I think he was shocked to see me next to him, as I nearly
got by him before he could recover. Next corner, same thing. I'd
manage to pull up next to him as we started to enter the corners but
when we came out he'd get on the throttle and out-power me. His
horsepower was almost too much to overcome, but this only made me
more determined than ever.

My only hope was to out-brake him. I held off squeezing the lever
until the last instant. I kept my nerve while he lost his. In an
instant I was by him. Corner after corner, I could hear the roar of
his engine as he struggled to keep up. Three more miles to go before
the road straightens out and he would pass me for good.

But now I was in the lead and he would no longer hold me back. I
stretched out my lead and by the time we reached the bottom of the
canyon, he was more than a full corner behind. I could no longer see
him in my rear-view mirror.

Once the road did straighten out, it seemed like it took miles
before he passed me, but it was probably just a few hundred yards. I
was no match for that kind of horsepower, but it was done. In the
tightest section of road, where bravery and skill count for more
than horsepower and deep pockets, I had passed him. Though it was
not easy, I had won the race to the bottom of the mountain and I had
preserved the proud tradition of one of the best bits of Brit iron.

I will always remember that moment. I don't think I've ever pedaled
so hard in my life. And, some of the credit must go to Raleigh
cycles, as well. They really make a great bicycle...

[dyeclan]

Ten MORE Reasons Why Harley Owners Won't Wave At Other Bikers
______________________________________________________
Submitted by LeoncioR

Afraid it will invalidate warranty.

Leather and studs make it too hard to raise arm.

Refuses to wave to anyone whose bike is already paid for.

Afraid to let go of handlebars because they might vibrate off.

Rushing wind would blow scabs off the new tattoos.

Angry because just took out second mortgage to pay luxury tax on new Harley.

Just discovered the fine print in owner's manual and realized H-D is partially owned by those rice-burner manufacturers.

Can't tell if other riders are waving or just reaching to cover their ears like everyone else.

Remembers the last time a Harley rider waved back, he impaled his hand on spiked helmet.

They're jealous that after spending $30,000,they still don't own a BMW K1200 LT

[sometimesido]

great story with Raleigh cycles.

[lavid2002]

Don't even bother waving to a HD rider here. Good chance they're from some bikie gang, Hell's Angels, Banditos, Rebels etc etc.

Didnt you say your too young to have a motorcycle license? How do you know about the HD riders waving to you or not :P

[sombo]

Originally Posted by 08_250R

I think they are weekend riders probably cant drive good enough to take a hand off the bar and wave. In WI every bike waves, I think it is because we get a entire 3 or 4 months to ride, and we are all just happy to be on a damn bike.

Aw, that's no excuse for them not to wave. Even on my very first ride last week I was waving to everyone and felt quite good doing it.

[miks]

Great story Frank, you sound like commentator commenting on what must have been a fantastic race.

[Buffalony]

Originally Posted by HKr1

Screw the HD riders

One thing that happened sticks out in my head. Bunch of us were out shooting.....(guys on bikes & cars< transporting guns) A sheriff showed up, told us to find some other place to shoot. So we headed out to the Tecate exit on old 94(SD). Me and another guy was in my camaro(with weapons), the fast guys on bikes had went head.. Anyway, we come up on this group of HD riders. I figured we would sit tight and not pass, since the exit is coming up in a few corners. So some other of our guys on bikes come by to try and pass them. Well these HD riders try and push/stop them off into a corner to kick there ass(the other guys had pissed them off). We were all set to roll in with our guns in hand if this was gonna happen, they just didnt know
Well the slow guys got around them, and everybody went on there way

This and one other time on Palomar Mt. .... I dont bother waving to them.

Sorry for the long post, the one on Palomar is even longer...... But good ending for the sportbikers

Great story..reminded me of this tube vid..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPofRQdREyU

[Justanothermp5]

yea i waved at about 3 or 4 the other day and they didnt even look at me, i was like wtf is going on

so im not waving to them unless they wave to me 1st

[SeeJoy]

I was out with my BF last Sunday and we switched leads a few times as the day went on.
Now I drop the wave for anybody, no matter what they are sitting on.
Here's, what I noticed:
Out in front, on my yellow 250, I got snubbed by the vast majority of HD's that approached us.
Not so when my BF was in the lead.
Lol!
He rides a HD Night Train, with the mandatory black jacket and chaps, etc.
I thought it was funny as heck.
By the way..he loves it that my ride is a sport bike

SeeJoy

[CC Cowboy]

There are some seriously mean posts here. I thought we are all motorcyclists. Seems that if someone doesn't ride what you like then they are scum. There are assholes on Harleys, on Sportbikes, on Cruisers, in Porsches, Ferraris, in Cadillacs, in pick-ups and SUVs. You can find faults with riders in this forum. I remember reading many posts of crashes, most likely from riders with little or no experience. They could be labled as idiots. We all have the right to be on what we want to drive or ride on any road we want whether it be in the mountains of Cleveland (?) or anywhere else.

I remember going to a racing school in France with some friends of mine. One guy, who was a great motorcycle racer with many titles, was bitching because the guy in front of him didn't move over so he could pass. The fact is, it is up to you to pass someone whether on the track or on the street ( he was so frustrated that I passed both of them at once on the same corner). Many times people don't use their mirrors and don't even know you are there. Sometimes they are going as fast as they are comfortable with and can't understand why you would want to pass them. There are a few who just want to block you but they are just dangerous and you will find that following them will bother them more than passing them. They get so worried you will pass they don't concentrate on what's in front of them.

I wave to everyone. Sometimes other riders aren't expecting it ( imagine getting a wave from someone as fantastic as me) and they don't wave in time so I can see it, or they are in deep thought about passing someone two miles in front of them, or they are not used to being accepted merely for the fact they are on a motorcycle. If I go for a day ride and wave to 100 people I would say 90 wave back. The ones who don't have to live with the devastation that they missed their chance.

If anyone has noticed, I have seen bike gangs with members on Jap Cruisers. What is this world coming to.

For all those who are having issues with this waving thing, wave to the bike not the rider. This way your feelings won't be hurt, bikes can't wave back.