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Main Area => Odds n Ends => Topic started by: ojstinson on April 18, 2009, 05:57:41 PM

Title: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: ojstinson on April 18, 2009, 05:57:41 PM
--- will not even acknowledge riders on Japanese bikes?----They almost never wave to oncoming riders on other makes, and seldom look over and nod while waiting at a light or in traffic. Do they actually feel that they are superior in some way?  What's with the whole Harley attitude thing anyway?
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: cafeboy on April 18, 2009, 06:04:45 PM
POSERS  :D
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: lilbill on April 18, 2009, 06:04:59 PM
They're just mad they paid so much for their bikes and maintenance  :D  
I've been flipped off by riders on all brands and styles...whatev!!
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: bbq on April 18, 2009, 06:26:09 PM
They simply can't let go of the handlebars because they might vibrate off. However the vibration canel out when two Harleys approaching each other from different directions, so that's the only time they can wave.
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: lilbill on April 18, 2009, 06:30:09 PM
Quote from: bbq on April 18, 2009, 06:26:09 PM
They simply can't let go of the handlebars because they might vibrate off. However the vibration canel out when two Harleys approaching each other from different directions, so that's the only time they can wave.
:woohoo: I almost peed when I read that  :woohoo:
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: ojstinson on April 18, 2009, 06:33:06 PM
Quote from: bbq on April 18, 2009, 06:26:09 PM
They simply can't let go of the handlebars because they might vibrate off. However the vibration canel out when two Harleys approaching each other from different directions, so that's the only time they can wave.

Good answer----I like that!
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: XealotX on April 18, 2009, 07:03:29 PM
The younger ones (possible oxymoron) will wave around here but the older Harley riders are oblivious.
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: ohgood on April 18, 2009, 07:09:07 PM
maybe they're experienced  riders that have lost the urge to wave at every squid-looking kid on a crotch rocket  ?

sure the gs is no rocket, but the F models look like one.

the HD guys at work called/call mine a "SARS -zuki" for a while. then they talked shop a little and realized jap bike owners have to work on their machines just like them, and they didn't feel so inadequate.

there are 3 HD's at work, 2 BMW's, and my gs. we don't BS about loving each other's rides, BS about knowing more about riding, or really care what each other rides. on those cooooooooool mornings, you can tell who road in... big shaZam! eatin grin, and a gesture that everyone one else pussed out. ;)

i started a new wave. it only takes one special finger, and EVERYONE returns it ! ;)
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: bucks1605 on April 18, 2009, 07:37:40 PM
Quote from: lilbill on April 18, 2009, 06:04:59 PM
 I've been flipped off by riders on all brands and styles...whatev!!

For real?
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: drincruz on April 18, 2009, 08:43:59 PM
hmmm...very true. i don't even remember getting a wave from one. i have gotten a nod here and there, but then again that just adds more proof to the vibration comment. hehe  :laugh:

cheers,
~drin
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: Toogoofy317 on April 18, 2009, 11:59:26 PM
I've never gotten the hawaii one finger salute from another motorcyclist. I do the two fingers down on the road ( meaning keep the rubber side down) and most do the same or nod. A few here and there don't but many do! And I'm not a squid I ATGATT! Of course I ain't doing much waving to anybody hurts to raise my arm!

Now I've gotten many one finger salutes from cagers. Me and my best friend (rides a shadow) were out riding. a rice burner cage cut us off twice! We get to a red light my friend gets off his bike walks up to the dude let's him know what he did ( pissy little teenager gave him some mouth) sooo, as he was walking back to the bike my friend politelly bent his antenna to a 90 degree angle! My friend was an ex- Navy SEAL Crazy mother anyhow. Not that I would EVER recommend doing that but for me it was quite satisfying to watch. You could see the guy sinking down in his seat wondering what he was going to do next. Let's say a red light I will never forget!

Mary
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: Canonball on April 19, 2009, 06:46:29 AM
Quote from: XealotX on April 18, 2009, 07:03:29 PM
The younger ones (possible oxymoron) will wave around here but the older Harley riders are oblivious.

yeah the older ones never seem to wave or acknowledge but i have had younger ones wave. one time i was stuck on the side of the road and one stopped to make sure everything was ok and made sure that i had help coming.
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: wladziu on April 19, 2009, 10:26:53 AM
When I was pushed into the median by a panel van -

It was a black dude that helped me out.  Said he normally rides a 'Busa. 
Pushed my bike out of the street, even though the front wheel is pointing about 45 degrees to the left.  Helped me into the grass, cause I couldn't see for about 20 minutes.  I was literally stuck in the middle of the road.  Even picked up the little pieces, like my mirror and face shield.  Stayed to be a witness for the police report, then just left without asking for anything. 


The typical Harley owner doesn't deserve even a wave. 

The b!tch that taught my MSF course rode a Harley.  Publicly voiced her opinion on when everyone would wreck, based on their helmet designs, then refused to give any advice to compensate.  She passed anyone without a half-helmet (turtle shell), because she said they'd end up teaching themselves how to emergency stop or the asphalt would teach them.  Really great people, those Harley riders. 




Now, that whole "loud pipes saves lives" thing...
It's Harley riders that propagate that myth.  So, what do cagers listen for?  Loud pipes. 
Cause, let's all be honest, here:  a big, chrome, piece of crap seems like it would cause a lot more damage to your car than something with fairings. 
And, cagers expect us to be able to swerve and avoid anything they might do, whereas Harley riders can't budge from the middle of the lane.  It's written in Hammurabi's code, or something. 
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: tripleb on April 19, 2009, 11:11:02 AM
I've never had an issue with HD riders.  They usually return or initiate a wave around here.  There's A LOT of motorcycles in FL so maybe that has something to do with it.
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: wladziu on April 19, 2009, 11:38:16 AM
(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq230/wladziu-cherry/138001.jpg)

Because they're too afraid of doing this:
(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq230/wladziu-cherry/fat_wheelie.jpg)
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: XealotX on April 19, 2009, 01:18:33 PM
Quote from: wladziu on April 19, 2009, 11:38:16 AM
(http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq230/wladziu-cherry/138001.jpg)

That picture is from a rider in Missouri who I see regularly. Crazy SOB rides it on the street all the time. He never waves either although, in his case, I guess I can't blame him.
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: grayghost on April 19, 2009, 02:08:04 PM
they're probably concentrating so hard on how their stock portfolios are doing, they just don't see us.

here's pretty good harley joke:
this guy goes into a biker bar and there's this fine looking young girl working the bar. up on the wall he sees a sign stating:

   tap beer: $2.75
  bottle beer: $3.00
Crown & Coke: $3.75
Jack Daniels shots: $4.00
Hamburgers: $4.50
Cheeseburgers: $4.75
Handjobs: $50.00

so he motions the chick down to the end of the bar and asks: "Are you by any chance the one who gives the $50 handjobs?"
"Sure am honey," she replies. to which the guy says "well, wash your hands, i need a cheeseburger"
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: tulebox on April 19, 2009, 03:46:36 PM
it ain't a Harley thing, plenny of effin knobs on sport bikes around here don't wave, either.
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: cafeboy on April 19, 2009, 06:10:23 PM
Quote from: tulebox on April 19, 2009, 03:46:36 PM
it ain't a Harley thing, plenny of effin knobs on sport bikes around here don't wave, either.

and they are POSERS too  :whisper:
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: ecpreston on April 19, 2009, 06:19:59 PM
FWIW, around Roanoke VA they seem to have a better attitude.  :dunno_white:  Even when I've been riding with other "real" sportbikes, pretty much everyone participates in the wave. And the harleys greatly outnumber us.
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: Paulcet on April 19, 2009, 07:15:34 PM
Guess my location is similar to ecpreston's.  Harleys and other cruisers far outnumber all other types, but just about everybody will wave.  And if there is a passenger and the rider is busy with the clutch, the passenger will usually wave.
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: NEWGS500F on April 20, 2009, 04:45:26 AM
In my experience;

1)  HD riders wave/nod the LEAST and ALMOST all, give everyone (not just the Jap bikes, everyone) a blank...
2)  Those riding rockets i.e. Gixxers, R1's etc - they all like a nod and often a smile, as they rip past the nearest sports car  :icon_mrgreen:

...err, that's it.

I no longer give a sheeet aboot this folks...just ride on, and revel in the joy that my bike will happily, even with a modest power output, when handled correctly, wave ta ta to said morons with a slight throttle twist.....very few posers know how to operate the motorcycle properly....
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: DoD#i on April 20, 2009, 05:32:35 AM
Quote from: ojstinson on April 18, 2009, 05:57:41 PM
--- will not even acknowledge riders on Japanese bikes?----They almost never wave to oncoming riders on other makes, and seldom look over and nod while waiting at a light or in traffic.

Nope. I find that there is a (very) small minority that behave this way. Of course, if you don't wave because your finely tuned cruiser radar detected a real harley .vs. a jap cruiser, then you're perpetuating their parallel myth that "Most of those jerks on rice don't wave, or nod, or nothing." And I've seen about as many of the 'tudinous on things that my not very finely tuned oncoming bike assessment radar classes as "not even a cruiser, regardless of who makes it, or where."

Don't get too wound up in what other folks do, or don't. Go have fun, and wave if you feel like it.
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: denman on April 20, 2009, 06:08:54 AM
I have lived and riden in a lot of places and most riders will wave.   
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: joshr08 on April 20, 2009, 06:20:52 AM
I have actually had more gold wing riders not wave then harley riders.  I really think harley guys get a bad rap.  The wife and I went for a 80 mile ride the other day and the only person that didnt wave was an old guy on a big ol' ugly goldwing.  I used to own a Harley and guess what when i used to go out on it i would wave at everyone and guess what group of bikers didnt wave at me?????? anyone anyone thats right rockets.  just something to think about.
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: TonyKZ1 on April 20, 2009, 06:58:18 AM
Around here, SE Missouri, most of the bikers wave whether on a sport bike, a cruiser, or some big touring bike. As for the Harley types some don't, but most of them will return a wave. One local Harley rider that I meet on the road, just about every day rain/shine/cold/whatever the weather, has no problem waving and usually we'll be the only bikes on the road.
Tony
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: Paulcet on April 20, 2009, 09:22:33 AM
Quote from: joshr08 on April 20, 2009, 06:20:52 AM
I have actually had more gold wing riders not wave then harley riders.  I really think harley guys get a bad rap.  The wife and I went for a 80 mile ride the other day and the only person that didnt wave was an old guy on a big ol' ugly goldwing.  I used to own a Harley and guess what when i used to go out on it i would wave at everyone and guess what group of bikers didnt wave at me?????? anyone anyone thats right rockets.  just something to think about.

Ahh, the wing riders can't get a wave off in time.  They have to put the coffee cup in the holder, put down the stereo remote, and fold up the newspaper so they can wave!
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: bassman on April 20, 2009, 11:14:39 AM
I find here in the UK that nearly every biker I come across gives a nod or a subtle wave irrespective of the type of bike they're riding.  The Derbyshire Dales in the East Midlands of England has beautiful countryside and some great twisty country roads and attracts all soughts of bike rider.  Basically, almost everybody out on the road in that area on a Saturday/Sunday is just out to have a good ride and a good time and meet friends.  If anything, everyone is so friendly that it becomes almost a chore to nod and waive!  I constantly go through this anxiety of 'shall I nod to this guy or this convoy of 6 guys or shall I wait 'till they nod to me'.  Then I decide I won't nod and then someone in the pack nods to me and then I feel obliged to nod to all of them! I actually quite like it when I don't come across another biker for a while!

I'll tel yer what, though...I wouldn't flick a finger at anyone else - biker or car driver!  If it's a biker, you don't know what chapter they may be a member of (it may not be the local biker's sowing circle :icon_eek:), and a car driver can just swot you like a fly with even the puniest vehicle :sad:!

At the end of the day it's just about the riding...

bassman (hhhmnn...now where did I put my knitting?...)
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: bill14224 on April 23, 2009, 09:26:22 PM
Some Harley owners are salt of the Earth.  Others are hostile morons, but that's not the clear indicator of why some will wave and others won't.

Some will wave or not because they're friendly people or not.  Others won't wave because they can't without losing control of their horrible-handling bike.
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: McD on April 24, 2009, 12:17:29 AM
Some Sportbike riders are the variety of life. Others are aggressive idiots. But that doesn't show how cool they are or not.

Some will wave or not because they're just cool people or not. Others won't wave because they can't without losing control of their ridiculously-over-powered-for-90-percent-of-the-population-style-bike.

Wait, wat?
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: bassman on April 24, 2009, 01:44:53 PM
OK...This is where I reveal I'm a hypocrite!

Friday evening.  Riding home from work.  Lovely and warm and sunny.  Friday evening.  End of work for another week.  Beers chilling in the fridge...Scotch in the cupboard for a chaser if I'm of a mind.  Riding home to the bosom of my wife and children.  What could spoil this perfect begining to my Friday?  That perfect ride home on that perfect part of the day of that perfect day of the week...

I'll tell you what can spoil it...an a**hole on a scooter!...that's what! >:(  I'm guilty of over-reacting here I know...but I wanted to kill this guy.  Basically, I'm yards from my driveway, I slow down to roll over a speedhump, I accelerate away from said speedhump, and prepare to turn left into my driveway.  Fortunately, I'm an experienced rider and am careful to look around me before changing direction.  Just aswell, because a**hole young scooter rider ignores the fact that I am in the middle of the lane and undertakes me at just about the time I would normally turn into my drive.  F**king undertaking me! >:( >:(   :2guns: A**hole!!!!  I pulled up.  Thought for a moment.  The red mist descended.  I then proceeded to chase after the guy who was now a fair distance ahead.  I was so mad I cut through some 'rat runs' to try and catch up with this a**hole before I came to my senses and thought 'what the hell am I doing?'.  I don't know what this sort of behaviour might be called in different parts of the world, but in the UK it's called 'road rage'.

Now the red mist has dissapated, I am questioning my reaction to this situation and realise I over-reacted.  But this a**hole could have wrecked my bike and injured me because he was too much of a 'dumb ass' to consider not only other road users, but other bikers aswell.  I don't what the point is I'm making other than letting-off steam, but I guess it really isn't worth making an issue out of something if no-one was hurt (sound like f**king Jerry Springer now!).

No wait, I know what the point is!  I don't care whether you waive or not...just don't f**king ride dangerously anywhere near me! :wink:

bassman
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: cafeboy on April 24, 2009, 03:02:09 PM
+1  :icon_exclaim:
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: XealotX on April 25, 2009, 06:46:57 PM
I have an up to the minute bulletin on this topic...

Must have passed 200 Harleys on my ride this afternoon. Maybe more...no kidding.

Harley riders over 60 years old NEVER WAVE. Ever.

Harley riders with 300lb (or more) fat chicks wearing tank tops on the back ALWAYS wave. Enthusiastically.
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: bombadillo on April 26, 2009, 06:34:47 PM
Its the mid-life crisis bike and they're too busy trying to make sure all 800 pounds of the bike stays vertical.
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: jdanna on April 26, 2009, 06:42:22 PM
Quote from: wladziu on April 19, 2009, 10:26:53 AM

Now, that whole "loud pipes saves lives" thing...
It's Harley riders that propagate that myth.  So, what do cagers listen for?  Loud pipes. 
Cause, let's all be honest, here:  a big, chrome, piece of crap seems like it would cause a lot more damage to your car than something with fairings. 
And, cagers expect us to be able to swerve and avoid anything they might do, whereas Harley riders can't budge from the middle of the lane.  It's written in Hammurabi's code, or something. 

ive had bikes with loud pipes and bikes without - it definatly makes a difference.
since i bought the harley ive had more people try to run me over, because its a lot quieter then my last suzuki was.

eventually i'll fix the bikes wimpy stock pipes and put some proper loud ones on.

i wave to everone. and i bought the harley because it outrode and outcomfortabled every other bike i looked at.
and it didnt cost much more then the metric cruisers in the same class.

oh yea and it looks a ton better then any of the metrics do right now.

sometimes i think that people whine about harley owners becuase since there are so many more of them, you are statistically more likely to meet up with one whos a dickhead.

Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: jserio on April 26, 2009, 07:36:12 PM
i think it's jealousy.....     :icon_twisted:           :icon_mrgreen:     :cheers:







on a slight thread jack, i've entered a contest to win a bike....





http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2009_Motorcycles/2009_Motorcycles.jsp?locale=en_US#/model/xl883n
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: jdanna on April 26, 2009, 07:41:26 PM
Quote from: jserio on April 26, 2009, 07:36:12 PM
i think it's jealousy.....     :icon_twisted:           :icon_mrgreen:     :cheers:







on a slight thread jack, i've entered a contest to win a bike....





http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2009_Motorcycles/2009_Motorcycles.jsp?locale=en_US#/model/xl883n

oooooooh those are nice bikes
my wife has an 07 883, its an awesome bike - it handles like a GS.
and i love the HD matte paint ( http://wjoe.tv/fxdf/dsc02043.jpg (http://wjoe.tv/fxdf/dsc02043.jpg)   obviously)
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: jserio on April 26, 2009, 07:42:46 PM
 :D  nice lookin bike... how's she ride? pros/cons?
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: jdanna on April 26, 2009, 07:51:53 PM
Quote from: jserio on April 26, 2009, 07:42:46 PM
:D  nice lookin bike... how's she ride? pros/cons?

oh it rides great
its a bit shakey at first cause of the non-balanced motor, but once you get moving it smooths out perfectly.
power is great, but eventually im gonna get slipons/k&n/fuel processor for it and give it a bit more go and a bit more sound.

handling is much better then you would expect for a 700+ pound bike. having matching front and back tire sizes and a short rake really helps, and the drag bars and forward controls are perfectly placed.

i can ride all day without stopping, and my back never acts up. on the GS my back would start to hurt after like 1.5 hours. on the c50 it was 2 or 3 hours. on this thing, i havent had to stop because of my back yet, and ive ridden a few 6+ hour days
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: jserio on April 26, 2009, 07:53:51 PM
comfort is key i think. after all, it's about THE RIDE right, not what you ride?    :thumb:
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: jdanna on April 26, 2009, 08:05:27 PM
Quote from: jserio on April 26, 2009, 07:53:51 PM
comfort is key i think. after all, it's about THE RIDE right, not what you ride?    :thumb:

most definatly - i decided to buy it after renting one for 4 hours. i got back and was like ok yea thats the most comfortable bike ive ever been on.
had a deposit down on one 3 weeks before it even got to the dealership, i got one of the first 09s in the state
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: bucks1605 on April 26, 2009, 08:07:30 PM
Quote from: jserio on April 26, 2009, 07:36:12 PM
on a slight thread jack, i've entered a contest to win a bike....

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2009_Motorcycles/2009_Motorcycles.jsp?locale=en_US#/model/xl883n

One of my stepdad's buddies won a sporty in a contest he entered. He lets his brother ride it, which I think is pretty cool.
Title: Re: Do you find that most ( not all ) Harley riders ---
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on April 27, 2009, 01:41:18 AM
Quote from: bucks1605 on April 18, 2009, 07:37:40 PM
Quote from: lilbill on April 18, 2009, 06:04:59 PM
 I've been flipped off by riders on all brands and styles...whatev!!

For real?
yup jap riders and italian riders and others can be and are. as much of an ass as some hd riders