So this morning on the way to work I received a "low peace" from a guy on a scooter. I was a bit caught off-guard so I just lifted my fingers a little and gave him a nod. I've been told not to wave to scooters, but I figured I'd ask what everyone here thinks about it. The only reason I'm a bit reserved about it is because of the high rate of DUIdiots who ride their 49cc scoots because they have no choice. My feeling now is that I'll wave only if they do first.
What are the "official" rules for the biker wave?
Aside from low peace are there any other waves or signals that a newbie biker should know about (for example, I've heard that a tap on the helmet means there is a cop behind you)? One thing I wonder is how to treat the good-guy 4-wheeled comrades who look out for us. I did a wave after passing a van with a "look for motorcycles" bumper sticker last night.
I love the sense of camaraderie you feel when you pass a biker and you each acknowledge the other. It makes me feel like I'm in some secret society or something :cool:. It made my day the other day when I passed a group of tough-looking Harley riders and they all dropped a low peace, as though nothing else matters as long as you're on two wheels. I actually get somewhat sad when I don't pass any other bikes for a while, lol. The biker wave is certainly in my top-five favorite things about riding so far.
hell wave at scooters lol wont hurt to be nice. :thumb: a tap on helment and a flat palm moving downward usually means descrease speed. police ahead.
I remember waving to a Harley guy and he gave me a look like I murdered his dog in cold blood, lol!
Some of them wave back, some of them are elitist. Its not the HD wave, its the biker wave... I'll always wave if you are out enjoying life on a cycle.
Scooters? Personally I don't get scooters. I don't find them cool, they typically aren't much cheaper than a small motorcycle, they seem more dangerous to me, and 99% of riders are squids.
I'll wave back, and 2 wheels > 4 wheels, but I typically won't initiate the wave unless they're geared up. That's just me.
Just like you, seems to me like scooter guys (and gals) just don't care that much or are on scooters because they have to be.
Noone is on a bike because they have to be, its because they want to be, so I acknowledge that.
I've found that the actual biker wave varies. Low peace, two fingers, open hand with palm down...
I think as long as you make a gesture to the left at or below waist level you're good, lol. Just don't signal left which is arm out, open hand, palm forward.
Not sure about other bike specific hand signals, just that when riding with others if you need to fuel up you make a gun with your hand with 2 fingers and point down to your tank.
I wave to cars the typical driver way, open hand wave with all 5 fingers.
Quote from: Watcher on May 30, 2014, 08:36:26 AM
I remember waving to a Harley guy and he gave me a look like I murdered his dog in cold blood, lol!
Some of them wave back, some of them are elitist. Its not the HD wave, its the biker wave...
Scooters? Personally I don't get scooters. I don't find them cool, they typically aren't much cheaper than a small motorcycle, they seem more dangerous to me, and 99% of riders are squids.
I'll wave back, and 2 wheels > 4 wheels, but I typically won't initiate the wave unless they're geared up. That's just me.
I've found that the actual biker wave varies. Low peace, two fingers, open hand with palm down...
I think as long as you make a gesture to the left at or below waist level you're good, lol. Just don't signal left which is arm out, open hand, palm forward.
Not sure about other bike specific hand signals, just that when riding with others if you need to fuel up you make a gun with your hand with 2 fingers and point down to your tank.
That's interesting, all of the Harleys I've passed have waved (some even initiated). I expected some hard-@$$es to be more elitist, but the more authentic they look the earlier they seem to wave.
I also find scooters to be more dangerous since many cannot go at the posted speed limit in most cases, and if they can they aren't significantly cheaper than an equivalently powered motorcycle. I don't know for sure, but I can't imagine they can handle as well as a bike either. I also can't remember ever having seen a scooter rider that wasn't a squid.
I have noticed that some of the guys on the custom choppers near me tend not to waive and/or even acknowledge... it's alright they're to cool anyway
However, I do love the sense of camaraderie that comes with riding a motorcycle. I always do the 2 fingers down or if I am at a light and have my hand on the clutch I'll just give a little nod in their direction... just some way of saying "what's up".
I even had a rider ahead of me stick his leg out yesterday to point out that something was in the road... makes you feel good knowing that others are looking out for you and vice versa.
I don't wave first too often but always return waves to anyone on 2 wheels. Don't care for scooters for myself, have been sitting on a bike for so many miles that a scooter just doesn't feel right at all to me.
Many Harley/Cruiser riders wave first and most return waves if I wave first. They usually point down but I just move my hand out sideways to wave. If I wave and they don't wave back I don't pout. :icon_lol:
I've ridden with and hung out with a lot of Harley guys/gals in recent years and they're just like any other biker, real people. Occasionally one will ask when I'm getting a big bike or a real bike but never heard one I've ridden with ever say anything like that.
Been part of the hd crowd for a few years. I waved at anything on 2 wheels got a wtf look when I waved at a bicycle lol. Well it WAS motorized lol
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on May 30, 2014, 10:00:18 AM
Been part of the hd crowd for a few years. I waved at anything on 2 wheels got a wtf look when I waved at a bicycle lol. Well it WAS motorized lol
LOL wish I saw that exchange... I've waived at a couple scooters but not one has returned it :confused:
Quote from: gsJack on May 30, 2014, 09:54:24 AM
I've ridden with and hung out with a lot of Harley guys/gals in recent years and they're just like any other biker, real people. Occasionally one will ask when I'm getting a big bike or a real bike but never heard one I've ridden with ever say anything like that.
That's funny, because the Harley guy image is not always how the people actually are. It just goes to show you that you really can't judge a book by its cover.
One of the biggest, hardest-looking HD machinists I used to work with (who also had a huge collection of guns and ammunition :2guns: ) was also one of the nicest and most thoughtful guys I knew. He looked like he could kill you with his bare hands but he would make sure that the snack guy stocked your favorite snacks (which he kept track of). He had a huge V8 Boss Hoss which you could hear five miles out, but he also had a 250cc scooter. I would not want to be the guy who didn't reciprocate a wave just because he was on a scooter... :icon_eek:
He was an all-around real guy, but we unfortunately lost him to lung cancer about a year ago.
Quote from: DoktoroKiu on May 30, 2014, 10:53:56 AM
Quote from: gsJack on May 30, 2014, 09:54:24 AM
I've ridden with and hung out with a lot of Harley guys/gals in recent years and they're just like any other biker, real people. Occasionally one will ask when I'm getting a big bike or a real bike but never heard one I've ridden with ever say anything like that.
That's funny, because the Harley guy image is not always how the people actually are. It just goes to show you that you really can't judge a book by its cover.
One of the biggest, hardest-looking HD machinists I used to work with (who also had a huge collection of guns and ammunition :2guns: ) was also one of the nicest and most thoughtful guys I knew. He looked like he could kill you with his bare hands but he would make sure that the snack guy stocked your favorite snacks (which he kept track of). He had a huge V8 Boss Hoss which you could hear five miles out, but he also had a 250cc scooter. I would not want to be the guy who didn't reciprocate a wave just because he was on a scooter... :icon_eek:
He was an all-around real guy, but we unfortunately lost him to lung cancer about a year ago.
like the pic I posted of my last gs at the dragon . this was same day I traded trips with a guy on a 41 pan, with a jockey shift for a round trip. LOVED that bike. and he also loved the gs lol go figure. bias flows freely here, as well as on the flipside. bias is what we, and them ;) have to work to eliminate.; my HD could tow a car, yet my gs could out handle it. I will always have a gs , whenever I get back into riding, assuming I can get feeling back in legs lol. or if not, with use of braces. BUT in patricks honour, will build a gs, ( and a goped too in some sort of theme, and spend days getting waves :)and giving waves. seew I don't think scooter rides as a whole wave much, cause theyre not quite used to biker etiquette. the 49cc dui specials, ( or in my case medical specials lol) are allowed on all roads here except state highways. and interstate. theyre fun , albeit slow and dangerous. because of said speed capabilities. maybe they don't wave because theyre not used to it, or maybe they don't wave because theyre like "oh sh*t, someone saw me. ( interesting at traffic lights. I pulled up beside one, ( I was on my goped gtr the day I blew its engine, hes looking at me like wtf so were the cars.
Just a friendly tip Yammi - and, John, ya really don't have to delete this cos I'm not trolling here - ya don't have to contribute to every thread. Save yer powder and ya'll get more respect. Have a wee think about this sage advice.
I'll wave to anybody on 2 wheels (or 3), and not care if they wave back.
Something to think about: some people on scooters are JUST learning to ride, so I try and make them feel welcome to the community. And I know 2 gentleman that ride scooters exclusively. The one used to ride a Goldwing and would ride the circumference of the USA every other year until he became....."weathered" and his knees couldn't support the bike anymore at stops. The other was a professional bike mechanic and ex-racer until his body told him it was time to slow down. A couple years ago he rode a 650 Burgman from Pittsburgh, PA to Mobile, AL only stopping for gas.
I encounter a LOT of scooters around here.
I wave to them. This is the logic that I use:
Those that ride scooters that DO NOT wave back and look at you like "huh??" don't own a motorcycle also.
Those that respond in kind with the "motorcycle wave" DO own a motorcycle in addition to their scooter.
Just my two cents.
Edit: And I know if I had a scooter, not that I would ever consider one, I'd totally wave at motorcycles with the motorcycle wave.
don't forget the bicycle signals too. ( they help on the moto if you lose signal or power to the light set/s. left hand out and up ( straight up) = turning left, left hand out= turning left, left hand out and down = stopping. now acknowledgement, if you cant wave at a biker, or car giving you hand signal/s, look at them and give a perceptible nod
It is very interesting reading the way things happen in the US.
In the Southern parts of Australia, in my own experience, Harley riders consider themselves above everyone else and will almost NEVER acknowledge any other brand of bike. I have been a member of three different clubs that included a few Harleys and can state that there is the occassional exception to what I said above but they are VERY, VERY rare. Even within a multi brand club they consider themselves a breed apart. The riders of most other bikes will nod or wave back.
On the subject of hand signals, we rarely use hands here, usually a nod of the head. I think that the reason is because we drive on the LH side of the road so it is our throttle hand that is near the centreline. If we use our right hand to signal of course we lose speed. Occassionally I will use my left hand just raised about 30cm (1 foot) above the grip with open palm facing toward the centre line (to avoid catching the wind, of course). Usually is is returned.
Scooters are not common here ouside the inner city and trendy cafe scenes. Most scooter riders have one because they think that it is COOL and I have never had a nod or wave returned. They also almost never wear protective riding gear except a helmet because riding gear is NOT cool. In Melbourne (Australia, not Florida) is is legal to park motorcycles/scooters on the footpath (sidewalk) provided you do not block pedestrians. If you go to any of the trendy cafe/restaurant streets you can find lots of scooters (mostly Vespas) as well as Ducatis and BMWs parked outside the cafes. Other makes can be seen too, but much less often than the three makes above.
On a slightly different note, some month ago just near my home I was on my other bike which is a Honda NT700 Deauville and I pulled up at a traffic light next to a guy on a black GS. We were sharing the lane and I tried to get his attention to say that I had a GS too but he refused to acknowledge that I even existed and just stared straight ahead. When the light turned green he took off like a scallded cat. There are not many GSs around here and I was keen to make contact, but NO. :dunno_black:
Macka
Quote from: prmas on June 02, 2014, 10:44:25 PM
It is very interesting reading the way things happen in the US.
In the Southern parts of Australia, in my own experience, Harley riders consider themselves above everyone else and will almost NEVER acknowledge any other brand of bike. I have been a member of three different clubs that included a few Harleys and can state that there is the occassional exception to what I said above but they are VERY, VERY rare. Even within a multi brand club they consider themselves a breed apart. The riders of most other bikes will nod or wave back.
On the subject of hand signals, we rarely use hands here, usually a nod of the head. I think that the reason is because we drive on the LH side of the road so it is our throttle hand that is near the centreline.
Macka
For me (Illinois, South-Side of Chicago), it's about a 50/50 chance a Harley rider waves back. It seems they are more polite solo or in herds than in small groups of 2-3.
Actually, I see Harley riders as being among the most dangerous riders on the road. I frequently see them tailgating, lane-sharing (2 bikes side-by-side while moving), riding with no gear at all, riding in blind-spots, revving on the go (creating distractions), making abnormally slow turns, and more.
People who ride sport bikes do the traffic weave thing more, but generally are more geared up and more aware of their surroundings.
And people on standards and import cruisers generally just seem more cautious and ride to enjoy the ride and get there safely.
Not waving due to left-side lane use makes sense to me. I would never have thought of that, but yeah the right hand can't come off the bars because that controls both the throttle and front brake. Someone relinquishing that control, especially in traffic, is pretty foolish.
Quote from: Watcher on June 02, 2014, 11:16:19 PMriding with no gear at all
:icon_eek: .. least this guy wears helmet, boots and gloves! ... :icon_lol:
(http://images.motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/Ride-naked-md.jpg)
Quote from: Janx101 on June 03, 2014, 12:47:02 AM
Quote from: Watcher on June 02, 2014, 11:16:19 PMriding with no gear at all
:icon_eek: .. least this guy wears helmet, boots and gloves! ... :icon_lol:
(http://images.motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/Ride-naked-md.jpg)
Don't forget the tattoo. That will give him EXTRA protection too. :cookoo:
Macka
:icon_eek:
We saw it, we can't unsee it! lol
That actually does raise an interesting question. Would a nudist be breaking his beliefs gearing up to ride? Cause technically it is clothing but its designed for protection rather than just wearing around...
But the worst I've personally seen is sunglasses, white button up shirt, black dress pants, wingtip shoes, and riding a V-Rod at excessive speeds through a construction zone... No helmet, no gloves even...
I've seen sportbike riders in tank tops and gym shorts but at least they have a helmet and gloves on... Or I've seen T-shirt and shorts and sandals only but on a scooter and scooter riders (generally) are in a class of their own.
Quote from: prmas on June 02, 2014, 10:44:25 PM
On a slightly different note, some month ago just near my home I was on my other bike which is a Honda NT700 Deauville and I pulled up at a traffic light next to a guy on a black GS. We were sharing the lane and I tried to get his attention to say that I had a GS too but he refused to acknowledge that I even existed and just stared straight ahead. When the light turned green he took off like a scallded cat. There are not many GSs around here and I was keen to make contact, but NO. :dunno_black:
Macka
That sucks. No chance he was distracted? The other day I was at a light and didn't even realize there was a guy on a harley behind me and to my right until the light had changed and I checked my mirrors.
I did have a GS in the wild moment myself last Thursday. I met up with some friends for dinner after working out and saw an identical GS to the one I have parked behind another restaurant. If only I had a polaroid I would have pulled up next to his/her bike and taken a picture with the caption "nice bike".
I wave to anybody,...scooters, bicycles, little kids on tricycles,...whatever,....sometimes just a nod. If they don't acknowledge, I do my best aussie janx impersonation: 'oh no I'm too kewl to wave at anybody' in 3rd person,.... :cookoo:
:confused: ... No I don't wave ... I nod .... Often receive a nod in return ... Only,time I'll normally lift my hands from the bars is to either stretch a shoulder cramp out ... Or left hand only to tap top of helmet for the police around signal ...
... So I didn't make a on topic comment first post about waving .... Nothing unusual there :laugh:
I give the low wave as I pass another rider regardless of a scooter, cruiser, tri, or other cycle.
some will give a wave or deuces as they pass. Got a local HD MC in my area and some give a nod or waive in reply to me and some jus cruise without looking, as with other riders I"ve passed but I"ll still continue to throw out my wave, its who I am.
I see it as a unspoken brotherhood that all riders belong to and most I've encountered have always replied with a wave, nod, or deuce sign.
Well, I usually wave only at motorcycles and most of the time I get a wave back. I only don't do it first/return if I'm busy with the clutch at the moment, or ride with my wife in the back (she hates when I take my hands off the bars, or even just one).
Sometimes it happens that I wave at a scooter (particularly the larger ones, it's hard to tell from the distance what it is), but never got one in return, and I never got a scooter to wave back at me.
And whenever I have a chance I give a 'peace' sign to cars that see me early enough and pull to the side to make it easier to split lanes. And whenever I'm in my car, and pull to the side - I usually get either a peace sign, or a foot-down from the biker.
When I drive my car and somebody makes it easier for me to pass - I do a single or double blink with my flashers to say 'thank you'.
It's good to be kind O0 :cheers: O0
Here in MA most people give the waive or nod(most people that are over 25). However there are also large MC here and they are not the waiv type and when you do they give you the finger or look at you like you slept with there wife. I usually don't initiate unless its some one I have ran into before. There are younger guys here that dont waive but that is because they are riding like ass hates go 60 threw neighborhoods. Sorry to rant as I get older and the fact that I have kids and a wonderful wife, that kind of stuff eerks me more and more
UK rider here. And scooter at the moment lol. I have been noding to all riders here. Responses are mixed, you have bigger bikes riders nodding back, sometimes initiate too, but scooters riders generally don't initiate first. I think is due to feeling not accepted in "the club". Other issue is - to be honest - having scooter is much more practical here in busy London. Thing about HD riders here - very "elitearian" - usually (mostly) heads up and kind off looking at you from above lol. Due to low practicality of HD here they are being purchased usually by "thick wallet" guys who ride them during summer and when weather is good (Sunday riders) - do I have to explain more? Lol But I have been surprised few times. Then again if you would want to nod to every biker you are passing your neck would need thai massage at the end of each day lol - bikes are so common here - and I suspect it affects perception of feel of "comunity".
I ride 125cc scooter at the moment but I feel biker and protective gear is a must and I crinch when I see "bad asses" riding in shorts and short sleeve (is illegal to not wear legal Helmet).
Quote from: Beehave on June 15, 2014, 12:40:03 PM
UK rider here. And scooter at the moment lol. I have been noding to all riders here. Responses are mixed, you have bigger bikes riders nodding back, sometimes initiate too, but scooters riders generally don't initiate first. I think is due to feeling not accepted in "the club". Other issue is - to be honest - having scooter is much more practical here in busy London. Thing about HD riders here - very "elitearian" - usually (mostly) heads up and kind off looking at you from above lol. Due to low practicality of HD here they are being purchased usually by "thick wallet" guys who ride them during summer and when weather is good (Sunday riders) - do I have to explain more? Lol But I have been surprised few times. Then again if you would want to nod to every biker you are passing your neck would need thai massage at the end of each day lol - bikes are so common here - and I suspect it affects perception of feel of "comunity".
I ride 125cc scooter at the moment but I feel biker and protective gear is a must and I crinch when I see "bad asses" riding in shorts and short sleeve (is illegal to not wear legal Helmet).
Are scooters able to do things a motorcycle can't in the UK? Other than the more comfortable position/styling for urban riding I can't see much of a difference between a scooter and a small bike.
I don't think I've ever seen a scooter here in the US with more than a helmet on, and 90% don't even do that. Although I've also seen very few riders with full gear on any motorcycle, and I don't think I've ever seen a HD rider in full gear (jeans ~= buck naked in a real crash). Just the other day I saw a HD guy wearing jean shorts and NOTHING else, not even shoes.
When there's a lot of other riders my arm gets a bit tired from waving, but I enjoy doing it nonetheless.
DoctorKiu - rules for scooters and motorcycles in UK are the same irregardless it's 50 cc or above - helmet is compulsory, other gear is common sense dictated lol. There is not much difference if you crash on scooter or motorcycle on 60mph. That's my Hondas maxim but I do that "maximum" quite often. And to be honest having full gear saved my "bacon" few times.
I purchased scooter because I am limited to 125cc and being 6'2 and roughly 200 pounds small 125cc motorcycle would look undersize lol. Big guy on scooter look more cute than silly lol.
To add - weather in UK is rather unpredictable so better to be geared at start. Those with short sleeve here are mist likely on their trip to local shop to get some milk, bread, pack of fags(cigarettes) or to impress ladies. Or they didn't think of buying protective gear because they ride only on occasions of nice weather :-D
Quote from: Beehave on June 16, 2014, 09:28:52 AM
DoctorKiu - rules for scooters and motorcycles in UK are the same irregardless it's 50 cc or above - helmet is compulsory, other gear is common sense dictated lol. There is not much difference if you crash on scooter or motorcycle on 60mph. That's my Hondas maxim but I do that "maximum" quite often. And to be honest having full gear saved my "bacon" few times.
I purchased scooter because I am limited to 125cc and being 6'2 and roughly 200 pounds small 125cc motorcycle would look undersize lol. Big guy on scooter look more cute than silly lol.
To add - weather in UK is rather unpredictable so better to be geared at start. Those with short sleeve here are mist likely on their trip to local shop to get some milk, bread, pack of fags(cigarettes) or to impress ladies. Or they didn't think of buying protective gear because they ride only on occasions of nice weather :-D
Why is there a 125cc limit? Sounds a bit low when most people think 250s are underpowered, even though they aren't. I suppose a scooter would make you look less funny than a tiny bike.
People wearing helmets and no other gear make me wonder what will be going through their head when their helmet keeps them conscious whilst concrete/asphalt are sanding away their skin and flesh. You can get a good set of mesh pants and a matching jacket for less than the cost of most entry-level helmets, and they are comfortable to well over 90F even when sitting still.
Hahahahahaha I certainly agree with you on that. I might not always have full gear but always at least long jeans and jacket. Gloves are must - I might deal with broken bones but not with removed skin lol. Mandatory helmet is result of pressure from national health service because they wanted save on head injuries treatment which use to cost them big chunk of their budget. And thanks to helmets they are saving money now.
Coming back on your question about displacement - to ride motorcycle/scooter up to 125 cc you need only CBT which is one day training. Above that you need full motorcycle licence. People switching on to two wheels really help reduce urban congestions. More idiots on the road thou. But I personally prefer idiot on motorcycle than in the car. And I am slowly becoming convinced that road rules of those of Mumbai/Delhi apply in here:-D
If I could only have one piece of gear aside from the helmet it would be gloves. That way if I crashed I could still wipe myself. :icon_lol:
I wonder if our practically national health service will lead to renewed helmet laws. It makes no sense that we have seat-belt laws while you could ride a motorcycle in a thong if you wanted (wonder if that would be a good high-vis strategy?).
That's interesting; over here we're limited to 50cc to get away without having an endorsement (and plates and insurance). If they upped it to 125 I bet we'd have a lot more converts, and they wouldn't be a hazard to themselves and everyone else on the road. It's not that they are particularly dangerous, it's the raging drivers who are stuck behind them when a headwind leaves them doing 20 under.
From what I know you have to pay yourself bills for health care in US. Haven't you? So why would government care. Victims of accidents are customers to private sector of your health care. Great business. Am I wrong?
Here in UK health care is basically free - founded from budget trough NHS. So of course they wants safety lol.
To ride 50cc you still have to have licence plates, Road Tax and Motor insurance in here.
Drivers - hmmmm - painful subject. I feel like lunatic/crusader sometimes shouting at them that turn lights were invented for a reason and they should use them. Majority don't even look in the mirrors. I am starting to think that if I knock some mirrors every now and then it not going to be noticed lok
Quote from: Beehave on June 16, 2014, 11:10:21 AM
From what I know you have to pay yourself bills for health care in US. Haven't you? So why would government care. Victims of accidents are customers to private sector of your health care. Great business. Am I wrong?
Here in UK health care is basically free - founded from budget trough NHS. So of course they wants safety lol.
To ride 50cc you still have to have licence plates, Road Tax and Motor insurance in here.
There is an overhead pressure of an NHS system here in the US now... Obamacare... I really don't want myself or others in the thread to go political, so I'll just leave it at that. Only noting that this is what DoktoroKiu is referring to.
I do see your point, and it would be interesting to see if/how our safety laws change as our health system changes.
- Bboy
Butterfly effect lol
Question is - are you motorcycle riders consider scooter riders as part of your community?
I am owner of Honda ps125 scooter but I will be switching soon on gs500 (owner of both but gs500 is in project faze). Yet - I still want to keep my faithful scooter as is brilliant if you want to use our local London roads (and will try to turn it in another project - "no to the plastic" lol)
Quote from: BockinBboy on June 16, 2014, 11:34:36 AM
Quote from: Beehave on June 16, 2014, 11:10:21 AM
From what I know you have to pay yourself bills for health care in US. Haven't you? So why would government care. Victims of accidents are customers to private sector of your health care. Great business. Am I wrong?
Here in UK health care is basically free - founded from budget trough NHS. So of course they wants safety lol.
To ride 50cc you still have to have licence plates, Road Tax and Motor insurance in here.
There is an overhead pressure of an NHS system here in the US now... Obamacare... I really don't want myself or others in the thread to go political, so I'll just leave it at that. Only noting that this is what DoktoroKiu is referring to.
I do see your point, and it would be interesting to see if/how our safety laws change as our health system changes.
- Bboy
I suppose Beehave is right in that we don't, and probably won't have a true national health system, but while it would be different in name its net effect will be the same. Mandatory helmet laws might not be acceptable now, but put huge increase on insurance for helmetless riders and it will become a "law" nonetheless.
Quote from: Beehave on June 16, 2014, 12:00:59 PM
Question is - are you motorcycle riders consider scooter riders as part of your community?
I am owner of Honda ps125 scooter but I will be switching soon on gs500 (owner of both but gs500 is in project faze). Yet - I still want to keep my faithful scooter as is brilliant if you want to use our local London roads (and will try to turn it in another project - "no to the plastic" lol)
I think I would consider a rider who owns both vehicles as a member of the community. I would say that the biggest road block for me is the fact that there is a good chance that a scooter rider is doing so out of necessity, not for the joy (at least here in the states outside of the big cities). That by no means covers everyone, as there are certainly veritable scooter enthusiasts, I'd just put them in the minority.
Note that I don't wish to "talk down" on those who use scooters for transport. A good analogy would be that I wouldn't call a cop a fellow firearms enthusiast just because they carry a gun at work. If there were some kind of "low piece" (pun intended) I wouldn't flash it to every cop I saw.
I ride because I love it:-) and I ride irregardless of the weather: sun, rain, snow (I admit that last is plainly stupid and I am trying to avoid it lol) and even trough fact I had few crashes with last one - three small fractures, 3 months in plaster and I am back on the bike again hehehe