got some attitude yesterday..

[musclehead]

from a couple of V-twinsters on the way home from getting fuel.
they passed by without looking at me and one guy had his nose in the air. of course I waved...

laffed it off with the wife, life is too short to worry about what people are thinking of you....

[Cracker]

I'm assuming your talking about your typical Suzuki guys?   

[cookiedough]

I'm assuming your talking about your typical Suzuki guys?   

Or Kawi, Yamaha, Victory, even Honda, etc., etc., etc.  -   

[.]

Hey, my ACE is a V-Twin, and I ride it often. But regardless of whether I'm on the ACE or the Valkyrie I wave at everybody-even scooters and bicycles!

[Cracker]

I'm assuming your talking about your typical Suzuki guys?   

Or Kawi, Yamaha, Victory, even Honda, etc., etc., etc.  -   

sarcasm doesn't come across very well online .  just kidding about the suzuki comment

[old2soon]

I look at it thisaway-iffin they DON'T wave I figure that they ain't havin near as much fun as I are.  I've had some"riders"keep the nose in da air til they start hearing specs on our Ladys.    Long as yer ridin I could care less what you are ridin.  RIDE SAFE.

[wiggydotcom]

I always make it a point to wave to little kids. They're the future bikers. They usually have an ear to ear grin.

[.]

Actually, there are some folks who aren't necessarily unfriendly, but they are uncomfortable about taking a hand off the grips. When my son got his Ninja I told him to make sure he has his skill level to the point where he knows exactly what his bike is going to do in reaction to anything he might do and not to start waving at folks until he is at that level. I said I'd rather other people mistake him for being a jerk than mistake him for being dead.

That being said, I've ridden his sportbike and I'm not comfortable with TWO hands on the grips. 

[saddlesore]

 Some people may not be comfortable taking a hand off of the grip.  Some people may not be paying attention and some people are watching the road for potential problems.
I try not to take it personally cause I know I miss some other riders also.

[Cracker]

Very Good Point!  
Last thing you want to do is wave & end up picking your bike of the ground because of it.

[Serk]

(Collected from the internet)

Top 10 reasons Harley owners don't wave back:

10. Afraid it will invalidate warranty.
9. Leather and studs make it too heavy to raise arm.
8. Refuse to wave to anyone whose bike is already paid for.
7. Afraid to let go of handlebars because they might vibrate off.
6. Rushing wind would blow scabs off the new tattoos.
5. Angry because just took out second mortgage to pay luxury tax on new Harley.
4. Just discovered the fine print in owner's manual and realized H-D is partially owned by Honda.
3. Can't tell if other riders are waving or just reaching to cover their ears like everyone else.
2. Remembers the last time a Harley rider waved back, he impaled his hand on spiked helmet.
1. They're too tired from spending hours polishing all that chrome to lift their arms.

[Serk]

(Also collected from the internet)

I love motorcycles, and I love riding. Like many of you, what first drew me to bikes was not just the experience of riding, but the feeling that I'd become part of a special community - a brotherhood, really. Nothing calms me more than a long ride down the interstate, waving to the members of my beloved clan. Except when I pass Harley guys. I hate Harley guys. Hate, hate, hate. When they pass me on the highway, you know what I do? I don't wave. With their little tassel handlebars and the studded luggage and the half helmets - God, they drive me crazy.

You know who else I hate? BMW guys. Oh, do I hate those guys. I don't wave at them either. They think they're so great, sitting all upright, with their 180 degree German engines. God, I hate them. They're almost as bad as those old bastards on their touring motorcycles. You know what I call those bikes? "Two wheeled couches!" Get it? Because they're so big. They drive around like they have all day. Appreciate the scenery somewhere else, Grandpa, and while you're at it, I'm not waving to you.

Ducati guys - I don't wave at them either. Why don't they spend a little more money on their bikes? "You can have it in any color as long as it is red." Aren't you cool! Like they even know what a Desmo-whatever engine is, anyway. Try finding the battery, you Italian-wannabe racers! I never, ever wave at those guys.

Suzuki guys aren't much better, which is why I never wave at them, either. They always have those stupid helmets sitting on the top of their stupid heads, and God forbid they should ever wear any safety gear. They make me so mad. Sometimes they'll speed by and look over at me, and you know what I do? I don't wave. I just keep going. Please, don't get me started on Kawasaki guys. Ninjas? What are you, twelve years old? Team Green my ass. I never wave at Kawasaki guys.

I ride a Honda, and I'll only wave at Honda guys, but even then I'll never wave at a guy in full leathers. Never, never, never. Yeah, like you're going to get your knee down on the New York Thruway. Nice crotch, by the way. Guys in full leathers will never get a wave from me. And by the way, neither will the guys in two piece leathers. And I'll tell you who else I'm not waving at - those guys with the helmets with loud paint jobs. Four pounds of paint on a two pound helmet - like I'm going to wave back at that! I'll also never wave at someone with a mirrored visor. Or helmet stickers. Or racing gloves. Or hiking boots.

To me, motorcycling is like a family, a close knit brotherhood of people who ride Hondas, wear jeans and a leather jacket (not Vanson) with regular gloves and a solid color helmet with a clear visor, no stickers, no racing gloves and regular boots (not Timberlands). And isn't that what really makes riding so special.

[.]

Damn Serk, I'm laughing so hard everyone at work is staring at me but I can't get up and leave the room because I think I just peed on myself. 

But screw 'em. I ain't waving at 'em. Bunch of cursed wannabe skateboarder jerks...or...whatever. I'll just sit here. In my own little puddle of pee. Until everyone goes home. Later tonight.

Damnit.

[Tx Bohemian]

Yeah, we don't know for sure why some don't wave.  Shoot maybe they just didn't see you. 
You wonder how many bikers waved at you and thought you were the a$$ because you didn't wave back, but all along you never saw them!

I'm trying to give the "benefit of doubt" here.

But the insinuation of this thread is Harly riders won't wave back if your not on a harley.

In my little part of the world most Harlyriders will wave but there are some, I'm sure we've all run across, that think their sh!t don't skink cause their on a harly and you're not.
Funny thing to me is most of these jerks used to ride Hondas, Suzukis, etc... but now got this harly (along with the debt) and the "attitude".

Awhile back I met three bikes going the opposite direction, all Harleys. So I, like normal, wave.  The first two saw I was on a non-harly (yamaha) bike and didn't attempt to wave the third, being somewhat  hidden behind the others waved for a short bit but then saw the bike I was on quickly placed his hand back on the Hbars and looked away!  He was probably worried for the rest of his ride of the chastising he was going to get from his buddies!!

A co-worker has one of the $30k HDs that he probably spent another $10-12K on accessories and has a picture of it on his computer monitor.
When I saw it I said "nice lookin bike, looks like a Yamaha venture" (of course I knew what it was).
The guy got PO'd and hadn't talked to me since.

[Hooter]

  I hope this doesn't turn into one of those, "HE DIDN'T WAVE AT ME POST"     Next will be the oil thread!   

[.]

I'm not sure I've ever been dissed by someone on a Harley and if so, I can't say for sure if it was because I ride a Honda or if I burned him in a bad drug deal (theoretically  ). At my age my vision is pretty good but not so good I can zero in on a motorcycle going the opposite direction an ID it. Hell, to me if it's a motorcycle all I can really tell from the looks is it's either a Ninja (sportbike), a Honda (V-twin), or a Valkyrie (no explanation needed).

If I ever let the ACE go it will get even simpler. Everything will be either a Valkyrie or a Vespa. One great advantage to getting older is that I don't have to make sense because every year less people actually expect me to. 

[pocobubba]

I was riding the Dragon last year when a guy on a full dresser coming the other way , waved at me with his left hand while he was leaning into a right  hander , he lost control and crossed the left lane and into the woods . Sometimes waving isn't  good . I don't do it , afraid it might become a habit .

[cookiedough]

I only wave if it is a straighter road not going around a corner at hwy. speeds and not even if oncoming traffic is coming towards me.  One split second of the other lane's mistake could cost me my life.  It's not like if I don't wave the other cycles going the other way will turn around and beat me up or something.   

[f6john]

    The "I didn't see you" is apparently very valid argument. A lot of people making left turns never see us until they feel a hard thud into the side of their vehicle.

[musclehead]

well lets see, it was a low speed turn on residential streets right on front of me they saw me but body language was "ignore the peasant on the paid for honda"

still just don't give a rats behind, I wave at everyone regardless of reciprocation

[Willow]

I've been ignored by some and recognized by some.  Honestly, I usually can't tell whether or not it's intentional.  I've ignored more than a few and it's always been unintentional.

One thing is fortunate.  I've reached an age at which I can't tell for certain how many and which digits are extended from across the median.  

P.S.  Anyone who can't take his left hand off the grip without losing control has no business riding a motorcycle on public roads.

[.]

Damn Willow, that's harsh. Everybody's gotta learn. it just takes some longer. 

I probably get ignored but I guess I don't notice unless I'm related to them, they owe me money, or I'm wanting to ask her out on a second date. 

Even so, I generally wave at everybody. My theory is if I run off the road they are far more likely to call 911 if I've made a good first impression. Unless, of course, I owe THEM money. Then  I don't wave. Oh, and Serk. I'm not waving at Serk. But otherwise I'll wave. Maybe. Sometimes.

[Chiefy]

Worst attitude I ever got was when I got back into riding after 25 years off.  I was cruising around on my trike out near the beach.  Traffic was slow, and I was behind a couple of young guys (18 or so) on shiny sport bikes for a long time, what with traffic lights and all.  It was just killing them to have an old guy on a trike right behind them.  At every light they were sneering at me and trying hard to make it known I was not with them.  After awhile, they turned into a parking lot when two really good looking girls flirted with them.  I guess I could have ridden on.  But instead I went in the parking lot and pulled up next to them.  The girls were walking over as I said very loudly  "Now don't you boys stay out late, it's a school night, and you know how upset mommy gets!"  Don't how how they fared with the girls, because I left.

[.]

Worst attitude I ever got was when I got back into riding after 25 years off.  I was cruising around on my trike out near the beach.  Traffic was slow, and I was behind a couple of young guys (18 or so) on shiny sport bikes for a long time, what with traffic lights and all.  It was just killing them to have an old guy on a trike right behind them.  At every light they were sneering at me and trying hard to make it known I was not with them.  After awhile, they turned into a parking lot when two really good looking girls flirted with them.  I guess I could have ridden on.  But instead I went in the parking lot and pulled up next to them.  The girls were walking over as I said very loudly  "Now don't you boys stay out late, it's a school night, and you know how upset mommy gets!"  Don't how how they fared with the girls, because I left.

I like that. Especially the "you know how upset mommy gets" part. Youth and enthusiasm will never be able to match experience and treachery, and you toss in a good measure of artistry, the kids are screwed. Or not, as I imagine the two girls left right after you did.  At least, that's how I'm gonna imagine it concluded. Chiefy, if and when I ever make it down to Sarasota, if I can find you the first beer is on me.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I've been ignored by some and recognized by some.  Honestly, I usually can't tell whether or not it's intentional.  I've ignored more than a few and it's always been unintentional.

One thing is fortunate.  I've reached an age at which I can't tell for certain how many and which digits are extended from across the median.  

P.S.  Anyone who can't take his left hand off the grip without losing control has no business riding a motorcycle on public roads.

[VALKYRIE LESA]

You people crack me up!    Needed a good laugh today!   And Willow- well said!!!     And yes, I give a little howdy-do, cause, hey, I'm so proud to be  a Valk rider!!!!!

[LTD]

after years of riding all kind of second hand bikes mostly japanese and feeling a little inferior sometimes with the omission of the old hand wave, from others.  I now have the superior attitude of I ride a Honda Valkyrie the best overall motorcycle ever made and you are beneath me  if you dont, have one.  Yes I have become a jerk just like they were and I kind of like it!!! lmao

[sandy]

I never wave when riding my Gold Wing because I can't find the automatic waveback button.

[.]

I never wave when riding my Gold Wing because I can't find the automatic waveback button.

The few times I've ridden a Gold Wing I never waved because I was too distracted by the wet bar, the recliner with massage, and the 60" TV screen with 500 channels on the Dish Network.

Okay, I've never ridden a Gold Wing. But as soon as the get the upgrade to a 70" TV and 900 channels I sure would like to. 

[Fudd]

I have the solution for all of your "waving" issues.

http://youtu.be/u7tBHoq49RU

[saddlesore]

When I am riding with the "cruise" on I sure like passing a HD and do the wave with my right hand.

[jimmytee]

On my last Valkyrie, a 98, I remember enjoying the reaction of passing others while having feet on my highway pegs,leaned back,throttle lock engaged, Diet Mountain Dew in one hand and waving with the other
Haven't done that on my current ride,a 2000, but just installed a Brake-away throttle lock.
Not an endorsement for no hands riding. 

[biguglyman]

Back when I was riding 350's I got the fewest waves. It seemed I got a little more respect when I moved up to a wing. Most waves are with the Valk. Still get the nose in the air from the Harley guys occasionally. Got a guy at work who won't talk to me any more because I pointed out the fact that I paid less for my motorcycle than he paid for just the "kit" to make his Harley faster than my Valk.

[musclehead]

I even wave at folks on bicycles, we're a friendly bunch in north central floridaaaaaaah

[Edvalk]

The motorcycle cops in my town never wave.  I did get one to nod back . Can't hurt to keep things friendly just in case.

[RainMaker]

I wave at every motorcycle I see, but I miss a bunch as my focus is on the traffic ahead, not in the opposite lanes when on a multi-lane road. In the DFW metromess, it's the only way to not be a statistic.

Many times, I catch them waving at me late but I can't wave back fast enough.

The good intention is there when I wave and if they don't wave back, it's no big deal.  I gave them a greeting as a fellow motorcyclist and for that, I feel good.  A response is nice but not necessary.  I get just as many waves from Harley riders as any other brand and just as many non-waves from Honda riders as I do from Harley riders.  I'm sure they just didn't see me and that's OK - they are paying attention to the road.

[.]

I was browsing through the threads and ran across a mention from one of the members (in Texas no less-where else could this happen?) who was nearly run down by a crop duster. He said he waved at the pilot but was apparently too busy trying to avoid getting killed to notice if the pilot waved back. Now that's going above and beyond to extend biker courtesy. Just sayin'. 

[Serk]

I might as well go ahead and post the rest of the Top 10 lists:

Top Ten Reasons Why Gold Wing Riders Don't Wave Back

10. Wasn't sure whether other rider was waving or making an obscene gesture.
9. Afraid might get frostbite if hand is removed from heated grip.
8. Has arthritis and the past 400 miles have made it difficult to raise arm.
7. Reflection from etched windshield momentarily blinded him.
6. The espresso machine just finished.
5. Was actually asleep when other rider waved.
4. Was in a three-way conference call with stockbroker and accessories dealer.
3. Was distracted by odd shaped blip on radar screen.
2. Was simultaneously adjusting the air suspension, seat height, programmable CD player, seat temperature and satellite navigation system.
1. Couldn't find the "auto wave back" button on dashboard.

Top 10 Reasons Sportbikers Don't Wave:

10. They have not been riding long enough to know they're supposed to.
9. They're going too fast to have time enough to register the movement and respond.
8. You weren't wearing bright enough gear.
7. If they stick their arm out going that fast they'll rip it out of the socket.
6. They're too occupied with trying to get rid of their chicken strips.
5. They look way too cool with both hands on the bars or they don't want to unbalance themselves while standing on the tank.
4. Their skin tight-kevlar- ballistic- nylon-kangaroo- leather suits prevent any position other than fetal.
3. Raising an arm allows bugs into the armholes of their tank tops.
2. It's too hard to do one-handed stoppies.
1. They were too busy slipping their flip-flop back on.

Top Ten Reasons Why BMW Riders Don't Wave Back

10. New Aerostich suit too stiff to raise arm.
9. Removing a hand from the bars is considered "bad form."
8. Your bike isn't weird enough looking to justify acknowledgement.
7. Too sore from an 800-mile day on a stock "comfort" seat.
6. Too busy programming the GPS, monitoring radar, listening to ipod, XM, or talking on the cell phone.
5. He's an Iron Butt rider and you're not!.
4. Wires from Gerbings is too short.
3. You're not riding the "right kind" of BMW.
2. You haven't been properly introduced.
1. Afraid it will be misinterpreted as a friendly gesture.

[Hoser]

I just raise my left hand above the mirror, I don't do the low wave, I'm not cool enough. I don't even know if I get a wave back.  ???  Hoser

[Patrick]

Humm, I started riding because I didn't like pedaling or walking 4 miles to school. So, I strapped a lawn mower engine to my bicycle when I was 11 and have been motor-biking ever since.
I'll wave to folks just out of courtesy, but, don't care if they wave back or not. There are times when folks that do try to always wave, get fed up with those that don't reciprocate and may stop for awhile until they see others waving at them. I can understand that.