Just did a trip to Death Valley and most folks waved back. I generally figure if I'm less than 100 miles from a major City nobody will wave back.
That is unless I see them loaded down with gear. Wasn't surprised this time too.
It's not so much obsolete, just perhaps they don't know or, many are not willing to wave to a GWer, cause we're not REAL riders. I wave to everyone, if they have ape hangers I do not, they generally won't reciprocate, in MY experience.
When I'm on the Harley I don't wave at anyone on a GW, because they might be someone like you. When I'm on the GW, I don't wave at anyone because with my nose so far up in the air, I can't see anyone on a motorcycle. >
I do the wave, usually get one back, except some V-Twin riders, and a few BMW "pretty boys", that must think they are better. I even wave to scooters! Why not, someday, they may be on Wings!
I have to agree it's like that song that was great but became sickening after it was played nonstop. The wave used to have meaning but now it's just a reflex action for the most part. I return most waves but at times it gets pretty old.
ME TOO, just ran to the cities and very few acknowledged me with a wave. It was cold though, oh, and a little wet. I've noticed that 'ape-hanger's' never wave. Can't? Squibs don't know what it means, ADVriders are pissed they are on pavement, sport touring riders haven't slept in a week, or stopped for gas and food. All the reasons I tell myself why they wouldn't say 'Hi-glad your out riding-have fun', with a little wave.
I've ridden sport touring bikes for years. Age and health issues put paid to that. I would wave but rarely got one back. Especially H-D riders. Now, my screaming yellow 'Wing gets waves from most other riders. I guess it's just more visible than most bikes. Cagers still don't see it though.
My experience here in North Texas I would say 90% of the time I get a low wave back. I make an effort every time I see another two or three wheeler.I enjoy seeing the different styles. A lot of low peace signs.
I don't wave much on the Interstate. Other riders are too far away and I dont see them as they arent in my line of sight.
On smaller roads, I get a return wave about half the time on average but probably only about 20% or less if they are on a HD or BMW. (I assume HD riders don't wave because I'm not on a real motorcycle and BMW riders don't wave because they don't see the pragmatic / economic value in being friendly to a stranger)
I ride both a HD Ultra and a GW Trike. I give a salute to mc's no matter what make. I have noticed that a lot of riders wave and wave back when I'm on the HD. However some will not wave or return a wave when I'm on the wing? I am going to continue to salute no matter the bike.
Bill
I give a salute to mc's no matter what make. I have noticed that a lot of riders wave and wave back when I'm on the HD. However some will not wave or return a wave when I'm on the wing? I am going to continue to salute no matter the bike.
Bill
Same here. Goldwing gets fewer waves back than any of my other bikes. I can understand when I'm on the Harley, but even the Wee-Strom getting more waves??
I have found that urban riders are much less likely to wave. Perhaps there are just too many bikes and they get burned out. But out in the countryside everyone waves, maybe because we are all on a journey. Brotherhood of bikers and all that.
Thats funny, I'm getting the opposite responce. I'd guess maybe 90% HD riders wave to me and I'll wave back. Hardly any Goldwing riders will wave or return the favor. Sport bikers are maybe 50/50. Mostly wave back as being polite. I'm easy to please and doesn't matter to me either way. Although there are those riders that dont take there hands off there bars and kind of wiggle a finger at me. Usually cant tell until I'm past them and they thing I'm a snobby Goldwing rider. Sorry fellas just couldn't see that from far away.:wink2:
In the city I rarely will wave - too busy watching traffic. On open road two laners - not a problem - interesting who won't wave back at times - but I sleep the same nevertheless.
I usually give a wave out of city limits. I don't wave to Harleys or BMW's, kind of given up on that and sick of being dished, its all good. I nearly fell off my Wing when 2 HD's approached the other day. The 2nd rider waved so much I thought he was in danger of falling off. I acknowledged and gave a wave. I'm thinking what's up, dammed unusual.... a vehicle collision in the twisties ahead or something on the road?? So I cruised on keeping well with the available sight horizons. Well what do you know, I saw a Highway Patrol ( NZ Police Radar Jockeys ) parked up on the side of the road. As they say Downunder Onya Mate.
I always wave, get a friendly return wave 90% of the time. Most of the non wavers are the unfriendly HD guys who are indoctrinated to hate anything else. However I find the majority of HD guys will gladly return the salute.
I get tired of waving , I wanna ride with both hands on the bars in case something happens . I will wave though if waved to . But I stopped waving to very bike I see years ago. To me it's just another distraction on a very long list of things that could kill me .
Personally I like to wave and usually do unless I am in a place where there are lots of motorcycles like Deals Gap, Maggie Valley etc. From what I gather there its just a given that you would wear yourself out if you waved at everyone. I reciprocate though in those kind of places if I am waved too however. I think it is great when riders show their enthusiasm. I sure am feeling good when I am out there!
During my usual riding in the north Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina mountains waves are usually returned about 95% of the time. Riding in and around Atlanta metro area the wave return rate is much lower.
Riders with ape-hanger handlebars CAN'T wave back. The blood has drained out of their hands and arms miles ago and their arms no longer respond to electrical impulses from their brains! :laugh:
These are oldies but goodies. :grin2::grin2::doorag:
Top Ten Reasons Why Gold Wing Riders Don’t Wave
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 Ten Reasons Why Harley Riders Don’t Wave
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.
Top 10 Reasons Sport bikers 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
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 acknowledgment.
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
Rode about 1600 miles last week from here to Houston and back....probably about 85% waved back....rode the "Three Twisted Sisters" on my way over there, hundreds of bikes, and almost all waved (except in the corners when hands needed to stay on handlebars)....
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