Why don't they waive??

[Jenfz09]

I normally ride a sport bike. Before this I had a Harley. While riding the sport bike, I might not get a waive from the hard core bikers, but most still waive.

Yesterday was a nice day with lots of bikes out. I waive to everyone. If I had to estimate, maybe 10-20% waived back. My husband was on a cruiser. I asked him and nearly all waived to him. Really?!!

On my ride to NY to PA, the first bikes I came across were a pair of sport bike riders. They waved.

Since I'm used to most bikers waiving, I found this a bit disconcerting. I mean , I'll live, but why the hate?!?

What has been your experience?

[Bob Denman]

Top Ten Reasons Why Harley Riders 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 they 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 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 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 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 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.

Top Ten Reasons Why Dual Sport Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Vibration of knobby tires prevented the rider from taking his hand off the bars.
9. MX style safety gear was too bright to see you wave.
8. His front fender prevents you seeing him wave back.
7. Was too busy configuring his GPS/Enduro Roll/FishFinder.
6. His rain/wind/thorn/bug/bird proof thousand-dollar jacket won't allow it.
5. Was too busy re-arranging his 500 pounds of soft-sided luggage.
4. Doesn't recognize a wave in any language other than German.
3. Too busy splitting lanes/filtering through traffic.
2. One handed wheelies are not easy.
1. On single-track trails you stop, not wave.

Top Ten Reasons Why Spyder Ryders Don't Wave Back
10. They'll NEVER be able to find the horn or turnsignal again, if they move their hand on the grip.
9. They keep a "Death Grip" on the bars in case of the dreaded DPS failure.
8. They were too busy trying to figure out how to change playlists on their I-Pod.
7. They were "Bluetoothing" with their dealer regarding the latest farkle delivery.
6. They couldn't find the "Auto-Wave" Button. (Hey; It's a Limited!)
5. Their passenger was distracting them with some nonsense about "Having to stop for a break"...
4. They were mentally rehearsing the "explanation", that they'll need to give their Spouse for the
last Farkling episode.
3. They were trying to remember the best way to cross Nebraska. (Answer: while asleep, in the back of a van!)
2. They were too terrified to take their eyes off of the display; lest the dreaded "Orange Screen of Death"
make an appearance.
1. You crossed paths while they were setting the cruise control, changing the voice on their GPS, raising
the windshield, and changing the volume on the radio.

Top Ten Reasons Why Conventional Trike Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Their arms were too tired to raise... no power steering!
9. Your "Unusual" configuration has them confused. They thought you were going the other way!
8. They just had hit a pothole, and felt their first bad "Head-Shake". They're not letting go of anything!
7. They are lost in thought: How much is their Trike worth on trade, for a new Spyder?
6. They're still laughing at thgemselves for trying to put their feet down at the last stoplight.
5. The last time they waved at a "foreign" bike; their riding buddies made them buy the beer!
4. Didn't know WHAT you were, as you went by.
3. They only wave at conventionals...
2. They thought that their passenger waved... (She was asleep!)
1. The glare from all of the chrome had them momentarily blinded.

[retread]

Most of the non-wavers are weekend bikers...posers. They think they have a standard to be met before they wave, Some are brand sensitive; if you don't ride what they ride, no wave. Eventually, if they get serious, or grow up, they'll realize that it isn't what you ride, it's that you ride.

john

[Jenfz09]

Bob, that was funny!!

I actually saw a trike yesterday with a woman who looked like she was wearing a house dress (grandma style, not a diss, I adored my Nana), reading a book on the back.

[Bob Denman]

Thanks! It's a collection of different essays that have been assembled and refined...
Please feel free to grab a copy of it, and spread it around!

[BilltheDiver]

As complete as Bob's list is, I think it missed one: They were afraid you might be some kind of scooter.

[Bob Denman]

We'll have to start a new category!

[AeroPilot]

I normally ride a sport bike. Before this I had a Harley. While riding the sport bike, I might not get a waive from the hard core bikers, but most still waive.

Yesterday was a nice day with lots of bikes out. I waive to everyone. If I had to estimate, maybe 10-20% waived back. My husband was on a cruiser. I asked him and nearly all waived to him. Really?!!

On my ride to NY to PA, the first bikes I came across were a pair of sport bike riders. They waved.

Since I'm used to most bikers waiving, I found this a bit disconcerting. I mean , I'll live, but why the hate?!?

What has been your experience?

Sure I enjoy the camaraderie of the Wave and seemed to get more of the "low down" waves while on a cruiser. I don't take it personal as I hope others don't if I miss a bike while otherwise involved with traffic ahead or behind. Sometimes I don't see a bike on a divided road until its abreast or past, and my wife picks up the wave. Also early in the season, a lot of bikers are getting reacquainted with the bike flow and operation. I try to remind myself that if I didn't see a bike approaching, (anticipating the wave) that I need to heighten my riding awareness to possible dangers and to watch out for the other guy.

Just part of the challenge and enjoyment of the ride. I do miss the wave when I'm in the cage and a bike goes by..

[Jenfz09]

As complete as Bob's list is, I think it missed one: They were afraid you might be some kind of scooter.

Oh, I even waived at the scooter. He didn't wave back either!!

[remark2013]

Top Ten Reasons Why Harley Riders 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 they 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 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 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 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 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.

Top Ten Reasons Why Dual Sport Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Vibration of knobby tires prevented the rider from taking his hand off the bars.
9. MX style safety gear was too bright to see you wave.
8. His front fender prevents you seeing him wave back.
7. Was too busy configuring his GPS/Enduro Roll/FishFinder.
6. His rain/wind/thorn/bug/bird proof thousand-dollar jacket won't allow it.
5. Was too busy re-arranging his 500 pounds of soft-sided luggage.
4. Doesn't recognize a wave in any language other than German.
3. Too busy splitting lanes/filtering through traffic.
2. One handed wheelies are not easy.
1. On single-track trails you stop, not wave.

Top Ten Reasons Why Spyder Ryders Don't Wave Back
10. They'll NEVER be able to find the horn or turnsignal again, if they move their hand on the grip.
9. They keep a "Death Grip" on the bars in case of the dreaded DPS failure.
8. They were too busy trying to figure out how to change playlists on their I-Pod.
7. They were "Bluetoothing" with their dealer regarding the latest farkle delivery.
6. They couldn't find the "Auto-Wave" Button. (Hey; It's a Limited!)
5. Their passenger was distracting them with some nonsense about "Having to stop for a break"...
4. They were mentally rehearsing the "explanation", that they'll need to give their Spouse for the
last Farkling episode.
3. They were trying to remember the best way to cross Nebraska. (Answer: while asleep, in the back of a van!)
2. They were too terrified to take their eyes off of the display; lest the dreaded "Orange Screen of Death"
make an appearance.
1. You crossed paths while they were setting the cruise control, changing the voice on their GPS, raising
the windshield, and changing the volume on the radio.

Top Ten Reasons Why Conventional Trike Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Their arms were too tired to raise... no power steering!
9. Your "Unusual" configuration has them confused. They thought you were going the other way!
8. They just had hit a pothole, and felt their first bad "Head-Shake". They're not letting go of anything!
7. They are lost in thought: How much is their Trike worth on trade, for a new Spyder?
6. They're still laughing at thgemselves for trying to put their feet down at the last stoplight.
5. The last time they waved at a "foreign" bike; their riding buddies made them buy the beer!
4. Didn't know WHAT you were, as you went by.
3. They only wave at conventionals...
2. They thought that their passenger waved... (She was asleep!)
1. The glare from all of the chrome had them momentarily blinded.

OMG, this is a great Post Bob, thanks!

[Bob Denman]

Oh, I even waived at the scooter. He didn't wave back either!!

Wave to young kids on bicycles: it'll make their day!

[jaherbst]

It matters not whether they wave. Who cares really? If you want to wave feel free to do so. Don't expect any thing and you will never be disappointed. Don't know why you would expect everyone to wave to you anyway. Get over it! Seriously!

I have so many people wave at me it's becoming a nuisance. I'm beginning to think my Fly is open or something!

Look at it this way, if the enjoyment of your ride depends on someone waving at you, perhaps your riding for the wrong reasons. The ride is not between you and others, it's between you and what you are riding. Think about it. Get your warm fuzzy's at your destination.

Jack

[Big F]

Top Ten Reasons Why Harley Riders 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 they 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 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 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 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 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.

Top Ten Reasons Why Dual Sport Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Vibration of knobby tires prevented the rider from taking his hand off the bars.
9. MX style safety gear was too bright to see you wave.
8. His front fender prevents you seeing him wave back.
7. Was too busy configuring his GPS/Enduro Roll/FishFinder.
6. His rain/wind/thorn/bug/bird proof thousand-dollar jacket won't allow it.
5. Was too busy re-arranging his 500 pounds of soft-sided luggage.
4. Doesn't recognize a wave in any language other than German.
3. Too busy splitting lanes/filtering through traffic.
2. One handed wheelies are not easy.
1. On single-track trails you stop, not wave.

Top Ten Reasons Why Spyder Ryders Don't Wave Back
10. They'll NEVER be able to find the horn or turnsignal again, if they move their hand on the grip.
9. They keep a "Death Grip" on the bars in case of the dreaded DPS failure.
8. They were too busy trying to figure out how to change playlists on their I-Pod.
7. They were "Bluetoothing" with their dealer regarding the latest farkle delivery.
6. They couldn't find the "Auto-Wave" Button. (Hey; It's a Limited!)
5. Their passenger was distracting them with some nonsense about "Having to stop for a break"...
4. They were mentally rehearsing the "explanation", that they'll need to give their Spouse for the
last Farkling episode.
3. They were trying to remember the best way to cross Nebraska. (Answer: while asleep, in the back of a van!)
2. They were too terrified to take their eyes off of the display; lest the dreaded "Orange Screen of Death"
make an appearance.
1. You crossed paths while they were setting the cruise control, changing the voice on their GPS, raising
the windshield, and changing the volume on the radio.

Top Ten Reasons Why Conventional Trike Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Their arms were too tired to raise... no power steering!
9. Your "Unusual" configuration has them confused. They thought you were going the other way!
8. They just had hit a pothole, and felt their first bad "Head-Shake". They're not letting go of anything!
7. They are lost in thought: How much is their Trike worth on trade, for a new Spyder?
6. They're still laughing at thgemselves for trying to put their feet down at the last stoplight.
5. The last time they waved at a "foreign" bike; their riding buddies made them buy the beer!
4. Didn't know WHAT you were, as you went by.
3. They only wave at conventionals...
2. They thought that their passenger waved... (She was asleep!)
1. The glare from all of the chrome had them momentarily blinded.

these are hilarious - keep em coming!!!!!!!!
BIG F

[kbwitt]

Who cares. I think its silly too worry about someone you do not know that does not wave at you..
I also think this sentance is silly.

[SteveP]

I find ( like a few have mentioned ) that's it's hard to wave at everyone when lots of bikes are out , but I always try to return the gesture as I think of it as a " be safe " sign of sorts . The only consistent type of rider I noticed often don't wave is the wanna be Peter Fonda clones

[NorCalBud]

I've found that I receive a return of "the wave" a lot more often when ryding in a group of Spyders or other bikes. I guess that gives us more validity in their mind, than when ryding alone.... It's stupid, but true....
I still wave to everybody (even scooters) who is putting themselves out there in the wind and at the same risk as we are! I'll hold up my part of the Brotherhood/Sisterhood.

[cognaccruiser]

I'm a waiver because I believe in the "brotherhood of bikers" to which we belong. That said, not everyone waives and it doesn't bother me much.
Some observations I've made over time riding 2 wheels and now a Spyder. This seems quite often to be a regional thing. Some parts of Canada and USA, almost everyone waives and others not so much. I live in an area where far more do than don't. That said, there does seem to be a pattern. The bikers that look like they are wannabe 1%ers waived back more when I was on my Yamaha Venture which was easily mistaken for a HD. Not so much response when on my Spyder but periodically they surprise me.
When I waive to a Goldwing rider they usually waive back but some times they almost act surprised. When I was on my Goldwing and waived most responded but not all.
I find that Sport bike riders here are the least likely to waive back actually.
But there is no absolute pattern.
I will keep waiving and keep not being concerned when I don't get a response.
The other thing that won't change is offering help to ANY rider that is in need on the road.

Gary

PS: Bob your list keeps on growing and there are always those that have not seen it until this question comes up again. It is always amusing so keep it up.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I think today people in general only care about THEMSELVES. I live in Vermont and if 5 % of riders I see on any given day wave I'm amazed.......and I don't think this has anything to do with my Spyder.....This was about the same on My Wing.......Mike

[Chupaca]

It's a fun discussion and entertaining to think up the reasons why they don't wave back or give you a head nod if in a turn. I have come to the conclusion that it is envy at the comfort and joy in our faces. I wave to every one give thumbs up to firefighters head nod when hands are busy and helmet taps to warn of police presence. I don't expect a thing in return making anything I get a nicer ryde....

[Mazo EMS2]

I always chime in on this type of thread.....why? I don't know.. I look at it as if I were driving my car. I don't wave at anyone when driving the car..why?, well mainly because I don't know 99.9% of the other people on the road. So....that leads me to believe that I likely don't know the same amount of people on bikes. So, what's the difference? I will wave at other Spyder riders, cuz I see so few of them around here.
Don't hate me if I don't wave....I don't wave cuz I don't know you and you likely don't know me. So I just choose to keep my hands on the bars. I don't mean to be rude or anything by it, it's just that if I waved at everybody all the time, my arm would fall off.
Usually if I have the urge to wave, it would be similar to this, but maybe with a different finger....LOL.... And Bob's post pretty much covers all the other reasons....good collection Bob!

[Sam Mac]

For what it's worth it seems as most riders here in South West VA wave, even those on scooters or as we call them liquor cycles (lost license for DUI) LOL.

[Lew L]

I give a wave to most everyone on a bike or a trike. No matter what they ride--- it's that they ryde.

Always give the tap to the helmet if there is a speed trap ( a very often occurance on Mt Rose Hwy to catch the speeding skiers comming off the mountain).

Jen----- if they don't wave back--- just ryde on.

Kaos


PS: Warning---- Sarcasim elert:
Can you just imagine all the waving at Sturgis or Street Vibations

[ingramwc]

I will normally wave unless I am taking tight turn, changing lanes... Times when I want both hands on the bars.
Sport bike, non-Harley cruisers usually wave. I like to wave at Harley riders just to see their facial expressions, which are easy to see because they usually only wear "Skid Lids" so their faces are fully exposed.
Hey Bob, great job on your list!!!!! Comical!

[cognaccruiser]

PS: Warning---- Sarcasim elert:
Can you just imagine all the waving at Sturgis or Street Vibations[/QUOTE]

Kaos: The one time I was at Sturgis in 2005, as we got closer, there were just so many bikes on the road that people really did stop waiving cause you would never have your left hand on the bike.

Gary

[Buckeye Bleau]

I have far less experience than the rest of you, but in Ohio, most people wave and usually in a very casual or subtle manner.
However, some of my friends who are long term bikers, many who would never ride anything but an HD have told me that the HD riders wave to let others know, "I have tools!"

My friends with GoldWings tell me that you need to watch the fingers, it denotes how many years of payments they still have remaining.

Supposedly the "Rice-Burners" are waving because they are in need of friends and companionship.

That being the statements from the owners of the respective bikes. On the flip side, they tell me that Spyder Ryders are always waving because they are looking for acceptance into the MC world and expressing some insecurities. Hey, I don't know and don't care, I wave to say hello, friend, and safe riding to 'ya!

If you don't wave back, OK by me, I still say, Hello and be Safe!

Just Sayin'! I am ryding, you are riding it is all good.