The unfriendliest bikers?

[adl]

Coming, as I do, from Ireland, I'm finding it difficult to adjust to the fact that bikers aren't as quick to say hello to each other here in the UK. The biggest offenders, I'm sad to say, are GS owners. Hows about everyone proves me wrong on this one? I'm a GS owner and a friendly one at that. Be nice to your fellow bikers peeps, whatever they happen to be riding

[Quanto12]

Originally Posted by adl

Coming, as I do, from Ireland, I'm finding it difficult to adjust to the fact that bikers aren't as quick to say hello to each other here in the UK. The biggest offenders, I'm sad to say, are GS owners. Hows about everyone proves me wrong on this one? I'm as GS owner and a friendly one at that. Be nice to your fellow bikers peeps, whatever they happen to be riding

Well Said!!!

[Schtum]

Originally Posted by adl

Coming, as I do, from Ireland, I'm finding it difficult to adjust to the fact that bikers aren't as quick to say hello to each other here in the UK. The biggest offenders, I'm sad to say, are GS owners. Hows about everyone proves me wrong on this one? I'm as GS owner and a friendly one at that. Be nice to your fellow bikers peeps, whatever they happen to be riding

As with all generalisations (including this one).....

Where in UK are you? My guess would be somewhere in England rather than in Scotland, Norn Iron or Wales.

[adl]

Yes indeed I am in London. Ya reckon it's just a big smoke thing then?

[Schtum]

Originally Posted by adl

Yes indeed I am in London. Ya reckon it's just a big smoke thing then?

No - it's a South East of England thing. It's an overcrowded hell-hole with an overheated economy and too many people who can't make the time for others.

Slainte...

[marc]

Here in the US Harley riders are often lumped into the "they never wave" category. I think, though, that if you looked real close it'd be "new riders" who don't wave because they are too afraid to leg go of the bars. Harley gets the blame because a lot of new riders are drawn to Harleys as their first bike.

[Schtum]

Originally Posted by marc

Here in the US Harley riders are often lumped into the "they never wave" category. I think, though, that if you looked real close it'd be "new riders" who don't wave because they are too afraid to leg go of the bars. Harley gets the blame because a lot of new riders are drawn to Harleys as their first bike.

Lots of Harley riders waved on my recent 1200 mile trip around NorCal. One guy even came up to us in gas station in Bodega Bay and apologised for holding us up further up Hwy 1. He said he was "burned out" after riding 100 miles that day on his Road King. I was gracious and didn't point out that we'd just come from Folsom via Skaggs Springs to Stewart's Point....

The left arm held out at low-level is still something of a novelty to me though. Folks here tend to nod more than wave. Since we drive on the original side of the road, our throttle hands are the ones closer to each other as we pass. Also, patting the top of your helmet as a signal for cops on the road isn't something which has made it over this side of the pond, as far as I've seen.

[Hennepinboy]

Originally Posted by marc

Here in the US Harley riders are often lumped into the "they never wave" category. I think, though, that if you looked real close it'd be "new riders" who don't wave because they are too afraid to leg go of the bars. Harley gets the blame because a lot of new riders are drawn to Harleys as their first bike.

I have thought of mounting a plastic spring loaded hand on my bike to wave back to the HD riders.

[Kickstand]

Originally Posted by marc

Here in the US Harley riders are often lumped into the "they never wave" category. I think, though, that if you looked real close it'd be "new riders" who don't wave because they are too afraid to leg go of the bars. Harley gets the blame because a lot of new riders are drawn to Harleys as their first bike.

This may be true at times but I have noticed very experienced long term riders may not wave or even acknowledge my presence. I rode a Harley for years and some guys believe the only bike to be ridden is a Harley. I love em too but I found my GS to be more versatile for my tastes. I also don't go for the image of wearing minimum protection such as a skull cap. I have worn full face helmets for years.

BTW - Another reason may be pure safety. I was riding in the Alps a month ago and I did not respond to some waves because I was focused on the road and my riding. There were times I can guarantee you that my hands never left the bar!

[mikec]

I've been riding since '64 and have covered a bunch of miles. I can't really say non-waving riders are exclusive to one particular marque. It simply depends on the person.

When riding, I generally wave at everyone I see rididing motorcycles. I also stop, if it's safe, to assist any riders I see on the side of the road. I do recall one incident that really suprised me. I was touring on my K1200GT in southwest Utah on remote Route 143. My bike failed to restart after a "Kodak moment" and I was fumbling around trying to find the cause. The bike was on the center stand, seats off, tools out and riding gear off so it was obvious I was having a problem. I heard a bike engine and looked up to see another KGT rider approaching. He slowed, looked and continued his journey. I couldn't believe it! That made me more dedicated to always stopping to see if I can lend assistance.

Mike