Why do Harley riders have a problem with us BMW bikers?

Question

I find that a good portion of them won't even wave to acknowldege my being on the road. Is it the "foreign vehicle" thing?

Answer 1

Honda riders wave to everyone
Harley riders only wave to each other
Beemer riders only wave to God.

I think it might be a matter of perception.

BTW: C.F.L. is right. As a Honda rider, I've been snubbed most often by Wingers.

Answer 2

I don't think it's a "foreign vehicle" thing. I think it's because, when they are riding the same roads as I tend to prefer, they have to keep both paws on their ape-hangers to keep it between the lines.
But I concur with some of the responses above -- waving can get old. City riders don't wave, they nod. In some areas, rider's flash their brights in greeting. In some places, it's just a finger-wave.
I don't wave on divided highways (I seldom see the rider on the other side until they are nearly even with me), and I don't wave around town (traffic can make that a real risky operation), and some weekends, it seems like half the population is out cruising around, so it gets old, real quick.
On a country road, with not too much traffic, yeah, then I'll wave. But otherwise, I am keeping my mind and eyes where they can do the most good.

Answer 3

Harleys tend to attract a certain culture of motorcycling that is somewhat exclusive and looks down on non-Harley bikes. Of course this is not true for every Harley rider, but in general, people who like riding Harleys are attracted to the bikes for the lifestyle associated with it. Performance and coming to grips that '50s technology doesn't make an efficient bike are at the bottom of the list. Bling and freedom to wear gear that won't hold up in a crash is #1.

As a BMW rider, it's especially ironic since the BMW factory is there all the HD engines are now cast. Also, a lot of the HD parts are also made in Japan now too.

Answer 4

the two sure and no and this is human nature. this is the completed us v. them factor, that began interior the previous due 1940's. interior the previous or perhaps into immediately. bike club patch holders, picked on any man or woman who did not holiday a Harley. this concepts-set became %. up by ability of Harley (the corporation) and used to sell motorcycles. quickly merely approximately each Harley rider, patch holder or not, became choosing on non Harley riders. on an identical time a clean type of bike became coming onto the marketplace, interior the kind of the crotch rocket/activity bike. The Harley riders jumped in on the sport bike riders, however the sport bike riders did not lay down like the others, they fought back. this is been occurring now for, 30 years or so now. except your a patch holder in a a million% club, or a help club, there is not any actual clarification for it. maximum Harley riders and non a million% golf equipment have out grown it. this is in user-friendly terms the sport bike riders, who care now a days. quicker or later they'll strengthen up, then they are going to be picked on by ability of the greater youthful childrens, who holiday who's extensive-unfold with what.

Answer 5

I've never noticed a Harley rider not lifting a left to other bikers on the road around this area regardless of the brand of bike. Many Goldwing riders and most crotch rocket riders won't wave, though. I've also noticed that 'wing riders tend to stick together, as with the crotch rocket riders.

Answer 6

This is a very old question in the community. You will find that many riders do not wave back. I miss waves sometimes just because I was not paying attention to the other lane until it was too late. I have had all brands wave and not wave, don't take it personally. If you enjoy saying hi by dropping a hand continue to do so. :)

Answer 7

Not true.I wave at most bikers.After all we are all out there to enjoy life and the freedom of the road.I don't have a problem riding with the metric riders either...just as long as they aren't on crotch rockets.It's been my experience that the kids on the sport bikes drive like they will live forever or like life has no meaning...scary. Motorcycles are dangerous enough without the crotch rockets flying past on the rear wheel.

Answer 8

I've found it to be the other way around, I've initiated waves to many BMW and Goldwing riders only to be ignored. The same with passing going in the same direction, I try to nod or give a wave only to have the BMW rider totally ignore me and especially at stoplights you guys always look straight ahead not even acknowledging my existence. Why don't we all stop set trippin, we're all in the wind together. Hell, I'll even wave to a scooter!

Answer 9

Why be bothered because they don't wave? The waving thing is stupid. I've got better things to do with my left hand than wave at every idiot on a bike that thinks they are special just because they ride. If I waved at every bike I pass, my left hand would never touch the bars on some days. If I don't know you why should I wave? And if you don't know me, why would you wave at me? Just because you are on a bike doesn't mean you are my friend or that I have to like you. Keep your hands on the bars and cover the clutch with the left hand instead of waving to people who don't know you or don't really care what the hell you ride.

Answer 10

It all depends on the biker. I've seen acts of respect between riders of different brands of bikes on the freeways before. But, I have also seen the snubbing. It goes both ways though. Many of the "crotch rocket" drivers are very cliquish (sp?) also.