BMW Riders Don't Wave...

[MikeERideWNC]

Well I guess the tables are turning.
Friday I went for a ride to the infamous Deal's Gap.
I saw hundreds of bikes and most waved except for the BMWs.
The first LT the guy looked at me then and motored on, I blew that off as a baby boomer on his first bike.
Then a couple of LTs and a GT. All three of them snubbed me.
Then there where a lot of solo BMWs and none of them waved.

I was on a Ducati 848, clearly I wave at all bikes and scooters.
In the past when on a sportbike the Harley riders would not wave. I am OK with that, it is expected from that breed.
But Friday every Harley rider exerted that extra effort to pull their hand off the bar and wave.

I guess the current BMW society feels they are far superior than the rest of the riding public.

That is to bad, because the BMW brand quality by no means is better than any other brand.

It must be the chemical residue from the textile clothing that is affecting their courtesy.

:histerica

[hschisler]

I can't speak for the other riders, but on the Dragon I don't wave at other riders. I'm too busy keeping it on the road, and usually the sheer number of bikes on that road means I would be riding one-handed. On all other roads I wave at everybody, unless I miss them.

[DanDiver]

Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't because of highway conditions..... It's the last thing to be concerned about on a bike. If it's convenient, do it, but your focus should be on the ride and everything going on around you. Deals Gap, FORGET IT! Open highway go ahead....

[AttackPug]

After about 20 I would have stopped waving at anybody jeez

[Scottly]

In the past when on a sportbike the Harley riders would not wave. I am OK with that, it is expected from that breed.
:histerica

I am of that "breed" as you put it. Maybe they don't wave because they know that guys like you refer to them in such derogatory tones. Maybe you refer to them in such tones because they way some of them have treated you, like when they return a single digit salute after you wave to them. Who knows.

What I do know is this: United we conquor, divided we fall. Motorcyclist have a wide ranging battlefield, from being banned from federal lands to being banned from condo complexes. Here in Florida, a "Motorcycle wheels off ground" ticket is a mandatory $1000 fine. It's a new law. $1K for a wheelie. Who fought the hardest to get this thing tossed from the lawmakers table? ABATE did. That's right, ABATE, the anit-helmet law group that sportbike riders seem to hate. WHy did they fight it? Because it's discriminatory to ALL motorcyclists.

My suggestion: Don't worry so much about "courtesy" waving. Worry about your right to ride being taken away. Give a wave...the best gift is the one given with no expectations of a return.

Just my $.02

[DaveRT]

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x234/Dave1200RT/a1400239.jpg
I let her wave, and pay the tolls, and watch for LEO, and keep me from missing stop signs and red lights. Man is she busy. When we ride in Canada everyone waves to us and we return the wave. Same thing happens when we ride South. :wave

[kk610lt]

Last year, while riding back eastbound from CCR, hundreds of Harleys were westbound thru Illinois on I-80 returning from Milwaukee. I became tired of waving 8 times a mile for two hundred miles. Some H-D er's waved, some didn't.

[dutchshadow]

Most riders around here wave when possible. No BMW snobs here.

[dbqfan]

I don't know about my RT as I have not had it that long. Last summer riding my Norge about 1 in 100 Hardley riders would wave back. I think they were to busy keeping there do rags on to wave to anybody. As for BMW, I did not really see that many to remember. So far this season is the same as far as the Hardley riders. Everybody else seems to smile and wave.

[dsauer608]

In my circles, we all wave, but obviously waving is secondary to safety. I've noticed since I got my hi viz jacket that fewer people on other brands wave at me now - I guess my "nerd factor" is so far up the ladder that I'm no longer worthy of a wave, but that's ok. :D

This brings us to the root question: why do we wave at all? And if you're focusing on a return wave, are you diverting your attention from things you should be paying mind to? Ahh, grasshopper.....

[nocanpickem]

I generally waive at all bikers. The exceptions are:

At Deals Gap there is plenty to keep ones attention focused and waiving is just not safe.

There are occasions at rallies where waiving would be non stop.

Otherwise, I enjoy waiving and receiving acknowledgement from the brotherhood.

Karl

[mgalison]

It all depends where I am on the bike. If I am stopping and down-shifting or starting and up-shifting, I need 2 hands and don't wave, but will nod at them

[grifscoots]

Grifscoots hypothesis on waving:
ALL bikers wave at each other on long, lonely stretches when conditions are absolutely, totally miserable.

It just all depends on how brotherly you're feeling at the moment.

[blueknightga6]

Well I guess the tables are turning.
Friday I went for a ride to the infamous Deal's Gap.
I saw hundreds of bikes and most waved except for the BMWs.
The first LT the guy looked at me then and motored on, I blew that off as a baby boomer on his first bike.
Then a couple of LTs and a GT. All three of them snubbed me.
Then there where a lot of solo BMWs and none of them waved.

I was on a Ducati 848, clearly I wave at all bikes and scooters.
In the past when on a sportbike the Harley riders would not wave. I am OK with that, it is expected from that breed.
But Friday every Harley rider exerted that extra effort to pull their hand off the bar and wave.

I guess the current BMW society feels they are far superior than the rest of the riding public.

That is to bad, because the BMW brand quality by no means is better than any other brand.

It must be the chemical residue from the textile clothing that is affecting their courtesy.

:histerica

I've been riding for 30 years this month!

I've ridden everything from a 200cc Kawasaki street bike to a Harley Pursuit Glide. At work I had been to the police motorcycle riders course several times on the big Kawasaki and the HD. I was even selected to go to a Police Motorcycle Rodeo once. I feel I am a very competent rider but know that there's a lot more to learn.

On a road like the "The Tail of the Dragon" the K1200LT handles like a dream. A few weeks ago we rode it but I didn't wave at anyone (not a whole lot there on weekday anyhow). But here's the reason: I was more concerned with riding safely on that road to wave! You've ridden that road quite a number of time so you're more comfortable on it and therefore feel comfortable enough to wave. Safety first, waving second.

Just my $0.02.

[MikeERideWNC]

First I must clarify... I am a local to Deal's Gap.
I ride to Deal's Gap for a Pepsi... I know where the good roads are, I don't need a t-shirt to show my friends.
This time of year I only ride to the store to watch the circus and sometimes I meet interesting people from different places.
And maybe I will point them towards a good road or two that isn't on the tourist map.
But I do not venture on to the Gap... To Boring at 15mph.

I wave at everyone, even at a full lean in curve, just to prove the point that a good rider is capable.

All The BMWs I saw were on straight roads...

Now I have only been riding for 27 years.
I have waved at everyone since my first DT100.

I will keep waving... And yes a lot of BMW owners are snooty.
I guess you can be when you can afford to buy one.

That's OK soon Obama will be taking away your money and giving it to the lazy.

:bmw:

[blueknightga6]

Ok. Not waving back on a straight road, I'd say you have a pretty legitimate gripe then.

[Spirit_Rider]

I wave when I can or give a nod when my hands are busy.

While I think I understand you being bothered when people do not respond to the wave your statement is like stating the crotch riders do not wave. (if they let go of the bars they would break their nose) :histerica

Scottly, I do not know if you are a member of ABATE or not. Personely I think everyone should be, riders or not.

ABATE is A Biker Aimed Toward Education. One of my chapters main focuses is going to driver ed. classes and talking to the kids about MC safety, like following distance, the difference in turning when compared to a car and so on.

Sorry about the mini rant but it really bothers when ABATE is called 'the anit-helmet law group' when their real goal not letting the Gov. tell people how to live.

And before you ask, no I do not always wear a helmet.

[saddleman]

I wave to all when I can with the exception of the liquor cycles. For those who don't know what a liquor cycle is. In NC when you loose your license you can ride a scooter 50cc or under at less than 35mph with no plate or license. Imagine coming up on one of them bastards on a two lane 65mph road.

[SilverBuffalo]

Regarding waving: I wave at everybody,
if they don't return "the wave" that just means:
they're not enjoying themselves as much as I am.

Here in Florida, a "Motorcycle wheels off ground" ticket is a mandatory $1000 fine.
It's a new law. $1K for a wheelie. Hoorray for the lawmakers, it's about time!

WHy did they fight it?
Because it's discriminatory to ALL motorcyclists. Sorry ain't buying that argument,
it only targets motorcycle riders that have no respect for the law.

My suggestion: Don't worry so much about "courtesy" waving.
Worry about your right to ride being taken away.
I worry more that the rude, inconsiderate, hazardous idiots
that "thumb their noses" at all of the safety rules
and piss off everyone on the road by zipping in and out of traffic
and exceeding the speed limits by 20-30 mph in heavy traffic,

will cause more legislation to be passed
restricting my ability to ride my motorcycle in a safe and sane manner.

I applaud the law makers for targeting the actual problem,
they got it right this time.

[Scottly]

ABATE is A Biker Aimed Toward Education. .

Originally: A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments. Anit-helmet law. That's their roots.

Yes, they have progressed to other areas. I am sorry for referring to them as only a helmet-law group.

ABATE has done a lot of good int he motorcycling world. Keep up the good work.

[Scottly]

[QUOTE=SilverBuffalo

I applaud the law makers for targeting the actual problem,
they got it right this time.[/QUOTE]

SO, you applaud lawmakers who develop legislation that targets only motorcycles?

I'm glad you see 'the actual problem".

Let me tell you what OTHERS see as "the actual problem", other than wheelies....

They see no leg protection (here comes airbags), they see no head protection (here comes more restrictive helmet laws), they see poorly visible motorcycles (here comes strobe lights, just like a school bus), they hear loud bikes, just because it's a bike (here comes more bike bans), they see your radio-GPS-electric windshield-heated seat-any other gizom as a distraction (here comes gadget bans).

My suggestion to you: Look beyond the tip of your own nose. While reckless riding places a bad image on every rider, legislation that targets only motorcycle riders sets a dangerous precident for us all. Next time the lawmakers "get it right this time", as you put it, the "right" lost may be yours.

[grifscoots]

So, when you go to an ABATE get together, tell me... what do you see?

[Palerider]

:corn:

[batdriver51]

I wave at everyone and love anything with two wheels.

[jayjacobson]

....That's OK soon Obama will be taking away your money and giving it to the lazy....
Mike, that's been going on since the LAST great depression! Soon = been happening for decades!

[Bmyrrh]

Waving? People get cranked about whether someone waves at them?

Generally speaking, I get really irritated if someone tries to hurt me. Otherwise I really don't give a rat's ass what someone else thinks of me, my ride or what I'm wearing.

As long as I am having a good time, I've got what I need.

[Scottly]

So, when you go to an ABATE get together, tell me... what do you see?

Depends on the chapter. I have been to ABATE meetings full of motorcyclists of all types.

I have been to chapter meetings.....like the one I USED to belong to (for a short period of time) where the smoke in the room is so thick, you can't breathe. I'm the only guy without jailhouse tats. I'm the only guy without a criminal record. I'm the only guy who doesn't duck out back for a toke on a joint.

I don't judge them all that way....ABATE has done a lot of good for motorcyclist rights. Unfortunately, as with all things, there is good and bad.

[hopz]

Tell you what...

I wave at most everyone, 'ceptin scooters...

Most of them wave back.

Maybe it's you... ?

[Ron_Kendall]

I have noticed fewer riders waving... don't know if it is because there are more newer riders that aren't familiar with this "etiquette":wave or what.

[SilverBuffalo]

SO, you applaud lawmakers who develop legislation that targets only motorcycles?
No I applaud lawmakers that target only reckless motorcycles
Let me tell you what OTHERS see as "the actual problem", other than wheelies.... Wrong..... the majority of people can't tell one motorcycle from another,
and they don't have a clue about safety gear other than helmets.
the only motorcycles they "notice" are the ones that "piss them off"
and they judge all other motorcycles by the actions of a few assholes.
While reckless riding places a bad image on every rider,
legislation that targets only motorcycle riders sets a dangerous precident for us all.
Next time the lawmakers "get it right this time", as you put it, the "right" lost may be yours.Your original "bitch" is legislation against "wheelies",
that's legislation against reckless driving (not all motorcyclists)
which according to your above statement
"places a bad image" on every rider

You sound very confused to me, maybe you've been getting a "contact high" from your ABATE buddies.

[XMagnaRider]

I wave to all motorcycles and scooters, unless it is unsafe, or I am busy, or there are so many motorcycles that it doesn't make sense. If I am busy when someone else waves, I try to give them a nod at least.

Some return the wave, some don't. I don't think about it much, but I assume that many are staying safe, or busy, or tired of waving back.

I always wear a bright orange reflector vest. I assume that some of the "biker" types don't wave back because of it, but that's fine with me. I don't need to be friends with everyone anyway.

[macman56]

Here is a fun thing to do...if you have cruise control on, wave with both hands!

[Lee510]

Like this? Forward to 4 mins 20 secs if you don't want to watch the whole thing.
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[Scottly]

You sound very confused to me, maybe you've been getting a "contact high" from your ABATE buddies.

I guess you're incapable of stating an opinion without leveling an insult.

Typical.

[jayjacobson]

....Generally speaking, I get really irritated if someone tries to hurt me.....
Uummmm yeah.....That too! :histerica

[eng943]

Maybe it's just me, but a good majority of the reason I ride is to escape the need to interact with people....waving included.

[BigH501]

I wave most of the time. If i am "busy" clutching or something I may nod instead.

Other bikers wave back to me most of the time. If they don't wave back I don't care. I waved because I felt like waving not to get somebody to wave back.

just my 2 cents... 8)

[Briantime]

BMW Riders Don't Wave...

That's because guys who ride Ducatis are child molesters...

Sorry, just wanted to join with a sweeping generality of my own...

[JPSpen]

I wave to all when I can with the exception of the liquor cycles. For those who don't know what a liquor cycle is. In NC when you loose your license you can ride a scooter 50cc or under at less than 35mph with no plate or license. Imagine coming up on one of them bastards on a two lane 65mph road.


I'm moving to NC..:toast:

John

[SilverBuffalo]

I guess you're incapable of stating an opinion without leveling an insult.

Typical.And I suppose you're "above all that"?

My suggestion to you: Look beyond the tip of your own nose. And that was a compliment?

I believe that the lawmakers did a good thing,
we need to get the reckless bikers of the road,
or at least hit them hard in the wallet when they do stupid shit.

That's enough for the pissing contest,
you and I are never going to agree.
I hope you live long enough to grow out of your "reckless and idealistic stage"

I'll still wave at you.

[Scottly]

And that was a compliment?.

It wasn't an insult. It was a suggestion for you to look at the way those laws affect all in the motorcycling world, not just how they affect you. You stating that I have a contact high from an ABATE meeting not only insinuates that I am not of my right mind (insulting me), but also suggests that all ABATE meetings are people sitting around smoking dope (insulting ABATEers).



I believe that the lawmakers did a good thing,
we need to get the reckless bikers of the road,
or at least hit them hard in the wallet when they do stupid shit.

Why should we hit them any harder than when cagers do stupid shit that gets a biker killed? Hans, when a cager violates the right of way of a biker, they get a $54 ticket and 4 points in Florida. $1000 for a wheelie, $54 for a man's life. Where's the equity in that?

A guy rides a wheelie and kills himself...so be it. He can endanger himself all he wants...it's a free country. Die if you want. However.... A car kills a biker, he took the life of someone and he doesn't have the right to do that. So, what sense is there in making a law that targets bikers instead of the cagers that are killing us? It's called discrimination.



I hope you live long enough to grow out of your "reckless and idealistic stage".

And I doubt you'll ever live long enough to open your eyes and see the inequity of laws that target motorcyclists specifically, such as the wheelie law.

[Lee510]

This afternoon, while walking my dog up to the main road, a nutjob, uh, excuse me, a youthful, exuberant motorcycle operator, pulled out from a side street, and immediately goosed the throttle to pull the front wheel off the ground. He was rapidly gaining on the car that had just gone through the intersection. It looked like he nutted up, chopped the throttle, slammed the front wheel down, and nearly threw the bike down on the roadway.

I don't know if he should be fined $1000, but I think if he ran into someone or ran them off the road trying to avoid him, he should have lots of legal and civil problems for a long time. Should the same be true for a motorist who injures or kills a motorcyclist, bicyclist, pedestrian, etc? The problem is, intent. Did the motorcycle operator intend to have his front wheel off the ground? Did the motorist intend to harm others? What distractions did the motorist have? Driving without due circumspection is a chargeable offense. Not sure what it gets you. Not enough if you cause harm.

[Briantime]

This afternoon, while walking my dog up to the main road, a nutjob, uh, excuse me, a youthful, exuberant motorcycle operator, pulled out from a side street, and immediately goosed the throttle to pull the front wheel off the ground. He was rapidly gaining on the car that had just gone through the intersection. It looked like he nutted up, chopped the throttle, slammed the front wheel down, and nearly threw the bike down on the roadway.

I don't know if he should be fined $1000, but I think if he ran into someone or ran them off the road trying to avoid him, he should have lots of legal and civil problems for a long time. Should the same be true for a motorist who injures or kills a motorcyclist, bicyclist, pedestrian, etc? The problem is, intent. Did the motorcycle operator intend to have his front wheel off the ground? Did the motorist intend to harm others? What distractions did the motorist have? Driving without due circumspection is a chargeable offense. Not sure what it gets you. Not enough if you cause harm.

I'm all for penalizing stupidity over carelessness. People will always be careless, unfortunately. But stupidity...that's just aching to get someone killed.

[jayjacobson]

That's because guys who ride Ducatis are child molesters...

Sorry, just wanted to join with a sweeping generality of my own...
Brian, did you HAVE to do that! I was deep "U/C" on my Ducati.....Now I have to sell it.....Cause everyone will be suspicious when i'm around the playground--er--tailing those vicious cartel operatives......Yeah that's it! :eek: :histerica

[pkpr1998]

So, when you go to an ABATE get together, tell me... what do you see?

I used to attend the local ABATE meetings several years ago and all I saw was a bunch of toothless and unkempt party-goers who were fighting the government not to wear helmets! :rotf:

As far as waving, I wave at every safe chance I have, I do not waive much on the Dragon as I am too busy watching for LEO's, squids, and my lines!

[Scottly]

I don't know if he should be fined $1000, but I think if he ran into someone or ran them off the road trying to avoid him, he should have lots of legal and civil problems for a long time. Should the same be true for a motorist who injures or kills a motorcyclist, bicyclist, pedestrian, etc? The problem is, intent. Did the motorcycle operator intend to have his front wheel off the ground? Did the motorist intend to harm others? .

Good points. Let's reword this a bit for the sake of debate.

"This afternoon, while walking my dog up to the main road, a nutjob, uh, excuse me, a cell-phone blabbing, Ipod adjusting, cheeseburger eating fat yuppie soccer mom in an SUV, swerved off the side of the road while trying to answer another call. She over-corrected and rapidly approached the car next to hers. It looked like she nutted up, chopped the throttle, slammed the front wheel in the other direction, and nearly ran off the road again.

I don't know if she should be fined $1000, but I think if she ran into someone or ran them off the road trying to make that call, she should have lots of legal and civil problems for a long time. Should the same be true for a motorist who injures or kills a motorcyclist, bicyclist, pedestrian, etc? The problem is, intent. Did the SUV driving yuppie soccer mom intend to have her monster vehicle run off the road? Did the motorist intend to harm others? What distractions did the motorist have? Driving without due circumspection is a chargeable offense. Not sure what it gets you. Not enough if you cause harm."


Now, read it again. Why should the motorcyclist be penalized MORE than any cage driver that is causing just as much danger for fellow motorists?

When we allow, or CONDONE, excess penalties that specifically target motorcyclists, our entire existance is endangered.


If they hurt someone? Jail them until they retire. But if the law wants a pre-emptive solution to a problem, they should measure the number of people hurt and killed by automobiles vs. the number of people hurt or killed by a motorcycle (other than the motorcycle rider).

Thanks for the input, Lee.

[gpolakow]

I almost killed myself and my wife last year when, just for a second, I took my attention away from the road to wave at some other riders. And if you're waving while riding the dragon...well, it's not something I would recommend.

[blueknightga6]

I almost killed myself and my wife last year when, just for a second, I took my attention away from the road to wave at some other riders. And if you're waving while riding the dragon...well, it's not something I would recommend.

That's why when we're on a road like the Dragon, my wife simply tells me, "You drive. I'll take care of the waving." And then in the photos at Killboy, US129Photos and Zeeefoto she's even waving at the photographers going in one direction!

[SilverBuffalo]

Dude, you still don't get it.
You never had "the right" to wheelie, nothing has been "taken away"!

I was an ABATE member 25 years ago, (I still have all my teeth) :)
it didn't take me long to figure they weren't going to accomplish anything, and they haven't!

Their biggest triumph in Florida was the repeal of the helmet law, they think they won,
(doesn't matter to me I'm going to wear my helmet.)
But the victory came with a trade-off namely required insurance for non helmet riders.

Do you really think the government gives a damn about your right to ride with or without a helmet?
Nope......... the insurance lobbyist saw it as an opportunity to get a "foothold" for required insurance laws.

Wait a couple more years to see where they'll go with that,
I promise you this, it's going to cost every rider $$$.

[Scottly]

Dude, you still don't get it......
the victory came with a trade-off namely required insurance for non helmet riders.

Do you really think the government gives a damn about your right to ride with or without a helmet?
Nope......... the insurance lobbyist saw it as an opportunity to get a "foothold" for required insurance laws.

Wait a couple more years to see where they'll go with that,
I promise you this, it's going to cost every rider $$$.

Well, now I'm going to have to say it's YOU who doesn't get it. Know why there isn't an insurance requirement for motorcycles in Florida? Because insurance companies do NOT want to insure motorcycles...the losses are too high.

Know why the penaties for driving a car with no insurance are weak? Because the insurance lobby realizes that the TYPE of people who don't live up to their responsibilities to carry insurance are TYPE that are most likely to cause accidents in the first place. If that TYPE of person were forced, by tough legal penalties, to go get insurance, the losses to the insurance companies would be higher. I work in the insurance business so I know this for a fact. So, we all have to buy uninsured motorsit coverage, or we're screwed if we get hit by the bozos with no insurance. If the insurance companies had their way, there would be no "uninsured motorist coverage". It was a compromise that they agreed to when the no-fault laws took effect.

Now, back to your crazy notion that the insurance requirement for riding without a helmet was to install a foothold for the insurance company....your notion is false. Why?
Have you tried to purchase a policy to cover you for medical, in the amount of $10K as required by the helmet choice law? Answer: You can't get it. Nobody sells it, just as they won't sell you Personal Injury Protection on a bike, or Med Pay over $3K. They don't want to sell it....there are too many losses.

The insurance requirement was an attempt to give law enforcement some teeth to write helmet tickets if proof of insurance could not be presented. It was a compromise that many opposed but ABATE and others gave into it.

For the record, I wear a helmet...always will, everytime I get on the bike.


Happy trails and safe riding Hans. ...have the last word, if you must.

[BennyBob]

I don't think I saw anyone advocate that it is OK for cagers to endanger others whether in cages, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians. I'm not sure how this new law in Florida is worded, but if it makes it illegal to pop a wheelie on a motorcycle on a public road but allows it in a car, it should have been reworded. There is nothing wrong with laws against actions that create a public hazard. They should simply be worded is such a way that they apply to everyone not just a specific segment of society.

BTW, wasn't this about waving? Wave if you like and can do so safely. Otherwise, forget about it. Don't get your knickers in a twist over anyone not waving. It's a relatively free country, chill out. :wave :wave :wave yep, that's me waving at you. I ride an LT. Shock and awe brother, shock......and.....awe. :bmw:

[Scottly]

I don't think I saw anyone advocate that it is OK for cagers to endanger others whether in cages, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians. I'm not sure how this new law in Florida is worded, but if it makes it illegal to pop a wheelie on a motorcycle on a public road but allows it in a car, it should have been reworded. There is nothing wrong with laws against actions that create a public hazard. They should simply be worded is such a way that they apply to everyone not just a specific segment of society.

:

Hence the problem. the same law also allows for the $1000 fine to be imposed if a motorcycle tag is not properly affixed. This appllies not to cars, but to motorcycles only.

2nd offense: $2500.

3rd: $5K and 5 years in jail.

You don't get 5 years here for your 5th DUI conviction.

[BennyBob]

Hence the problem. the same law also allows for the $1000 fine to be imposed if a motorcycle tag is not properly affixed. This applies not to cars, but to motorcycles only.

2nd offense: $2500.

3rd: $5K and 5 years in jail.

You don't get 5 years here for your 5th DUI conviction.
That's what you need to protest. If you're not a member of AMA, join! They are looking for folks who can assist with the 'Justice for all' program in each state, but you will have to check your emotion at the door, focus on the specific inequities, and demand parity. Crying because the state is infringing on your right to be a dumb ass will get you nowhere in a hurry. The DUI angle is a good one. If you put enough love on them you might get MADD in your corner. ;)

[kk610lt]

Wow.....a simple thread on waving and an argument is hatched in there somewhere.
I don't have the time for it....life is too short. Wave...don't wave. Who gives a f**k?

[Scottly]

That's what you need to protest. If you're not a member of AMA, join! ................... The DUI angle is a good one. If you put enough love on them you might get MADD in your corner. ;)


I am sitting here looking at my 23 year pin. :-) 2 more and I am chrtered life member...yippie!!

Anyway, I approached the DUI thing with MADD. My proposal was to leave first time offenses as they stand, but make second and more MUCH stiffer.

Bottom line: When half the legislature is getting cases of free booze from the alcohol lobby, that ain't gonna happen. :-)

Hey, I'll keep fighting....got nothing to lose.

[gglove]

I wave almost always unless I feel it would be unsafe to do so. I would rather be called rude or a BMW snob then a statistic :D

[jvfowler]

Ok I didn't read everything here but I want to put my 2cents in.
We should not fine these guys just require them to have a donor card signed. The only problem is they may mess up some of their organs but there should be a few left.

As for waving what the hey. Some do some don't but they all like being asked!

[jayjacobson]

....Do you really think the government gives a damn about your right to ride with or without a helmet?
Nope......... the insurance lobbyist saw it as an opportunity to get a "foothold" for required insurance laws....
Thank you, Hans! YOU, my friend, just swerved into the ultimate truth. When ANY worthless hack tells you, "I just wanna help you." HEAR, "I just wanna F'K you!" :v:
Ok I didn't read everything here but I want to put my 2cents in.
We should not fine these guys just require them to have a donor card signed. The only problem is they may mess up some of their organs but there should be a few left.

As for waving what the hey. Some do some don't but they all like being asked!
JV, you stole Cookie's bug! :eek: :D

[mjordans2000]

Back to the original post: Mike, I've noticed on my cross country rides that who will wave back to who is more of a regional thing than brand snobbery. In some areas my waves are pretty much ignored by the majority of riders. In other areas I encounter so many waves I honestly get a little tired of it. During my last ride through the Showlow/ White Mountains area of Arizona I was shocked when virtually every Harley I passed gave big friendly waves. That just doesn't happen where I normally ride.

[SilverBuffalo]

Crying because the state is infringing on your right to be a dumb ass
:wave

[HDusenbery]

Originally: A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments. Anit-helmet law. That's their roots.

Yes, they have progressed to other areas. I am sorry for referring to them as only a helmet-law group.

ABATE has done a lot of good int he motorcycling world. Keep up the good work.


Gee so many explainations for ABATE. You need to figure out are you talking about
"A"BATE or abate. Can be a big difference there.

Anyway

ABATE = Alcholic Beverages At The Events

[VADIVER]

I only wave at ABATE members. :wave

[Bob1200rtc1]

I wave to motorcycles,scooters and even kids on bicycles some times. I don't care if they wave back. I like to do it. And for the record, I like being a 'dumb ass'. Makes me happy and thats where it's at.

[jayjacobson]

....And for the record, I like being a 'dumb ass'. Makes me happy and thats where it's at.
:rotf: +1! :histerica

[SquidNheuk]

as originally a sport bike rider (still am :D ) I've come to be used to only waving to other sport bikes, scooters and the English set. Cruisers all just shrug me off or flip me off.

now I'll almost never wave unless i'm being waved at. and following the immortal words of Franco, the famous Italian Philosopher. "" What's a-behind me is not important ".

I guess age has brought bitterness, but it depends on my mood. If i'm riding the roads and cutting canyons, i'm too busy in the mood. If i'm casually traveling down the BlueRidge at 25mph taking in the sites, sure, i'll throw a hand up.

[Flint]

My personal favorite is the attempted unwave? If I am on the Burgman and out riding, the view to oncoming bikers/motorcyclists/etc. is that of a motorcycle, so when they see me wave they wave back. Then as we approach each other and they realize that they have actually waved at a scooter they will sometimes try to unwave? LOL This becomes really funny since I can only imagine how they must feel if someone who knows them sees them wave at a SCOOTER? A course my son felt that way too until one day last summer when we were out and he was on his Dyna glide and I passed him on a bridge on the interstate. Later on at a stop he said he was showing 107 when FAT DADDY went by on the Burgie.

Sometimes ya just gotta take what ya can get. Wave or no wave makes no difference to me.

Flint aka Denny Kintner

[Red_5]

I wave to all mc riders, when conditions permit*

*except for the popo and scooter riders (the last thing they need to do is pull a hand off the bars as they're probably holding on for dear life anyway (for the record, they've never waived in the past)) ;)


I'm new to the :bmw: world, but so far, I don't get as many waves on the LT vs the HD or DR (just an observation, I'll wave regardless)

[Flint]

Seems to me if it was really about an ego thing a person would be in a Rolls~Royce?

Flint

[Maximus]

Maybe the first LT guy was looking at an Eagle in the trees as you passed his line of sight. :crybaby:

[tonyn1]

Most of the time I do wave, but it does get a little tiresome in places like Deals gap on a nice day when everybody and their brother is out there, so I might not do so then. I like to do it more at times when there is hardly anybody else riding. Those are the real bikers you're waving to and not the fair weather variety.

[NCrider]

If I don't wave, please don't be offended. I may be taking a nap.

[jayjacobson]

If I don't wave, please don't be offended. I may be taking a nap.
Yes! The auto trans AND brakes really assist me with that. :D

[Twistgrip]

I don't wave/nod to anyone. I gave up all that nonsense about 40 years ago(been riding since ' 64).
Just because I happen to see someone else on the road,using the same mode of transport as me,means diddly squat to me.
When I drive my car/van/truck,I am very seldom the only car/van/truck on the road. I don't wave to any of 'em,just because they happen to be driving the same kind of vehicle as me. Do you?
When I'm walking,I don't wave to other people who are also walking,just because they are using the same method of propulsion as me,(legs!). Do you?

Twistgrip :wave

[Dick]

I don't wave/nod to anyone. I gave up all that nonsense about 40 years ago(been riding since ' 64).
Just because I happen to see someone else on the road,using the same mode of transport as me,means diddly squat to me.
When I drive my car/van/truck,I am very seldom the only car/van/truck on the road. I don't wave to any of 'em,just because they happen to be driving the same kind of vehicle as me. Do you?
When I'm walking,I don't wave to other people who are also walking,just because they are using the same method of propulsion as me,(legs!). Do you?

Twistgrip :wave
Being neighborly, friendly and polite is "all that nonsense"? Hmmmm - hadn't thought of it that way before! :rolleyes:

And to answer the "Do you?"s - yup, I do. Butt, thats just me. ;)

[barryRT]

Waving or nodding shouldn't be an issue, but I wave to all.

[BennyBob]

At the risk of sounding like a broken record; EVERYONE'S primary responsibility is safety. Whether in a cage, on a motorcycle, unicycle, foot, pushing a shopping cart, don't put others or yourself in danger! Having that well in hand, make your own choice. If you can do so without compromising your "primary responsibility" and you are so disposed, give a wave. Heck, I wave at folks all the time no matter what I'm on or in. That's just me. I talk to strangers in the grocery store. :wave

Don't wave to me out of obligation. Wave if you want. Don't be offended if I don't wave, there's a lot going on and I only have a one cylinder brain to process it all. :rolleyes:

C'mon folks, lighten up! I ride because it speaks to me on a very fundamental level. It's what I do instead of a shrink (cheaper and lots more fun). Now let's have a group hug and get back on our scoots. :bike:

[AlReich23]

I guess the current BMW society feels they are far superior than the rest of the riding public.

I always wave except under two conditions:
1. I'm at a major bike event, then I only wave at other Beemers because we're so few in number.
2. I'm traveling at a speed in excess of 90MPH.

[Dick]

Hey, Benny - :wave

[BennyBob]

Well, Hey there, Dick! Good ta see ya! :wave

[lafiredr]

If I'm not busy avoiding cage drivers, I'll usually wave. Plus as a fireman, I'm used to waving to everyone, little kids love firetrucks and motorcycles

:wave

[dfinazzo]

Can't make out if he is trying to wave or not . . . !!!

http://idisk.mac.com/dfzzo//Public/567.gif

[jzeiler]

Dan, Didn't Susan call them "Quick Splats"?

[gpolakow]

Wow.....a simple thread on waving and an argument is hatched in there somewhere.
I don't have the time for it....life is too short. Wave...don't wave. Who gives a f**k?

x1

[gpolakow]

Can't make out if he is trying to wave or not . . . !!!

http://idisk.mac.com/dfzzo//Public/567.gif
Yep. That was a definite wave. Did you wave back?

[bowlesj]

Dan, Didn't Susan call them "Quick Splats"?


I believe it was "zip and splat".

Don't think that one was much of a zip, but definitely a splaaaat!

[Ron_Kendall]

Yep. That was a definite wave. Did you wave back?Not a wave...I think he was trying to shake hands.

[jayjacobson]

Can't make out if he is trying to wave or not . . . !!!

http://idisk.mac.com/dfzzo//Public/567.gif
That was one hell of a "wave!" :eek: :D
x1
X 2

[Ted]

Newton's First Law of Motion is a beautiful thang...

[BMWrdr]

The only time I don't wave, is when I am in rush hour traffic. I will wave to anybody on 2 wheels with a motor!
However, recently I have been snubbed by a few BMW riders because I wasn't wearing full gear.
Siince it has been 100 degrees in texas this summer, I've been primarily wearing my Shoei, cotton long sleeved shirt and jeans. It has been to hot even to use my lightest riding jacket. I am aware that it's not the safest thing to do, but I feel the need to breathe! So I have been recieving more waves from the HD riders!

____________________________________________
03 K1200RS(past)
07 K1200GT(limbo)
04 K1200LT(present

[GolfGuy]

I have been on two trips this Summer. My Wife and I went to Wyoming, Montana area and I went to the National in Tennessee. I had read this thread before we left and my Wife and I discussed it before we left.

The highly unofficial results are in....The riders that consistently waved were....the Harley riders #1....Honda Goldwings #2.... BMW LT & RT riders #3........The worst offenders that almost never waved were the BMW GS riders! :D

They must have been to busy contemplating their next adventure. ;)

Another intresting fact....we saw more Harley riders wearing ATGATT than I have ever seen before! We actually saw very few Pirates on the trip. Actually ...if they had their SO with them...they almost all had gear on!

And the Harley riders(couples) were the most outgoing...they always wanted to talk a bit when at a rest stop. :) The wives were very intrested in how my wife felt about the LT....was it comfortable, etc...

The BMW riders were the least engaging.....which I thought was really ....different??

We are leaving next week for Conneticut to pick up a new bike and ride it home...I hope the Easterners are friendlier on the road. :wave

[Heli]

Is "waving" a North American thing?

Down here, we'll nod to other riders, and get a nod in return, but no-one would think of taking their hand(s) off the controls to wave :confused:

And in UK, the nod is more of a head shake, which is far easier to see (and acknowledge) than a simple up and down nod :p

But Harley riders seem to be the "Don't wave/nod" mob these days ;)

[DesertCoyote]

:wave X2---I always wave .... when safe of course.

Regarding waving: I wave at everybody,
if they don't return "the wave" that just means:
they're not enjoying themselves as much as I am.[/b]

[Toolman]

I personally think the waving thing is a bit silly. If you're driving a [insert vehicle type here], and see another [insert same vehicle type here]...do you wave at him/her? What's the big deal? Enjoy your ride and who cares if somebody waves at you. I don't mean to sound anti-social, I just think the practice is a bit silly. For what it's worth, I haven't seen it done anywhere but in the US. Just my 2 cents!!

[Ted]

I personally think the waving thing is a bit silly. If you're driving a [insert vehicle type here], and see another [insert same vehicle type here]...do you wave at him/her?

Mini-Cooper and S2000 drivers do :) .

[bowlesj]

Mini-Cooper and S2000 drivers do :) .


+1 on the MINI drivers, passengers, dogs, through the sun roof, everyone gets in on the act. :wave

[SilverBuffalo]

I personally think the waving thing is a bit silly. And of course you are entitled to your opinion even if I don't agree.
Living in the cities we have forgotten how to treat our fellow man.

I have noticed that the further you get into the rural part of this great country
like back woods Kentucky, Tennessee or maybe west Texas,
people in all types of vehicles will wave
even if it is only a lazy one or two fingers raised slightly over the steering wheel,

I've always thought of it as a neighborly kind of gesture.

[Ron_Kendall]

I personally think the waving thing is a bit silly. If you're driving a [insert vehicle type here], and see another [insert same vehicle type here]...do you wave at him/her? What's the big deal? Enjoy your ride and who cares if somebody waves at you. I don't mean to sound anti-social, I just think the practice is a bit silly. For what it's worth, I haven't seen it done anywhere but in the US. Just my 2 cents!!Way back in the early 70's when I drove a Corvette, Corvette drivers would give the "V" :wavesign, 2 fingers forming a V. Don't know if they still do.

[Dick]

Way back in the early 70's when I drove a Corvette, Corvette drivers would give the "V" :wavesign, 2 fingers forming a V. Don't know if they still do.
The Corvette club outta San Antonio, Tejas, holds an open car show here in Boerne once a year. There's a whole lotta wavin' goin' on that weekend!!

I bought my first of nine Vettes in '65; stuffed my then 5 y/o adopted daughter in the 'cave' with plenty of toys, and hit the road to KS with contestant #1. By the time I had ridden thru San Antonio, Austin, Ft. Worth, OK City and Tulsa, them two *V* fingers were 'bout wore out!! No place to stuff the T-tops, so waving out the window in the slipstream got to be painful at speed!! Loved it tho - and just like these days, I'm waving at every LT I meet on the road, AND most other models/brands too!! Failing to get a return wave is rare! Guess most folks love to have sumpthin' to git friendly about!!
:wave