Difference Between Harley & Gold Wing Riders...

[Patriot]

Harley riders:

"Live to ride. Ride to Live."

Goldwing drivers:

"Eat to ride. Ride to eat

Harley riders:

"Loud pipes save lives. "

Goldwing drivers:

"Honey, will you turn down the radio?"

Harley riders:

Black leather jacket and chaps

Goldwing drivers:

Red snowmobile suit

Harley riders:

Black leather vest with chain

closure and skull and lightning

bolt on the back

Goldwing drivers:

Gray twill vest with trading pins and

Gold Wing Road Riders Association chapter

patch on the back

Harley riders:

Meets other riders at "The Dam

Ice House"

Goldwing drivers:

Meets other riders at Denny'

Harley riders:

Biker Mama on the back.

Goldwing drivers:

HER Mama on the back.

Harley riders:

Cross city ride ends at topless bar.

Goldwing drivers:

Cross country ride ends at Dairy Queen.

Harley riders:

National riders group meeting called "Hog Rally".

Goldwing drivers:

International group affair called "Wing Ding".

Harley riders:

Riding in groups of two.

Goldwing drivers:

Riding in groups of twenty.

Harley riders:

Ape hanger bars and (proctologists dream) splinter seats.

Goldwing drivers:

Big wide seats for big wide butts.

Harley riders:

Rolling thunder.

Goldwing drivers:

BarcoLounger with wheels

Harley riders:

Dew rags covering up steel plate in the head

from riding without a helmet. But looking COOL.

Goldwing drivers:

Helmet with headset and microphones, covered

in reflective patches

Harley riders:

"This beer is flat, let's trash the place."

Goldwing drivers:

"This cappuccino is cold. Let's only tip 10%."

 

[Slick]

At least the Harley riders seem a little cooler...

Which group are we trashing here?

 

[Patriot]

neither one...or both if ya like...just like funny sarcasm

no trashing intended...both are brother riders

 

[mdisher]

It's not Friday, why you stirring the pot?

 

[Patriot]

It's not Friday, why you stirring the pot?

guess it's the non conformance in me coming out

or, that's it, I'm retired, every day is Friday for me, that's it, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it

Mike

 

[C&C]

A lot of sterotypes are based on fact; seems to fit pretty well for a generalization. Pretty funny stuff. (as most of us are not represented here)

 

[RadioHowie]

Harley ridersew rags covering up steel plate in the head

from riding without a helmet. But looking COOL.

Sorry Mike, but your misuse of the word "dew rag" completely invalidates your post.

It's "doo rag" as in a rag that protects your hairdoo. It ain't there to keep dew off your head.

Harley riders are back in their "cribs" sleeping off their last "ride" LONG before dew starts to form.

Sheesh! :****:

 

[SouthernCruizer]

Those of you who ride motorcycles will know exactly what I'm talking about here. Those of you who don't - will hopefully learn something.

I'm referring to that secret "wave" that oncoming bikers may or may not flash each other as they pass on the highway. Oh sure, it seems customary enough - two fellow riders politely saying "hi" to each other as they approach... but is it? Is it really that simple? Actually it's not.

I've been riding a motorcycle my entire adult life and I've been paying attention. And if you think you're going to get a salutation from just any biker coming your way, then you're wrong. Believe it or not, there are some very subliminal and undocumented rules regarding this situation - and I'm going to share them with you now.

Here's how it works:

First of all, we'll need to establish some terminology to make this tutorial easier to follow.

The person initiating the wave will herefor be referred to as the "initiator". The other person will then automatically be known as the "receiver," and if he responds to the wave, will also be known as the "replier." Note that any reference to said replier assumes he is also the receiver and therefore will not also be referred to as the receiver because otherwise he would have to be known as the receiver and the replier - which just doesn't make any sense.

Next, to avoid any unnecessary political or grammar faux pas, all motorcyclists from this point on will be referred to as "riders" and all persons shall be referred to in the male context, just to make it easier.

Ok, now on to the tutorial...

Equity and the Odds of Engagement

The odds of receiving a wave from an oncoming biker are first and foremost governed by the "laws of equity." This means that the more things you have in common with him the better chance he will engage as either the initiator or the replier.

There are basically three categories in the laws of equity:

1. Brand equity. This means that if you both are riding the same brand of bike, the odds of a wave transaction are increased.

2. Style equity. If you both are riding the same "type" of bike, such as chopper, rocket or touring motorcycle, then your odds are increased as well.

3. Helmet equity. If you both are either wearing or not wearing helmets - odds increased again.

To further illustrate this concept:

IF you both are riding hardtail Harleys and not wearing helmets, the odds of a hand gesture between the two of you are VERY high. Conversely, the odds of a nonhelmeted hardtail rider waving to a helmeted Suzuki rocket rider are almost next to none.

The Big Five

When a fellow biker is approaching, his left arm and hand will tell the story. Whether he is the initiator or the replier, the signals are the same. Following are the five main hand gestures you may encounter:

1. The Nothing - This is the "default" hand position of most cross-encounters. Simply leaving his left hand on the handle bar can mean anything from "not paying attention to the fact you're approaching" to "I see you but I'm not interested in exchanging a greeting" - to the harsher, "I see you but since we don't enjoy any 'equity,' I'm not going to acknowledge your existence." Of course since no words are ever exchanged to clarify, all the rider can do is simply speculate.

2. The Two-finger Flip - The most casual AND most common acknowledgement. Left hand still on the handgrip, but the index and middle fingers raised briefly. This one simply says "dude, how's it going?" Most of the time the receiver will respond just out of courtesy. Of course the whole issue of who goes first really boils down to nothing more than a game of greeting chicken - or whoever's in the better mood at time.

3. The Big One - This is the granddaddy of all greetings. Left hand down off of the handlebar and out to the side. Fingers may either show a "peace" sign or be spread open palm side out. Here, the initiator is sending a clear signal that he acknowledges you. Not replying to this blatant plea for hospitality may be considered rude - and could possibly be interpreted as a strong message of inequity.

4. The Dis - Left hand down and resting on the thigh. This could be viewed as a request to treat the opposing party as a hostile witness - ESPECIALLY if it is moved there while you are approaching. Dating back to the days when rival motorcycle gangs roamed the streets, this signal indicated disrespect to the other rider(s) and was clearly meant as negative and often times led to confrontation. Today, however, the old cultural significance has been lost, and could simply just mean your arm is tired and resting on your leg.

5. The Geek - Left hand raised high in the air as if to say, "Hi mom!" This one is specifically reserved for the new rider, who is "SO excited to be one of the gang!" Also may be seen being used by Moped or scooter riders. Recommendation: Just don't.

So there they are. All the secrets behind those mysterious motorcycle hand greetings revealed (not to be confused with the standard hand "turn" signals). So the next time you approach an oncoming rider, take note. He could be sending you a very intentional message!

 

[RadioHowie]

[bandwidth saving snip}

So where in your "manual" does :****: register?

 

[FarWestFastEddie]

Jay,

Is there going to be a test on this?

No, really, nice dissertation, you should stay away from the shrooms!

Though you left out the Harley only Low Wave, a subtle gesture

meant for other Harley riders, and a pure accident if the Low Wave is given to any Jap V-Twin or

V-4. For over 30 years I have long enjoyed the Single Finger Salute from most Harley riders,

its understandable, they are in discomfort, but cool on a hunk of iron, I am not in discomfort,

its a jealousy thing.

I like the High wave, because I could give a crap about what other people think, I am having fun,

and for the most part, I'll never see the SOB again! :yahoo:

FastEddie

 

[SouthernCruizer]

[bandwidth saving snip}

So where in your "manual" does :****: register?

**********************************************************

 

[Patriot]

Top Ten Reasons Bikers Don't Wave

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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 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 Sportbikers 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 acknowledgement.

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.

And Finally...

Top Ten reasons Metric Cruiser Riders don't wave back

10. New leather jacket was purchased at the same size as suit jacket.

9. Didn't know that the bike wouldn't fly off the road if left hand was removed.

8. Was looking at the handle bars wondering what accessory could mount where.

7. Was wildly grasping at some valve under seat. (3.7 gals BAH!)

6. Rider was actually pulling up black socks and pulling down on jeans trying to close a few air gaps.

5. Rider was too caught up in reciting his mantra 'Left hand clutch' 'Right hand Gas AND Front brake' 'Left foot Gears' 'Right foot Rear brake' 'And for Gods sake Both feet down at light'.

4. Waved after you went by. You just thought they didn't wave.

3. Was searching GPS to find local Bike wash.

2. Rider wasn't really waving, was doing wind airfoil test with hand and arm.

1. Rider was involved in trying to get new throttle stop to STOP.

 

[Silent]

I want my 10 minutes back :huh: :huh: :huh:

 

[RadioHowie]

Top Ten Reasons Why Late Model FJR Riders Don't Wave Back
10. New Aerostich suit too stiff to raise arm.

9. Removing a hand from the bars prevents him from downshifting to keep up with older, lighter, faster FJRs.

8. Your bike won't die and dive for the shoulder from a bad ignition switch or ECU.

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 YEAR" of FJR.

2. You haven't been properly introduced.

1. Afraid it will be misinterpreted as a :****: gesture.

Y'know, making this applicable to FJR Pilots was TOO easy.

 

[mfletch69]

I like the High wave, because I could give a crap about what other people think, I am having funFastEddie

I too employ the "Hi Mom" wave. It is just the most un-harley thing to do and let's them know beyond a doubt that I do not ride a real bike and I am not in the club.

 

[BwanaDik]

Those of you who ride motorcycles will know exactly what I'm talking about here. Those of you who don't - will hopefully learn something.........
Bla bla bla bla

A little slow at work today? :lol:

Nice summary though, I think I'll print it and tape it onto the inside of my faceshield for reference

 

[Barabus]

I like the High wave, because I could give a crap about what other people think, I am having funFastEddie

I too employ the "Hi Mom" wave. It is just the most un-harley thing to do and let's them know beyond a doubt that I do not ride a real bike and I am not in the club.

Same here. Too funny.

 

[happyPuppy]

Most local fauna in the PNW do some sort of wave, I noticed the peculiar GW species on occasion to do the "pillion wave instead" Same as the "Hi Mom" but the colorful lead member of the duo , often a male or a rare alpha female. The lead member, commonly hooked into the machine with HUD and such they appear unable to respond . A local and I suspect perhaps universal signal among some herds of the same type is the low wave. A favorite of mine is the " thumbs up" I am lead to believe it is because whey are riding and it is not raining, snowing or whatever mother nature throws at them, and they appear pleased. The dangerous one is the "Death Wish" signal , pointing the index finger at the other rider and moving the thumb like a hammer driving a nail. It shows agitation and proceed with caution. Recommendation is to avoid and do not signal back in the same manner as it is often seen as a provocative movement, and by all means if it is a herd they will often become aggressive if this signal is used to initiate contact. Another is a joyful low hand gesture, as if the hand was holding a bottle , with the thumb popping up. This seems to indicate the end of the days journey and a waterhole and place to bed down is spied ahead.

 

[FuzzyRider]

Top Ten Reasons Why Late Model FJR Riders Don't Wave Back
10. New Aerostich suit too stiff to raise arm.

9. Removing a hand from the bars prevents him from downshifting to keep up with older, lighter, faster FJRs.

8. Your bike won't die and dive for the shoulder from a bad ignition switch or ECU.

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 YEAR" of FJR.

2. You haven't been properly introduced.

1. Afraid it will be misinterpreted as a :****: gesture.

Y'know, making this applicable to FJR Pilots was TOO easy.

Now now RH - you got number 1 all wrong. It should be "1. Afraid that any acknowledgment might transfer Curse of Odot causing plugged fuel pump and bent valves"