02-21-2014, 03:19 PM
(02-21-2014, 01:16 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote: Well I don't think this subject is touchy like oil or politics, but it certainly is an individual thing. I started riding in the mid 60 s. Weren't a whole lot of bikes around then and it was common to give acknowledgment to fellow riders passed on the road. I still do, to every one ( even scooters and trikes) but not all riders feel that way. In this country a lot of times genre of motorcyclists don't acknowledge other genre riders ie: sport bike riders don't acknowledge tourers and Harley riders, for the most part only want to acknowledge other Harley riders, but this is not cast in stone and ofttimes riders acknowledge each other regardless of brand or genre.
Most acknowledgements here seem to be a downward facing " peace sign"
I believe this is the main reason why we wave. Back in the days motorcycles were few and apart. Greeting another rider was a way of saying it is cool we both have this one thing in common, as if we were part of a club. Today we have a lot more Motorcycles in the streets and many models to choose from. Different models are now associated with different type of riders, as in "we ride but we are not the same." We all own cars but we don't wave at each other because cars are plenty therefore not unique.
I am presently in a third world country where motorcycles are the means of transportation for a lot people and families. I wouldn't be surprised if they outnumber cars 2-1. Here riders only wave at those they personally know, as it should be. Otherwise it would be too tiring to keep up.
I am all for this practice to end in the states. Not because I am antisocial, or because I consider it unsafe, but because I find it unnecessary. As more Motorcycles fill the streets, this will pass.
Cheers!