Kelly’s Korner: It’s More Than Just a Wave
Last Updated: January 4th, 2021
We are a country divided. Not only has that grown apparent in this month after the election but also, as a microcosm, on the road between sport bike and cruiser riders.
This past month as I commuted on my Triumph Street Triple, I was struck by the total lack of response from cruiser folks to the two-finger signal we motorcyclists use to acknowledge one another. There’s always been some gap, of course, but the recent streak has been unbroken.
When the pattern started forming in late October, I decided to conduct a very unscientific experiment. I signaled every cruiser I spotted, with relative certainty that they also saw me. In passing and acknowledging probably 30 cruisers, I received zero waves in return. Zilch. In none of these instances was I riding aggressively or rudely; I was simply on my Triumph going to and from work.
Is this a case of us-against-them? The unscientific conclusion points to yes (the conclusion would have been a little more scientific had I gotten my paws on a cruiser and ridden it). And if it is, I say enough. Enough division, among motorcyclists, and beyond our small, shared world. When it comes to riding, especially, isn’t it more than enough that we are on two wheels, no matter the bike? Or scooter? To that point, I am one of the few riders who also waves to scooters; they have yet to respond. I don’t take it as personally because a scooter-riding friend of mine says these people don’t return the wave because they feel inferior to motorcyclists. Although, if that is true, I find it ridiculous.
Wave back, riders of all two wheels. Hell, and three wheels. Trikes are proving to be the next best option for people who can’t ride motorcycles. Sport, cruiser, adventure, touring, supermoto, scooter, trike — any way you look at it, we’re all still out on the open road doing something different from the mainstream, expressing our values and individuality through riding. That’s commonality enough. Let’s dispense with division and acknowledge one another.
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Heck I get abused for being an older female big bike rider, have heard guys say they won’t wave at 3 wheels – seems odd to me but humans seem to be addicted to pain rather than pleasure – but riding feels GOOD
As a cruiser I give the two finger pointed down to all riders I see. It means “keep the dirty side down” in other words keep your bike upright. Some scooters respond, some crouch rocket riders respond and not all cruisers respond. Sometimes you can’t take your hand off the controls to respond. I don’t take it one way or the other. It is a friendly gesture and since they probably don’t have any idea as to who I am or they don’t know what it means it does not offend me. I hate seeing any motorcycle or scooter cutting in and out of traffic speeding, you really never gain much, maybe a citation, but it does cause other drivers to anger, and take it out on me. So I give you all the two fingers down and have a great and safe ride. Tony
I have two Harley cruisers and a Triumph Thruxton R (a cafe racer). I have not had the same experience as Kelly when I’m riding my Triumph. Pretty much everyone waves and if they don’t I’ve not detected any particular pattern of type of bike. Perhaps it’s not the motorcycles but something about the interaction of the bikes and the city?? I live in Tucson. I’m assuming, Kelly, that you live in Phoenix but don’t know if that’s the case. I also ride a bicycle (road/racing bike) and have found that when I say hello when passing on a riding path nearby, the “roadies” rarely say hello but the more “casual” riders pretty much always do. Hmmm!
I just want you to know if I see you I will wave. I’ve been riding sense I was 18 on my Kawasaki. So now 41 years later on my h-d road king. I’ve rode over 180,000 miles and still wave everyday to anyone I pass. There are a lot of riders that don’t wave. I’m not sure if that are new and don’t understand or if they don’t think it’s cool. But I’m past trying to be cool. I love to ride and I’m going to wave.
Thanks, Tom, for the kind positive response. I’m happy to know people like you are out there on two wheels…gives me hope!
You have a good point there, Sandi. Maybe geographic region plays a part. Kelly is in the Phoenix Metro area. We’ll see if we can’t get her to ride in different areas to determine if the outcome is the same. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Nice addition Tony. You are correct; the actions of a few can negatively affect the whole riding community. It is a shame we can’t seem to keep the bigger picture in focus when we ride. Our hope is that through education and mentoring we’ll be able to be a force in changing motorcyclist behavior on the road. Time will tell. Thanks for sharing your insight!
You’re right, Janice, it does seem odd that we lack the ability to accept each other regardless of motoring preference. All we can do is be a role model for those who follow in our tire tracks. Ride safe!
I wave to as many riders as I can as well. I apologize, however, if I don’t return your wave from across the freeway. Between the torque from my slightly modified Sportster and the 80mph headwind, I’m holding on for dear life. lol I just don’t have a free hand to return your wave.
Ha! Nice one Daniel. Waving across a freeway is not expected, so you’re good! Have fun on your Sportster…stay safe out there!
I ride a cruiser (Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad); I wave at almost everyone, including cars, pickups, etc. I’ve never noticed any real differences between cruisers and sports bikes. But then, I live in little ol’ Wilcox. Maybe it’s different in a big city like Phoenix.
Ha! Great comment Rodney. We love Wilcox…home of Inde Motorsports Ranch (a staff favorite)!
We agree that smaller towns tend to behave differently from urban giants like Phoenix and Tucson. Keep on keepin’ on Rodney; two wheels one love!
Cheers!