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Post by xsyamahadg on Nov 3, 2009 22:47:17 GMT -5
In the October 2009 issue of Cycle world Magazine, Eric Buell took out a full page advertisement about the Biker's wave saying "It's ok not to wave back" Needless to say, it started a heated argument among bikers. I think Buell wanted to portray the Buell motorcycle rider as a special breed apart from the rest of the crowd. Here is the direct quote from the full page ad :
"Listen, we're not against waving in general. There are dozens of situations where a well-executed wave is in the best interest of all parties involved. If you should find yourself on the top tier of a parade float, or the deck of a departing cruise ship, or protruding from the sun roof of a stretch limousine, waving is the perfect way to let someone out of earshot know you care.
But a Buell is not a social networking tool. It's a performance motorcycle, and it's meant to be ridden as such. So the next time someone with an extended swing arm and neon ground effects waves at you mid-apex, it's ok if you don't return the gesture. Your hands have something better to do." End quote
I think he touched on a very delicate subject, some bikers are totally offended if you don't drop a hand as you pass each other. It's ironic that the full page was printed before Buell announced the end of business.
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Post by bill on Nov 4, 2009 1:32:46 GMT -5
I agree with some points he is making, maybe it's just the way he is making them upsets you?
I always acknowledge other people on bikes when I am out and about, most of the guys/ladies you meet on bikes will signal back, but some I guess are too far up their own asses to bother! (Mostly BMW riders.)
I guess if you have a bike cranked over in a tight right hand bend the last thing you want to be doing is waving like some distressed tourist caught in a fast incoming tide?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2009 7:27:37 GMT -5
I've had lots of people not return a wave and just as many times whe I didn't return the 'wave'. Its nothing personal, just depends on the situation. Like Eric says, in mid apex it may not be the best time to take your attention off what you're doing! If they take offense, then too bad.
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Post by marvinsc on Nov 4, 2009 9:07:36 GMT -5
I generally acknowedge oncoming riders by dropping my Left hand from the grip in a low wave. I have ridden U.S. 129 AKA The Dragon and there are many places there and elsewhere that removing a hand from the bar is not a good idea. I think the point Mr. Buell was trying to make is that if you are a Sportrider (which was His target market) and riding hard, you need both hands on the grips at all times.
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Post by bllyhen on Nov 4, 2009 17:39:47 GMT -5
In Northern Ireland we tend to nod to each other. As we are on the other side of the road the left hand isn't so visible so perhaps that's why we nod. When I came here at first I found it refreshing that bike riders acknowledged each other but on a sunny Sunday when there are hundreds out it becomes a bit - well - tiresome. If you come across a platoon of bike riders you could be riding one handed for a heck of a distance. I think safety and common sense should rule - wave when it's safe - if you want tpo.
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Post by 87fxlr on Nov 4, 2009 21:51:23 GMT -5
I most always drop a hand when out. If your not comforatable with it then by all means keep it on the grip. Safety first!
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Post by thundercloud on Nov 8, 2009 15:47:24 GMT -5
When this started,at least for me ,bikes were the minority. Now there are so many you can not wave to everyone. But back in the day,if you broke down a bike would be the first one to stop. Today they just wave,drop a gear and crack the pipes.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2009 18:13:53 GMT -5
Today they just wave,drop a gear and crack the pipes.
Hey, wait a minute. When that Harley broke down in front of me, I stopped. Of course his pipes and exhaust can were in the road so......... ;D
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Post by jeffe on Nov 9, 2009 20:04:22 GMT -5
So that is what that grip on the left is for...you use it when riding. I thought it was just for helping put the bike on the center stand.
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