Topic: I wave at everyone on 2 wheels....

[johnny_from_bel]

I have been riding a MC for almost 30 years.
In the early 80's one would not encounter many fellow bikers and a big wave was customary.
Today there are so many bikes on the road that I just lift a finger during rush hour. On weekends and outside rush hour everybody get a big wave. 99% of the time I get a wave back even from HD riders. I guess European HD riders are different.

Johnny-from-belgium

[Operator]

johnny, you are correct on that one!

HD riders are very different in Europe than North America. I found in Germany, Belgium, and Holland where I mostly rode, that it did not matter what you were riding, if it was a weekend, you would almost always get a wave that you could clearly see, even from across the highway median.

The other thing I will say is that many times in Germany, if I met up with riders at a gas stop they would often invite me to ride along with them. This was amazing considering that I was riding a 79 XS400 (the ratbike) with no signal lights, front fender, and running straight pipes.

[The_Crippler]

I guess European HD riders are different.

Well, yeah...they're the import-drivers at that point.   

[Operator]

That's funny Crippler

You also have to consider that you pay almost twice as much for a Harley in Europe as you would in the US or even Canada. You don't see too many blue collar workers riding Harleys over there. Most of the average Joe's I hung out with at rallies were riding older BMW's.....which I have a certain fondness for. I would love to get a hold of a late 70's R75

[72 yellow]

Someone at Buell must been reading this post.  Check out the ad in the inside front page of the October 2009 Cycle World magazine.