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The Wave
A Word to Harley Davidson Riders - by Ken Wallace
On an ordinary day, any day during the week, I ride about 26 miles one-way from work. I always look forward to hopping on my CBR, and enjoying my ride home. During my ride, I encounter many other motorcyclists, enjoying the good weather, and otherwise pleasant commute. I pass one rider I always see, on a BMW GS1150, and give him that little motorcycle wave saying “Hey Bro”, and he reciprocates. As I continue down the road, I see a guy on a DR650, and the same friendly exchange takes place. The same exchange occurs with a V-Max rider, a GSX-R1100 rider, and a few others. One big happy family, because motocyclists stick together, right? As I continue my ride, I see a guy on a very nice Harley Dyna Glide, give him a wave, and nothing? A blank stare? Hmmm, maybe he didnt see me. I think to myself “That’s OK, it happens, no biggy.” So I continue on with my commute. I pass another guy riding a Harley Soft Tail, so I give him a wave. This time I got what could only be interpreted as a “dirty look”. Yikes! What an @sshole! Maybe he doesnt like my CBR. Unfortunately, they aren’t isolated incidents. I can reproduce this behavior in 99.5% of Harley Davidson riders.... and many other non-Harley riders have had the same experience.
I have to ask myself “Why are Harley guys stuck up jerks?” I’ve never been able to get a decent answer. The usual answer is “.....because its a Harley.” So? Its got 2 wheels, right? Its got a gas tank and an engine, right? I also get “....its the original motorcycle.” or “They made the 1st production motorcycle in the world.” BZZZZZ! WRONG! It is widely held that the Germans made the 1st motorcycles in the mid to late 1800’s. Specifically, Gottlieb Daimler is generally credited with building the first motorcycle 1885. Well before Harley Davidson. As far as 1st American production motorcycle, BZZZZ! WRONG AGAIN! The first American production motorcycle was the Orient-Aster, built the Metz Company 1898. Then came Indian, and finally Harley Davidson. So with that mis-information out of the way (not that any of them are good excuses) I still ask myself “Why?”
My instict here is to directly attack Harley Davidson riders, but thats not what I am trying to achieve here. All motorcyclist are essentially a big family. We’re all effected by the same things, poor traffic laws, lousy car-drivers, and legislation that curbs our freedom to ride when, where and what we ride. So the next time a non-HD rider gives you a wave, remember this: This is the guy who stood with you when restrictive helmet laws were being fought against, this is the guy is will give you a break in traffic when he happens to be in his car that day, this is the guy who is going to be the 1st one to help you if you crash & burn.
There’s nothing wrong with taking pride in what you ride, but ultimately, it not about what you ride. It’s about the fact that you do ride, that we all ride. So think about that, and give that guy a wave. If not, the only one you’re hurting is yourself.