The Wave
For all you non-bikers who are readings, we "wave". You probably haven't seen it. Heck, you probably haven't even seen a motorcycle in the last week. There are lots of different types of "wave"; it's more an acknowledgement than a wave, like a " 'S up" nod to a brother of some organization when you walk into a party. Some people nod, two fingers pointed to the shoulder, an open hand, pumped fist. I give rock, a clenched fist directly out from the bike. We were talking on the forum about the wave, and someone posted a list of the reasons that some people don't wave back. Here were the best two.
For you youngsters out there, the Gold Wing is the big touring bike that has bucket seats, stock hard luggage, an AIR BAG and sometimes looks like a giant 2000 cc scooter.
Top Ten Reasons Why Gold Wing Riders Don't Wave Back
10. Wasn't sure whether other rider was waving or making an obscene gesture.
9. Afraid might get frostbite if hand is removed from heated grip.
8. Has arthritis and the past 400 miles have made it difficult to raise arm.
7. Reflection from etched windshield momentarily blinded him.
6. The espresso machine just finished.
5. Was actually asleep when other rider waved.
4. Was in a three-way conference call with stockbroker and accessories dealer.
3. Was distracted by odd shaped blip on radar screen.
2. Was simultaneously adjusting the air suspension, seat height,
programmable CD player, seat temperature and satellite navigation system.
1. Couldn't find the "auto wave back" button on dashboard.
Top 10 Reasons Sportbikers Don't Wave:
10. They have not been riding long enough to know they're supposed to.
9. They're going too fast to have time enough to register the movement and respond.
8. You weren't wearing bright enough gear.
7. If they stick their arm out going that fast they'll rip it out of the socket.
6. They're too occupied with trying to get rid of their chicken strips.
5. They look way too cool with both hands on the bars or they don't want to unbalance themselves while standing on the tank.
4. Their skin tight-kevlar-ballistic-nylon-kangaroo-leather suits prevent any position other than fetal.
3. Raising an arm allows bugs into the armholes of their tank tops.
2. It's too hard to do one-handed stoppies.
1. They were too busy slipping their flip-flop back on.
Posted: May 10th, 2006 under Motorcycling.