Demise of the "Biker nod"?

[Andre]

Generally I agree with the sentiment about the young guys. Did meet a young guy the other day on his CB 1300. He is restoring a Honda VFR400 (early 90's). Also has a Moto Morini in his garage, which he picked up in Italy and rode home. Also told me about how much he enjoyed his ride to Montenegro (over 4000 km round trip). Obviously he has a taste for speed, but chose to ride the CB that day as he also enjoys just meandering. Showed a keen interest in the 14 (and this old guy).

[Mrg]

Yes I to have noticed that there is an element of bikers out there that don't nod or say hello ..... why  .... is it not cool to nod to fellow bikers  after all if I see a bike is trouble at the road side I will pull over and ask if I can help , even if it's just to give a lift or use the phone  to help ,,, hey call me old fashioned ....... I don't see my bike as a fashion statement ........it's my love  and the love of bikes  .... that's why we are here

[essexboydave]

I used to find all sorts of people would nod to me on the 14 including Harley riders but I do notice not nearly so many nod when I'm on the Guzzi although I do get quite a few disgusted or horrified looks when it's parked-I think that's par for the course with an evolved rat bike though As for younger riders I notice alot of animosity towards the younger hipster crowd on forums saying that they're just buying a lifestyle or only in it as a fad but the ones I've met and spoken with in real life seem to ride practically all year round, alot have no other transport than their bike, and many of them do all or most of their own work on bikes-now to my mind that makes the hipster crowd far more "biker" than many of the others!

[Kiwifruit]

Fair point Dave. I see a few youngsters on smaller bikes in wet weather, always make a point of acknowledging them. Bike was my only transport when i was a young fella.

[Mick_J]

Well I always wave or nod at other bikers on the road, last week I got two replies from the local constabulary 

[grog]

16 to maybe 19, my transport was motorbike. no car. i thought i hated those early starts, bloody old ariel for first year. bitch to start, wish i had it now. i guess i liked bikes, kept upgrading them, couldve bought a car. 18 yr old on new gt750, electric start, was in heaven. 14 th ks in 3 mths. i waved to mates, never thought about nodding to older riders. same applies now im guessing. at that age i knew every stat on every bike, read till my eyes hurt. im guessing theres young hipster bikers who dont wave, as much or more knowledge at same age.

[Granty]

A few of my mates have talked about this. We all decided that Hardley riders, Gs riders and anyone on a Dutwati (Ducati) don't nod back.
Its the same when you pull up or in a place when you have pulled up and other bikers come in.
Hardley riders show that they have changed money into noise but not motion and seem to think that because they are riding a Hardley they are above us all.
Gs's riders think they are have the ultimate go anywhere bike and because Euwan and Charlie went around the world on one that they are superior.
Dutwati riders always arrive and get off and look to see who has noticed they are on a Dutwati with a look that says " hello ive arrived I'm on a Dutwati don't you know" this lot always seem to have full Dainese leathers and race replica helmet.
All the above don't seem to acknowledge any other biker.
As for people on L plates I always give them a nod back.

[Mick_J]

A few of my mates have talked about this. We all decided that Hardley riders, Gs riders and anyone on a Dutwati (Ducati) don't nod back.
Its the same when you pull up or in a place when you have pulled up and other bikers come in.
Hardley riders show that they have changed money into noise but not motion and seem to think that because they are riding a Hardley they are above us all.
Gs's riders think they are have the ultimate go anywhere bike and because Euwan and Charlie went around the world on one that they are superior.
Dutwati riders always arrive and get off and look to see who has noticed they are on a Dutwati with a look that says " hello ive arrived I'm on a Dutwati don't you know" this lot always seem to have full Dainese leathers and race replica helmet.
All the above don't seem to acknowledge any other biker.
As for people on L plates I always give them a nod back.

I always nod or wave at all bikes (not scooter's), I also have a Ducati Monster 1200s and don't have race rep leathers or race rep helmet but still wave maybe it's just your lot who think they are special.  Cant argue with you on Hardleys or GS's though.

[seth]

I always wave/flash a headlight or the European thing if dropping a leg at other 2 wheel riders not really bothered if they wave back or not I just acknowledge them so they know someone else shares the same road and weather.
Mostly they wave back or acknowledge in some way .
😎

[KiwiCol]

I got 2 waves from Harley riders this last weekend, they were travelling together, I just waved & they both waved back!   I was very pleasantly shocked at the acknowledgement.  So, some of them are normal people who do wave to other riders.

[northern]

Here in Estonia, 99% riders wave or nod to each other. Regardless Harley or sport bikes.

I have theory, why in some countries it's happening more or less - it's all depending how exclusive bikes are for the region. For example in Thailand nobody will wave, otherwise you will have no time to deal with steering .
Here, where most of the time of the year, weather is not OK for riding, motorcycle is more hobby vehicle, than transportation. So waiving is like club "handshake".

Also, I notice - the worst weather condition are, the more friendly and enthusiastic wave is . Meaning: "Buddy, I know what you feel! We be of one blood, ye and I" ©

[KiwiCol]

You could be onto something there Northern, sounds quite reasonable.  The weekend, was a nice day for a ride, but not many bikes were actually out, in summer when lots of bikes out, not so much waving.

[Andre]

Most rider here will wave (or nod when pulling the clutch) regardless of what they ride. Can't say about the weekends as I avoid them due to many Sunday drivers/riders/cyclists on the roads. Just to many obstacles

[Daytona]

What I find strange is that when I'm out on the 14 I usually get a nod or wave,but when I use my little Suzuki Address ,moto gp colours ,I might add,i I've passed loads of bikers but it's as though I'm invisible to them, I'm usually wearing my proper bike gear as well as  a full face arai helmet,,,strange,isn't it..?

[Andre]

I saw an Address the other day for the first time. First impression was scooter with tall wheels. Not surprised bikers won't greet you.