The top 10 reasons why riders don't wave back

We Indians see motorcycles mostly as a cheap and efficient mode of transport. But out in the west, such is not the case, as cars are the primary means of getting from point A to point B, while bikes are generally only viewed as recreational machines, especially in a country like America. A case in point by the fact that the number of cars on the road out there outnumber the number of bikes by a much larger margin than bikes do cars here in India.

Out there in the States, since riding a motorcycle is purely out of a passion for two wheels, it is natural that the small number of people who do, have developed certain customs, say like waving to a fellow biker who's passing you from the opposite direction. And naturally, for a people driven by such a passion, they're also prone to a lot of preconceived notions about bikers who ride a certain type, or brand of Motorcycle.

Read on this for this humorous take on why various types of bikers don't wave back when they pass you. Though this is story is meant purely in jest, it is definitely representative of riders' perceptions in the west. And as you shall see, some of these perceptions are certainly not unjustified

Harley-Davidson Riders:

These chrome behemoths carry an air of pomp about them that is probably unmatched, and in the eyes of most others, their riders fare no better. The mere mention of the H-D name conjures images of motorcycle gangs, leather jackets, tattoos and about as much attitude as there is chrome on their bikes. And people generally have this notion that Harleys are loud, gruff and though they cost a bomb to buy, rather unreliable.

Top Ten Reasons Why Harley Riders Don't Wave Back:

10. Afraid it will invalidate warranty.

9.  Leather and studs make it too heavy to raise arm.

8.  Refuse to wave to anyone whose bike is already paid for.

7.  Afraid to let go of handlebars because they might vibrate off.

6.  Rushing wind would blow scabs off the new tattoos.

5.  Angry because just took out second mortgage to pay luxury tax on new Harley.

4.  Just discovered the fine print in owner's manual and realized H-D is partially owned by Honda.

3.  Can't tell if other riders are waving or just reaching to cover their ears like everyone else.

2.  Remembers the last time a Harley rider waved back, he impaled his hand on spiked helmet.

1.  They're too tired from spending hours polishing all that chrome to lift their arms.

Gold Wing Riders:

The Honda Gold Wing can probably be best described as a sofa on wheels, with more conveniences and toys than most luxury cars. No wonder Gold Wing riders are considered as he couch potatoes of the motorcycle world.

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.

Sportbike Riders:

Tell someone in the US that you ride sportbikes, and they'll either picture you as a hooligan on two wheels who would rather ride on one, or a race-suit clad wannabe racer who thinks every road is a MotoGP track. But this image is not exactly unjustified, mostly because of reckless behavior of a fair number of sportbike riders in America who would happily pull a stunt on public roads, dressed in nothing more than T-shirts, shorts and "chappals". Don't believe us... just check it out on YouTube.

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.

BMW Riders:

Most people would agree that no matter how superbly capably these machines are, they're rather challenged in the aesthetics department. And most other bikers believe that these "techy" or "geeky" machines attract a similar type of rider; a pedant who prefers to do everything by the book.

Top Ten Reasons Why BMW Riders Don't Wave Back :

10. New Aerostich suit too stiff to raise arm.

9.  Removing a hand from the bars is considered "bad form."

8.  Your bike isn't weird enough looking to justify acknowledgement.

7.  Too sore from an 800-mile day on a stock "comfort" seat.

6.  Too busy programming the GPS, monitoring radar, listening to iPod, XM, or talking on the cell phone.

5.  He's an Iron Butt rider and you're not!

4.  Wires from Gerbings is too short.

3.  You're not riding the "right kind" of BMW.

2.  You haven't been properly introduced.

1.  Afraid it will be misinterpreted as a friendly gesture.