Nixing The BS Wave
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,900
From: Oklahoma
Around here, too many good Samaritans have been killed by the people they were going to help. Sorry to be so paranoid, but I'm a product of my experiences and observations. I don't stop.
I try to wave when I can, don't take it personally if the other guy doesn't. I miss a few, especially on divided roads, when I am in a blob of traffic and I'm concentrating on that rather than who or what is on the other side of the median. Never thought of it being anything more than a casual pleasantry.
I try to wave when I can, don't take it personally if the other guy doesn't. I miss a few, especially on divided roads, when I am in a blob of traffic and I'm concentrating on that rather than who or what is on the other side of the median. Never thought of it being anything more than a casual pleasantry.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Sorry about that, I have stopped or at least slow down to check condition of almost every bike I see stopped.
I have even fixed other peoples bikes and put gas in there tank to get them home.
That is what brothers do and sorry you had a bad experience.
I have even fixed other peoples bikes and put gas in there tank to get them home.
That is what brothers do and sorry you had a bad experience.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: Northern Colorado
Florida...98x98...(temp. x humidity)...Bike sputters and dies. I push it off to the sidewalk and begin the diagnosis phase. Tools spread out, sweating my *** off, and I begin to count the number of bikes that go by. I'm close to a stoplight so pretty easy to do and still take care of the task at hand. 2 hours later, bike fixed, (lose ignition wire) and 38 bikes rode past, 22 HD's. Guess how many stopped? Zero0000000. In 30 years of riding have never not stopped for a biker in trouble. I got to thinking, "Why do I participate in the BS waving to other bikers". It's idiotic. The fallacy that we are somehow connected by anything other than being on a bike is crap. It's just not 1970 anymore and it sucks. The whole poser "we're all bro's on 2 wheels" stuff is embarrassing. Lets face it, just because you ride a bike doesn't make you any more likely to be a Bro than anyone else. I also drive a Mustang and I don't wave to every Mustang that I see,because, why would I ? I'll always stop for a biker in distress but,except for those I know, I'm nixing the BS wave.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 1
From: Orangetown, NY
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,188
Likes: 11,299
From: San Diego, CA
I recently road cross country and stopped for a solo biker broke down in the middle of nowhere to see if I could assist. He told me thanks, but he just called for a tow with his cell and was just gonna wait..... We chatted for a few, but I left as he assured me the tow was enroute.
I must admit, I haven't thought of stopping to help anyone broke down, in a populated area, for a few years. I was the last person I know to get a cell phone, and mine still just does nothing but ring and let me talk to people. With our new age of being totally connected, it's easy to assume that nobody is really "stranded" anymore. Before cell phones, 70's & 80's, I stopped all the time.
Now if it's an accident, I'll stop in a heartbeat. I have first aid/EMT skills and if the paramedics are not on scene, I'll be there to help the best I can.....!
I must admit, I haven't thought of stopping to help anyone broke down, in a populated area, for a few years. I was the last person I know to get a cell phone, and mine still just does nothing but ring and let me talk to people. With our new age of being totally connected, it's easy to assume that nobody is really "stranded" anymore. Before cell phones, 70's & 80's, I stopped all the time.
Now if it's an accident, I'll stop in a heartbeat. I have first aid/EMT skills and if the paramedics are not on scene, I'll be there to help the best I can.....!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 608
Likes: 42
From: Kingston, Washington
As I recall. a helmet behind the rear wheel meant assistance needed.
I have doubt most, if any would know what it means these days.
The good part is, those who know would probably be able to help.
I have doubt most, if any would know what it means these days.
The good part is, those who know would probably be able to help.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
NPW --- Did anybody at least ask for a thumbs up or down I usually slow down, but if I get a thumbs up, I keep moving --- unless you're wrenching. I'm no mechanic, but I'd at least stop & offer to run for a part or something. (I also don't wave. Amazing how many people here get all pissed off about it!)
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 293
From: Too close, Pa
Went thought the same thing years ago with a rear flat. Not one brother bike stopped. Then rode behind a freind one weekend who was on a triumph sport tourinkg. Several harley riders waited until they were past him to wave to me. That was enough I Gave up the horse **** wave. If I know you I wave.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: SC
l It's idiotic. The fallacy that we are somehow connected by anything other than being on a bike is crap. It's just not 1970 anymore and it sucks. The whole poser "we're all bro's on 2 wheels" stuff is embarrassing. Lets face it, just because you ride a bike doesn't make you any more likely to be a Bro than anyone else. I also drive a Mustang and I don't wave to every Mustang that I see,because, why would I ? I'll always stop for a biker in distress but,except for those I know, I'm nixing the BS wave.
While in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone service and a flat tire, several bikes rode by, looked over at us and kept on riding down the road. Some of them even waved.
I always stop to offer assistance whether it is a bike or any other vehicle. But on two different occasions, no one has stopped to check on us. Maybe it's because I don't do the stupid wave.