So..what is the deal b/w Harley v. Ducati riders?

[The Don]

If you're on the road, h-d guys wave because they think you're on a buell-shaker.

The two worst passing moments I've ever had were getting around harley-clones.  Both were ass-idiots.  This spring a make the beast with two backs-stick with a pillion, no less, tries to out brake me and runs off the road.  make the beast with two backs-tard got what he deserved. 
Can you figure what I think of MOST clones?
When you're out in the middle of no where and you pass'em, they wave; mutual.  Road trip respect from me everytime.  But, and this is coming from a guy who sold Harleys folks, most of the 'loud' guys are cling-on, 'bucks hopping, 'I'll take a #5' tattoo please, ass-chaped cube-dwellers who take orders from someone else all day.  They're dying for a set of balls but can't find them in the accessory catalog.  Horrah for the H-D/Sears Catalog of individuality! These guys throw down there bonus check on boob jobs and vests while there kids teeth rot.
ugh.

This is a sensational read, nearly pissed myself i was laughing so hard, if you don't mind I'm going to send this to my father in-law who is a four foot Harley head.

[CharliesAngel]

This is a sensational read, nearly pissed myself i was laughing so hard, if you don't mind I'm going to send this to my father in-law who is a four foot Harley head.

Hi Don! Great to see the "cultural exchange" has shown that there are more similarities than differences! 
Had a good laugh as well - glad that this thread has resurfaced - the MOB has some great riders (who are very funny).  Heart you guys!

[Princess]

... never seen a female HD rider NOT wave to me .... it's a case of machismo... they like to ride slow and enjoy the ride (like the rest of us)... but you know the rider in front of you who likes to ride slow around corners and fast down the straights... backs up the whole group... but if he has an attitude problem he won't want to let anyone in front of him. It's a competition thing. Nevermind I made it a gender issue. It's just some anecdotal evidence that I've gathered. No scientific research project to figure out if sex comes into play with riding attitude (unless of course you include dinner, dancing and drinking).

[ROBsS4R]

I personally wave to almost everyone.

In this order I normally get the least waves back.

CHP - Never ever got a wave.... EVER. I don't stop trying though

Scooters - maybe about 25% success. I think they are surprised that I am acknowledging them? anyone on two wheels are my brothers and sisters    [moto]

Harley's - I have about a 50% or success rate. The more Tats and less gear normally equals a reduction in wave success.

Sports Bikes - unless they don't see me I get a wave almost every single time.

[Princess]

Waves per demographic group:

Cages (when they ride on the shoulder to let me lane split): 0%
Scooters: 0%
Standard motorcycles: 5%
Sport bikes: 90%
Dirt bikes: 80%
HDs: 45%
Stationwagon motorcycles (e.g. Goldwings): 100%
Ducatis: 100%
Naked motorcycles: 100%

[ducnymph]

I try to wave to all riders I see and get mixed results usually with HD riders waving maybe half the time or so. My feeling is that no matter what or how you ride as long as your enjoying yourself and riding safely that's all that matters!

I've gotten some 'tude from HD riders in different instances. For example, like Duqette said they'll look at you funny if you riding on something other than a Harley. There's like this whole ethnocentric HD mentality. Whatevs. I don't want everybody to ride a Ducati. I like being a unique member of a group    My second beef and then I'll stop with the criticism: How come they don't incorporate safety into their brand image? I know Harley guys will make fun of eachother for wearing a full face... I think that's lame. For a company that has such brand loyalty they could probably influence people to ride safer. I went on a group ride recently and one of the guys was on a matte black v-rod. He was wearing a matching black full face, leather jacket, and he looked damn sexy! I think having your face after a crash is sexy. End of rant.

[Princess]

I think having your face after a crash is sexy. End of rant.

I concur! I don't have the money for plastic surgery for facial reconstruction anyways.

[sally101]

I went on a group ride recently and one of the guys was on a matte black v-rod. He was wearing a matching black full face, leather jacket, and he looked damn sexy! I think having your face after a crash is sexy. End of rant.

Meh, depends on the face... 


must-fight-sudden-urge-to-get-vrod..

[jimboecv]

HD's don't waive unless noobs.
Metric cruisers waive because they're not hung up.
Squids - mixed bag.
Scooterist's almost always waive because they're so happy no to be driving.
Motard guys BOW DOWN TO THE BIG MAN ON THE NINE-FIVE-ZERO.
Seriously, that happened to me at motogp last year.

[remy]

I've found the reason I get less waves from dirtbike riders is because they're usually too busy wheeling at the sight of another rider that they forget to take a hand off.     

[jimboecv]

Braaaapppp!