I’ve been riding motorbikes on the road for about 22 years or so. I’ve owned Suzukis, a big & heavy Kawasaki GPz900 (was a great bike though!), and a couple of Ducati’s. I currently ride a Ducati 900SS. It is not unusual at all to be riding your bike, stop at the lights and when another bike pulls up alongside you have a little chat. Normally something like- “G’day mate” – “Hi” – “Nice bike” – “Thanks. Did you see that wanker in the Nissan Silvia?”  etc etc

Or perhaps you’ll be riding along and you see a bike travelling in the other direction – it’s perfectly normal to give and recieve a little nod. I guess it’s just a little way to acknowledge the other person’s choice of transport or something.

Unless the other bike in question is a Harley Davidson. I can count the number of times a Harley rider has acknowledged my existence on one hand. In fact, on one finger. Once, at the lights, I said hello (as I usually do) and the Harley rider actually replied. I swear, it’s the first and only time its ever happened.

And it’s not just greetings that Harley riders often can’t manage, but common courtesy. For example, let’s say you’re riding on the road and you happen to end up riding in a group of a couple or more riders. It is common sense that the lead rider should assume the primary position on the road – the position that provides the rider with the greatest visibility and safety. The second rider would then usually assume the next-favoured position – ideally in such a way that the lead rider can see them in their mirrors if need be. It’s common sense. It’s courtesy. It doesn’t matter if you know the guy/girl on the bike in front of you.

But, again, my experience has been that Harley riders typically have the brains of a mung fish. They will try and intimidate you. You’ll be riding along and some dick on his Harley splits the lane, cuts you off and slows down. And they expect you’ll bend over and think “oh, well it is a Harley – I’ll let him go”. Wankers.

Now, I know for a fact that not all Harley riders are like this. It would be ridiculous to suggest so. All I’m saying is 22 years of riding. Countless friendly riders of Japanese/Italian/British bikes. One friendly Harley rider.

Therefore, if you ride a Harley Davidson – there’s a much higher than average chance that you’re a dickhead.