It's like anything else in life: you'll be happier if you expect nothing. That way, when someone actually waves (or returns a wave) it'll be a pleasant surprise. That being said, here's my experience riding in Florida, when I'm on a specific bike:
- When I'm on the GROM, I wave to sport bikes, motards, BMWs, cafes, and Ruckus riders. I usually get an enthusiastic wave back-- especially from Honda and Ruckus riders.
- On a sportbike or supermoto, I wave to the same people and usually get a wave back.
- On a Harley, I wave to the same people, but don't get as many waves in return. That's typical, because Harley guys are usually dicks. I like Harleys, actually. But the old fucks around here are usually too concerned with looking cool and badass-- even though silver-haired stockbrokers and/or lawyers. Douchebags, in most cases-- unless they're rocking some patches and leather. Then, they have my respect and I stay the fuck out of their way-- lest we get into a gun battle.
- On a scooter, I never expect a wave from anyone or anything-- and rarely receive one. Scooters in this area are usually homos or little girls with baskets on the back. Ruckus riders are the only legit guys in the scooter scene and are cool as fuck. Always wave to Ruckus riders.
I also agree with the guys above that get a lot of waves from non-riders. WTF is the common look you get from everyone on the Grom. We're early adopters. We're out there winning hearts and minds and unless they're a serious motorcycle enthusiast that has been following the magazines, they have no idea what the Grom is.
Basically, I'm out on the Grom trying to do the same thing on any other motorcycle: I'm trying to have a good time and not die/kill in the process. I think the feedback on the Grom is mostly positive. I've had a few old fuckers on Harleys point and laugh, but they're just assholes that have a bad attitude. I think the Harley community is not what it used to be. It's worse. There are too many posers out there on the roads trying to be an American badass. They should just stick to Porsches and Vettes and stay off the road. They give riders a bad rap. And they need to start wearing helmets-- at the very least to stop the hair loss. There's not enough Rogaine in the world for most of these guys. Now, that's something to point and laugh at.
