Scooter riders and greeting

[Tubbsy]

Okay, I'm a little confused....are scooter riders part of the biking fraternity or what? Couple of times in the last few days I have tried to be friendly to them, with them returning looks that can only be described as fearful.....or maybe that's just my overactive imagination.
:laugh:

This morning though, parked up next to a lime green (really:sick:) scooter at the lights in the city...looked at the guy because he didn't look at me, gave a big smile and said "Morning!" He looked at me, looked at my bike......looked at my bike some more.....mumbled something sounding a little like 'hi' and then tootled off once the lights changed.

Whazzup with that? Where's the love?:love:

[Gubb]

Can we have a KB wave?

[Mom]

Can we have a KB wave?

We have got a bitch wave :bleh:

[Tubbsy]

"Can we have a KB wave? "

Sure.....the Fonz came up with one for us...ayyyyyyyyyyyy

[portokiwi]

:2thumbsup I wave at everyone:lol: Or nod as that is more the done thing here in Auckland.... Scooooooters never wave back. Yes they get a big shock when you say hi at the lights.:lol:

[Burtha]

I'm currently on a metroscoot and confuses everyone, so I wave at harley gangs esp when I'm all in pink!

In general though, I find bikers are more wavey than scooter riders. But scooter riders go green and giggly when they talk to me, cos she is so big a purdy, tis quite funny.

[Tubbsy]

Ok, so it's not just me on my super cool Hysoung Comet. Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy :banana:

[snuffles]

They fucking not part of my biking fraternity:Pokey:

Fuckwits should get off the road and get a car or man up and buy a real bike.

[MarkH]

:2thumbsup I wave at everyone:lol: Or nod as that is more the done thing here in Auckland.... Scooooooters never wave back. Yes they get a big shock when you say hi at the lights.:lol:

I'll wave back to ya.:wavey:

[Big Dave]

I don't wave in town. Get over it.

I do say g'day at the traffic lights.

[Mystic13]

They fucking not part of my biking fraternity:Pokey:

Fuckwits should get off the road and get a car or man up and buy a real bike.



So who hasn't had their caffeine or share of love today?



They're bikers just like the rest of us. And yep I always wave. (edit: but not in town) And when you pass a scooter out of town and wave for some reason scooter riders can be bloody enthusiastic wavers. Maybe it's because some riders didn't get any...

caffeine that morning and don't wave to them or whatever. But it has two wheels, it leans in corners, it lane splits, it rebels against the cage. Yep they're like us and part of the family.

The family is a bit small to start casting out members because they're young and pimply scooters or overweight drawling Harleys or ADHD Red Bull induced young adult GSXR's.

And the last time I looked you buy them at bike shops.

A lack of caffeine or s... is not a good reason to not wave at our fellow scooter bikers.

Oh, and if you don't wave out on the road because you think you've got bigger balls, then man up and have the balls to wave. They're family. You may not like having teenagers around because they can be a little odd or a little different but they're still part of the family as scooters are.

To mis quote JFK "Ask not how we are different, ask how we are the same!".

_______________________

We're all drifting off course to waving though. The original post was about some person on a scooter who didn't want to talk at the lights. It's either caffeine, sex,... they're just not into talking to people... they've done it before and missed the light change and had cars whizz past. Who knows why? it just happens.

[MidnightMike]

They fucking not part of my biking fraternity:Pokey:

Fuckwits should get off the road and get a car or man up and buy a real bike.

I think you might find that there is quite a few people with bikes and scooters.

I'm one of them, the scooters used for commuting and zipping around town.

And the bikes for rides on the weekends etc.

All good.

[Tubbsy]

I agree with Mystic13, we all get near misses from 'cagers'.....too small a fraternity to be casting people out.

Any scooter riders on here, you're part of the gang :chase: (the 'two wheel gang'), wave back and don't be afraid to say hi! :niceone:

[Blackshear]

when you pass a scooter out of town and wave for some reason scooter riders can be bloody enthusiastic wavers.

Reminds me when some crazy wench in a tank top and jeans was almost over the handlebars waving back, with both hands :lol:

[Sky-hi]

I ride a scooter for commuting in auckland and I always nod or wave to scooter riders and bikers alike. Scooter riders only seem to wave back if they're on exactly the same scooter as me. Bike riders HARDLY EVER wave back. In fact I've had one shake his head at me and one give me the finger..

[want-a-harley]

Scooter riders always seem to be shitting themselves or too cool (momo helmet, goggles, scarf etc) so just leave them to it. That said I only get a wave or a nod back from about 1/4 (at most) riders, maybe noone likes the ginny.

[Mully]

with them returning looks that can only be described as fearful.....


Scared of a Hyosung??

:lol:

[MarkH]

Reminds me when some crazy wench in a tank top and jeans was almost over the handlebars waving back, with both hands :lol:

Kinda obvious question I know but - was she hot?

[Tubbsy]

Scared of a Hyosung??

:lol:


Yes, probably 'very' scared of the Hyosung. :rockon:

He he he.....it really does ride very well.:2thumbsup

[UberRhys]

Scared of a Hyosung??

:lol:


Yes, probably 'very' scared of the Hyosung. :rockon:

He he he.....it really does ride very well.:2thumbsup



Teeheehee... :rofl::rofl: Are you sure it does...:ride:

[DangerMice]

So far I've had a harley and a gixxer give me a wave so I'm not sure where I stand! :lol:

My wheels may be smaller than yours, but there are still only 2 of them. Buses do seem extra keen to squash me like a bug though.... :whistle:

[allycatz]

Bugger waving...takes me all me time to keep verticle:yes:

[klingon]

I've had all sorts of reactions when I try to say 'hi' to scooter riders at traffic lights. The best one was a young Indian guy who looked absolutely horrified and said "you're a GIRL!" Yes thanks, I had noticed that when I looked in the mirror this morning.

Most of them I can't even get their attention to say hello - they often seem to be very studiously looking in the other direction and avoiding eye contact.

Doesn't put me off though, I always glance over when I pull up alongside someone at the lights and if they glance back I give them a nod. Actually I do the same with human-powered bikes too. I just like being sociable when I'm commuting.

[scootnz]

What an exciting topic.

I don't wave in town (unless I actually know them, which does happen a bit in Wellington).

I do wave on the open road (if there aren't many bikers) unless they're going the opposite direction at half the speed of light...

And I studiously ignored whoever was in the car next to me at the Taranaki St / Buckle St intersection saying "pssst pssst" trying to get my attention.

I do say 'gidday' to bikers at the bike park at work.

I've spoken to two scooterists at red lights in the last month to tell them their back tyre needs more air.

And yesterday I really wanted to talk to the guy riding a moped with:
jandals
shorts
tshirt
no gloves
helmet
SCARF!

but I was at a cafe freezing while he went through the intersection.




I've had all sorts of reactions when I try to say 'hi' to scooter riders at traffic lights. The best one was a young Indian guy who looked absolutely horrified and said "you're a GIRL!" Yes thanks, I had noticed that when I looked in the mirror this morning.

Most of them I can't even get their attention to say hello - they often seem to be very studiously looking in the other direction and avoiding eye contact.

Doesn't put me off though, I always glance over when I pull up alongside someone at the lights and if they glance back I give them a nod. Actually I do the same with human-powered bikes too. I just like being sociable when I'm commuting.

[Danae]

I don't usually wave to anyone around town, unless they wave first. You never know some bikers' attitudes towards scooters. When I'm riding pillion on the VFR I like to wave or nod. B: And what's this KB wave? I'm still quite newbish. :sweatdrop

[XRVrider]

I'll talk to anyone on a bike, but if its a young buck on a scoot then they dont generally seem too open and look like they want to nod, wave etc..

But there's always exceptions to that, and once in a blue moon even a harley tractor driver will show some interest in someone other than themselves.

My scooter life is only beginning, well sort of, had one scoot before but almost no-one waves or nod at scoots in London :bye: So I will find out how friendly bigger bike riders are after being one for 20 years. Most bike riders are alright in NZ, but some to seem to think they are hard :2guns:

[FJRider]

And what's this KB wave? I'm still quite newbish. :sweatdrop

its a secret.... shhhhhh...

[Robbo]

I think you might find that there is quite a few people with bikes and scooters.

I'm one of them, the scooters used for commuting and zipping around town.

And the bikes for rides on the weekends etc.

All good.

Well said MM as i also have a scoot in my stable and have a lot of fun on it.
I thing snuffles was having a superiority moment.

[insane1]

does a 650 burger qualify as a scooter.

[FJRider]

does a 650 burger qualify as a scooter.

Of course.... it has two wheels hasn't it... :whistle:

[Robbo]

does a 650 burger qualify as a scooter.

I think you'd probably class it as a scooter on steriods

[Pogo2]

People need to remember that just because your bike has chain, belt or shaft drive it doesn't instantly make you a better person or rider. We have all seen fuckwits on the road be it motorcyclists or scooterists. It all about attitude - good or bad and neither camp has a monopoly to claim the moral high ground.

Yes some moped riders should be shot but then again there are a equal number "real riders" that should meet the same fate.

Not all scooterists are stereotypical.

Guarantee I'll wave to you before you to me - but thats me!

[davereid]

Okay, I'm a little confused....are scooter riders part of the biking fraternity or what? Couple of times in the last few days I have tried to be friendly to them, with them returning looks that can only be described as fearful.....or maybe that's just my overactive imagination.


It really is your imagination... Lots of guys like me have several bikes, but we commute on a scooter.

Why wear the classic knucklehead or the modern jappa out going to the slave pit ?

Maybe the scooter rider thought - "gee I pay $77 a year rego, don't need a bike licence or a WOF, and with the Malosi kit on my 2-stroke moped I could waste that guy on the 250.. but he need a WOF.. he pays a fortune in rego.. and his chain is fucked... look away, pretend you don't care..."

At least, thats what I think.

[allycatz]

Well having learned all the "things not to do when learning to ride " Im on a scooter getting me confidence back. I like to keep both hands on the handlebars so I brake properly

[Danae]

I got a nod from a biker coming the other way today. B:

[klingon]

... Lots of guys like me have several bikes, but we commute on a scooter.

Why wear the classic knucklehead or the modern jappa out going to the slave pit ? ...

Yeah my partner rides a two-wheeler with 1000cc for weekends and one with 180cc for commuting during the week. As far as I know it doesn't make him a different person when he rides each one, it's just a practical choice (and he seems to enjoy scootering just as much as riding his big bike).

[Shadows]

OK. Big generalisation here, there will always be exceptions including probably most of the present company...

The bulk of people seen riding scooters ride them to get around on the cheap. A to B kind of stuff. They don't wake up on a sunny morning and just have to go for a ride to nowhere particularly useful, although they might trundle off to the supermarket. They have never carved up a twisty road and probably don't even know what a line is. They are practical cunts who would probably prefer to drive a car if the budget allowed it, many wouldn't dream of owning anything bigger.

Most people who ride motorcycles are in it for the fun. Hoony kind of stuff. When it's all boiled down, their bikes serve no real purpose other than to provide enjoyment. They don't "need" them for transport although they might for release.

Some will fall into both categories but generally we're talking chalk and cheese. Completely different mindsets. Motorcyclists are perceived by people on scooters in much the same way as the average car driver.

I just ride around them like I ride around everything else.

[ICE180]

I always wave on the open road on my scoot to bikes and all seem to nod or wave back.
But when I overtake or catch up to big bikes on the twisties they get shitty dont know why

[MsKABC]

they often seem to be very studiously looking in the other direction and avoiding eye contact.


It's their inferiority complex coming into play. :shutup:

[insane1]

big bikes seem to get annoyed when they see me catch them in the corners ,and cant seem to loose me .must be my burger on steriods time for more power.

[MarkH]

must be my burger on steriods time for more power.

Supercharger + NOS?

[insane1]

power commander new yoshi pipe tune it to run on avgas?.

[Dave Lobster]

It's reasonably easy to spot the difference between someone riding a scooter because it's cheap/shit/easier than the car/etc. and someone who is into bikes and happens to ride a scooter to work in the week.

If there's a chin on their helmet, they're worth waving/nodding at. If not..

[rosie631]

They fucking not part of my biking fraternity:Pokey:

Fuckwits should get off the road and get a car or man up and buy a real bike.

At the risk of getting shot down in flames - I agree...

[Dave Lobster]

At the risk of getting shot down in flames - I agree...

In their defence, I don't think they'd WANT to be part of a cruiser type biking fraternity.

[klingon]

It's reasonably easy to spot the difference between someone riding a scooter because it's cheap/shit/easier than the car/etc. and someone who is into bikes and happens to ride a scooter to work in the week.

If there's a chin on their helmet, they're worth waving/nodding at. If not..

Thing is, one of the advantages of a scooter is the storage space under the seat. But most of them don't take a full-face helmet. So if you want to ride your scoot to work and store your helmet aboard the machine you have to use an open-face for commuting.

I think you might need a better test for wave-worthiness. :bye:

[Dave Lobster]

Thing is, one of the advantages of a scooter is the storage space under the seat. But most of them don't take a full-face helmet. So if you want to ride your scoot to work and store your helmet aboard the machine you have to use an open-face for commuting.

I think you might need a better test for wave-worthiness. :bye:

Mine fits two full face lids under the seat, and a jacket and back protector.

It's an excellent test.. cuts out all the mopeds and coops. :)

[CookMySock]

Yeah they look a little alarmed when an intimidating looking biker waves at them - what I do? what I do? :shit:

We saw one scooter dood on the open road with an open face helmet, batman mask, flapping batman cape and the whole getup. We were more alarmed I think, particularly after getting the full wave treatment from HIM. Well into the "WTF" category. We were tempted to U turn and ride with him for a while just for fun..

I think most people who have scooters consider themselves more a cager-on-a-scooter than a biker. Once they are on a bike with no body covering the frame - well thats a real bike then, and it feels like it too.

Steve

[DangerMice]

It's an excellent test.. cuts out all the mopeds and coops. :)

My little Jog fits my full face helmet, gloves and my wet weather gear under the seat, (but I don't leave anything in it except the w/w gear in case some filth decides to abscond with it), so I say yes good test, cause then I might get some return waves :laugh:


...flapping batman cape....

Damn I've got to get me a cape I think, it might make everyone else laugh so much they'll forget they are supposed to be trying to kill me



I think most people who have scooters consider themselves more a cager-on-a-scooter than a biker.

That's probably true to a certain extent, especially for the "I only use it for weekday commuting" crowd, and to be honest that's where I started out. But man, only until that first ride. I love my scooter now. Its sooooo much fun and perfect for what I want it for. I haven't driven my car at all since I got it.

[rosie631]

In their defence, I don't think they'd WANT to be part of a cruiser type biking fraternity.

LOL> That's probably true

[allycatz]

Yeah I love my wee scooter too...honda 50. Was advised to get it after slight loss of confidence learning to ride 250. Ultimately want to commute to work frm Kapti to Levin. So its either get a bigger scoot or get me arse back on a bike...either way I have to get licence

[MarkH]

So its either get a bigger scoot or get me arse back on a bike...

For the bigger scoots there are quite a number of choices:
Suzuki AN125
Suzuki Burgman 250/400/650
Yamaha Majesty 250/?
Honda Dylan
Honda Silverwing 400/600
Hyosung 250
Sym 250/300/heaps more
Vespa 150/200/250
etc.

I know my Burgman 400 is quite heavy at 199kg dry, but it really is an easy machine to ride. It comfortably cruises along at any legal speed & a bit more (top speed on the flat is about 140kph). It is really economical if you take it easy, I have travelled for over 100km keeping the average above 28km/litre. The storage is also good - room for 2 full faced helmets under the seat, I also have a 35 litre top box and a tail bag (enough storage for a ride to the South Island to a motorcycle rally with tent, sleeping bag, bedroll, clothes, wet weather gear).

Scooters make excellent commuters with their weather protection and lockable storage.

[UberRhys]

top speed on the flat is about 140kph

140? Thats a bit lame flat out isn't it? My GT200 will get pretty close to that (GPS reading)...

[allycatz]

Weight is an issue for me...have a permanently stuffed shoulder and was one of the reasons found cbf250 too heavy for me (plus it kept wanting to ride into lemon bushes lol) Mate who sells Hondas recommended their 150. All comes down to the money too I guess

[Sky-hi]

I think most people who have scooters consider themselves more a cager-on-a-scooter than a biker.

the thing that sorts the "bikers on a scooter" from the "cagers on a scooter" is rain. The number of people commuting into auckland city on scooters PLUMMETS when it rains. I've ridden my scooter into work every day for 3 years and you see some freakin amazing sights by other scooter riders. Some people just shouldn't be on 2 wheels

[allycatz]

Rain doesnt bother me..you only get wet once. or as army friend used to say"what are ya, a bloody asperin"? "ya not gonna dissolve if you get wet".

[scootnz]

The biggest problem with rain is actually all the other idiots on the road who then can't see you through the raindrops on their windows, and if its heavy rain it is also a lot darker. You go from being barely noticed to completely invisible. Some intensely rainy days I choose not to ride for that reason, rather than worrying about getting wet.

[MarkH]

140? Thats a bit lame flat out isn't it? My GT200 will get pretty close to that (GPS reading)...

Yeah 140 on the GPS (about 155 on the speedo). That is with the Givi screen (150mm taller than the Suzuki one).

*shrug* if going faster than that is important then don't buy a Burgman 400. It has reasonable torque and power that gives it good acceleration. It would easily handle cruising along at 110kph 2-up. I really don't need to be going over 140kph anyway, if I got caught going faster than that I would have a bit of a problem with my license.

For my weekday commuting it seems to perform quite well and gets me around Auckland more than adequately.

[Dave Lobster]

the thing that sorts the "bikers on a scooter" from the "cagers on a scooter" is rain. The number of people commuting into auckland city on scooters PLUMMETS when it rains.

And bikes.. I see heaps of bikes on the Northern motorway most days. One or two, tops, when it's a wet race to work.



*shrug* if going faster than that is important then don't buy a Burgman 400. It has reasonable torque and power that gives it good acceleration. It would easily handle cruising along at 110kph 2-up.

Mine kept up on the cruiser run from Coleman's on Sunday, two up, without too much of a sweat. Lost a bit up steep hills, compared to bikes, but most of the time kept up without a problem. It easily cruises along two up on the flat at 130+. Not really loads left for overtaking.. but then it isn't a motorbike.

[Danae]

I'm a lazy bastard so I've only got my car learners'. So it's either scooter or bus. Hmmmm. Anyway I plan to get my motorcycle licence soon, and after that a 250. >D My under seat storage can fit a full face helmet with gloves shoved in.

[chasio]

Plenty of stereotypes here and not all riders fit them.

Some of us would prefer to cycle (rain or shine) to work until some bastard moves the office the other side of the city and makes it nearly 2 hours each way on a treadly or 30 minutes on a scooter. My GT200 wouldn't do 140kmh but I don't need it to as 120kmh is plenty for commuting. And the GT's underseat storage won't take a FF so it's in the Givi or on a helmet peg instead.

But the 700kms ride home from collecting the scooter at the other end of the island (while fun) got me thinking about doing that sort of thing more often but on a bike and a bit more gravelly. So I now have an XF650. If I have to do 700kms again, I'll be taking that! And yes, I have taken it out 200kms for some fish and chips when frankly The Codfather is better but the ride isn't.

I own a car and try to use it only when moving the dog (30kgs is not a backpack option) or the kayaks or the whole family.

FWIW I wear a full face, ATGATT and ride in all weather so everyone has to wave at me now :yes:

I'll nod or wave at anyone but I have kind of given up on cruiser riders unless they're on their own. Now is that me falling into stereotyping as well?

[Danae]

If anyone sees a girl in a white helmet with a black and pink jacket chugging around on a silver scooter, it's me so feel free to wave. :2thumbsup

[Dave Lobster]

If anyone sees a girl in a white helmet with a black and pink jacket chugging around on a silver scooter, it's me so feel free to wave. :2thumbsup

Doesn't that description cover most of the girls on mopeds in auckland? :)

[scootnz]

Ha ha!

How about blue helmet, grey jacket, orange vespa?

One of these days I must think about co-ordinating colours.



Doesn't that description cover most of the girls on mopeds in auckland? :)

[Dave Lobster]

Ha ha!

How about blue helmet, grey jacket, orange vespa?


Orange coop?? Avert eyes.. ;)

[DangerMice]

Hmmmm, black helmet, black gloves, black jacket, black scooter. How boring am I? :eek:

Does the silver reflective piping on the jacket count? :2thumbsup

[Blatman]

And what's this KB wave? I'm still quite newbish. :sweatdrop
Here tis:
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[Zerker]

It's reasonably easy to spot the difference between someone riding a scooter because it's cheap/shit/easier than the car/etc. and someone who is into bikes and happens to ride a scooter to work in the week.

If there's a chin on their helmet, they're worth waving/nodding at. If not..

Agree.

I'm a :scooter: rider for now. full face helmet, anything less is a sign your not aware of the risk's involved in riding (IMHO), or you don't care. My scooter holds just a full face helmet under the seat but as I usually need to carry/store anything else I take the helmet with me.

An accident is an accident, scooter or bike makes no diff to the damage you receive when you come off, take a run down the road and launch yourself face first into the pavement, did that hurt? so would coming off at 20km/h or 50 or 70.

I don't think I'm a motorcyclist or a biker, but I do think we share a commonality in the shit we take as road users.

I nod at other riders if we are both stopped or we are going by slowly, else both hands are covering the brakes and my eyes are too busy to nod.

I don't wave, I hope you don't find it rude but after many ignored waves I'd rather keep the hands doing something useful, potentially lifesaving.

Zerker

[Flatcap]

I nod at other riders if we are both stopped or we are going by slowly, else both hands are covering the brakes and my eyes are too busy to nod.

I don't wave, I hope you don't find it rude but after many ignored waves I'd rather keep the hands doing something useful, potentially lifesaving.


Yes - it's hard to wave and give cagers the fingers at the same time

[Zerker]

scooter has shitty brakes, needs both on to stop in a hurry unlike a bike that has the rear brake on the foot, you can take your clutch hand off and wave it around :P

now that I've been riding around town more I've noticed a large percentage of hamilton riders do actually wave, so I wave back, brakes be damned

[ready4whatever]

somebody should start a scooter gang just 4 laughs. imagine 20 scooters humming along among the cars

[Dave Lobster]

somebody should start a scooter gang just 4 laughs. imagine 20 scooters humming along among the cars

How fucking annoying would that be???

[klingon]

I've been for a ride with 120 scooters! It was great fun... except there were two of us on a borrowed Chinese import 50cc heap of rubbish. Funny thing is we only came 119th going up Chinaman's Hill. Someone was riding a worse scooter than ours! :gob:

The run was organised by Magnetos Scooter Gang. They're out there. Coming to get you while you sleep. :crybaby:

[gwigs]

somebody should start a scooter gang just 4 laughs. imagine 20 scooters humming along among the cars

They did in the UK in the 60,s they called themselves Mods......Riders on motorbikes were called Rockers....
They used to beat each other up:bash:

[Dave Lobster]

They did in the UK in the 60,s they called themselves Mods......Riders on motorbikes were called Rockers....
They used to beat each other up:bash:

Not strictly true.. Rockers used to beat mods up. ;)

Mind you.. who wouldn't??

[Gizzit]

Well said MM as i also have a scoot in my stable and have a lot of fun on it.
I thing snuffles was having a superiority moment.

I'm the same. I ride a 50cc Jog to work each day, and ride my Boulevard cruiser in the weekends. Best of both worlds.

.... and I usually wave to bike riders and scooters .... or I nod. Just being friendly and acknowledging a common love of riding on two wheels ....

[Gizzit]

Weight is an issue for me...have a permanently stuffed shoulder and was one of the reasons found cbf250 too heavy for me (plus it kept wanting to ride into lemon bushes lol) Mate who sells Hondas recommended their 150. All comes down to the money too I guess

I've ridden the Honda 150cc scoot. It's bloody good !! They are expensive for what they are, but are a very good scooter IMHO. I don't think many people would be unhappy with one .... used for the intended purpose, i.e. great commuter and around town / short highway use.

Good luck. :niceone:

[The Everlasting]

Around my area,hardly any of em will wave back,even if I am parked next to them at the traffic lights,they must be all snobs...:lol: