A question of etiquette

[Ozymandias]

When I am on the road and pull into a gas station or a rest stop and see another biker close by, I usually say "Nice bike." I am sometimes met with a cool response and I wonder if I am commiting some grand faux pas. Is it not acceptable to admire someone else's motorcycle or am I just being too sensitive?

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

To some their bikes are like their women, a sensitive subject.
But to most I've found their bikes are like their children and they want to talk about them (if time permits).
Just don't offer them any candy!

[Ozymandias]

OK, that helps. Thank you for the response.

[voyager55]

To sensitive.
But if they ignore you, say "I changed my mind, your bike looks like a piece of crap"
It's a good conversation starter

[trigger12]

When I am on the road and pull into a gas station or a rest stop and see another biker close by, I usually say "Nice bike." I am sometimes met with a cool response and I wonder if I am commiting some grand faux pas. Is it not acceptable to admire someone else's motorcycle or am I just being too sensitive?

I would just take it with a grain of salt. Bikers are no different than any other group. Most are friendly, but some are not. Anytime someone starts a conversation about my bike, I'm always glad to chat for a few minutes.

[hank43]

Could be some people are just a little shy,
I've noticed that if I approach another rider with a "nice bike" comment, but I am obviously not on a bike myself, I get the same kind of response. If I am on a bike, or have parked my trike next to this same person, they always smile and always reply with a like comment, even if his is a 30K$ Harley with a 10K$ custom paint job, and mine is a Kawasaki worth 1/2 the amount. I think the key here is that you are both riders, almost all riders will reply kindly.....
Kinda like waving to you as you ride down the street,

On another note, I was in a Costco parking lot last year, a biker rode past with a live parrot on his shoulder.....everyone smiled and pointed at him, and he smiled right back to everyone.

not sure what that means -

hank43

[David (N. Alabama)]

If you are riding Japanese, and they are riding American, and they have that "tough guy" persona going on, you should say "Nice Scooter".

[Mr Jensee]

I think a lot of it depends on where in the country you are. Here in Louisiana there seems to be less interest in the brand you ride and more interested in the fact you do. Seldom do I not get a low wave back when I pass another cyclist. Naked bike riders seem to wave more than dresser riders but the wave is there. I often visit the Harley shop on weekends and nobody has complained or gave me a bad comment about my Voyager. There are usually a hundred or more bikes there on Saturdays. South Louisiana is a very friendly and social state. All bikers are encouraged to participate in poker runs and all makes and types are welcome. I cannot speak for other parts of the USA.

[trigger12]

I've noticed that I get more low waves from passing bikers, when I'm on my Voyager. Also, bikers will stop & chat when I pull in a gas station or a store. Maybe it's because voyagers are kind of rare, compared to GWs & HDs?

[David (N. Alabama)]

I think a lot of it depends on where in the country you are. Here in Louisiana there seems to be less interest in the brand you ride and more interested in the fact you do. Seldom do I not get a low wave back when I pass another cyclist. Naked bike riders seem to wave more than dresser riders but the wave is there. I often visit the Harley shop on weekends and nobody has complained or gave me a bad comment about my Voyager. There are usually a hundred or more bikes there on Saturdays. South Louisiana is a very friendly and social state. All bikers are encouraged to participate in poker runs and all makes and types are welcome. I cannot speak for other parts of the USA.

The worst state I have been in is Ohio with regard to disdain for anything that is not a cruiser and especially not a Harley.