6 Rules Of Harley-Davidson Etiquette Every Rider Must Follow (Amended and Revised)

Apparently originally written by Bassem Girgis, he MIGHT have ridden a motorcycle but he writes more of articles ABOUT motorcycles than he has pictures of his bike (you previously would have to go back to 2013 for a picture of his Kawasaki but those pictures have been made private or deleted):
https://www.hdforums.com/articles/author/bassem-girgis/
https://www.hdforums.com/how-tos/slideshows/6-rules-of-harley-davidson-etiquette-494339
(And the response to the article is HILARIOUS)
Obviously I am not the only one who disagrees, Oddman did a righteous job in the above response to the article of rewriting the rules correctly https://www.hdforums.com/how-tos/slideshows/forum-member-oddman-s-6-rules-of-harley-davidson-etiquette-494960#

To quote the original article:
"Owning a Harley-Davidson means you are part of a legendary brotherhood of motorcycle owners, here are some of the etiquette guidelines you need to know ..."
You are part of a brotherhood of motorcycle riders. No matter what you ride it is the same wind.
... And don't forget to ask for a Gremlin Bell for your bike.

Yet another excellent set of rules:
https://biker.report/rules-of-the-road-the-ultimate-guide-to-motorcycle-etiquette/

And finally my rewrite:

1. The Two Fingers Wave

When you're on the road and you pass another Harley-Davidson motorcycle rider, you will notice they will often flash you the two-finger wave; much like the peace sign, only upside down. This doesn't mean the rider is promoting world peace, it only means that they are showing respect and brotherhood/sisterhood for riding on two wheels. keep your two wheels on the ground. So whenever you see another Harley on the road, or any bike if you are feeling friendly, Be sure to Flash the two-fingers sign back when it is safe to do so / makes sense / your hands aren't otherwise occupied or just nod your helmet to acknowledge if you don't see it until the last second.
If someone does not return the wave don't take it personally. MANY reasons why they may not wave back:

2. The Ride Along

When you're cruising on the open highway and you approach another Harley-Davidson rider if you want to pass look for a sign that they are ready. If they are on a straight road and they move to the far right for a distance that is a sign. If it is a pack of riders wait for them to signal you DIRECTLY that you can pass. ESPECIALLY In the case of a Motorcycle Club or a Riding Club. You don't want to force yourself into the middle of a pack if you misjudge the pass. , you have to ride with them for a few hundred feet before going past them. This isn't a law or anything, it is proper etiquette to show other riders your respect. The H-D community is an amazing one, and if you're a part of it, you should be always be working on strengthening it. Just like animals travel in packs, Harley riders like to do that as well. So ride along in formation with riders for a ways if you are headed in the same direction, then smoothly pass them by and flash them the two-finger wave.

3. Getting on the Motorcycle

Mount up however you can, generally it is easiest from the left side. Grabbing the right handlebar brake may help steady the bike. You should mount from the right if you are on the side of the road and there is traffic on your left. This one could be a safety concern, but it is mostly just proper motorcycle etiquette. When you are about to mount your bike, you should always approach it from the left side, unless you want to look like a newbie. The reason is so that you can more easily reach for the handlebar and squeeze the front brake, so the bike doesn't roll (if it is in neutral). Finally, the kickstand is on the left, so the bike leans that way, and it's just easier to get without looking goofy trying to climb over it.

4. Rev Rev Stopping behind a rider at a red light and parking your bike

Part of owning a Harley-Davidson is the awesome roar it produces. Aside from the satisfaction you get from hearing your monstrous engine rev, that trademark sound is a big part of the community. So when you see another Harley-Davidson rider parked, or if you are stopped at a red light next to them, give them a couple of rev salute. It's just proper etiquette. When stopped at a red light, do not pull up next to another rider, this may make them nervous. Stop with your front wheel behind their back wheel, they may be turning "real soon". When parking next to another bike be sure to leave enough room for the other rider to be able to mount and push out their bike without running into your bike.

5. Share the Hate Respect all riders

The motorcycle community is fantastic and diverse, and everywhere you go, you can connect with other bikers. They are taking the same chances that you are on two or three wheels ... share in the community. Admire their bike as they admire yours. However, if you ride a Harley-Davidson, you are expected to share the hatred for plastic clad sportbike riders. Of course, if you were picking sides between sportbike riders and car drivers, you'd go in with your brother biker, but you'd still treat them like a stupid little brother. The weird thing is, plenty of Harley riders also own sportbikes, but when out with their hog riding friends they keep that dirty little secret to themselves.

6. Stop and Help

(This one I agree with, needs no changes)

Despite the sometimes tribal nature of motorcycle riders, if you see someone on the side of the road on a bike, it is only polite to stop and offer help. Sometimes giving a fellow biker a lift to the next exit to pick up gas, or find someone with a truck, could literally save their life. Even when you aren't riding your bike (and especially if you are driving a truck or van) stopping to help out a broken down bike rider will pay into your biker Karma. Then, when you run out of gas or get a flat, the chances of someone stopping to help you are much better.


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