6 Rules Of Harley-Davidson Etiquette

The community of Harley-Davidson owners is like none other. It’s the kind of brotherhood and club you don’t just buy yourself into, it’s one you earn to be a part of. Any Harley biker out there worth their salt knows and respects this legendary brotherhood. As with all things good in life, being part of this brotherhood of Harley riders comes with a bunch of responsibility and rules you must always follow! It’s not about fitting in, it’s about showing mutual respect!

1. The Two-Finger Wave

This is perhaps the most known sign of a Harley rider. It’s something not just people outside the Harley community, but even outside the “brethren of bikers” recognize. The sign is flashed by Harley riders at other Harley riders. It basically looks like a peace-sign, but upside down. It doesn’t mean that Harley riders are anti-peace.

It’s just a friendly reminder to your fellow Harley brother.
A reminder that they must keep both their wheels down. Harleys are machines meant to be enjoyed a certain way, and doing stunts on public roads is no part of it. The sign is also a show of mutual concerned for your fellow Harley brother, reminding them to always ride safe!

2. The Ride Along

When you encounter a fellow Harley brother riding in the same direction on the open highway, you just don’t zip past them. You ride alongside them for a couple of hundred feet, before you pass them. Of course, before you pass, you must always do the two-finger wave as your concerned goodbye!

Obviously, it’s no law, but it’s basic Harley etiquette. It’s a show of mutual respect, a way of showing them how Harley brothers are there for each other, no matter where they are.

3. Getting On From The “Right” Side

This one’s something that’s not specific just to Harley-Davidsons, but most bikes in general. Whenever you are supposed to mount a Harley, you should always approach the motorcycle from the left. Unlike the other things on the list, this one isn’t merely symbolic. It has a very real rational basis for its existence. The bike’s kickstand is on the left, so this is where your bike leans to.

So, the left side is obviously the “right” side to mount the bike from.
Moreover, mounting from the left will automatically have you put your right hand on the handlebar first. This way you’re in a better position to pull the more powerful front brakes, in case the bike starts to roll accidentally.

4. Rev Rev!

One of the great things about owning a Harley-Davidson has the music of its iconic exhausts play in your ears every time you ride. There’s no single thing which is “as Harley as” the sound of Harley exhausts. You can tell it’s a Harley before you even see one! It’s a way of knowing and telling that you ride the most iconic bike on the planet.

SO, when you come across a fellow Harley brother in the parking lot or at a traffic signal, you give them a few revs. It’s just a way of letting them know how you’re just as proud, as they are, to be riding this amazing bike!

5. Share The Hate

Okay, this one’s perhaps not an “etiquette” but one of those things all Harley riders like to do collectively. Unlike other items on the list, I wouldn’t really insist you do this, but you might as well!

We’re not saying that a particular kind of motorcycle is better than the other, but then we are.
Harley-Davidsons, of course, ARE better than those plastic-clad sportbikes that zip around on the roads. Even though of a lot of Harley riders may themselves own sportbikes, but while out with their hog-riding buddies, you’ve just got to treat them as your “stupid little” brothers!

6. Stop To Help

This one’s something you don’t just do for “Harley etiquette” or just while riding your Harley-Davidson. This is one of those things you can very often see Harley riders doing, for they are men of respect and compassion.

If you ever see a fellow motorcyclist stranded, even if it’s a stupid little sportsbike brother, you always stop and help them in their time of misfortune. If the need be, you also give them a ride to the gas station, and back. Of course, extending this courtesy even to the cagers isn’t going to do any harm to anyone!

What are some of the other common etiquette you’ve seen Harley riders following? Or the ones you follow yourself? Which of these do YOU follow? Let us know in the comments section below.

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