I've rode Harley's for 30 years or so. I like them, even if they are slower as some posters mention; I did not particularly want a fast bike. Over the years, I have changed out the exhaust a couple of times. Went to a more open header for a while; found that it was not only loud, but open pipes only accentuate top end while losing lower end power. Waste unless you are on a track(found same with Suzuki GS550 I had at one time too).
I give the throttle a little blip when down shifting. A little, just to match gears. Do similar in car.
Been helping with my 101 year old Grandmother a lot lately. She bought her house in 1964, on a country lane. It is now a major thoroughfare. All hours of the day and night, bikes(not limited to Harley's) rev at the stop sign next door. Why do people have to rev their motor next to the 101 year old woman's house? When I ride, I play it cool thru your neighborhood.
Having ridden with a bunch of people over the years, I think it is a little of a few things
- Attention/Look at Me
- Mis-tuned bike
- Loud Pipes save lives theory
I have seen a lot of bikes(inlin-4 imports too...) that stunk when you were riding with the; mismatched cams/carbs/jets/exhaust. Being by them was nautious(sp) with fumes. They had to rev them to keep them running.
Re loud pipes save lives, I dont believe it. The exhaust is directed away from you; most people dont hear you until they are right next to you(Too Late). I've run up on deer even, with my old really loud pipe. Didn't hear me till I almost ran over them/almost crash.
I went back to stock header and a mild pipe. Bike runs better, gets better mileage and is all around nicer to ride.
Oh, I definitely detest loud boomer stereos more than loud bikes/cars...