What is it with Harley riders?

[TCJatko]

Regular piston planes need all the oomph they can get, so they run tuned straight pipes.
The only quiet planes are piston engined with a turbocharger OR a Turbine engine (jet) ..
The worst noise offenders are the Radial engine jobs (usually ex military), however I enjoy the Growl! :thumbsup:

You've obviously never been around military jet aircraft on takeoff.

 

[timswi]

I'd rater listen to the blip of a Harley than the constant scream of a Crotch Rocket..Noise doesn't kill, 160mph will,as I've seen. Living in the middle of nowhere, I hear 10x more crotch rockets than Harleys...And by the way, Harley guys hate those stupid screamers. As do I..Wheelies on the interstate and weaving between cars doesn't endear me to them..Try that on a Harley, ain't gonna happen. I'll tolerate the pipes as I'm the only one in my family without a Harley--I'm not allowed per SWMBO--:grumpy:

 

[TomSeller]

When 99.5% of the vehicles on the road have more than 2 wheels, those with 2 wheels have to assume no one sees them.

Vehicles don't have the sight lines they used to which doesn't help.

 

[DK35vince]

When 99.5% of the vehicles on the road have more than 2 wheels, those with 2 wheels have to assume no one sees them.

Vehicles don't have the sight lines they used to which doesn't help.

That's true, but loud pipes do not help with that.

 

[timswi]

That's true, but loud pipes do not help with that.

Actually they kind of do..I can hear them coming, or passing.

 

[npalen]

I'm thankful and impressed that, having started this thread, it has maintained civility in spite of some good arguments from both sides.
My old boss was a Suzuki rider and said that Harley's sounded like someone farting in a five gallon bucket.:laughing:
P.S. I would ride a Harley if I had one but not with loud pipes.

 

[DK35vince]

Actually they kind of do..I can hear them coming, or passing.

Sorry.
I'm just not one of the "loud pipes saves lives" crowd. I don't believe it.
I've been riding for many years, and I like my bike quiet.

 

[timswi]

Based on my experience and family riders...Harley guys are law abiding and not a pita to anyone..In order to afford one, you have to be pretty well off as far as it goes..Not all inclusive, but a fair general statement..Crotch rockets, not so much. I've never had a problem with a Harley guy, some 18 year old on a crotch rocket..I could write a treatise based on what I see every day.

 

[Thomas]

Come right down to it its not make or model nor pipes etc.,it's operator..common sense,manners respect etc. etc.

My HD has low mellow pipes,my chopper w/124 SS bored open pipes would wake devil,but as they say there's a place and time forever thing.

 

[Bird]

Apparently some disagreement as to whether loud motorcycle exhausts are a safety factor because automobile drivers hear them coming. A lot of car and truck drivers don't even hear the siren on emergency vehicles coming behind them. If they have their radio on in the car, there's good chance they won't hear sirens or loud exhausts. If they don't have the radio on, they might or might not hear a loud motorcycle.