Community Forums

falconman · 03-21-2014, 04:59 PM

I think in the interest of public safety we should all remove the mufflers from our vehicles. It seems that most have already disabled the turn signals.

Teamgreger · 03-21-2014, 05:11 PM

Friends don't let friends ride stock bikes! The first thing to do is remove that restrictive exhaust. Respect your neighbor but if it's to loud you're too old!

Online_17 · 03-21-2014, 05:26 PM

Yeah...I don't get that loud Harley thing either. Been driving bikes for over 35 yrs. but hey, if they are respectful of their neighbours by not reeving the engine, then who could put down their choice for fun and excitement.... See ya on the highways!

jimmyjnr · 03-21-2014, 05:30 PM

So if we follow the argument louder is safer , let's pull the mufflers off , RVs , trucks , 18 wheelers and give cyclists constant air horns . Then we would all be a lot safer on the roads . BS

DSL417 · 03-21-2014, 05:38 PM

Agree with the earlier poster...safety is an excuse. Ride with stock pipes. Put the money in chrome. People will admire a bike chromed out a heck of a lot quicker than a loud ear-splitting set of megaphones...and just so we're clear, I told DW the same thing when she had her bike.

smiller · 03-21-2014, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fatfendr38

My wife and I both ride Harleys. They are loud and we like them that way. We trailer them into campgrounds. We never ride out early in the morning or come back late at night unless it was un-avoidable. We always "idle" thru the CG. We cut the ignition and roll into our camp site. Its all about respect for others.

I hate to break it to you but loud modified exhausts are obnoxious to many/most even when 'idling' through a campground. It's admirable that you at least try to keep it quiet but don't kid yourselves into thinking that you aren't bothering a lot of people. People who complain and cause bike bans, BTW. And don't think I don't understand bikes, I've been riding all of my adult life.

mikebreeze · 03-21-2014, 06:27 PM

Loud pipes hurt ears! That why, when I rode, it was a Honda Shadow Spirit 1200. It had a lot of power but was nice and quiet.

jamesrxx951 · 03-21-2014, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyjnr

So if we follow the argument louder is safer , let's pull the mufflers off , RVs , trucks , 18 wheelers and give cyclists constant air horns . Then we would all be a lot safer on the roads . BS

And no noise emissions laws. The DNR has them on off road bikes for public land also. I have been tested for noise emissions many times going dirt biking.

wackymac · 03-21-2014, 06:47 PM

If any of you watch South Park, there was a neat episode about loud Harley riders coming into town. It is funnier than heck.

power guy · 03-21-2014, 06:48 PM

I agree with most of you, that the statement "LOUD IS SAFE", is just an excuse to run with open pipes. Trains are loud and people still pull in front of them. What I find is most people don't like being called on rude behavior.

Lindsay Richards · 03-21-2014, 07:24 PM

By federal law, every HD leaving the factory is under the max decibel limit of (I think) 82. It is easily checked by a hand held meter costing less than $100. The safety excuse is generally pure bunk as here in Florida almost all of the loud pipe guys do not wear helmets. It can be avoided by carrying a "burial" policy of $10,000. Some jurisdictions actually enforce the limits. Using loud pipes in my opinion just shows a total disregard for you neighbors.

focker · 03-21-2014, 07:25 PM

I have been riding for over 40 years and have had many Harleys, lots of Japanese brands and currently my wife and I have several BMW's and Ducatis, a Yamaha and a Suzuki. I love all motorcycles and have a great deal of passion for them (in fact I run a Ducati website with over 50K members). Knock on wood, I have never wrecked on a street bike (but plenty spills on dirt bikes) and I don't buy that loud pipes save lives. Working on your skills by attending coached track days, taking advanced MSF classes and keeping a general awareness of your surroundings is what will keep you safe IMHO.
I am an enthusiast yet it is truly annoying when we are dining outdoors at a café and have to stop our conversation because someone has their Bubs or Supertrapp at 120db.

[ moderator edit ]

George Schweikle · 03-21-2014, 08:16 PM

Agree. If "Loud pipes save lives", I guess there are a lot of Honda Gold Wings inherited by the survivors of the owners of these quiet bikes. I think the loud pipes gang is getting away with unlawful behavior that would result in tickets if their noise came from cars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGShaffer

The old "Loud Pipes Saves Lives" is pure BS and the mantra cheered on by those that need attention. Talent and situational awareness saves lives, nothing more. I've owned about every make and model throughout my life and just happen to be back on a Harley. Anyone riding down the road thinking "my bike is so loud no one will ever pull out in front of me" is just looking for a hospital bed.

wagonmaster2 · 03-21-2014, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smiller

I hate to break it to you but loud modified exhausts are obnoxious to many/most even when 'idling' through a campground. It's admirable that you at least try to keep it quiet but don't kid yourselves into thinking that you aren't bothering a lot of people. People who complain and cause bike bans, BTW. And don't think I don't understand bikes, I've been riding all of my adult life.

Couldn't have said it better myself. When that loud pipe is fired up right next or behind your camper at 6:00-7:00 in the mornings even idling at a sound that is heard clear across the CG can be so very annoying to campers out to enjoy their vacation in the peace and quiet.