Noisy motorcycles in campground

[wagonmaster2]

A toy hauler just pulled into the CG where we are and unloaded 3 noisy obnoxious Haryley motorcycles. Even though I owned a '48 HydroGlyde (think that's what they called that model since it was the first one with hydraulic front suspension) back in the early 60's I've always wondered why HD thought they had to make their machines sound like a old tractor in order to be desirable.
The other major motorcycle manufacturers make just as large displacement engines but can hardly be heard across the street let alone clear across the campground. Don't get me wrong, they are a great cycle, U.S. made, and if I was to get back into cycling, which I doubt at my age, I'd probably be looking at HD's, but still don't understand why they have to be so loud and obnoxious.

[kirk7678]

As the T shirt says "If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand"

[Green D]

The owners make them that way.

[gruelens]

still don't understand why they have to be so loud and obnoxious.

If you have to ask, you would not understand ..... is the standard reply to the above question. Most bikes, not just HD, are quiet with stock exhaust. All bikes become loud due to aftermarket equipment. There is a segment of the population that desires making thunder. My last bike was a Yamaha V-twin (metric Harley) with loud pipes. When I bought it used, the straight pipes seemed neat for a few weeks.

[Old Radios]

I have Thunderheader pipes on mine. We barely get past idle when riding them in or out of the campground though. Don't usually ride them past dark or very early in the morning.



I prefer it to make noise. Gets peoples attention that are ready to pull out in front of me.

Also if there are any obnoxious people in the campground they tend to leave us alone and mothers keep their kids away from our site. Maybe it's the leather...

[Walt Bennett]

I rode for fifty years and still can't get the BS reason: "So drivers will hear me - it's for safety." I agree with you wagonmaster2 - but during the AMF years they were junk bikes. They're great now, thanks to the company owners pride.

[Krisbc1]

I guess one needs to do something to make up for a physical lack of man hood.

[Walt Bennett]

Originally Posted by Krisbc1

I guess one needs to do something to make up for a physical lack of man hood.

Must be true!

[96 Wideglide]

Thats not noise....... Thats mechanical 'music' !
Dont agree with anyone screaming thru a campground, or doing continuous loops thru it, but idleing in and out !

[Walt Bennett]

Originally Posted by Old Radios

I have Thunderheader pipes on mine. We barely get past idle when riding them in or out of the campground though. Don't usually ride them past dark or very early in the morning.
I prefer it to make noise. Gets peoples attention that are ready to pull out in front of me.

So how is all that noise going out the BACK of your sled going to wake someone up who's way in FRONT of it? Got some sort of sound reflector or something?

[Arizona]

The only one that enjoys it is the rider. I had a nice one a while back. The only time it didn't leak oil is when it ran out. Cool

[JMonroe]

Originally Posted by Arizona

The only one that enjoys it is the rider. . .

And that's only until he goes deaf.

[Nick-B]

Originally Posted by JMonroe

And that's only until he goes deaf.

Or causes hearing damage to others.

Thanks to Mr. ImSoCoolWithLoudPipes blasting past me, I've had severe ringing in my left ear since that day. Not Cool!

I can dig nice rumbly exhaust as much as the next guy but there are too many bikes with flat-out illegal pipes and there is no noise enforcement to curb their enthusiasm.

Sorry, but this is definitely a pet peeve of mine.

[Wheelsnkeels]

It so old people in their cages can hear them coming before changing lanes without looking and killing a rider