What's the deal with Harley riders and straight pipes??

[Joey_H]

Why is it that just about every Harley owner has to slap on a pair of straight pipes on the bike and make all kinds of noise? I like racy exhaust as much as the next guy. I've been to all kinds of racing events and I like the noise. Heck I even have a couple of CDs of just race car exhaust sounds. But...................who the hell wants to hear some jackass on a Harley doing a full throttle open pipe pass down a residential street at 1a.m. in the morning? Don't these morons realize that not everyone wants to hear those damn straight pipes?? :banghead:

[Young Gun]

inferiority complex...

[Vegas69]

That's one of the best parts of riding bikes....pissing guys like you off.

[JLM]

Hear me see me.

[GBodyGMachine]

Loud Pipes Save Lives!!!!
I have a loud aftermarket exhaust on my CBR600RR.

Edit**
I dont drive fast on residential streets!!!

[Young Gun]

Loud Pipes Save Lives!!!!
I have a loud aftermarket exhaust on my CBR600RR.

Edit**
I dont drive fast on residential streets!!!

im complete honestly I agree with that... I have a loud ass exhaust on my bike, I have no doubt people have heard it as opposed to see me...

i have no problem with loud pipes...people need to look for riders more...

[CRCRFT78]

Its a way for us to irritate those a*****es that don't pay any attention to us.

[Tony_SS]

Harley-Davidson: The most efficient way to convert gasoline into noise without the side effect of horsepower

[CRCRFT78]

Hows this for converting gas to noise with some power.
-k81ymwifuY&feature

[gmjj13]

Harley-Davidson: The most efficient way to convert gasoline into noise without the side effect of horsepower

i think thats supposed to be Honda, not Harley:spank2:

[shmoov69]

Holy cow!! What the heck power adder did that have!?!?

[class67]

That dude's got a screw loose...lol

[Damn True]

Holy cow!! What the heck power adder did that have!?!?

Q is king.

[Restomod]

Harley-Davidson: The most efficient way to convert gasoline into noise without the side effect of horsepower

It seems you have never ridden a 127ci Vtwin...or even something like my 113!

[ho428]

im complete honestly I agree with that... I have a loud ass exhaust on my bike, I have no doubt people have heard it as opposed to see me...

i have no problem with loud pipes...people need to look for riders more...

BS on that. Usually when you hear them they are beside or in front. And having one rev while sitting beside one or pulling away from a red light has actually hurt my ears, came close to getting out with a ball bat to the idiot.
I think they should be ticketed and the bikes pulled until a decent DB level is achieved, just like cars are required to have.

Loud bikes are just obnoxious. And any rider reving a straight piped bike around other motorist is as well.

[69Pony]

have to agree with h0428 and Joey - straight pipes on a Harley is obnoxious and so are the owners. These bikes should be subjected to the same noise rules as cars and stereos.

Loud pipes save lifes = lame excuse to make noise....

[GBodyGMachine]

Loud pipes save lifes = lame excuse to make noise....

Thanks for quoting me. Do you ride? If you do you understand that bikes are small, and can be completely hidden in a cars blind spot. If the driver can hear the bike, they will look twice before switching lanes, which could save a life!!!
Jeff
PS, my car is loud too!

[ALLstrokedOUT]

I dont mind Harleys, but when ones revving at a stop light with steight pipes, as ho428 said, id like to make them listen to my car while we wait, and go. i never understood how they got streight pipes through the legal hoops, id like to know really, when other vehicles get tickets for their stereo being too loud. I think loud pipes do save lives, but it doesnt need to be that loud, ive got loud ass side pipes on my corvette, but have never gotten pulled over for them, still have mufflers, and are quieter than a harley. ive had the side pipes save me from countless idiots not paying attention to driving, i cant imagine being on a motorcycle in those situations.Whats really the worst is the old people around here on the harleys with the stereos on the bike that turn them up to hear the music over the pipes...ridiculous.

[Nine Ball]

I thought this was a gearhead site? All I'm seeing is a bunch of pansies crying about someone with loud exhaust. By the way, even the straight pipes on a Harley can be somewhat quiet if the rider controls the throttle in a mature manner.

I've got loud pipes on all three Harleys, but I don't ride around in 1st gear blasting them in the neighborhood. And those of you that think loud pipes do not save lives have never ridden before and are clueless. I've almost run over a few sportbikes that sneak up on you at triple-digit speeds, but I can always hear the cruisers first and I'm instantly aware a bike is around me.

[69Pony]

yes - rode for years. GPZ500, Honda Interceptor 750, GS650, etc... All crouch rockets and yes I ran a single pipe/header. But it was baffled and well within noise standards unlike straight pipes.

As others have pointed out, you don't hear the bike UNTIL it's beside or ahead of you and at that point it's so damn loud it becomes a distraction and a hazard.

As far as riding habits and such, any decent rider knows cars have blind spots and to try to stay visible at all times. Like not riding a car's bumper or riding on the double line. While it is important for cars to be aware of and look for bikes bike owners need to realize their manners and riding habits do effect their "experience".

My car also is louder than the Honda next to me BUT I'm still required by law to have a muffler and be within certain sound db's. So why aren't bikes governed by the same rules? I think that's really the question here?

No one is really knocking motorcycle riders or their desire to be seen or heard. The issue is the noise they generate is too loud, distracting and can lead to unforeseen issues. I know once a Harley blew by me so fast and loud that I physically shuddered and swerved. I could have sworn that bike was inside my vehicle. In that case, his loud pipes could have taken a life if I did indeed swerve into his or anothers lane.

I look at bikes with straight pipes as akin to someone riding around with open cutouts. Do open cutouts save lives? or are they just too much for public roads?

[protour73]

I could give a crap whether you have loud pipes on your bike or not.............but one question......why can't I ride around uncorked with my car? what's good for the proverbial goose, needs to be good for the proverbial gander..............:twothumbs

[bigvegan]

Harley owners with straight pipes are like Import owners with coffee can exhausts.

"Look at me! My vehicle has less than 120hp, and I'm not half as cool as I think I am, but look at how much noise I can make!"

A Harley Davidson executive once said, "What we sell is the ability for a 43-year-old accountant to dress in black leather, ride through small towns and have people be afraid of him.”

Pretty much says it all right there. It's a pure compensation device, and HD knows it and markets it that way.

[PARKERRS]

I ride as well as several of my friends and have for 25 years now. I've rode almost every brand and type also and all have good and bad points depending on what you want to do with it.

As far as loud pipes save lives, that statement is BS from people who just don't research or pay attention. As stated above the only time the noise can be heard is from directly to the side or from behind, the pipes point rearward and direct most of the sound rearward. If someone doesn't see you from behind the noise isn't going to effect this absent minded idiot. My cousin and I have ridden together for many years and over 200,000 miles on bikes each. He is a full time fireman and we have discussed this, in the firetruck the siren is MUCH louder than any motorcycle exhaust AND facing forward. People will sit in traffic oblivious to the siren on it or the accompanying ambulance and this is along with the deafening horn and flashing lights, so what good do you actually think that d*mn obnoxious exhaust is.

When you factor in the auto driver has the windows up and the a/c on along with the stereo blasting unless they look directly in the mirror at you then they are oblivious to you. I'll own up and admit that I've done the same, a/c on, radio on, didn't even know the emergency vehicle was there until I looked in the mirror and it was wailing with everything, but I do scan my mirrors more often since then. Louds pipes don't hold a candle to that type of alertness device, I know several people are gonna jump on me with their stories of how the loud pipe saved their day but it's the exception not the rule and there are plenty of non obnoxious ways to be more visible but I guess they don't fall into the COOL factor that most Harley riders feel they have to exude.

The noise has gotten old fast and laws are being enacted around the country in some states that are so restrictive they will not even allow tampering or changing the motorcycle exhaust in anyway, this is a loss of freedom which is one of the reasons I ride is for the freedom and it's brought on by people who think they are being cool and looking billy bad a** to everyone when really they are putting a black eye on the hobby, there are performance oriented exhaust which aren't obnoxious but because of the few all are being legislated against. Wake up and consider the people around you while still having fun!

The noise thing has gotten bad enough that it threatens a lot of gatherings which have went on for years. For example Daytona bike week is the largest gathering for Harleys on the East coast every year, but the residents there and in the surrounding areas are tired of the noise which has grown ten fold in the last few years and it threatens the event. The last two years when I have been in this area it is blanketed with billboards which say boldly save the party kill the pipes.

As far as power the HD's are ok but I don't care how much of a big bore kit or hot cams you use on them YOU WILL NOT out perform the Italian, British, and Japanese sport touring and sport bikes out there. I've seen it proven too many times for too many years by extremely competent riders on both, I'm talking about showroom bikes not racing machines.

I myself could care less how many cubic inches or cc's your bike has or how bad it is or you think it is, I ride a 1200 Triumph sport touring machine now from 2000. A litre bike has the power and torque for most all situations to be comfortable, I also have great handling and will walk any Harley on a twisty yet have luggage and wind protection for traveling. I like my bike and enjoy it to the fullest without annoying others and that is what counts, not shaking buildings on mainstreet.

Sorry for the rambling rant but I am passionate about riding and educating yourself to do so proficiently and properly, flame suit on now.
Tommy

[amx2334]

you harly guys (or your wives and neighbors)wouldn't mind if I layed on the horn as I drive up and down the street in front of your house would you?All day every day.All summer long.I don't want someone to back out in front of me.its all about me you know.

[jackfrost]

i have always wondered why motorcycles aren't subjected to 1/10th the noise laws that cars are.

here's what bugs me: we go hiking or camping to get out into nature, and that happens to also be where the Harley guys like to go ride. which, I can't blame them, it'd be nice to ride through the forest. but having that obnoxious crap completely ruins the experience.

[Vegas69]

It's called freedom and the rebel way. While I am not a hard core biker, I know the feeling. Bikes aren't supposed to have straight pipes, it's illegal in most states. That is why they come from the factory with mufflers. I am respectful in neighborhoods as Tony said.
I still think in some instances, loud pipes will save lives. If it makes a motorist more aware of your presence, it can't hurt. It works great to blow someones ear drums out if they cut you off with a full throttle run right by their door too. haha

[PARKERRS]

Yes that seems funny but if you are in the proper position in the lane to be seen it's hard to get cut off. yes it happens even with that but it also happens in cars too. That full throttle blast at their window may seem funny but in this day and age of road rage you are toying with someone in a 2 ton battering ram while you are perched atop a 600lb. bike and as vulnerable as a fly in the wind so not a real wise move.
Tommy

[JEFFTATE]

Loud pipes are an annoyance !

[Jim Nilsen]

I have gotten a ticket on a bike for loud exhaust. It's a non moving violation that just cost money and even more money if you get another from the same officer the next time. Baffles don't restrict much but they are the minimum you can get away with around where I live unless you own a Harley and somehow they just ignore them :screwy:

[ho428]

I thought this was a gearhead site? All I'm seeing is a bunch of pansies crying about someone with loud exhaust. By the way, even the straight pipes on a Harley can be somewhat quiet if the rider controls the throttle in a mature manner.

I've got loud pipes on all three Harleys, but I don't ride around in 1st gear blasting them in the neighborhood. And those of you that think loud pipes do not save lives have never ridden before and are clueless. I've almost run over a few sportbikes that sneak up on you at triple-digit speeds, but I can always hear the cruisers first and I'm instantly aware a bike is around me.

None of your arguments hold water. And loud does not equal cool, I've heard some loud exhaust that do sound good, straight Harley pipes do not. Nothing Pansie about it. It's just annoying.

Show me any biker that doesn't rap the throttle at every freakin stop. I'd give a hundred bucks to any biker that can go through 10 stops in a row without doing it. Impossible for them.

And you've never wound out first gear? Ever? Yeah, right...

I rode for years, loud does not save lives. Seen many a loud bike in the ditch, probably from annoying another motorist.

Any bike coming up a triple digit speeds will not be heard before he's there. Especially when you have your ga-zillion watt stereo booming, texting, or cell phone in your ear. The ones that may hear you would have seen you anyway as they're paying attention while driving, what a concept.

[GBodyGMachine]

Retracted previous statement.
Flame Suit is at the cleaners.

Any who, everyone is so angry. This is turning into one of those threads that divides a forum, and pisses people off. Thought we were suppose to be a community here?
I do agree, wide open pipes are to far, and some HD guys are obnoxious. But dont flame the entire bike community.

[amx2334]

A Harley Davidson executive once said, "What we sell is the ability for a 43-year-old accountant to dress in black leather, ride through small towns and have people be afraid of him.”

It's not a look of fear they see.It's contempt.
Freedom and the rebel way? It's a herd mentality.thats why they travel in packs.They saw it on chopper tv.

Show me any biker that doesn't rap the throttle at every freakin stop. I'd give a hundred bucks to any biker that can go through 10 stops in a row without doing it. Impossible for them.
I was at a stoplight next to some peter fonda wannabe with straight pipes and a twitchy right arm.I look over at him and he's wearing ear plugs.And we are the pansies?

[70bird]

I have been riding motorcycles for many years. Always had metrics.
Last year I thought I would see what it would be like to own a Harley, and bought a 03 1200 Sportster. (yeah I know, girls bike) Point is, it's a 1200 with Vance and Hines straight shots (loud) and 42mm Mikuni and K&N filter. Beautiful bike, but for all that noise, it sure is a dog! I have buddies with 600cc sport bikes that will blow this thing in the weeds from zero to top end. No comparison in performance. You really have to wring these motors out to even come close to performance levels in comparably sized metrics. Shame on Harley!

The loud pipes are necessary for the "look at me guys". In fact, I believe the whole "scene" is one big fashion show.
Just visit the Harley forums and have a look. while there are some technical sub-forums, the general "chat" sections will be discussions about "Am I a real biker?" or "Are fingerless gloves cool?" or "Do wearing chaps make me look gay?" (hell yes LOL) or "Should I wave to bikers riding non-Harleys?"

Jeez, give it a rest and just ride!

And to the Harley guys that do just ride, you are not included in this description.

[PonchoJohn]

Let's see...
I don't ride in a group (well, when we are travelling across the state(s), I ride w/1-3 other guys),
I have quieted my Harley from drag pipes, to baffled, to a crossover dual system-- more rumble, less high/high db sound. I have neighbors, and don't want to annoy them,
I wear ear plugs--- HEY, do ya suppose it's the wind whistle caused by the helmet straps that would make a guy wear ear plugs-- I mean, after all, you guys KNOW that you can't hear the exhaust when it's behind you, right?
I ride in the proper area of the lane, to be SEEN!!- and have been cut off numerous times.
I've ENJOYED rapping the pipes next to their open window when some 'tard cut me off. Yes, I said enjoyed it. All of you who stand there and point your finger need to do a little self-examination-- you've never been pi$$ed at someone and done something that angered/startled/frightened them? No, well I guess it's just us knuckle dragging cave dwellers, huh?
Using your car as a weapon? I had some a$$hat open his door on me... he'll NEVER try that with a biker again- I promise you that. That's just pure moronic action, not to mention it qualifies as assault with a deadly weapon, but I've had it happen to me (especially SUV drivers) many times- I guess I was too much of a trouble maker sitting there minding my own business and all.

Oh yeah, I'll take that $100 bet. No problem!

And since I sense a "Harley's aren't as fast/good/whatever as xxxxx" in many of the responses, go check the race records- people aren't dumping Suzuki's and racing Harley's because they don't win, now are they? Harley's don't have all the land speed records for nothing. The FASTEST production bike ever sold to the public was a V-Rod Destroyer- mid to low 9's right off the floor (admittedly, this was a pure race bike, but so are all the crotch rockets- I used to ride those as well).
Oh well, whatever... I can't make some of you see my point no matter what I say....

[Mike Holleman]

Back in the day, (yes I'm old enough to say that) we had a saying that still fits in some situations. "If you can't make it fast, make it loud." This was usually aimed at the guy sitting in a parking lot revving his 390 Galaxie, two barrel with Cherry Bombs.

[Damn True]

Is this really a bunch of hot rodders complaining about loud exhaust?

[justanova]

Show me any biker that doesn't rap the throttle at every freakin stop. I'd give a hundred bucks to any biker that can go through 10 stops in a row without doing it. Impossible for them.


I ride, a hayabusa, I dont mind loud pipes at all, even harley straight pipes (when ridden right) theres a time a place to be loud and obnoxious, but the guys (even sportbike guys) that feel it necessary to rev at the stop lights or when going through a parking lot (letting the clutch out to get moving and then pulling in the clutch and reving every 20 feet through the parking lot) annoy the **** out of me(I have had buddy's that do it and have called them out on it and they have stopped). I personally pretty much idle through parking lots and at stop lights let the clutch pretty much all the way out before getting into the throttle.

I do have loud exhaust(although not as loud as a piped harley) on my bike but I only blast the throttle when there isn't any/many people around.

and for those that say loud pipes can't be heard unless someone is next to you(should make people look before changing lanes) or in front isn't entirely true, my buddy has a cbr100rr honda with a loud(almost obnoxious) pipe on it and when we are riding the twisties and i am in front of him with helmet on and my exhaust I can hear his bike over mine.

while I agree that if you are traveling triple digit speeds on any bike and traffic isn't then yes probably not going to get noticed on the approach. My personal approach to riding in traffic is to drive slightly faster than traffic (whatever the speed is) so you are contantly moving so as to have a better chance of getting seen. and with this approach you can usually see the cell phone users and texters as you approach them so you can change your approach or speed up to not have them near you. I have found that by paying close attention to traffic on the bike and in the car that you can usually tell when someone is going to change lanes far in advance so you can alter your position in traffic accordingly.

sorry for the rambling, let the discussion continue.

[6'9"Witha69]

I hate the a$$holes who blast down the street with open pipes. I agree that as a rider it is YOUR job to ensure you are visible. The guy about to turn left in front of you, can't hear a damn bit of your exhaust, so can that argument as the 'rule' or best excuse. The simple fact is that most Harley riders crasve the attention. Hell, half the squids (novice jacka$$ look at me sport bike types) running around the canyons around here just do it to look cool. Maybe they watched "Torque" one too many times.

I will admit, even I have a bit of a desire to be noticed. But I don't rev my car every chance I get nor blast WOT at every open strecth of road.

Never mind the a55hat who has to wheelie his way down 2 blocks. Looks cool and takes a ton of skill, but when you freak out most every other driver on the road and disturb the flow of traffic then you are an idiot.

Man I miss my R1!

[SaturnVUEguy]

Didn't want to, but I'll chime in...

Yes, the guys with loud pipes are annoying, BUT there have been times where I heard them before seeing them, which is how the "loud pipes save lives" saying came about. I've had crotch rockets fly by me on the highway going twice the speed I was. Never saw him coming and basically only saw a blur going past. Granted, if that was a HD I probably wouldn't have known he was coming either.

Its the guys who sit at a stop light and snap the throttle for no reason that annoy me, not the pipes themselves.

Just this morning on my way to work I had a guy on a HD behind me with loud pipes, and yeah I did hear him behind me. When he pulled up alongside me and ahead of me the noise got louder, but I did hear him behind me

[Vegas69]

Forget it....

[Feffman]

Hear me see me.

I don't ride a bike, but most if not all Harley riders will tell you the loud pipes are so the non-attentive car/truck drivers will hear them and HOPEFULLY see them.

Feff

[PARKERRS]

Vegas, you say loud pipes work and I say from my observations and conversations with emergency personnel etc. that it's a "delusion" as you put it. I'll say you have your opinion and I have mine, each person has their convictions and beliefs so be it.

You have ridden 20K and I've ridden 200K on a bike of one kind or another, so be it, I've got a lot of experience in all weather conditions and traffic conditions and so should you with your mileage. I always say that I don't care what you ride as long as you just ride!

Too many individuals buy Harleys and customs as a staus symbol or trying to go out on the weekend and pretend they are something they are not thats why most of these bikes see so few miles a year, they only go to the local bar and hang out to look cool then back home. This is why the HD crowd gets a bad wrap a lot of the time, also because of the attitude from the same crowd that if you don't ride a Harley then you aren't sh*t.

I'm not one sided, you also have the sport bike owners that are young, inexperienced and had the green to buy a race replica. They hit the road with bad manners, bad skills, and are obnoxious in traffic and other places, i.e. wheelies, brake stands etc. or try to do these things and crash.

I smoke, you say you don't like smoke but choose to go to the bar anyway, thats fine but the key word there was you chose to go to the bar. If I'm sitting at an outdoor dining are trying to have a nice evening dinner with my wife at a nice place and some idiot pulls up in front racking on the throttle every few seconds during the light to the point we can't hear, have a conversation, or enjoy the meal, I had no choice in the matter unlike you did.

Yes it's a free country and if you like loud pipes then have them, just be responsible about it, the guy in front of the resteraunt has used his freedom to deny me the freedom of a relaxing evening meal and that is not what freedom is about.

No I don't run 65 in the fast lane nor consider myself mister mom, but I do consider myself mindful and considerate of others around me, it's called manners.

As far as it's a free country, I'm a member of the AMA and have been for years, go to their website or join and get the news letter. Loud pipes are bringing legislation which will take away your freedom to modify or change your bike in any way. A little courtesy will go a long way in protecting your rights, especially among the non riding public which far out numbers us.

This isn't a personal attack so don't interpret it as such, I was just addressing some of your statements in a healthy conversation, no malice intended.
Tommy

[Tony_SS]

The noise from loud/open pipes are behind you and that doesn't stop anyone from pulling out in front of you.

[amx2334]

I've been cut off lots of times in my van, sometimes by motorcycles.Maybe because of their loud exhaust they couldn't hear me behind them.Using the loud pipes logic I should blow my horn whenever I am driving.All the time.
I don't live in a residential neighborhood.I live in one of the areas that riders go to on weekends.Does this exempt me from the courtesy bestowed to your next door neighbor?
I have absolutely nothing against motorcycles.The problem is the loud exhaust.Would you complain if my dog was barking all night?Would you complain if my 12 million candlepower yard light was shining in your window all night?I'll power it with my generator that I can leave run all night with it.Would you complain if I was raising pigs in my back yard and it made your house smell?Maybe if I play some music too loud?I hope you like gangsta rap.I could play it over and over and over..................

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

you ride a bike.. you take that chance.. sorry its 4 wheels with loud pipes for me..

[ZZ430]

This gives me an excuse to post a pic of my buddy's bike.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

The sound is part of the experience......

[Vegas69]

Let me just give you a perfect example of why I am right. Some young chick is crusing down one of our main roads doing 45 in the middle lane talking on her cellphone not paying a whole lot of attention. Her turn is coming up quickly. Here I come on my bike in the left lane with loud exhaust. She hears me as I get within a few car lengths. Who is going to get run into the median more often? The guys with the louder pipes or silent pipes? Of course pipes aren't going to keep a car from pulling out in front of you. I know for a fact that my loud pipes have kept cars from coming over on me. The problem is alot of the posts are from guys that don't have any riding experience.

Parker, You chose to go to a restaurant with a patio on a street. You know loud bikes and these teenagers drive around with there fart can exhaust. Isn't that a chance you took?

The bottom line is some guys are going to be pissed about it, and some guys don't care if it pisses you off. I admit that some guys are out to show off and make as much noise as possible. I could care less about getting attention or making the most noise. I run baffles in my pipes and it's still very loud. Of course I have a Custom bike with a 117 that makes around 117hp. I am not going to choke my engine just so I don't piss off some guy eating dinner or driving down the road. There are plenty of things other people do in this society I don't like.

[amx2334]

Let me just give you a perfect example of why I am right. Some young chick is crusing down one of our main roads doing 45 in the middle lane talking on her cellphone not paying a whole lot of attention. Her turn is coming up quickly. Here I come in my van in the left lane with my horn blowing. She hears me as I get within a few car lengths. Who is going to get run into the median more often? The guys with the louderhornsor no horn? Of course horns aren't going to keep a car from pulling out in front of you. I know for a fact that my horns have kept cars from coming over on me. The problem is alot of the posts are from guys that don't have any riding experience.

fixt.

[Tony_SS]

Maybe if Harley could engineer a non stop bull horn sound coming out of the exhaust everyone would be safe.

[ho428]

This gives me an excuse to post a pic of my buddy's bike.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

The sound is part of the experience......

Nice bike, customs do look good, but they do not have to be THAT LOUD!
Anyone trying to convince someone otherwise is only trying to convince themselves.

[Vegas69]

You can't fix stupid unfortunately.

[Vegas69]

fixt.

I am sure you deal with the same traffic level in Afton, Minnesota as I do in Las Vegas. Refer to my last post.

Afton,MN 2800 residents
Las Vegas,NV 2,000,000 residents

[ho428]

You can't fix stupid unfortunately.
But there is hope for ignorance.

[Vegas69]

Not in my case.:naughty:

[ho428]

Not in my case.:naughty:

:lmao: Gee thanks, I just spewed Pepsi all over my monitor.

[amx2334]

Afton,MN 2800 residents
Las Vegas,NV 2,000,000 residents

Twin Cities greater metropolitan area is 4 million. I'm 15 minutes outside of town. Alot of the riders come out here to get away from the city.On weekends it's a constant stream of traffic.And they are more than welcome.Stop in beautiful Afton for some ice cream. Ride the scenic bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River.Just keep it legal.Put a muffler on it.Respect my neighborhood like you would want me to do in yours.

[GBodyGMachine]

Not really sure what to say now. This is a good argument on both sides.

[Damn True]

This thread is hilarious.

[Vegas69]

Twin Cities greater metropolitan area is 4 million. I'm 15 minutes outside of town. Alot of the riders come out here to get away from the city.On weekends it's a constant stream of traffic.And they are more than welcome.Stop in beautiful Afton for some ice cream. Ride the scenic bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River.Just keep it legal.Put a muffler on it.Respect my neighborhood like you would want me to do in yours.

I completely agree.....my point was take a ride through the twin cities on a bike and you will understand a little more where I am coming from. When you ride a bike you need every advantage you can get. You are not surrounded by a cage and if that one person that is day dreaming hears you then maybe it made a difference. I agree that straight pipes are obnoxious. They don't perform worth a damn either. I run the baffles to cut down on noise and for better performance. Even if they pass the laws...the guys that are disrespecting your town will continue to ride with straight pipes and not pay the tickets. Sad but true.

[Vegas69]

:lmao: Gee thanks, I just spewed Pepsi all over my monitor.
Sorry man:cheers:

[Vegas69]

This thread is hilarious.

Must be a slow day in a few parts of the world.

[BRIAN]

There is a big difference between having a louder than stock exhaust and open pipes. Open pipes hurt performance on 90% of the bikes they are on. Bike can have better sounding exhaust with correct crossover and baffles.


I have owned everything from Ducatis to Harleys and it is even more annoying riding behind someone with straight pipes. I agree with the guys who woul dlike to drive buy some of these A holes houses blaring my horn. Funny when they get within 5 blocks of their own houses the pansies slow down to a crawl and barely blip the throttle.


Most Harley guys are simply looking for the attention plain and simple. It is the I just payed $20k to be an instant tough guy and need the entire world to know it. The $1000.00 worth of Harley decals, clothing and every other item with their name on it is usually part of the deal. I know you have to have one to understand!! I have had about 10 V Twins and none had the Harley insignia on it except an XLCR.

[CRCRFT78]

...........

[Nine Ball]

Someone mentioned racing stats, here are the current NHRA bike stats, see the top seven of the list:

http://www.prostockcycles.com/race/?page_id=556

As Vegas69 stated, it is all about the rider. I have loud pipes (not straight pipes) and I know for a fact they have prevented asshats on their cellphones from coming into my lane too far. A quick blip of the throttle even from behind them will get their attention when they start to creep over. When vehicles are travelling at the same speed, you can still hear them behind you, sound waves travel faster than cars do. I've even been in multiple situations where I could hear a bike or loud car before I saw it visibly. If any of you say you haven't heard something before seeing it, you are lying.

As for bikers being attention whores, how do you think the rest of the non-automotive enthusiast population feels about us in our musclecars? lol! Hello kettle, meet pot.

I'm still laughing about seeing men cry about loud exhausts on a HOTROD site. I'm gonna go put a duck call on my bike exhaust now, so at least you pansies can hear the gentle quack of a duck as I roll by.

[shmoov69]

Just wanted to say hi to everyone here!! LOL!!
It is kind of strange to hear "car guys" griping about loud pipes! You would think this was the Puris forum! LOL!
Loud cars? Loud stereo's? Dub wheelz? Flamed paint?!?!? Oh my! Can't have that! May offend someone! :pat:

But I do agree with common courtesey and also that not a single harley rider (or diesel pickup[with a stick] driver for that matter) cannot go thru 10 stoplights without rapping the throttle at least a dozen times! LOL!

[Nine Ball]

I saw Jimmy rev'ing up his Camaro during Power Tour. The loudness was music to my ears. haha

I hope nobody here attends any NASCAR or NHRA events, they are TOO loud for your precious ears. How dare those racers make all that racket.

[Restomod]

Harley riders are not the only ones, the sportbike squids are just as bad if not worse. Almost ALL aftermarket systems are not legal for them and they are LOUD!
There is always a group at a local bike night with the bike on the limiter at 14K just sitting there. They also are "trying" to stunt doing wheelies and crap so they may actually be worse..........
Also the % of bikes on the road is so small even at the height of season that most cops dont bother to write a ticket for small stuff. Now if you are doing something and get stopped he may write you up for EVEYTHING he can.

[6'9"Witha69]

Around beach cities in SoCal they are cracking down on Motorcycle noise as MANY residents are complaining.

[WS6]

straight pipes on any bike is much louder than a car and sounds terrible. I've heard street bikes with no mufflers as well as big bore Harleys with no mufflers. They all sound like crap. I'm all for making a bike sound good but a bike should have to follow the same sound laws as a car, period.

For the record, I ride an SV650 with an can 16k-20k miles a year. It's not loud but it sounds good(to me). I rip into it and it gets louder but nothing obnoxious at all. Same situation with my friends SV1000 that has twin cans on it. Be courteous and be safe, don't be an annoying jackass.

Daytona bike week made me hate straight pipes. I went for four years straight many years ago with my dad. I had a blast. The bikes were beautiful. Too many obnoxiously loud ones though.

[PonchoJohn]

Nine Ball, thanks for posting the link. For those that don't know, Buell is also Harley-Davidson. Not too bad, the top seven NHRA rides are HD's!
Yeah, they're not too fast, huh?

[amx2334]

Local watering hole had Buell demo day just last month. All day long they would go past my house about every 15-20 minutes.Never heard a thing.They can't possibly be fast because they don't make alot of noise.

[PonchoJohn]

A stock Harley doesn't make any noise either. The pipes-- much like the headers and exhaust on your hot rod- are added by the owner.

[Joey_H]

I'm not against folks having loud exhaust, no not at all. But make that noise at the right time and place. When I lay on the loud pedal on my Vortech blown 351W 82 Mustang it can really bellow, but I don't do it when I'm driving through residential neighborhoods at night. That's just common courtesy. Sadly I guess common courtesy is a thing of the past.
P.S. Can someone explain the purpose of an ape hanger handlebar?? :hmm:

[twosaturns]

I always find it funny that I only hear the obnoxious Harleys on the prettiest sunniest days. posers. used to live in an apt right next to rt 611 (follows the Delaware river) and summer days bring out all the weekend warriors. and why do they have to 'brap' the throttle while rolling to a stop? do they think it'll stall?
like said, it's not just the harleys. the rap 'music' from the drug dealers' escalades and lexuses are annoying, the merengue (sp?) from the Mexicans' F150's, the drywallers vans picking up their illegal alien crew at 6am (why knock on the door when you have a horn?) but the WORST is the buzz cans from the stock hondas w/ AUTOMATICS.
I don't ride, but I've had loud cars, AND I always had respect for my neighbors (used to turn my nova off 3 blocks from home, whip a hard 90 degree onto my block, park it right in front of my parent's house). now, I live on a crowded city block w/ a stop sign. I'm old, I have to go to work in the morning, I want to SLEEP.
anyway, I like harleys, but I want my block QUIET.

[Nine Ball]

Nine Ball, thanks for posting the link. For those that don't know, Buell is also Harley-Davidson. Not too bad, the top seven NHRA rides are HD's!
Yeah, they're not too fast, huh?

They also make the Harley/Buell drag bikes carry more weight so that the import bikes can be somewhat competitive. Boo!

[CRCRFT78]

I always find it funny that I only hear the obnoxious Harleys on the prettiest sunniest days. posers.

I guess I should label all of those with "weekend" musclecars posers also. There are alot of us on here.


the rap 'music' from the drug dealers' escalades and lexuses are annoying, the merengue (sp?) from the Mexicans' F150's, the drywallers vans picking up their illegal alien crew at 6am

Nice stereotyping....:hmm: :pat:

[indyjps]

Im sick of Harleys.
Im sick of the guy who buys a Harley, rides it 1 maybe 2 days a week for an hour and feels the need to have a piece of Harley apparel on 7 days a week.
Im tired of one of my best friends having a bionic leg and the other more steel in his arm than bone.

[Vegas69]

Clearly we have two separate issues



Respect for people and loud pipes save lives. I agree with both.

[blackbeast]

I ride as well as several of my friends and have for 25 years now. I've rode almost every brand and type also and all have good and bad points depending on what you want to do with it. As far as loud pipes save lives, that statement is BS from people who just don't research or pay attention. As stated above the only time the noise can be heard is from directly to the side or from behind, the pipes point rearward and direct most of the sound rearward. If someone doesn't see you from behind the noise isn't going to effect this absent minded idiot. My cousin and I have ridden together for many years and over 200,000 miles on bikes each. He is a full time fireman and we have discussed this, in the firetruck the siren is MUCH louder than any motorcycle exhaust AND facing forward. People will sit in traffic oblivious to the siren on it or the accompanying ambulance and this is along with the deafening horn and flashing lights, so what good do you actually think that d*mn obnoxious exhaust is. When you factor in the auto driver has the windows up and the a/c on along with the stereo blasting unless they look directly in the mirror at you then they are oblivious to you. I'll own up and admit that I've done the same, a/c on, radio on, didn't even know the emergency vehicle was there until I looked in the mirror and it was wailing with everything, but I do scan my mirrors more often since then. Louds pipes don't hold a candle to that type of alertness device, I know several people are gonna jump on me with their stories of how the loud pipe saved their day but it's the exception not the rule and there are plenty of non obnoxious ways to be more visible but I guess they don't fall into the COOL factor that most Harley riders feel they have to exude. The noise has gotten old fast and laws are being enacted around the country in some states that are so restrictive they will not even allow tampering or changing the motorcycle exhaust in anyway, this is a loss of freedom which is one of the reasons I ride is for the freedom and it's brought on by people who think they are being cool and looking billy bad a** to everyone when really they are putting a black eye on the hobby, there are performance oriented exhaust which aren't obnoxious but because of the few all are being legislated against. Wake up and consider the people around you while still having fun! The noise thing has gotten bad enough that it threatens a lot of gatherings which have went on for years. For example Daytona bike week is the largest gathering for Harleys on the East coast every year, but the residents there and in the surrounding areas are tired of the noise which has grown ten fold in the last few years and it threatens the event. The last two years when I have been in this area it is blanketed with billboards which say boldly save the party kill the pipes. As far as power the HD's are ok but I don't care how much of a big bore kit or hot cams you use on them YOU WILL NOT out perform the Italian, British, and Japanese sport touring and sport bikes out there. I've seen it proven too many times for too many years by extremely competent riders on both. I myself could care less how many cubic inches or cc's your bike has or how bad it is or you think it is, I ride a 1200 Triumph sport touring machine now from 2000. A litre bike has the power and torque for most all situations to be comfortable, I also have great handling and will walk any Harley on a twisty yet have luggage and wind protection for traveling. I like my bike and enjoy it to the fullest without annoying others and that is what counts, not shaking buildings on mainstreet.
Sorry for the rambling rant but I am passionate about riding and educating yourself to do so proficiently and properly, flame suit on now.
Tommy

paragraphs , or cliffs notes maybe? :dunno:

[Damn True]

Vegas, you say loud pipes work and I say from my observations and conversations with emergency personnel etc. that it's a "delusion" as you put it. I'll say you have your opinion and I have mine, each person has their convictions and beliefs so be it. You have ridden 20K and I've ridden 200K on a bike of one kind or another, so be it, I've got a lot of experience in all weather conditions and traffic conditions and so should you with your mileage. I always say that I don't care what you ride as long as you just ride! Too many individuals buy Harleys and customs as a staus symbol or trying to go out on the weekend and pretend they are something they are not thats why most of these bikes see so few miles a year, they only go to the local bar and hang out to look cool then back home. This is why the HD crowd gets a bad wrap a lot of the time, also because of the attitude from the same crowd that if you don't ride a Harley then you aren't sh*t. I'm not one sided, you also have the sport bike owners that are young, inexperienced and had the green to buy a race replica. They hit the road with bad manners, bad skills, and are obnoxious in traffic and other places, i.e. wheelies, brake stands etc. or try to do these things and crash. I smoke, you say you don't like smoke but choose to go to the bar anyway, thats fine but the key word there was you chose to go to the bar. If I'm sitting at an outdoor dining are trying to have a nice evening dinner with my wife at a nice place and some idiot pulls up in front racking on the throttle every few seconds during the light to the point we can't hear, have a conversation, or enjoy the meal, I had no choice in the matter unlike you did. Yes it's a free country and if you like loud pipes then have them, just be responsible about it, the guy in front of the resteraunt has used his freedom to deny me the freedom of a relaxing evening meal and that is not what freedom is about. No I don't run 65 in the fast lane nor consider myself mister mom, but I do consider myself mindful and considerate of others around me, it's called manners. As far as it's a free country, I'm a member of the AMA and have been for years, go to their website or join and get the news letter. Loud pipes are bringing legislation which will take away your freedom to modify or change your bike in any way. A little courtesy will go a long way in protecting your rights, especially among the non riding public which far out numbers us. This isn't a personal attack so don't interpret it as such, I was just addressing some of your statements in a healthy conversation, no malice intended.
Tommy


DUDE, a carriage return now and then would be super.

[Restomod]

I have TWO Lexus's I dont deal drugs or "blast" rap music!!! I think this thread is COMPLETELY pointless and should be locked before the flame war really starts and people start pissing each other off and this board goes down the toilet............................................ .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .....................................
Mods...U there??!?!?!?!?!?!

[twosaturns]

Nice stereotyping....:hmm: :pat:

welcome to my neighborhood. just callin em like I see em. my profiling is no different that the claim that the OP was making.

[PARKERRS]

Blackbeast and True, I fixed the posts that you two qouted.

Sorry for the bad grammar and form, I usually make short or one line posts but I kinda got carried away. Like I said I get a little passionate about riding.

I started riding at 5 years old and my dad was a Ducati dealer for 12 years, so I grew up racing and riding Italian street bikes. Rode a lot of places and seen a lot happen. I'm 43 now and have been street riding for pleasure since 17. I currently do about 15K a year on a bike.

Tommy

[pitts64]

I like the sound myself. I also like blowing them into the weeds with my 64 Bonneville lol.
All my biker Buddy's are just as goofy over there bikes as I am over my car so insulting them is like just like insulting yourself.

Your own distorted beliefs are what piss you off not things outside of you. Took me 50 years to learn that. Life is short, let your kids pay there own way and have fun brother......

[twosaturns]

I have TWO Lexus's I dont deal drugs or "blast" rap music!!!

never claimed that all lexus drivers are like that, just offering an observation from my narrow view of the world. sorry if that bothered you. I'd love to have an IS myself. drove a GS once, cool stuff.

[ho428]

Like some others have said, I have no problem with loud, toned-muffled loud, not straight pipe split your ear drums loud. If someone has to cover their ears when the throttle is rapped it's to freakin loud. Admit it, fix it, and let us all live in peace.

When I pull up beside one of those things at a stop I cringe because there is no way he can pull away without blasting me. I am stuck right beside the pipes.
No reason, no excuse, no need to be straight piped and that freakin loud, period!

[JEFFTATE]

Loud pipes or straight pipes on ANYTING on the street are just plain obnoxious.
This goes for cars and motorcycles.
Loud pipes or straight pipes on a racetrack are a different story.
People expect it there.
People should show some respect for others.
And Manners.
And a little restraint.

[PARKERRS]

x2^^^

[JEFFTATE]

x2^^^

Lotsa' Love , Tommy !

[GBodyGMachine]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone run around the streets with open headers?
And I have to be in agreement with alot of people here. "Its more the rider than the exhaust when it comes to being obnoxious!

Jeff

[Damn True]

I think we are done here.