After spending 5days at the Laughlin river run and seeing these big wheel baggers with stereos and other crap, I can say I will never own a bike with a stereo on it. How annoying is it to hear a stereo drowned out the sound of a Harley? I don't want everyone else to have to hear what I am listening too. I am only 45 and it seems that more people are worried about there sparkly paint jobs and electronics that riding is just an afterthought. I was amazed to see all the people dressed like pirates walking around, this new trendy biker culture is a bit much.

 

Now, now - if you're THAT old school, you know that fancy, custom paint is nothing at all new!

 

 

I live less than a mile from an interstate in an area that city folks would consider rural. The road is a popular jumping on/off point for folks coming out of the city. We have a lot of bikes passing by on nice days. When there is a group it's not unusual for several of them to have their music up loud enough to hear over the bikes. Everyone is playing different music and it makes for some nasty ear pollution. I've been known to spend time at HD dealers teaching their NRC. All day I'll hear some riders' music before they reach the parking lot. The dealer is next to an interstate and I hear them going down the highway which is several hundred meters from me.


I don't get it - but it's not my money, bike, music, ...

 

I'm with OP. I'm way cooler than everyone else. Just ask me, I'll tell you all about it.

 

Well, I'm a bit older than you, 65.
I've been "just riding" all my life and now it's time for more enjoyment on the bike.
Yes, I have a geezer glide. I have a nice sound system. I don't wear Harley garb, I don't dress like a pirate.
My wife and I take at least one 7-10 day road trip each year.
When you have to be on the highway for 5 or more hours, that stereo is a nice addition to pass the time.
Live and let live.

 

I never have & never will. Riding in itself is entertainment enough for me.

 

Nothing says old school like bitching on an Internet forum

 

I've bought one bike with a stereo - my Tour Glide - and it was one of the first pieces of useless (to me) weight I took off. I hate most popular music anyway, and what I do like, I like to listen to clean, with no other noise competition. I know, I'm a real oddball in this noise loving country. I even like shutting the motor off on long downgrades and just enjoying the hum of the tires and rush of the wind.

 

I understand how you feel and have also seen the same types of riders that you are talking about. Even though I am 65 and I have been riding a bare bones 05 Springer with 16" apes for almost 11 years, I have some friends that have ridden most of their lives and some of them have gotten to a stage in their lives where if they want to continue riding they need a much more comfortable motorcycle, such as a bagger. Personally, I just enjoy my way of getting 'wind therapy' and they enjoy their way of getting the same thing so I guess it all boils down to, just being able to enjoy the ride and to each their own.