Reading HD Forums regularly means you're likely to figure out there are two major issues affecting the Harley riding community: Hot EPA compliant engines, and severe limitations on aftermarket exhaust.

Now, let's assume two things. First, that Harley knows its key market demands air-cooled v-twin engines. Second, that Harley riders like a more significant (and frequently aftermarket produced) exhaust tone than is provided by stock mufflers.

Read this article: http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070822/muffled_motorcycles.html?

Now, let's be blunt, it's getting ugly for us Harley riders. Let's hear what you've got to say:

1. What is your plan of action should the EPA effectively force Harley to make liquid cooled engines?
2. What is your plan of action should your local government (or the federal government) ban aftermarket exhaust?
3. Do you think EPA driven liquid cooled Harleys and "stock only" quiet mufflers will hurt Harley sales, or even put the Motor Company out of business?

 

Well, respectfully answering the questions:

I've got plenty enough drama in my life and I get get through my remaining days with:
*The bikes I have,
*Maybe buy another good 'un,
*And rely on the parts networks to keep em running.[sm=biker.gif]

Then... the MoCo and the EPA and President Hillary can go do whatever it is they feel they have to do.

Cheers!!!

 

Que Sera Sera........ Whatever Will Be, Will Be


"Th-th-th-that's all folks!"

 

I'm looking forward to a water-cooled touring bike!

 

I plan on riding my 02 SE RK till I die so I ain't worried about it at the moment.

 

as long as they go after every noise maker....sport bikes, cagers with beehive exhaust..farming tractors, motor boats, snow mobiles, dirt bikes........Hillary Clinton's mouth...
In cities, just keep it down a bit so noise activists group can bother others.......................

 

I love my air-cooled hog, but if I decided to upgrade and all that the MoCo had was water buffalos, I'd buy one.

If aftermarket exhausts are banned, it's not a big deal to me. I'll make do with the stock pipes.

I don't think H20 cooled engines and stock pipes will kill Harley. There's more to a Harley than air-cooling and loud pipes. It's an American company, build quality is better than metrics, Harleys have the "look", and even with quiet pipes they still sound better than the lame-o exhaust note belched forth by most metrics. [:'(]

 

Q #1 I don’t plan to do anything… I have had a Honda that was liquid cooled and I didn’t really notice any difference in the way it rode or performed. I think that necessity is the mother of invention and progression… if EPA, CARB, DMV or any other governing agency changing the guidelines for Harley or any other manufacturer to progress and adapt is going to change how the bikes perform, sound and look then I have an issue… but as of now Most Honda VTX, Yamaha V-star’s or Victory’s all are starting to look pretty good and most of them out perform Harley’s (but that is not why I own a Harley) because I enjoy being in the center of controversy so I will keep riding a loud motor cycle and voting for the right people to protect my interests until something changes!
Q #2 as far as I know it is already completely illegal (in California) to put an after market exhaust on a motorcycle so I don’t really care if the Fed Gov catch’s the rest of the country up or not. Because as of now so is window tint, loud diesel exhaust, hanging crap from your mirrors, driving with out a seat belt and speeding! But how many people do you see actually paying attention to those laws? None!
Q #3 I don’t really care what happens to Harley sales! I feel the same about Ford and GM, If they can’t adapt then who’s fault is that? People need to take responsibility for there own actions and that goes double for all these companies that have been raping the American people for decades and now there sales are down because we wised up… Yeah go cry on someone elses shoulder FORD… it’s a global economy and just like the typical American dinosaur company you waited to long now your screwed!
Harley will be fine, they will adapt and there products will be just as desirable as ever so I don’t worry about them!

Hey… you ASKED!

By the way that article is just more media hype to get everyone all up in arms. "oh god what are we going to do?" typical media BS just trying to stir chit up... reporters rank the same as Lawyers and pedifiles in my book... and according to the good book pedifiles go to the lowest most dispicable point in hell... so what does that say about lawyers and reporters? you guessed it they are lower than low![:@] (not mad at you I just hate these ******* reporters and lawyers that have and will keep stiring the pot!) I appriciate a good debate but man these guys (reporters) just try so hard to stir it up!

 

I'm riding my 02 till I croak.

 

Almost all of the oftermarket pipes are already restricted for "off road use only".


They can't do any more.

And the people that get tickets for loud pipes almosty always are drawing attention to themselves.

So in short, I ain't worried about any of it.