Harley sound
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 12
RE: Harley sound
What else I find interesting is that Ive never know anyone to get a citation for noise from a HD, but run a car with straights and see how far you get. I have a carb RK, and have been to different elevations with no problem at all. I have a friend with a EFI, and lately he has had all kinds of problems with it. He has 30000miles and has had sensor problems and a couple of other issues that I dont quite remember. Hes wishing he had the carb model when those problems arise, and I cant say that I blame him. If I had the money when I bought my bike, I would have bought the EFI. The cold starting alone would have made it worth the money.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Harley sound
If you really want that "Harley Sound" You should get the carb and rejet it, put on straight drag pipes and and put an offset cam in it. The offset cam isn't real good for the engine but you can get that real low, slow harley gallup.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Harley sound
I've always found it somewhat amusing that the "Harley Sound" is added after you own the bike and doesn't come stock. 
I say this tounge in cheek, as I made sure the SEII slip ons were on the bike at delivery. 
Years ago, before being able to purchase a Harley, I used to hear it from Harley owners about how my rice burner would never have that "Harley" sound...yet, neither does a stock Harley.
Maybe the "muffled" analagy works, but to me, it's all goodness, let's each ride and enjoy the ride if you will. [sm=smiley20.gif] We gotta take care of mother earth, and I understand (and agree) with that, but I still am able to laugh at myself a little bit as I enjoy my Harley sound![sm=icon_cheers.gif]
Mac
I say this tounge in cheek, as I made sure the SEII slip ons were on the bike at delivery. Years ago, before being able to purchase a Harley, I used to hear it from Harley owners about how my rice burner would never have that "Harley" sound...yet, neither does a stock Harley. Maybe the "muffled" analagy works, but to me, it's all goodness, let's each ride and enjoy the ride if you will. [sm=smiley20.gif] We gotta take care of mother earth, and I understand (and agree) with that, but I still am able to laugh at myself a little bit as I enjoy my Harley sound![sm=icon_cheers.gif]
Mac
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 0
From: Central Virginia
RE: Harley sound
Well, I wanted the EFI, and that's what I've got on my Deuce. Why? Tuning is more "on" using the proper dianostic equipment. Cold starts are pretty much no hassle, and the motor appears to run a little smoother. Its all personal preference, and really doesn't matter much in the long haul which one you like best - carb or EFI.
I too agree that its more than just a little ironic that we have to pay extra to have our Harleys sound like a Harley! I went ahead and had the dealer install the SE slip-ons and re-map the ECM prior to my taking delivery. I started it up for the first time yesterday after the mod, and it sounds AWSOME! Now...if only this awful weather would move on so I could get it home from the dealership!
I too agree that its more than just a little ironic that we have to pay extra to have our Harleys sound like a Harley! I went ahead and had the dealer install the SE slip-ons and re-map the ECM prior to my taking delivery. I started it up for the first time yesterday after the mod, and it sounds AWSOME! Now...if only this awful weather would move on so I could get it home from the dealership!
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 518
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Harley sound
They both have problems from time to time. Good friend of mine returned a brand new carbed Roadking to the dealer under the state's Lemon Law because they couldn't make the original equipment CARB operate right. Why does Harley put up with Dealers like this? Only takes three failed attempts where we live to invoke the lemon law. He got an EFI Roadking and my EFI Fatboy has had no problems at all. Yes, you need the better intake, better exhaust and a remap to make the bike run decent....now that's really sad I'd say. But, the EPA is all over Harley at the factory....but not at my house, LOL!!
ORIGINAL: Sincecrazy
What else I find interesting is that Ive never know anyone to get a citation for noise from a HD, but run a car with straights and see how far you get. I have a carb RK, and have been to different elevations with no problem at all. I have a friend with a EFI, and lately he has had all kinds of problems with it. He has 30000miles and has had sensor problems and a couple of other issues that I dont quite remember. Hes wishing he had the carb model when those problems arise, and I cant say that I blame him. If I had the money when I bought my bike, I would have bought the EFI. The cold starting alone would have made it worth the money.
What else I find interesting is that Ive never know anyone to get a citation for noise from a HD, but run a car with straights and see how far you get. I have a carb RK, and have been to different elevations with no problem at all. I have a friend with a EFI, and lately he has had all kinds of problems with it. He has 30000miles and has had sensor problems and a couple of other issues that I dont quite remember. Hes wishing he had the carb model when those problems arise, and I cant say that I blame him. If I had the money when I bought my bike, I would have bought the EFI. The cold starting alone would have made it worth the money.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS!!!!
RE: Harley sound
Now...if only this awful weather would move on so I could get it home from the dealership!
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 610
Likes: 53
From: Kennesaw, GA
RE: Harley sound
Funny thing is, I just saw a commercial for H.D. the other day while watching American Chopper and one of the comments was about the sound as they had a couple of bikes driving off WITH PIPES. Talk about false advertising. If I were buying a new bike I would have that on tape, take it to the delaer and say that what's you advertise and that's what it should sound like. With no additional costs of course.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
Likes: 708
From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: Harley sound
And what about the last Enthusiast Magazine, with the President talking about keeping the noise on bikes down. It's bloody hypocritical. The most prominent display in the dealer where I bought my bike is SE and V&H slip-ons. Get a grip HD. They make money on after purchase sales, so don't put up stupid statements like please keep the noise down, and then sell the customers the items thay are complaining about.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
Likes: 708
From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: Harley sound
And what about the stupid race flags, and "race application only" comments in the accessories catologue. Every part I have bought is not recommended for the street by HD. Yeah Right!