Why all the noise?
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Pittsfield, MA
Why all the noise?
I recently bought an immaculate 1997 FLHTCUI with 18K, thousands in chrome and a good service record.
I love this bike, except for one thing: the exhaust system would raise the dead. It is some aftermarket brand and not a straight-through, baffleless design but still makes - for me - an outrageous amount of noise. I need to wear earplugs whenever I ride it. As I write this, my dealer is swapping those pipes out for stock.
My question is, it appears to be a regular practice of H-D owners to swap out stock pipes for even louder aftermarket, or Screamin' Eagle pipes. My '04 Sprortster was the same way.
My question is "why?" I don't think the answer is a simple "different strokes" or "individuality." Not even getting into the "loud pipes save lives" (for which no evidence exists), these noisemakers alienate non-riding neighbors of mine and yours and seem to do nothing for performance.
I bought my Ultra-Classic for comfort and touring. I ride 25,000 miles a year. I also own 3 late-model BMWs. I am accustomed to power, speed and nimble handling. An FLHTCUI, no matter what year, has none of these. It is what it is, and I like it for what it is, but nothing I'm going to do is going to make an 800 pound bike fast. My R1200S is a 1200cc opposed twin (I love twins, hence the Harley) and it has more torque and hp than an FLHTCUI in a 450 pound body - with 1/3 the noise!
Getting back to my question: why the noise? The power doesn't come close to justifying the racket.
Thanks,
Curt
I love this bike, except for one thing: the exhaust system would raise the dead. It is some aftermarket brand and not a straight-through, baffleless design but still makes - for me - an outrageous amount of noise. I need to wear earplugs whenever I ride it. As I write this, my dealer is swapping those pipes out for stock.
My question is, it appears to be a regular practice of H-D owners to swap out stock pipes for even louder aftermarket, or Screamin' Eagle pipes. My '04 Sprortster was the same way.
My question is "why?" I don't think the answer is a simple "different strokes" or "individuality." Not even getting into the "loud pipes save lives" (for which no evidence exists), these noisemakers alienate non-riding neighbors of mine and yours and seem to do nothing for performance.
I bought my Ultra-Classic for comfort and touring. I ride 25,000 miles a year. I also own 3 late-model BMWs. I am accustomed to power, speed and nimble handling. An FLHTCUI, no matter what year, has none of these. It is what it is, and I like it for what it is, but nothing I'm going to do is going to make an 800 pound bike fast. My R1200S is a 1200cc opposed twin (I love twins, hence the Harley) and it has more torque and hp than an FLHTCUI in a 450 pound body - with 1/3 the noise!
Getting back to my question: why the noise? The power doesn't come close to justifying the racket.
Thanks,
Curt
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 906
Likes: 0
From: State College, PA
gotta have the noise
to cover up the engine clatter etc.
A quiet Harley just does not cut it.
With quiet pipes on a Hawg it sounds like a sewing machine,
but, a very cool and BOSS sewing machine.
WillieC
A quiet Harley just does not cut it.
With quiet pipes on a Hawg it sounds like a sewing machine,
but, a very cool and BOSS sewing machine.
WillieC
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
Yes, it is "different strokes for different folks." reason why we have choices and options. noise for you but certainly not for the previous owner of the bike 
Last edited by kromdom; Apr 7, 2009 at 12:23 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 2
From: Yukon, OK
it is a choice, at least we have choices as to how we dress up our HD's....most metric come one way with not much add on stuff to make them your own.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 667
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
Maybe you shouldnt be comparing a 12 year old Harley to a "late model" beemer.
To answer your question, I like to hear and feel the rumble. I like the sound of race cars as well. The louder the better
To answer your question, I like to hear and feel the rumble. I like the sound of race cars as well. The louder the better
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 188
Likes: 9
From: Northern Virginia
Please let me re-direct you to the proper place for your silly *** question.
http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/
http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/