View Poll Results: A poll
Voters: 209. You may not vote on this poll
Would you buy a Harley if you couldn't change the pipes
#1
07-06-2006, 12:51 PM
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Posts: 6,783
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Would you buy a Harley if you couldn't change the pipes
Below is a quote from the latest HEAVY DUTY mag down here in Australia. Looks like the MoCo is worried big time the quiet pipes will hurt sales. All I can say is that we face some interesting times in the near future as to most of us it is the noise that makes Harley what it is.
As the EPA tightens its grip on noise and emissions we will not be able to ride our bikes as they are now. It'll be interesting to see how this poll turns out, I hope the MoCo spies see it.
SQUAKIN' EAGLE?
Following a statement by Harley-Davidson president Jim McCaslin regarding complaints about motorcycle noise, official accessory brand Screamin' Eagle will not make race exhausts to fit street legal motorcycles.
"There is a growing issue of excessive motorcycle noise" said McCaslin.
"We've faced many challenges here at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, but we feel this may be one of the thoughest because of its potential to divide and destroy our lifestyle", said McCaslin.
" But, this is an unavoidable, so we must find a way to come together to address this critical issue," The issue is a hot topic in the US where the EPA have ramped up efforts to have all motorcycles comply with ever tougher noise and emission laws. All sales of race pipes will cease with the introduction of the 2007 range. Screamin' Eagle will still market a range of EPA compliant exhausts however.
As the EPA tightens its grip on noise and emissions we will not be able to ride our bikes as they are now. It'll be interesting to see how this poll turns out, I hope the MoCo spies see it.
SQUAKIN' EAGLE?
Following a statement by Harley-Davidson president Jim McCaslin regarding complaints about motorcycle noise, official accessory brand Screamin' Eagle will not make race exhausts to fit street legal motorcycles.
"There is a growing issue of excessive motorcycle noise" said McCaslin.
"We've faced many challenges here at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, but we feel this may be one of the thoughest because of its potential to divide and destroy our lifestyle", said McCaslin.
" But, this is an unavoidable, so we must find a way to come together to address this critical issue," The issue is a hot topic in the US where the EPA have ramped up efforts to have all motorcycles comply with ever tougher noise and emission laws. All sales of race pipes will cease with the introduction of the 2007 range. Screamin' Eagle will still market a range of EPA compliant exhausts however.
#2
07-06-2006, 12:57 PM
Road Master
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Central FL
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Would you buy a Harley if you couldn't change the pipes
You can always make it louder. You don't aftermarket pipes to do that, just a hole saw and some vicegrips. I bought it for the stigma attached and the way that makes me feel, not the noise.
#3
07-06-2006, 01:02 PM
RE: Would you buy a Harley if you couldn't change the pipes
Considering I still have the stock pipes, I'm not too concerned. Though, the day may come so I want the option for louder when it does.
#4
07-06-2006, 01:03 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
RE: Would you buy a Harley if you couldn't change the pipes
Not being able to go with louder pipes would not prevent me from buying a Harley. I wouldn't be as happy with it as I am with mine now, but as long as the look and feel remains, I could live with less volume.
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
#5
07-06-2006, 01:04 PM
RE: Would you buy a Harley if you couldn't change the pipes
Well I've owned Harley's for the past 6 years, and I must say that if I can no longer modify the engine or change the pipes to my liking then chances are my next bike will be a BMW. Why? Well lets see....for instance the K1200GT, over 150 HP, heated seats, grips, powered windshield 4 wheel ABS, navigation, superior electronic 3 way suspension. Must I go on?
I've got the Ultra and the wife has a Deluxe. Yeah, they sure are pretty. But lets face it, they are complete dogs straight out of the factory. All I gotta say is that Harley better get on the ball and start crankin out bikes with more options like ABS, and certainly wayyyy more power, especially with all this quiet pipe talk going on. They are definitely going to have to find those aces in the hole to pull them through these challenges. My hopes are high, but it's a big wait and see for now.
I've got the Ultra and the wife has a Deluxe. Yeah, they sure are pretty. But lets face it, they are complete dogs straight out of the factory. All I gotta say is that Harley better get on the ball and start crankin out bikes with more options like ABS, and certainly wayyyy more power, especially with all this quiet pipe talk going on. They are definitely going to have to find those aces in the hole to pull them through these challenges. My hopes are high, but it's a big wait and see for now.
#6
07-06-2006, 01:09 PM
RE: Would you buy a Harley if you couldn't change the pipes
ORIGINAL: timbo
All I gotta say is that Harley better get on the ball and start crankin out bikes with more options.....
All I gotta say is that Harley better get on the ball and start crankin out bikes with more options.....
#7
07-06-2006, 01:12 PM
RE: Would you buy a Harley if you couldn't change the pipes
At the very least, the stock pipes need to be more attractive. I will be changing out the stock pipes on my WG mainly for the performance improvement, but even without that, they would have to go cuz they ugly.
Trending Topics
#8
07-06-2006, 01:14 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
RE: Would you buy a Harley if you couldn't change the pipes
mine is stock '06, and will likeley remain stock for te forseeable future....so yes
I think it sound better now that I have about 3000 miles on it, doesn't have that deep rumble.....but its not like a GW or volkswagon either
I think it sound better now that I have about 3000 miles on it, doesn't have that deep rumble.....but its not like a GW or volkswagon either
#9
07-06-2006, 01:19 PM
Road Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: MS
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Would you buy a Harley if you couldn't change the pipes
I choose to keep stock pipes on my ultra because I like to hear the radio, but I do not think they can keep me from making any bike louder. If I have to make my own flanges, weld O2 bungs in aftermarket pipes, or make my own pipes, my bikes (other than tourer) are going to be obnoxiously loud. I know a good number of harley riders and do not really think the moco can come up with any way to build an exhaust where the end user cannot figure out a way to modify. That being said I would probably buy Harley even if they figure out a way to build exhaust that could not be modified.
#10
07-06-2006, 01:20 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
RE: Would you buy a Harley if you couldn't change the pipes
ORIGINAL: timbo
Well I've owned Harley's for the past 6 years, and I must say that if I can no longer modify the engine or change the pipes to my liking then chances are my next bike will be a BMW. Why? Well lets see....for instance the K1200GT, over 150 HP, heated seats, grips, powered windshield 4 wheel ABS, navigation, superior electronic 3 way suspension. Must I go on?
I've got the Ultra and the wife has a Deluxe. Yeah, they sure are pretty. But lets face it, they are complete dogs straight out of the factory. All I gotta say is that Harley better get on the ball and start crankin out bikes with more options like ABS, and certainly wayyyy more power, especially with all this quiet pipe talk going on. They are definitely going to have to find those aces in the hole to pull them through these challenges. My hopes are high, but it's a big wait and see for now.
Well I've owned Harley's for the past 6 years, and I must say that if I can no longer modify the engine or change the pipes to my liking then chances are my next bike will be a BMW. Why? Well lets see....for instance the K1200GT, over 150 HP, heated seats, grips, powered windshield 4 wheel ABS, navigation, superior electronic 3 way suspension. Must I go on?
I've got the Ultra and the wife has a Deluxe. Yeah, they sure are pretty. But lets face it, they are complete dogs straight out of the factory. All I gotta say is that Harley better get on the ball and start crankin out bikes with more options like ABS, and certainly wayyyy more power, especially with all this quiet pipe talk going on. They are definitely going to have to find those aces in the hole to pull them through these challenges. My hopes are high, but it's a big wait and see for now.
You are certainly entitled to your opinion, and it may be shared by many.....but for me, and I believe many others as well....oh hell If I have to explain.....
