The Future of Harley-Davidson

[Rebecca Bowes - 2010]

Most older Harley Riders I know have all their teeth, and probibly are more respected in their community than alot of other people as they are either Marines or former Marines.

 

[Randy]

Most older Harley Riders I know have all their teeth, and probibly are more respected in their community than alot of other people as they are either Marines or former Marines.

No such thing as a former Marine...there are only 2 types currently living and those that aren't...The phrase is "Once a Marine, Always a Marine"

Spoken by one who knows...me USMC 1968-1979

 

[Rebecca Bowes - 2010]

The fact is that bikes that make a lot of noise are more likely to be involved in accidents than those that have stock mufflers*. This has more to do with the riders than with the mufflers, but nonetheless the familiar Harley-owner bumper sticker that says "Loud Pipes Save Lives" isn't supported by the numbers.

*I understand that this fact doesn't take into account the number of accidents that might be prevented by making a lot of noise, an unknowable number.

As a Harley Rider myself, you wouldn't believe the amount of people who don't look when they are driving a car. They are driving with their cell phones in their ears staring with glazed eyes as they swerve around the road. "Load Pipes do Save Lives". When a Harley is around, people do hear them and then they turn their heads and look. I have seen it more than I can say. Also, I have seen people driving cars who are pulling out from a side street, staring blindly one way or another and starting to pull out right in front of me; then stop as I pull in the clutch and really rev the engine. Their expression changes and their looks are "Oh there you are, I didn't see you. Wow, I almost pulled out and hit you!!"

 

[AndyN]

I'm no expert (but I am an engineer) - but the idea of 'loud pipes save lives' seems a little like (simply) a justification for riding bikes with unmuffled exhausts, which the 'Joe in the street' can't (apparently) refute.

Dynamically speaking, the sound is behind (follows) the rider and bike - not in front (precedes) to act as a 'warning' and it's in the approach to other road users that most bikers meet their fate.....

Sorry, loud Harleys goes with the 'image' that HD want to promulgate - it's just marketing, that's all..........

 

[bobdoering]

I'm no expert (but I am an engineer) - but the idea of 'loud pipes save lives' seems a little like (simply) a justification for riding bikes with unmuffled exhausts, which the 'Joe in the street' can't (apparently) refute.

Dynamically speaking, the sound is behind (follows) the rider and bike - not in front (precedes) to act as a 'warning' and it's in the approach to other road users that most bikers meet their fate.....

Sorry, loud Harleys goes with the 'image' that HD want to promulgate - it's just marketing, that's all..........

Not necessarily. It does have the opportunity to reflect and deflect, from buildings, especially - and, at the speed of sound, the sound could beat the motorcycle to your vicinity.

 

[Marc]

I'm no expert <snip>

Have you stayed at a Holiday Inn Express????

 

[AndyN]

Not necessarily. It does have the opportunity to reflect and deflect, from buildings, especially - and, at the speed of sound, the sound could beat the motorcycle to your vicinity.

True, Bob, but then that tends to assume that a lot of bikes are ridden in built up areas which would promote the sound reflection. Plus, if it is (scientifically) correct, howcome it's not legislation on all bikes........????

I'm still with the marketing ones on this......

 

[AndyN]

Have you stayed at a Holiday Inn Express????

No but I did stay at a Hampton Inn once!

 

[Sidney Vianna]

"Load Pipes do Save Lives"."

What is a load pipe? If HD riders have the "right" to bypass mufflers to feel safe, why couldn't everybody else do the same? Let's all add to the pollution and not discriminate....

 

[Randy]

What is a load pipe?

Ask Michael Phelps