Let Freedom Rumble

I recently read an article by Art Freidman of MotorcycleCruiser.com regarding Harley-Davidson Motor Company's campaign against loud pipes. According to the article, Harley's CEO Jim McCaslin cites a four-fold increase over the last decade in negative media coverage and increased attempts to stop major motorcycle events, ban motorcycles from some communities, and measures to limit the freedoms of the motorcycle community. All this, according to McCaslin, is due to increasing numbers of complaints against loud exhaust pipes. McCaslin is quoted as saying, ""We all, every Hog lovin' one of us, must do everything we can to protect our sport and keep it as strong as it is today."

I began to notice Harley salesmen pitching high visibility accessories over loud pipes a couple of years ago. In the past the same salesman might have been overheard telling customers "your gonna wanna yank the stock exhaust and throw on some nice drag pipes, a stage one breather, and re-jet right away!" Who knows? They might have even thrown in a Loud Pipes Save Lives tee shirt for getting the work done at their shop. I guess those days are gone?

Freidman seems to think that most people have loud pipes for vanity sake, or because they believe that loud pipes actually do save lives. I will agree that both cases are probably true to some extent. I doubt that anyone with drag pipes on their bike has them solely because they believe it makes them safer. If that were the case they'd be wearing reflective clothing instead of black leather.

To say that loud pipes doesn't make you any safer is also untrue. There are probably more effective ways to improve your safety, such as being a smart rider and using good defensive riding skills. I have found myself in situations where the sound has been beneficial. For example: I was riding in heavy rush hour traffic when a car was about to move over into my lane. As I cracked the throttle to move out of their way the driver immediately stopped moving into my lane and spun her head around to see me. Had the driver not heard my loud exhaust it would have been a much closer call. I am convinced that in some cases the noise does make people on the road aware of your presence. But that's not the main reason that I have loud pipes on my bike. I have loud pipes because I love the sound of American thunder!

To me, the wonderful sound of a free breathing Harley is a symbol of one of the last vestiges of American attitude and strength! The sound of a thundering v-twin remains distinct in a world full of political correctness and conformity. The guy or girl passing with the loud Harley is saying, "I ride American Iron and I'm proud of it!"

I was visiting a physical therapy center not long ago. The place had large windows facing the highway. We heard a distant rumble approaching from the other side of a bridge as a large group of Harleys approached. Before they were visible the room was abuzz with chatter and excitement. People were saying "do you hear Harleys coming? Oh, listen to that!" Men and women of all ages (many elderly) jumped from their exercise machines and bolted to the windows where they pressed their faces against the glass like little children. As the bikes rumbled past they smiled and pointed as if they were watching a parade. Not only Harley riders appreciate the rumble of loud pipes.

I think the increase in complaints are a sign of the times. People are filing complaints about anything and everything that might infringe upon their right to only be exposed to sounds they approve of. The government reacts in a knee-jerk fashion, making more laws and taking more of our liberty. There have been lawsuits in some cities to stop the church bells from ringing on Sunday mornings! Complaints are up against railroads too. Often, these complaints are made by homeowners who bought or built their homes long after the railroad came to town. Rail equipment in most cases has gotten much quieter than years ago, yet these new neighbors feel they have the right to ask the railroad to shut down because they don't like the noise. Tough shit! Wear ear plugs!

Don't get me wrong, I try to be a good neighbor and don't believe we should go out of our way to create a problem. There are riders that just beg for people to call the cops. Use a little common sense. Don't try and blow the windows out of your neighbor's house everyday or leave your loud bike running endlessly on a Sunday morning. The day may come when the sound of Harleys out on the open road is just a fond memory. I like to think freedom won't go quietly.