Did you buy your bike based on the sound?

[Tigadee]

Admit it, you bought your bike based on the sound it produces, didn't you?

Various
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILZ_auw1hzo

Ducatis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjuqLvga-m8&feature=related

HD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSuEB73AxFM&feature=related

Japanese
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXscXf9Zd5g&feature=related

[Blackshear]

Bandit, no.
Never heard another bandit with a straight pipe.
TL? Yes. Kept seeing the same one tear my chest apart just idling at the lights, 6 months later and fuck it. I want one.

[sil3nt]

Not for me. Some people love the sound of an NC30 and although I don't think it sounds terrible it just doesn't really do it for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuuFWFZszhA

[Zamiam]

Is there another reason to buy a V-Twin?

[Subike]

Im deaf so it didnt matter

[Big Dave]

Nope. Sound had absolutely nothing to do with any bike I've bought.

[hellokitty]

Bandit, no.
Never heard another bandit with a straight pipe.
TL? Yes. Kept seeing the same one tear my chest apart just idling at the lights, 6 months later and fuck it. I want one.

You want a TL? as in Suzuki TL1000R?
;) how lucky that I have one for sale....

[jrandom]

It was definitely a factor.

My bike sounded like a sewing machine with the stock mufflers, but they were never going to last longer than a day or two like that. I don't think anyone leaves them like that. They're sort of a placeholder.

I'll put V&H Shortshots on when I can spare the cash from a payday, but in the meantime I've had a man whack a holesaw up the stockers and they sound pretty frickin' sweet.

[hellokitty]

It was definitely a factor.

My bike sounded like a sewing machine with the stock mufflers, but they were never going to last longer than a day or two like that. I don't think anyone leaves them like that. They're sort of a placeholder.

I'll put V&H Shortshots on when I can spare the cash from a payday, but in the meantime I've had a man whack a holesaw up the stockers and they sound pretty frickin' sweet.

A mate has the V&H short shots and they are awesome. I have screamin eagle pipes that are debaffled

[jrandom]

A mate has the V&H short shots and they are awesome. I have screamin eagle pipes that are debaffled

The demo Nightster I rode at AMPS had the Shortshots, V&H aircleaner and had been dyno tuned. Felt like it made a solid 10hp more than stock. I look forward to making the same mods to mine.

And they look mean.

<img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/xpo93n.jpg"/>

[quickbuck]

Well.....
I was looking for a CBR 600F2 for a few weeks. Then I saw mine, and it had a Kirker on it.
Sounds much better than the impersonation of a Singer that they usually sound like, so bought it....

As for the Ninja... Nope, wanted a Ninja for ProLite racing. It sounds a little better than one with a standard muffler with the Geinelli though.

[Stylo]

The demo Nightster I rode at AMPS had the Shortshots, V&H aircleaner and had been dyno tuned. Felt like it made a solid 10hp more than stock. I look forward to making the same mods to mine.

And they look mean.

<img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/xpo93n.jpg"/>

If you say so mate ....:sweatdrop

[jrandom]

If you say so mate ...

You don't like them?

I suppose it's fortunate that nobody's going to force you to ride my bike, then.

:sunny:

[nzspokes]

The demo Nightster I rode at AMPS had the Shortshots, V&H aircleaner and had been dyno tuned. Felt like it made a solid 10hp more than stock. I look forward to making the same mods to mine.

And they look mean.



That pegs a little optimistic isnt it?

[BigAl]

No, bought mine for performance, 100cc of pure power.

[jrandom]

That pegs a little optimistic isnt it?

How so? The long peg feelers, d'y'mean?

(Those are the mid controls btw, mine has forward ones.)

[nzspokes]

How so? The long peg feelers, d'y'mean?

(Those are the mid controls btw, mine has forward ones.)

Do they use that instead of a stand?

[SPP]

I bought it because of its looks. I'm shallow like that.



You don't like them?

I suppose it's fortunate that nobody's going to force you to ride my bike, then.

:sunny:

I like them! Can I ride your bike?

[Ocean1]

Im deaf so it didnt matter

Mostly so myself. Not a lot of noise to hear on the 1125 either.

[jrandom]

Do they use that instead of a stand?

Only while in motion.

<img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/10yeupv.png"/>

[jrandom]

I like them! Can I ride your bike?

Bring along your full licence and the $500 insurance excess in cash and leave your bike in my care, and she's all yours.

Motorbikes are for riding, after all.

[SPP]

Bring along your full licence and the $500 insurance excess in cash and leave your bike in my care, and she's all yours.

Motorbikes are for riding, after all.

Yes they are. I'm almost tempted... almost

[jrandom]

Yes they are. I'm almost tempted... almost

You'd do well to wait until I sort the mufflers, aircleaner and dyno tune.

I've just used up the HD branded Michelins it came with, too. Many wheelspin lols around Auckland in the rain yesterday. Metzeler Lasertecs going on next.

It's a choice bike. I'd encourage anyone to have a go on one. Broaden your horizons.

[SPP]

You'd do well to wait until I sort the mufflers, aircleaner and dyno tune.

I've just used up the HD branded Michelins it came with, too. Many wheelspin lols around Auckland in the rain yesterday. Metzeler Lasertecs going on next.

It's a choice bike. I'd encourage anyone to have a go on one. Broaden your horizons.

It's a date. I might like too much, you may not see it again.

[LBD]

What other reason would someone buy a Harley?

[jrandom]

It's a date. I might like too much, you may not see it again.

S'aiight, I'll have that $500 excess for the theft claim and your licence number for the cops.

:msn-wink:

[jrandom]

What other reason would someone buy a Harley?

Sounds like someone else needs to take my bike for a ride.

[Katman]

It's a choice bike. I'd encourage anyone to have a go on one. Broaden your horizons.

I know bro.

Ever since I rode it I can see as far as a far thing.

[jrandom]

I know bro.

Ever since I rode it I can see as far as a far thing.

I reckon that, being a jaded rider of many a HD, you probably found it less interesting than most folk around 'ere would.

[Big Dave]

What other reason would someone buy a Harley?

Comfort, generally how nice they are to ride, good economy for a big bike, reliability, dealer experience, resale value, ease of maintenance, established riding clubs, range of accessories/custom options, excellent riding gear, looks, and maybe sound with some aftermarket pipes.

Heritage, nostalgia, style....hmmmm. I might go out to the shed and clean the Street Glide now.

[jrandom]

Comfort, generally how nice they are to ride, good economy for a big bike, reliability, dealer experience, resale value, ease of maintenance, established riding clubs, range of accessories, excellent riding gear, looks, and maybe sound with some aftermarket pipes.

What he said, except for resale value cos I'm keeping it forever and riding gear because frankly I'd be horribly embarrassed to be seen wearing anything HD-branded.


Heritage, nostalgia, style...

There's just something about just puttering along the highway on one's bike and looking down at it in front of you and smiling because it's a distillation of what you've always instinctively felt a motorbike should be like.

[nosebleed]

Comfort, generally how nice they are to ride, good economy for a big bike, reliability, dealer experience, resale value, ease of maintenance, established riding clubs, range of accessories/custom options, excellent riding gear, looks, and maybe sound with some aftermarket pipes.

Heritage, nostalgia, style....hmmmm. I might go out to the shed and clean the Street Glide now.

Well shit, I musta bought the prilla for the noise then.

[Renegade]

bought my sv1000s because of those sexy yoshi's, and shes a sweet machine.

next bike very very likely to be one of those Harley iron's, loved the nightster i rode but can only afford the iron.

[jrandom]

loved the nightster i rode but can only afford the iron.

Tick it up somehow bro. Sell a kidney. It's only $3.5k more on the sticker price.

The 1200 has just the right amount of power. You don't want an 883. It'd be OK if it was a smaller bike, but it weighs exactly the same.

[nzspokes]

Didnt get mine for the sound. But I like its growl above 10000rpm.

[baptist]

I got my daily rider because of price... I'm tight like that ;)

[ducatilover]

It's a bonus.
My 600 sounded hot with the pipes it had, didn't have any idea it would when I was building it.
I do like a good twin though, I need a twin actually.

[hellokitty]

Comfort, generally how nice they are to ride, good economy for a big bike, reliability, dealer experience, resale value, ease of maintenance, established riding clubs, range of accessories/custom options, excellent riding gear, looks, and maybe sound with some aftermarket pipes.

Heritage, nostalgia, style....hmmmm. I might go out to the shed and clean the Street Glide now.

:clap: hahahahha I bought my Harley cos it made me grin like an idiot, and still does...

[Swoop]

"Purchased because of the sound"? I think not.
The bike sounded like an asthmatic anteater with the stock pipes, but they certainly did not last very long at all.

[avgas]

TS - No
K1 - No
RZ - No
RG - Yes
GB - No
GB2 - Yes
ZXR - Yes
GB3 - No
FZ1 - Yes
SRX - No
FZR - No

Probably missed a few in there.....

[Asher]

I dont really like the sound of my rgv, 2 strokes dont really do it for me. I prefer the sound of an inline 4 but that extra 10+ hp was enough to make me not care

[Fast Eddie]

I dont really like the sound of my rgv, 2 strokes dont really do it for me. I prefer the sound of an inline 4 but that extra 10+ hp was enough to make me not care

pff, 2 strokes sound mean.. i love my RS (RGV in an italian suit)

twins sound mint tho, a big litre twin with pipes - I need one

[Renegade]

Tick it up somehow bro. Sell a kidney. It's only $3.5k more on the sticker price.

The 1200 has just the right amount of power. You don't want an 883. It'd be OK if it was a smaller bike, but it weighs exactly the same.

like the look of the iron better with the black engine and alloy wheels over the grey and spokes, plus for under $3.5k i can put the 1200 kit on it :clap: when the extra cash comes along.

[pritch]

Definitely didn't buy it for the sound. Bought a Db killer to make it quieter. It's a bit too quiet now but it'll be staying that way; the part only cost $30.00 odd but the freight was over $100. :gob:

Then again I'm old, first things I look at on the spec sheet are seat height and tank capacity

[jrandom]

plus for under $3.5k i can put the 1200 kit on it :clap:

Be very careful before making that assumption. It'd pay to check what the official line is on '1200 kits' for 883s now. Since the 2007 models it hasn't been a simple matter of boring them out any more.

I'd suggest getting in touch with HD Australia/NZ directly (http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_AU/Content/Pages/Utility/contact-us.html?locale=en_AU&bmLocale=en_AU) to ask that question before buying an 883 on the basis of expecting to turn it into a 1200.

Or call Pete at WMCC (Crasherfromwayback on here).

[jasonu]

I never bought a bike because of the sound but on several ocasions I HAVE NOT bought a bike because of the sound.

[Gremlin]

Nope, sound was a very long way down the list. However, the new model was tuned to sound better, and I've ended up really liking it. Loathe to change the pipe away from stock, as I don't want it louder, but would do it for the weight saving.

[whowhatwhere]

Yes. Cheap is music to my ears.

[testastretta]

Be very careful before making that assumption. It'd pay to check what the official line is on '1200 kits' for 883s now. Since the 2007 models it hasn't been a simple matter of boring them out any more.

I'd suggest getting in touch with HD Australia/NZ directly (http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_AU/Content/Pages/Utility/contact-us.html?locale=en_AU&bmLocale=en_AU) to ask that question before buying an 883 on the basis of expecting to turn it into a 1200.

Or call Pete at WMCC (Crasherfromwayback on here).

It is still a bolt in kit (cylinders,heads,pistons). Just needs an ecm recalibration by the dealer or the purchase of a tuner (better option). An Iron 883 with 1200 kit fitted should cost about the same as a Nightster or 48

[Renegade]

It is still a bolt in kit (cylinders,heads,pistons). Just needs an ecm recalibration by the dealer or the purchase of a tuner (better option). An Iron 883 with 1200 kit fitted should cost about the same as a Nightster or 48

i dont even think it needs the heads, just a cylinder and piston change and the ecm download from the dealer.

[Monsterbishi]

The sound is usually on the list of things I note when considering a new bike, along with the size of the pillion seat, and the depth of fantasy that the salesman falls into when telling me how gentle and careful the previous owner was...

[george formby]

I never bought a bike because of the sound but on several ocasions I HAVE NOT bought a bike because of the sound.

I thought twice about buying my bike because of the noise. How can something so relatively docile make so much bloody noise? Does sound lurvely, though, if you like twins.

[SPman]

I can't afford an RC149 or 166!
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/z7yVqos4yKA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

So I'll have to make do with the XJR with Motad collector and modded stock pipes with 42mm outlets....sigh......sounds interesting though - like a smooth WRX!

[BurningPlastic]

I definitely bought my first bike in NZ because of a combination of the price and the sound. It's a CD250 but sounds like something a lot bigger and nicer due to the aftermarket pipes put on by a previous owner (the stock ones had apparently rusted out). I also just picked up an XF650 for touring and it's a nice bike, but I don't love the sound as much.]

In the UK I only had older british bikes available to me (Norton, BSA and Vincent) and I love the sound of a parallel twin.

[pritch]

I'll see your five and raise you three:devil2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TG7f2imRQo

[BMWST?]

def not.....its sounds a wee bit nicer now after cycle works did his stuff

[buellbabe]

Buy a bike cos of its exhaust note???

Yr kidding right?

When I bought the X1 she was bordering on fugly in the looks dept, sound was so-so, v-twin but muffled.

It was the RIDE that got me. Freaking bliss, had to own her!

Same with the CR, bit out there with the look, sound was goddamn awful but the RIDE... once again, rode it and bought it.

Surely its all about the ride??? That other shit is just cosmetic and easily modified to suit.

[Morepower]

Hell yes

When I bought the TL , my last bike was a Four and I had been looking at 4's , got convinced to try the TL with the two Bros pipes , I had not gone 200 metres , that sound , the straight cut gear whine ... It could have been utter crap and I still would have bought it ..

[LBD]

Sounds like someone else needs to take my bike for a ride.

Oct maybe.....I would be up for a swap.


Comfort, generally how nice they are to ride, good economy for a big bike, reliability, dealer experience, resale value, ease of maintenance, established riding clubs, range of accessories/custom options, excellent riding gear, looks, and maybe sound with some aftermarket pipes.

Heritage, nostalgia, style....hmmmm. I might go out to the shed and clean the Street Glide now.

Horses for courses...agreed, but I have not ridden a HD I have enjoyed, more than any other bike I have ridden.

[hayd3n]

bought bike standed
added my own sound
never liked the zorst mount brackets thing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15B8kmb8kaM&list=UUSSJSWAnGq5GCJTFMXye14A&index=6&feature=plcp
paid$50 + $50 custom fitted

[yod]

I didn't buy it because of the sound, but 1137ccs of blackbird through a micron race system sounds pretty farking good....so it helped!

[Kermit250]

Didn't buy it for the sound but it certainly sweetened it.

Those radial valves letting out that ferrari howl as she climbs up the rev range.......

[Oakie]

I bought the Bandit following the sound of Mrs Oakie saying "you should buy the Bandit".

[Tigadee]

I bought the Bandit following the sound of Mrs Oakie saying "you should buy the Bandit".

:2thumbsup Ahhhh, the sweet sweet sound of a supportive spouse...

[Tigadee]

Well, I sold my Zeal last week and I have to admit I miss the whine of that little inline-4 engine (and its ride). :(

I like my grunty-sounding baffled-modded Venox cruiser but somehow it ain't as much fun on the motorway... Great for slower roads and fun ride, but 130kph on the cruiser somehow isn't the same as 130kph on the Zeal.