Quote Originally Posted by Caradoc View Post
I know a few really nice guys who just happen to be bikers.

The part I can't figure out is why companies like Harley-Davidson can't come up with a decent muffler. Namely, one that won't wake me up at 3AM when the neighbor decides to come home and rev his engine hard in his driveway across the street.

And I don't buy the "...so drivers can hear me coming in traffic" excuse. Too many cars are soundproofed better than my bedroom window, and with the stereo going they can't even hear a fire truck or ambulance, let alone the Harley rumble.
Been a "biker" for about 30 years now. I don't ride a Harley, no reason, just not my thing. My bike does however, have a loud exhaust. It's a performance modification. It's no different then putting dual exhaust with turbo/cherry bomb mufflers on a car or truck.

Keeping it quiet, now that is about consideration of those around you. When I'm riding in a residential area, especially at night, or when I leave my house at 4:30 in the morning, I keep my bike quieter than most cars. I choose to do this, just like I choose to make it scream like a banshee when I'm in an area where it doesn't matter. Even your neighbor's Harley can be quiet. Your neighbor needs to learn some respect.

Oh yeah, I agree with you on the loud pipes save lives BS. If anythign, they scare people who aren't expecting it.