If you’ve ever wondered why harley davidsons are so loud, you’re not alone. They’re the most popular motorcycles in the world, and for good reason. They’re big, bad and brash, with saddlebags, full fairings and massive chrome v twin engines. With enough power to overcome their weight, these bikes can rocket from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds. But they’re also very loud and obnoxious.
It’s the law
Many people complain about Harleys’ noise, claiming they’re too loud. But a recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story suggests otherwise. Motorcycle riders say the loud pipes help prevent crashes because automobile drivers cannot see them coming. However, traffic safety experts say there is no evidence to support this claim.
Although Harley-Davidson representatives insist they respect noise ordinances, the loudness of their bikes is arguably in violation of the law. When sold new, Harleys emit 80 decibels, about the same level as a lawnmower. That is arguably in violation of nighttime noise restrictions. The company also says their straight-pipe design makes it easy for bikers to modify their bikes, but those modifications don’t help mute the noise.
Motorcycles with loud exhausts also attract attention from other drivers. While cars are better at canceling out loud noise than motorcycles, the louder a bike is, the more likely it is to be noticed by other vehicles. This is also a contributing factor to the safety of motorcyclists, particularly newer water-cooled Harleys.
It’s the owners
It’s no secret that Harley Davidsons are noisy. And their owners are, of course, responsible for the loud noise. But it may surprise you to know that these bikes routinely violate noise ordinances in cities across the United States. The noise produced by Harleys, also known as tail piping, is notorious for causing air pollution and ear-splitting noise.
In 1994, Harley-Davidson sought trademark protection for the sound their engines produced. They were worried that other manufacturers would start copying the sound. It was unsuccessful, and rival manufacturers claimed to be copying the sound of the Harley Davidsons.
It’s the bling
A Harley Davidson is a huge, brash bike with a V-shape engine, saddlebags, and bling. It has plenty of power to overcome its weight, and its roaring exhaust can be quite deafening. The bike can accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than four seconds. It also produces a low-frequency rumble.
The bling is one reason Harley Davidsons are so loud. Some Harley owners go so far as to add a custom fairing, or a new set of fenders to their motorcycles. One such example is Kristin Carlson’s “Screamin’ Eagle.” Kristin has installed more than two-hundred Swarovski crystals throughout the bike’s rims. The bike also has a beefed-up exhaust and Rinehart slip-ons. Kristin even changed the handlebars, replacing them with seventeen-inch bars. She also added chrome button covers and blinker extenders.
In addition to being loud, Harley Davidsons are controversial because they can be painful to the ear. Some cities have resisted enforcing noise ordinances, while others have posted signs asking bikers to keep their rumble under control. The company’s 115th anniversary celebration is scheduled to take place over Labor Day weekend, and it’s expected to be loud. The company is looking for ways to woo younger riders as it struggles to boost sales from aging Baby Boomers.
It’s the bang
The bang from Harley Davidsons is one of the reasons these motorcycles are considered loud. They often violate noise ordinances, and they are known for their ear-splitting noise. While these motorcycles are a popular sight to see at motorcycle rallies, some cities have tried to regulate the noise by imposing restrictions.
The V-Twin engine, which powers Harley motorcycles, is the cause of the loud bang. This engine is simple, but the difference between the two cylinders is significant. Each piston is connected to the crankshaft by a single pin. In addition, the two cylinders are offset by 45 degrees. Because the engines fire at different intervals, the engine produces a distinctive sound that has become synonymous with Harleys. Harley even tried patenting this sound in 1994. However, since it is a trademarked trademark, bikers who attempt to copy this sound risk getting confused with a Harley.
A Harley Davidson motorcycle’s exhaust system can produce up to 80 decibels of noise when it revs up. The noise level will vary depending on the model. For comparison, a typical car will emit around 35 to 45 decibels while idling and in the mid-50s when cruising on the freeway. An average truck can emit up to 68 decibels when travelling at 65 miles per hour.
It’s the hog
If you’ve ever wondered why Harley Davidsons are so loud, you’re not alone. Despite their modernized image, Harley Davidsons have long been known for their loud hog. On July 30, 2018, the company announced its new “More Roads to Harley-Davidson” plan.
The Harley Davidson hog logo is an emblem of strength and speed, and its name dates back to the company’s racing days. In the early years of the company, its racing team was led by farm boys, and fearsome hog farmers celebrated with pigs. Today, the hog represents strength, prowess, and speed. The logo has deep roots in racing and can be traced back to these American boys who made history.
In 1994, Harley Davidson tried to trademark the “hog sound” of their engines to protect their reputation. Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful. Other motorcycle manufacturers were copying the sound, and the hog pig did not receive adequate protection.
