If you’re asking yourself why Harleys are so loud, you’re not alone. There are plenty of reasons. For one, the engine produces a tremendous amount of noise compared to other mass-produced bikes. It also has a long exhaust pipe with a 45-degree angle between its cylinders.
Motorcycles are louder than any other mass-produced bike
The exhaust noise of a Harley motorcycle is more than just an aesthetic. The loud sound of the motorcycle is an important safety feature, and many motorcycle riders believe that the noise is actually a deterrent to drivers. Those who drive by the bike will not be able to miss it, and they are less likely to crash into them because they are easily heard.
There are countless factors that determine how loud a motorcycle can be. Many newer motorcycles are quieter, and their noise levels are often regulated by government agencies. By comparison, the decibel level of a car is around 35-45 dB while it is idling, while a jet plane’s noise level is between 120-140 dB. Despite the fact that the motorcycle may be quieter than other mass-produced bikes, it is still loud enough to be heard from a long distance, and can disrupt conversations on a patio.
They sound powerful
Harley Davidson motorcycles are notoriously loud. They can produce noise levels as high as eighty decibels (dBs), but this varies from model to model. By comparison, a typical car’s exhaust can emit between thirty and forty-five dBs when idling and fifty to sixty dBs when traveling at freeway speeds. A 2008 Ford F-450 truck, for example, has an exhaust noise level of 51 dB when idling, and up to 68 dBs at 65 mph.
The exhaust note produced by a Harley is known as the “Rumble”. The sound is produced due to a 45-degree V-twin engine layout and common crankpins. This design causes a vibration that is difficult to counterbalance.
They have long exhaust pipes
Harleys are known for their loud noise. Their exhaust can reach up to 80 decibels, which is a lot of noise for a car. It can be alarming for drivers who aren’t familiar with Harleys. However, some people don’t mind the noise.
Although the public might not care about loud motorcycle exhaust, it does affect their safety. Aftermarket exhaust pipes installed on Harleys make them louder and faster, but they are also not very environmentally friendly. In addition to that, they also violate federal laws.
They have a 45-degree angle between the cylinders
Harley-Davidson motorcycles make a distinctive noise. This is caused by the compressed gases escaping from the engine cylinders. The cylinders of a motorcycle engine are arranged with the connecting rods for the pistons arranged on an angle of 45 degrees, and the spark plugs are 180 degrees apart. This causes the pistons to fire every other revolution.
The Harley Davidson “Fat Boy” model was introduced in 1990. Its name was reportedly inspired by the names of two bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima during World War II. However, Harley-Davidson denies this claim.
They emit “potato-potato” sound
It’s the distinctive sound produced by Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This unique sound comes from the design of the Harley-Davidson engine, which features a 45-degree angle between the cylinders and a single crankshaft pin. The combination of the two causes the “potato-potato” noise. This unique sound has become one of Harley’s most recognizable features.
Some Harley-Davidson motorcycles also emit this distinctive sound while idling. The sound is a result of the engine’s syncopated and low-throated vibration. The sound is so distinctive that Harley Davidson attempted to trademark it and has since withdrawn the application. Some Harleys have custom pipes or drag pipes that are designed to make them sound louder.
They can get you in trouble for being too loud
Apparently Harley Davidsons can be very loud, and riding one could land you in hot water. While Harleys have always been a popular choice for bikers, their roar has been a major source of contention. Some riders claim that loud pipes and exhaust help save lives, while others argue that the noise is simply a warning for automobile drivers. Although there is no scientific evidence to back up this theory, Harley riders say they feel that their loud pipes help prevent collisions.
The noise of motorcycles is a concern among law enforcement officers nationwide. While you can get into trouble for speeding or ignoring traffic signals, police officers can pull you over for being too loud. In the city of Jackson, for instance, a resident demanded that police issue tickets for motorcycles that were too loud. The local police department responded by installing high-volume pipes on patrol motorcycles, which cost an estimated $15,000 each.
