kraut60, good points all around. Loud pipes do not save lives, just annoy the heck out of people and make those who have them frowned upon and give the negative image the public perceives them to be. I probably upset some people with my tunes cranked loud, but not too loud I think to annoy the public from 1/2 mile away like those darn loud pipes that should be banned from the U.S.

I really don't get the point of loud pipes day in and day out all day riding. Oh wait, most HD (not all now) just ride from town to town, or should I say bar to bar. I own a big cycle and at times, wish I had more loudness, but then I couldn't listen to my tunes on my mp3 player. What really disturbes me is the riders, mostly HD's, that let their bike warm up for 15 minutes before they ride and rev the engine to make that potatoe, potatoe, potatoe off-beat sound like it is mising noise. What is wrong with the stock pipes HD puts on from the factory which is quieter and work just fine? Does upgrading the pipes to a higher decibel level make most underpowered HD's improve performance?

Nobody is saying that bikers aren't good, constructive or honest people. There is absolutely nothing wrong with riding a motorcycle or "being a biker". That's not the issue in contention, folks. It's the overwhelming trend for certain bikers to have ridiculous, peace-disturbing, obnoxiously loud pipes. And it's not a matter of just "dealing" with one or two bikes roaring past your home every so often, as somebody suggested. It's become epidemic and pretty much synonymous with a certain brand of cruiser. And now many crotch rockets have the capability to sound like some kind of a sonic buzz saw or something, too.
Do any of you with loud pipes ever stop to think that maybe a tired mom just got her baby to sleep and a bike screams past...maybe some hard-working guy just got to sleep after a long day and has to get up early and do it all over again and a group roars past...maybe someone in the home is sick and their rest is being disturbed...or maybe someone is even on hospice and bikes are roaring past outside, off and on, all day long, and that dying person would just like to enjoy a little peace and restful quiet and maybe a cool breeze coming in that window on one last beautiful summer day, but instead they get to listen to all of you who, let's face it, don't care who you disturb, as long as YOU like the way it sounds.
Why are you folks who are supporting your need for noise dodging the issue and coming up with all these other irrelevant arguments? Are you honestly not getting it?

Steve, This blog is just too funny! I really got a kick out of all the comments. Keep up the good work!

I love motorcycles and will always love motorcycles. Its who I am and who I will always be. I ride a Harley and I am considerate with my pipes after hours or in the city. I AM A BIKER and think of me what you may....I don't care...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBNyuf533...

Hey Steve, since you threw out the first insult, I gotta ask.

How do you compensate? More expensive running shoes? Bigger bicycle? More wordy blog than everyone else?

It really is too bad that you had to end a thought provoking piece with cheap insults.

Ride a cycle and truly want to do something that will save your life? A headlight modulator will be seen and noticed long before your loud pipes will be heard. I don't think I have ever seen a Harley equipped with one and would be willing to bet that if one polled the owners of the usual weekend line-up outside the roadside establishment, the majority response would be, "Headlight what?"

Well, here goes nothing. To all of you who belittle the obvious and real problem of OVERLY and OBNOXIOUSLY loud pipes on motorcycles, which for the most part are on Harley's, please try to be at least a little more reasonable and open minded. We all know the true reason isn't because you honestly think they save lives. Or if it is, you need to look at the statistics and wise up. And wear brighter clothing, get a headlight modulator and quit bar hopping while riding. Cause, you ain't foolin' nobody but yourself, people. But, I guess if you aren't concerned about looking, or more aptly, sounding like an inconsiderate idiot, then maybe you don't have what it takes to understand the point that is obvious to all but you.

gazettefan - Get some earplugs.

Thank you, leostime.

And as for you, justask.., I just spent several hours locked in my panic room seriously assessing the value of my presence here. I emerged from said room determined to announce my retirement as a paid poster. (By the way, you are correct, I get a penny for every outrage I incite.) However, after reading certain posts since this morning, I, with great regret, have decided that my work isn't done here.

MBHammer, nobody asked! Same goes for you Grandpa!

Molly: Clean up your act!

Spark: Get a clue!

gazettefan-I like your posts. You may stay :>

For me I like the sound of a Big Block Chevy better.

Everyone on here needs to realize that gagettefan is a paid poster, put on here just to rile people up! I see no facts from he/she, just a bunch of idiotic comments. Please leave this site, The Gazette Extra and get a life!!

I don't understand why my comment was removed? Knox can trash people who ride Harleys but WE can't comment back? Hmm typical gazette. My comment was NOT threatening, harassing,I did not libel and no swear words were used. I guess Stevie didn't like what I said.

Again, Spark, we're talking about the pipes that disturb the peace.

OK, now that the dead horse has been beat to a pulp, let's call it a day, folks. Life goes on.

FYI, never once had anyone honk at me because I'm extremely defensive and have never given anyone a reason too. Now, on the other hand, I can't even count how many times I've had to do the opposite because of someone else's piss poor driving habits in their vehicle. You get the point now? You don't like noises and are worried about your health. That's your prerogative. Not everyone is worried about the same things.

gazettefan - I can tell you are not educated on riding motorcycles, so stick with something you are. Not all aftermarket pipes are loud. New helmet technology is amazing and you can hear just fine.
-
Again, do you think someone riding is putting their ear right up to the pipe and cracking the throttle wide open? You are grasping for something here. If you don't like noise, that's your opinion. Some do. Life go's on and you can continue to worry about it.

Spark, We're talking about the loud pipes.

And if the helmet muffles the sound of the pipes, doesn't it also muffle the sound of everything else around you? like the horns of those Toyotas?

gazettefan - I think you are assuming that every pipe is obnoxiously loud because a few people road by your house and disturbed you. Do you realize the pipes aren't always cracked wide open and there are hundreds of different styles? Some not as loud as others. Some people take the baffles out, etc, etc. With a helmet on my head, they aren't hurting my hearing. Again, I think you need to worry about bigger things in life.

Speaking of "listening", you are aware that your loud pipes are damaging your hearing, aren't you?

It's just priceless listening to everyone get upset over such little things. I'll just make sure I stay away from the Toyotas.

Spark:

Then pay extra attention: your loud pipes endanger your own safety: you might not hear the horn of someone whose breaks have failed.

Then pay extra attention: your loud pipes endanger your own safety: you might not hear the horn of someone whose breaks have failed.

Little man syndrome=
Condition whereby undersized men compensate for their smallness by physically asserting their presence. (or by putting loud pipes on his ride!)

No. My pipes will stay somewhat loud. Bigger things to worry about.

OK.

So are we agreeing with each other?

gazettefan - Great attitude. If you can't pay attention when you drive your vehicle, don't drive.

If riding is dangerous without loud pipes, don't ride. Loose the excuse for disturbing the peace.

Loud bikes command attention? Been there and witnessed it first hand. You hear them long before you see them. You hear them and you start looking around for them. Hubby rides a Harley and I ride a more "reserved" bike. He leads the way and clears the path for the both of us. I've seen more outlandish riding by 20 something year olds on crotch rockets. Like riding a wheelie down the highway at a high rate of speed. Hmmm, with the front wheel of the bike off the road, do ya think they have any control on where that bike is going? At least enough control to ensure that the bike won't veer into the oncoming traffic?
Yep, loud pipes on bikes get you noticed, but I question if it's for safety reasons ONLY!

I have a "loud pipe" story!
The BF I had a few years ago bought the
105th anniversary Ultra ..
He said by next year he would put on louder pipes!
When I asked him, Why?
He said, "I can't hear them!".
This is waaaaay to funny since ..
a) He's basically deaf
b) As the noise is behind the driver,
I was already partially deaf at the end of each ride!

To add my 2 cents to the loud issues ..
NO .. Loud Pipes do not save lives!

I drive a 150cc Touring Scooter.
It is my responsibility to be seen and look for potential dangers!
Yes, I have had cars and cycles not pay attention to me.
No! I am not putting louder pipes on it!

But, No matter what you are driving .. either 2 or 4 wheels ..
It is the Responsibility of EVERYONE to be Responsible and Considerate Drivers!!!!

loopy
Mine was NOT a personal attack directed at you but a
generalization.
Your ad hominem label is innaccurate.
.
Two shots for a quarter my dear!

I ride a late 90's sport touring bike (12k miles last year) AND a single cylinder adventure bike (I did 700 miles of the Trans America Traile last year).
My motorcycle can out accelerate and out brake ANY car or truck.
I've taken the MSF advanced rider course.
I sit higher than most cars.
I am in a hightened state of alertness because I know to all of the cages out there I'm invisible.
It's my responsibility not to put myself in harms way when I ride. That way I'm rarely forced to use my Stebel horn (Aftermarket and VERY loud)
I've been riding for 35 years. I had a REAL loud British twin when I was 18ish. I grew out of it.

I ride a Harley cause it's the best,
I sneer and laugh at all the rest.
It makes a lot of noise, that I know,
and I've spent a fortune to make it go,
I ride hard and I rides fast,
But an old guy on a Valkyrie just kicked my a$$ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
80% of all Harleys are still on the road, the other 20% made it home.
Harleys are light, 4 cylinders too light.

Buy an air horn and know when to use it. There is no sense to have pipes at that decibel level and should be banned nationwide. Proves to me that some, not all, Harley riders need to learn what common courtesy is. Maybe they do this loud madness since lacking something down below? Just saying.

Not good for the wildlife.

The River Run is coming up in a couple of weeks where I live. 10,000 Harleys along the Colorado River. Awesome. It is an outstanding event...great fun. But with all of the traffic, we will take the bus down to watch all of the excietment. Third largest biker event in the nation after Daytona and Sturgis. What true patriotic American doesn't love Harleys.

Loud pipes don't do anything but drive a bigger wedge between people who ride motorcycles and people who don't.

There is no excuse for being able to hear someone rapping their pipes 3 miles away at 2 in the morning.

The horn on my motorcycle doesn't work. I just yell: LOOK OUT!!!

@bennontonf1

"As I was saying, too stupid to operate your horn?"

Well, an ad hominem attack is always a refreshing change of pace in these comments.

My bike horn is about as loud as my kids' ringers on their bikes...beep-beep. At least with my louder motorcycle, I know people are aware I'm near them. I'm sure that little roadrunner sound would stop a lane-drifter from noticing me without my loud pipes. *rolls eyes*

Now you're getting mean!!!

C'mon bella, my comment was a threat? Give me a break. It's all in good fun. Besides, I think Steve is a brave young man as he continues to complain about the very city that he claims to love so much.
Is it just me or is it painfully obvious that "gazettefan" is Steve Knox? C'mon Stevie, we know it's you.
AbcXyz, you're not so bad yourself :)

And the Lord said, those with loud pipes shall reap the whirlwind. Rufus 13:66

Every loud bike should be inspected for match up numbers on muffler.
This is a Federal Law.
There is no reason for a bike to be heard from three miles away.
Police need to crack down on all vehicles.
No vehicle is allowed to be louder than when it came from the factory.

To me the sound of a group of Harley riders taking off is to compared to the sound of the church organs,beautiful,just frickin beautiful!! I say oh take me lord,for i must be in heaven to hear such joyous sounds. I hope their are Harley's in heaven,just think how cool God looks riding a Harley,bad ash!!

FYI: I think Viagra or Cialis would fall into another subject area. Like the health column.

For that to make sense, no vehicles should have mufflers.

Loud pipes save lives, It gets peoples attention! Cellphone users, daydreamers, and those simply not aware of their suroundings.

It's the other way around.

just....., the issue isn't "owning a motorcycle", the issue is disturbing the peace with unnecessary noise.

Spark, you hit it right on the head! It is not the bike, it is the person riding/driving it. And by the way, I do not own or have never ridden on a cycle. The same goes for the driver of a car. Why is everyone here knocking motorcycles? If they are driven safely they are the same as a car driven safely. I don't like the noise either, but it is not my place to tell someone they cannot own a motorcycle. It is an individuals right. The thing I hate while driving my car is the car with a youngster in it with the stereo vibrating not only their car but mine also!!! Good luck with not needing a hearing aid at the age of 30!! Steve is an unpaid columnist speaking for the general public, you don't like his articles, DON'T READ THEM!!

Janesville has a noise ordinance (10.36.020) that prohibits "unnecessary and annoying noise with a motor vehicle," by "emitting unnecessary and loud muffler noises" and "having a modified or inadequately maintained exhaust system." So the question is, why doesn't the Janesville Police Department enforce this ordinance when it comes to Harleys? It was established for good reason, and it must be either enforced or repealed.

bennetonf1 - What do you ride?

OOOPS! "liked" instead of like.

75% of the dew rag and leather pirate crew out there are POSERS that put on 1,500 miles a year going from bar to bar. It's just a big costume party with BIG noise makers.

BooRadley - I used to live next door to Nut and Nut's wife. Nut like to mow his yard about 4-5 times per week, (we secretly thought he was trying to get away from the little lady) and HE mowed at night (after 9). He had a Binford model lawn mowing machine (not just any lawn mower) with 747 landing lights on it and bored-out cylinders.
.
Pocket rockets are a wonderful thing.

Good name, Mr_Negative!

live free,ride free,ok MDA(tub run),give back the hundred of thousands of dollars,or millons now somebody doesn't like the harley's getting together for your cause,Toys for tots too,disban no more,we can't annoy that person if we're too loud that day.Harley riding is a chosen lifestyle,chill -n- deal,''in the wind'

The best part of all of this. Nothing will change even after you complain about it.

a train, fire truck, snowblower and chain saw are being used for something other than recreation. And if the snowblower or chain saw were being ran after 9PM, I would have a problem with it. You got one thing right, Harleys rapping their pipes at midnight are making sure they are heard..for miles around.

Mr. Negative - Your post about loud, obnoxious Harley riders going past Steve Knox's house proves the dog poo theory!

bennetonf1 - Get over it. Some like them louder so they can be heard. What is the problem with that? Do yo complain every time you hear a train, fire truck, snowblower, chainsaw? As far as your comments about how man people can name the different bikes. Thanks for proving the point. There are many uneducated folks speaking on the subject.
-
As far as the "crotch rocket" comments by some. By the way, they are sportbikes. They have more technology and engineering that anyone can imagine. It's not the bike, it's the person riding it.

If loud pipes save lives I guess all Goldwing riders have death wishes..........

Oh Benneton, I love a challenge! Let's see: Triumph; Indian; BMW; BSA; Norton; Ducati; Yamaha; Honda; Suzuki; Kawasaki; HD; and... um... Radio Flyer? LOL! Just kidding. Not too bad for a middle-aged grandma. Of course, it helps that the grampa I married 31 years ago (before he was a grampa) has owned at least three bikes. There've been a few bike discussions through the years.

There are way, way more vehicles on the road than bikes. And a majority of those in vehicles, simply can't drive. Fact is, there's more annoying drivers of vehicles than there are a few loud bikes. If you're worried about a little noise, that's fine. You'll get over it. Now put down the cell phone, the burger, stop yelling at your kid in the back seat and use your signal.

Oh, and shame on you Steve for such a blatent attempt at getting you comment count up. If I didn't know any better I'd say you were TROLLing for war of words.......

BTW, loud pipes are NOT for safety. Loud pipes are for the "Look at me" factor. If those riders were so concerned about safety don't you think they'd be wearing Hi-Viz gear as well? You know, "Loud clothes save lives".
:-)

Of all the bikes on the road / of all the LOUD bikes on the road, what percentage do you think are H-D's? I'd go with 70 - 80%. Hence the skewed view. I'm sure the general population can only name 2 or 3 motorcycle manufacturers.

No matter what the story says, the complaints by posters about the Harleys have to do with the pipes.

BMW riders definitely have more class. Much classier bikes . Crotch rockets?? I do not think those should even be considered in the same class as motorcycles. They remind me much more of a upgraded dirt bike. Those are some dangerous bikes, or should I say too many who ride them do so dangerously.

bennetonf1 - Ya, they sound great. Also as loud as anything else. Which once again, proves the point. It's the harley crowd none of you like. You're all making this too easy to predict. I love all bikes. Period.

I LIKE the sound of a piped Ducati. Pure technology. H-D...not so much.

rodgersfan - they're the most obnoxious? Is that based on your opinion? Some might say sportibkes, or "crotch rockets" as the bashers like to say are the most obnoxious. Again, just proves the point. This is about not liking the crowd. FYI, Harleys are more than the average BMW.

I have to agree the loud bikes are annoying. I would support any ban on loud stereos or bikes in town.

It does seem as though SPARK, Harley riders are the most obnoxious, and the loudest. So it all applies. BMW riders, pretty calm and quite. But very expensive bikes to begin with.

If you're going to write an article targeting harley riders, prepare to get heat for it and deal with it. Read the story again. This isn't about loud pipes. This is about judging those that ride Harleys. The title is merely a decoy to the real heart of the story. Many posts below prove the same. It's not about pipes.
-
Steve, if you want to write a story about "certain" people that ride obnoxiously, then do just that. May I suggest however you leave out parts about not understanding the fascination, or joining a cult, or classifying poker runs as sponsored drunk driving runs. It makes you sound complete ignorant and uneducated.

Just call the police , getting a ticket or two and they will learn to keep them quite. Especially going through residential areas there is no reason to be so loud.

andre....., a comment should have a point. That would make it so much more interesting to the reader!

Yeah, Negative, threatening people, you're a creep.

Mr. Negative - I think you just proved Mr. Knox' point about SOME Harley riders.

I can see the point of a loud exhaust making people pay more attention when you are in traffic, and if people pay attention then you are safer. The problem with drivers is the ones that don’t pay attention, whether it is the person on the motorcycle or in the car, people need to pay attention to their surroundings. Now with understanding an argument behind loud pipes it is also a person’s preference and they have every right to choose that. If it is too loud the police have every right to issue a disturbing the peace ticket, if the police are not when they should be then the police are being unethical. Those things said I have stock pipes on my motorcycle and I try to avoid the other motorists as much as possible because people driving their cars down the road not paying attention scare the crap out of me. Harley rider or crotch rocket rider it doesn’t matter they can be just as dangerous or just as safe it depends on the rider, same thing goes for a car. And anyone weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating is lucky that they make it home at night. I do have one request to all the cars and trucks out there, please look before you turn or at least use your signal so I can have a warning and get the heck out of your way (if you give me a warning I will move because I want to make it home to see my kids) also please do not tailgate motorcycles. They accelerate fast they also slow fast, the engine will slow a bike down fairly quickly and if you are that close and are not paying attention you could easily rear-end a bike, we don’t want you running us over any more than we want you turning into us. If I am going too slow where you want to tailgate please just pass me. I am just asking, I am responsible for myself on the road however there is only so much that I can do to avoid you turning into me or hitting me from behind, please try to pay attention when driving.

Harleys are loud but for the most part it seems like the people who ride them, ride them safely. People who ride crotchrockets scare the crap out of me. They gun it from stoplights, weave in and out of traffic. Fly up behind you and ride your butt. I am probably making generalizations, but I would much rather deal with the noise of a Harley then the heart palpations I experience with the crotchrockets.

----pathetic----

As usual Steve, not a very smart article. Here's what we know from your last couple of posts. Your name is Steve Knox, you live on Beacon Hill Dr. in Janesville and you hate the noise that Harley's make. Well it looks to me like local Harley owners just found a new route to work, the store, the bank or just another daily joyride past your house. Your neighbors must be so proud of you.

Let's see, disturbing the peace is not a problem but someone writing their opinions that you don't have read is. Wow!

Is our society nothing but a bunch of cry babies,yes i think so! I think the only reason for all these blogs are just to induce whining,& does your opinion really matter "NO",because no two people will ever agree on everything,get over it,harley's rule!

I don't know our town is kind small. They need something to do. I mean come on they stop people for having a burnt out license plate bulb. That tells me they are bored. Not only that many of these bikes do violate the noise ordinance we have.

evansvilleproud - It's personal preference. Just like it's personal preference for you to think because you drove a certain way or your dad did something a certain way, that everyone else should do it that way. Nobody is going to hurt YOUR little town, so don't worry. Put the phone down. The police have actual bad people to take care of.

Boo , we have neighbors that do the same, sit in their driveway and rev it up, like they wanted the entire neighborhood to know they were off. Who mows their lawn at 9 p.m.?

I am responsible for myself in the sense that if I were to cause a accident, I would be responsible enough to admit that I was the cause. Biker's always seem to want to blame people in cars or trucks. Too hear most talk it was never their fault. I would also like to add, I don't believe for one minute the loud noise saves lives. Your stat's are very weak in support of your argument. My dad used to ride. First of all, he always wore a helmet. Because as I have heard many riders with common sense say " I protect my head, because what I have in there is worth protecting. " I guess those that don't , don't feel its worth protecting. Second, my dad never was hit on his bike, he did not have loud pipes on his bike, and never felt the need to show anyone around how loud he could be. HE enjoyed it for the ride.

I don't think anyone on here wants to see anyone hurt, but Spark your arguments are week at best, and you seem to want to blame everyone else.

If these same biker's come into our town again this year, that came in last , I will make sure the P.D. is aware of it, that is if they don't already they know they are in town from all the noise they make.

Boo - That is funny stuff.

I have a neighbor that likes to just park his harley in his driveway and rev it. I think he does it just to be loud and obnoxious. I have another neighbor that likes to mow his lawn at 9 pm during the week. I have spent years being the good, non-complaining neighbor, but last year, I fought back by allowing my kids to go outside to play at 7 am. I used to make them wait til 9 so that the neighborhood had a chance to wake up peacefully.

This issue is dealt with accordingly in this South Park episode:
.
http://www.southparkstudios.com/guide/13...

I think this is getting away from the inteded discussion. All Steve is saying is that the Harleys with loud pipes are obnoxious and that something should be done. There is a noise ordinance law on the books but does not seem to apply to loud motorcycle pipes. Now if your car muffler is too loud or if your car stereo thumps too much, or you modify your snowmobile exhaust, then that is another story.

evansvilleproud - And at what point did I ever argue that there isn't irresponsible bike riders? My point again was, I like pipes a little loud for those that don't pay attention and there are many. That turned into this whole debate. And if anyone driving thinks they only have to look out for themselves, they shouldn't even be driving. That's one of the first things they teach you in drivers ed. You have to lookout for everyone. That was my argument.

O.K. Spark take a deep breath and count to 10 before posting . Lets talk about responsibility. IF I am driving down the interstate, at posted speeds, BUT I change lanes , WITH OUT LOOKING OR SIGNALING. and either run someone on a bike off the road, or cause them to wipe out,,, I AM RESPONSIBLE.

HOWEVER if I have someone change lanes and cut in front of me , and leaves little to no room, does not signal and I can not stop in time to allow them to get in the lane...

LIKE I HAVE HAD Motorcycles change lanes with no warning, no signal.. IF they do this and get hit.. THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE.

LIKE THE GUY LAST WEEK ON MILTON AVE,, THAT IS my son's friend, and even he can admit, it was his friends fault. He was going way , way to fast.

SO I always look, usually twice, if only bikers would be as considerate.

loopylibertarian:
"I only get really REALLY loud when the idiot on the phone beside me in a car chooses to wander all into my lane"
As I was saying, too stupid to operate your horn?

evansvilleproud - I don't give a crap what you believe. You've been driving since you were 16? No kidding. So has the rest of the world. That's when they issue drivers licenses.

Who is talking about entitlement? Jesus people. I simply said, I like having them a little louder so I can be heard, because many drivers don't pay attention for motorcycles. How is that any different that some of you complaining that some bikers drive irresponsibly? Suddenly that turned into the "I don't have to lookout for anyone but myself mentality". Seriously, how does anyone believe that's how you should drive anything?

So you say Spark, but with that attitude of yours its very hard to believe. I have been driving since 16, and not one ticket or traffic stop. But then again, I can recognize I am responsible for me, unlike you.

Afer reading some of the comments on here , I will be much more likely to call in my concerns/complaints about the bikers I see or hear either being very irresponsible or loud. Our city could use the money as well. These comments showing a sense of entitlement by bikers are very alarming.

Get responsible? Actually, I have a perfectly clean record, always have. Also very responsible and defensive driver. I like pipes with a little rumble, but not obnoxious. I also don't use them obnoxiously. But it's people like some of you that think you don't need to use extra caution or LOOK for motorcycles that worry the hell out of me and everyone else that rides.

Hey Spark, did they really give you a license, or do you just drive with out. With the type of attitude you are displaying on here, I would not be surprised if you don't have one, but you drive anyway. You seem to think everyone owes you. Either get responsible or stay off the road.

curtaincall - That makes zero sense and so do you. Thanks for the heads up that you are the type of driver I should beware of. Whoever gave you your drivers license should be fired after those comments.

sorry spark, if you are in that much danger, staff of the road with those things. The only one responsible for you is you. You are clearly one of those biker's who make it hard on the biker's who are respectable.

curtaincall - Let me ask you something from your last comment. If you are in an accident and it's the other person's fault. Say they cut you off because they didn't pay attention. Do you take the blame and responsibility? Do you tell your insurance company that "it was my fault they turned into me."? After all, according to you, nobody should be watching out for you.

OH, BROTHER!!..........If that's all anyone has to complain about, then you're doing good. There is alot of worse things going on when people are driving besides loud pipes. Big deal.

curtaincall - "It's odd how bikers always tell people to watch out for them. Like we are responsible for their actions. When I drive in my car the only person who is responsible for me, is me. I don't ask anyone to watch out for me. Yet these biker's like to cry about people not watching for them. Maybe they should just not be allowed on the road if they can not take responsibility for them selves."
-
Read that statement again, and you will realize how un-intelligent that comment was. What do you expect! You are driving an enclosed vehicle compared to something that isn't. Bikes have just as much rights and are harder to see IF YOU ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION. Therefore it is your problem. Jeez! and no I'm not an obnoxious one. I don't want to listen to your snowblower, lawnmower, leaf blower or weed waker either. That's what you sound like.

Sorry I do not own a cell phone. Never have. SO keep it up, keep trying to make up excuses for the obnoxious bike riders out there. Not all are obnoxious. Some are very considerate. I watched one get arrested this weekend, because he thought he could weave in and out of traffic making other's hit their brakes. I don't know if someone called it in, or if the cop was just in the right place at the right time. But they cuffed him, so must have been something going on , besides driving habits.

It's odd how bikers always tell people to watch out for them. Like we are responsible for their actions. When I drive in my car the only person who is responsible for me, is me. I don't ask anyone to watch out for me. Yet these biker's like to cry about people not watching for them. Maybe they should just not be allowed on the road if they can not take responsibility for them selves.

Good point. I would love to know how many of the posters below complaining use or have used their cell phone or texted when driving. If you say you haven't or don't, your a complete liar.

Well, I have a Harley and I bought my bike with straight pipes on it, not the stock pipes. My bike is LOUD. And yet I've almost gotten killed twice, even though people hear me coming. Once was in Rockford when a woman took a left turn from a center lane, across my lane (I was in the left going the same direction) and the second time was before the light was put in at E Inman Pkwy & 51 in Beloit.

I try to be a courteous rider, I don't run my pipes up in town, and I only get really REALLY loud when the idiot on the phone beside me in a car chooses to wander all into my lane. Otherwise, I'm just passing through and I'll be gone in a minute or two, so relax.

Oh, and I'm a girl so the viagra doesn't apply...

Funny how emergency vehicles count on the use of loud noises to get your attention. Normally because most don't pay attention or have their stereo too loud. Too stupid to hit their horn button? Real intelligent statement. I'm not going to count on some of you dopes that drive to hear a horn last minute. I'd prefer you hear me coming a ways away.

Welcome to Janesville…
Where there Bashing the Harley Riders, Or The Christians, Or the GM Workers or the City Council or the, or the, or the…

Riders claiming loud pipes as a safety device must be to stupid to be able to hit their horn button.
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If loud pipes save lives just imagine what proper gear and training could do.
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BTW: GOOD CALL callitasiseeit TFF!

By the way, when bikers getting killed or injured is mentioned, there's never any mention of how crazy some of them ride: like riding between cars and weaving in and out on the interstate.

tom....., we're talking about the ones that disturb the peace.

Great post Steve. Agree 100%. A kid with a thumping car stereo is more likely to get hassled than a guy on a Harley 10 times louder. Doesn't make sense. Should be illegal to modify from stock, same as a snowmobile.

You people talk about bikers being rude you are just as rude by the way you are ASSUMING and talking about people who ride motorcycles some of the nicests, caring, nonjudgemental people are Harley riders not like some of the people I have seen writing comments on this blog.

Callit...., that was just a phase.

The loud pipes have nothing to do with safety. The sound is dog crap for the ears. coyote describes himself and his kind best.

Definition of a biker: someone with a motorcycle and a uniform.

I think most of us figured out that a guy who doesn't watch football and highlights his hair would ride an '86 spree vs a Harley.

I am not always happy with the noise made by motorcycles, but this is the first I have heard of dog excrement being involved in the process. Is this something new?

If it is after like 10am and before 10pm, let them do what they want. I live near N Oakhill, and that street is used as race stripe to most. Instead of going down Washington (where there might be cops sitting) they use N Oakhill and I think at least 90% of the cars that go by are doing way over 40mph and I have small children, one wrong move and I could have one of these cars in my yard and kill one of my kids. I would much rather hear and see 100 motorcycles drive by then to see what I see now.

Gazettefan has it right. They're like dogs peeing on every tree. It's rude, selfish, inconsiderate, childish, and annoying. If that's how you want people to think of you, just keep riding that open pipe Harley!

NOT all but most of these riders are just obnoxious.

I'm glad to give you people something to talk about.

There are bikers out there that don't sit and rev their bikes and take off from stop lights like bats out of hell, please don't give all people who ride motorcycles a bad name.

Loud exhaust fight... http://www.noisefree.org/soundoffmotorcy...

I like the sound of a Harley. however some people just go way to far. last year i had a harley next to me at a stop light all this guy kept doing was blipping the throttle as it sat there like it was going to die. and then he took off. my ear rang the whole day and i could not hear a thing. double standard definitly. If a harley can be loud so can my truck. and to match that sound. looks like open headers for me.

PT, Seriously!?!! We live on the highway that runs through our little town that satellites Janesville. From Spring to Fall, almost every weekend, we can count on at least one drive-through of a cluster of Harleys. They rev their engines constantly as they roar through town (going 25 mph). Sometimes as many as a hundred or so. They even drown out the fire siren. They're loud, for Pete's sake! That's not a bash of the life-style. Just a fact. And it can be annoying. I don't get bent out of shape about it, but that doesn't mean they don't make me roll my eyes. I *do* think they are in the same category as the kids who trick out their cars with the booming bass speakers. I don't particularly appreciate them visiting their noise on me. Especially when I can hear it inside my house with the windows closed. They're more than welcome to it, but it's not my cup o' tea. No bashing intended.

I agree with that statement.

Not trying to spark ya Spark but they're alot of irresponsible bikers as well everybody needs to pay more attention,Janesville has the worst drivers I have encountered in my life! Be safe

I can understand the complains from some, and that's their right. However, they've saved me more than once. It's bad enough people don't pay attention and look for bikes as is. You can barely hear stock bikes. That being said, they will continue to be used until some people in vehicles learn how to drive.

My husband has a harley, when we are at a stop sign I can talk to him and hear him perfectly. Love the sound of a harley going down the road.

PT - It's about loud pipes, not lifestyle bashing.

I could understand the point if the Loud Harleys were Driving non-stop around your Block.. There past in less then a few seconds.. I think it's more about bashing a lifestyle that you don't agree with then it is about loud pipes.. jmo

I am a Gen X Harley guy, but I do not "buy" in to the whole Harley scene. It is an expensive following to take on. Most Harley T-shirts are $25 to $30, and how many does a guy need-one from every shop visited, I don't think so. As far as the loud exhaust is concerned, I put aftermarket exhaust on my bike, but they are still mufflers, and they are not deafening. When a bike is at idle a person should be able to hear your buddy talk without having to yell. The one thing I can think of where loud pipes are beneficial is when riding in traffic because people usually do not see bikes as easily as cars, so the loud pipes let people know they are there.

Good read. I agree wholeheartedly.

When I was a teenager in high school, I modified the exhaust on my beater mobile to make it sound tough...I quickly grew out of that phaze.
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It didn't take long to realize how rude, annoying, and inconsiderate it was to impose my noise onto others.
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I don't believe that "Loud Pipes Save Lives" as the pipes are directed aft, where the bike has been, not forward where it's going.
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Compared to other motorcycles, Harley's are not quick, agile, or smooth...they are just loud.
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Should enough people force the issue, law enforcement will be compelled to uphold the WI Vehicle Code, and require a functional noise suppression system on every vehicle including Harley's.
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Loud Pipes Are Annoying !!!

It's is a form of aggression on the community. It's immature and selfish. Like leaving dog crap all over the place. Definitely not manly.

I live near Washington school,I cannot hear my TV or chat on the phone without pausing or missing a sentence on the tube,when the bikes go down Memorial or Washington it's annoying,you should be able to have your windows open and enjoy the breeze but NO! it goes on all the time.I have many friends who ride no offense, but C'mon no need to wind them out.I'm impressed with the looks of tricked out bikes but not the pipes.It's not all but some, that ruin it for others.