2007-06-14 18:53:17 · 14 answers · asked by izzie 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
The noise and vibration are part of the image Harleys project. Their crankshaft and cylinder arrangement produce a certain sound that is uniquely Harley.
Other bikes may project an image of smooth and quiet performance.
2007-06-14 19:00:07 · answer #1 · answered by beth 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Other brands are just as noisy. They all come from the factory with quiet exhausts.
The first Harley full production model was nicknamed "The Silent Grey Fellow".
Look at the tank, it probably says Yamaha.
2007-06-16 00:34:09 · answer #2 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this has to do with the single crankpin design of the v-twin engine. both cylinders use only one crankpin. this cause the cylinders to fire at an eratic firing posistions. honda made a better design on the v-twin engine in the mid 90's, but people were not buying the bikes because they didnt sound like a harley. also, many people put exhaust systems on their bikes to make them louder. you can do this to any motorcycle.
p.s. harley did attempt to patent the sound of their engines, but the patent was dropped in 1996 or so
2007-06-15 10:14:26 · answer #3 · answered by dave d 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All you idiots up here think that only Harley's are loud. I've been to hundreds of motorcycle events nationwide and I heard numerous Kawasaki's, Suzuki's, Yamaha's, and Honda's that are just as loud as the Harley's. It is just that most metric owners choose not to put on after market pipes, where most Harley Owners choose to put on after market pipes.
2007-06-15 15:34:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
the noise has in a way turned into a trade mark for the harleys... U will know it coming just from the sound and without even need to look at it..
2007-06-15 08:58:12 · answer #5 · answered by d 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Loud after market exhaust pipes are installed to give he illusion of power.
Air-cooled engines are noisy to start with. Harley couldn't pass EPA specs when towed past inspectors.
2007-06-15 12:52:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Vettin78, you actually believe the exhaust note comes partially from the gearbox?? Man it's a good thing you don't have to pass an IQ test to get on this forum.
2007-06-15 09:00:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not all motorcycles are vary quite when they are originally made.
They have to be to meet EPA & DOT regulations.
Most motorcycle owners modify there exhaust to make there bike louder.
Not just Harleys
2007-06-15 06:43:00 · answer #8 · answered by Rich P 1 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Harley's are quiet right off the show room.
2007-06-15 15:29:20 · answer #9 · answered by HD Rider 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure, but if they don't fast (witch by the way NO factory H-D is) maybe it's, they want to sound like it...Lots of noise will get you nowhere fast.
Some do it because of safety (and want the hole neighborhood to here them coming from a mile away), others do it because of image.
Nothing like a handful of them riding down Main St. and sounding like an F16 landing in your back yard.
I don't mind a loud set of pipes but when it makes my ear ring, I think your the fool.
2007-06-15 13:46:40 · answer #10 · answered by gretsch16pc 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋