Baby Boom and Harley Davidson Romance. Why?

Question

In the past few years more and more boomers are riding bikes. I call them organ donors.

Any way I am wondering if any of my fellow boomer out there can telly me WHY?

Secondly, why do y'all take off the mufflers. These hogs are so loud they hurt my ears!

It is just a question about something I have noticed. I am not closed minded about riding and have many friends that ride.

Saying that the noise is necessary for safety reasons does not make sense to me. Not when I see bikes riding down the middle of stopped cars on a street or freeway, on the shoulder roads and highways, or the berm to get ahead in traffice.

And what about rice burners they do not make so much noise. They go fast and also violate many traffic laws.

Answer 1

I don't believe it is a "baby boomer" thing, it's a "Harley Davidson" thing. Some of the answers are correct, you can afford one more easily when your older. How many bald, fat guys do you see in corvettes? Sturges and other rally are now more "middle & upper class" income levels then it was many years ago. Can't judge the book by the cover as they say.

Harley was established in 1903, nothing new, nothing trendy, always has been "Harley Davidson." No comparison. The organ donors are the punk kids doing 150 mph and wheelying up the freeway on the rice burner, crotch rockets.

Motorcycle enthusist all share their love for riding. An unobstructed 360 degree view, the smell of everything surrounding you, the fresh air blowing through you, the comradery, events, rally's and scenery on your travels. It's just that "Harley" is the original best! Others have tried to copy the styling, some of the look etc. There are some nice looking bikes out there now. Some a lot more afforable but..... it's gotta be "Harley"

People buy them to customize and make them their own. It's a visual expession of yourself.

As for the loud pipes... They don't come that way, you make them that way. Jet the carb and slip on some sampson's or vance hines. There a saying "Loud Pipes Save Lifes" If you hearing me then you know that I am next to you and you'll hopefully hang up your damn cell phone and look around before you cross two lanes to fly into WalMart!

Answer 2

Let's start in the beginning; there once was (still is) a very famous picture back in the 60's. It was taken in HOLLISTER with a (you would recognize it as the "Biker" look now), bunch of bikes "Harleys" and some ratty lookin character sitting on one of the bikes with a beer, lookin' pretty laid back and bad a$$.

The model on the bike was a homeless guy (alky) and it was a picture that has set the standard to this day.
Prior to that, the majority of the "biker" looked like James Dean.....

So, as to the second part of your question; the Baby Boomers can and are really the only ones who can afford these bikes now, especially the customs. It really pisses off some of the REAL bikers. Because it has taken the this to a economic level that is more than just enthusiasm. We just call them R.U.B.s.

All part of an image, lots of fun and you can put your suit on after the weekend is done.

Oh yeah, my friend looking over my shoulder said, " I have a loud Harley because I'm old and refuse to be ignored", and he does. Really!

Answer 3

Hey SS,
Attention! Attention! Attention!
Being a GIRL, I am sure you like to be noticed where ever you go... So maybe you can relate to this:
I had a Harley and it was Fun!... Then I got a CHOPPER and IT'S A BLAST!!! now everyone looks at me on my bad asz fat tire custom chopper. Those distintive loud pipes unmistakebly announce that I have arrived on the scene. All the guys always say something cool or give me the thumbs up -- girls whistle, flirt, or flash me their t-ts (that's right! come ride with me and you'll see!). Young kids stare and drool, then try to imitate me. Before long I have a mini posse following me. Yeah, and the clincher, I had a cop pull me over just to look at my bike and talk to me about who made it and where can he could get one! Best of all when you women ride on the back -- you think this is all happening because of you! LOL, I know all that leather, vibration and power between your legs has a way of unleashing those forbidden throbbing sexual and aggresive passions within you -- but you're just going to have to keep your hormones in check young lady. Truth is we guys know you secretly love the Bad Boy in us!

Answer 4

Baby Boomers! My guess would be to experience a taste of excitment and adventure they may feel they missed from their youth when the day to day was interesting and fun. After so many years of the grind they're looking for something to look forward to...something different. We call them RUBS (rich urban bikers) but bless their hearts if they get a little enjoyment out of it, saddle up! As for me I started riding the streets when I was 19. Now 53 for my midlife crisis I bought a Cadillac Escalade but still have and ride bikes because I LOVE IT!!!! The mode of transpertation, the people, the life. From being a loud young punk to now, the mature overseer. To my way of thinking I'd much rather give my organs from a wreck, which I've been in a few, than slipping in the bathroom. Through my years of life all the glass bubbles have been on backorder. I like to live life. Maybe one day you'll meet someone with a big old bagger (full dress bike) that you can't say no to and climb on the back and experience it for yourself. And there are noise limits I'm sure in all states of the US anyway. Bikes are required to have mufflers. As for those who run straight pipes, in reality how much of an inconveniance is it really to you. Loud? yes, but unless they're circleing your house for a conciderable time how much of an inconveniance is it in your life. Or should we all conform to ONE standard of living....I think Hitler had some thoughts on that. Live and let live...until you get in a CAR accident, slip in the tub, eat to much greasy foods, get too little excercise and over exert yourself and on and on and on. Have a good life and best wishes.

Answer 5

Hello, #1 economy, #2 fun, #3more deaths are reported in autos, than bikes, and lately all you have to do is be ini the wrong place at the wrong time to become an organ donor. Next answer: If they can't see us at least they can hear us so that they don't run us over. Regards Hawk. PS try riding one or ride with someone, you'll find it enjoyable.

Answer 6

Baby boomers can afford Harleys. Twenty somethings generally cannot. Loud pipes save lives, especially when you people are in your cars on your cell phone not paying attention to traffic.

Answer 7

Cuz I save big time on gas. They cost less than cages. It's my transport. I dont have two or three cages in the garage and drag the pig out on weekends. Hell I dont have a garage.
I wasnt booming to much for awhile. I was down to a bycycle for a couple years.
Muffs I dont know is it that bad really? Do you live next to a bike shop or biker bar?

oh ya organ donor. Just for that I'm takin my name of the list.

Answer 8

The mufflers are not gone, they are supposed to sound that way.
Most of us who ride Harleys like the sense of freedom and adventure that they provide. some people had to wait until they could afford one to buy one or waited until the kids were gone to really enjoy the lifestyle.
As for hurting your ears, sorry sweetie, we can't please everyone, but that sound is music to most bikers.
Finally, only the real idiots become organ donors, the vast majority of us are responsible riders who only become road pizza when the trendy girls in the SUV on the cellphone makes a 80mpr three lane drift from the fast lane to get to the Starbucks exit on the freeway.

Answer 9

So basically you see some people out having fun and enjoying life and your reaction is to post a question on Y answers complaining about it?? It is people just like you that make this forum suck more and more every day. There are way too many people that use this forum to either vent their dislikes or jump on their personal soap box for a minute or two. If someone finds a hobby that makes them happy who are you to question that?

Answer 10

In the past few years, motorcycling has become more popular for every generation, not just boomers. Harley directs it's marketing to the population who can afford them.