The city where I live has an ordinance against modifying motorcycle exhaust systems from manufacturer’s original. I’m not positive, but I think this is one of those “look the other way” ordinances. Like spitting on the sidewalk, or that buildings must have posted a “no spitting” sign.

Have you ever heard a quiet Harley? I love the pahrump-pahrump-pahrump of a Harley. What I don’t like is the conversation drowning roar they put out when the owner shows off.

Do they teach you in Harley school to make as much noise as possible in the city limits?

I watched the Teddy Bear run one year (a fund raisers sponsored by Harley owners) and in the block in front of city hall, Every. Single. Harley. gunned it the whole block. As the noise echoed off the Federal building and Courthouse, the police and sheriff officers just smiled.

Here’s a case where Boomers could take a note from Millennials. Even though millennials wouldn’t be caught dead on an American made motorcycle - the Japanese manufacturer’s have learned how to muffle noise without sacrificing performance.

I can say without equivocation: every Harley rider is guilty of making obnoxious sounds every time they ride. Get them in a group and each one has to top the other. Peer pressure run amok.

But since they are Boomer law-breakers, the cops just look the other way.

BTW: these are the same people that just HATE the boom-boom-boom bass blasters coming from car stereos.

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Tags: , boomer, harley, millennial, noise