It has been a while i didn't visit the HOG.com website due to my bzness with daily schedule and photo editing. However, today i managed to browse into it as at the sametime i would like to check on my International H.O.G. membership validity.
Done with that i continue browsing just to check if there's new updates from HOG and i found this article. I would like to share this article to my fellow riders and also friends to tell you that tho we ride Harley-Davidson bikes that known with it loud pipe, but we do care our seroundings too.....
Enjoy reading ;-)
p/s : HOG members, please log on to
www.hog.com for further readings
One Man's Music Is Another Man's Noise
Call it temptation, but there's something about a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle that calls its rider to open the throttle. The resulting roar stirs emotions of power, euphoria, and freedom. Simply put, to love a Harley-Davidson is to love the sound of a V-Twin engine.
For some, however, the throaty V-Twin sound is nothing more than "noise." It's this sentiment that has led a growing number of communities throughout the country to implement noise ordinances that target motorcycles. In some U.S. areas, if your pipes exceed posted decibel limits or are missing an EPA compliance label, you could face hefty fines.
The issue sheds light on the need for all motorcyclists to ride respectfully to preserve the freedoms our sport enjoys. As H.O.G. members, we are, in some special ways, the public face of Harley-Davidson. So perhaps have an extra responsibility to set a good example in this area. Please read and take to heart the respectful riding practices presented here. And help us prevent the spread of unnecessary motorcycle regulations and restrictions.
| Before you set out on your next ride, consider the following: |
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| • | Outfit your bike with EPA-approved parts. Many after market exhaust systems exceed acceptable EPA noise levels and are therefore subject to fines, depending on the community. Harley-Davidson's Screamin' Eagle® Street Performance Slip-On Mufflers always come with an EPA label – and they sound great to boot!
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| • | Noises carry. Motorcycle noise is especially amplified under bridges and overpasses and echoes off buildings in downtown areas. Similarly, a wide-open throttle in a residential area causes disruptions for the people who live there. Be aware of how the sweet music of a V-Twin can quickly turn into a major noise issue for others. |
| • | Attitude goes a long way. While most Harley-Davidson riders are respectful of the communities in which they ride, there are those who either don't consider the impact a loud exhaust may have on others or purposefully seek to attract attention. Regardless of the reason, excessive motorcycle noise creates a problem for all of us. Avoiding the wrong kind of attention is easy. Be mindful about when and where you make yourself heard.
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| • | Idle considerately. Idling as little as possible in early morning hours goes a long way to keeping the peace with neighbors. As one rider has suggested, roll your bike to the end of the driveway before starting up. The additional distance between your bike and the neighbor's house can make a big difference.
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| • | Get educated. Keep current on the noise issue in your own community and around the country. A simple Web search can produce a lot of information about noise sensitivities in your area or those in which you'll be riding. |
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