Loudest HD model?

[havegunjoe]

I agree with the start out smaller and used suggestions above. You can always trade up and there are plenty of good used bikes on the market. I went from a 250 to a 650 to a 950 Yamaha VStar. Personally I like leather saddle bags on a cruiser instead of the plastic ones. It’s all in the eye of the beholder. Loud doesn’t bother me and the way cagers drive these days I have seen where it warns them I am near. Actually my 950 isn’t as loud as my 650 was.

[vendicate]

going to a motorcycle dealership isn't it like going to a car dealership where they come close to harassing you into buying something?

[jstark47]

Depends on the dealership. Some are cool about it, some not so much. Ask permission before you sit on the bikes. Be open with them about what you're doing - you're a noob looking to figure out what you like. If they have half a brain, they'll give you some space at that point, knowing there might be a sale in it. (But expect them to watch just to make sure you don't drop or knock over a bike).

If they start pressuring you to look at huge heavy cruisers or liter-class sportbikes, walk. If they use the line about "not buying too small a bike because you'll just have to upgrade in 6 months", walk.

Dealerships can also be a source of decent condition used bikes.

[vendicate]

How do you like your triumph. I was actually looking at a Bonneville recently.

[jstark47]

It's a fine, basic motorcycle. It's noob-friendly: standard riding position, neutral steering, mass very centralized directly beneath the rider. Engine is 800+ cc, but the power curve is so linear it's very very easy to control the power. Engine is bulletproof, and there's many aftermarket accessories, it's a good starting point for modifications. Current models are all FI, which cures the issue the carb'd models have with being cold-blooded to start.

I recommend the basic Bonneville or SE over the T100 for a noob. Seat height is a bit lower, and shorter wheelbase, smaller diameter wheel, and less rake/trail make sharper steering.

All Bonnevilles are quiet with stock pipes. If you want loud, you'll need aftermarket pipes (there are many choices) and a FI re-map. By the way, "loud" on a 360-crank vertical twin is different than loud on a Harley big twin - less rumble, more bark. Throttle blip sounds more like "BrrraaaaaAAAApp!"

[vendicate]

Nice. Thanks.

[HYPERR]

Throttle blip sounds more like "BrrraaaaaAAAApp!"

That sounds more like a British Thumper...

[vampfiend687]

Also, don't be afraid to go look at bikes other than Harleys. If you compare the price tag of a 2 year old Harley Dyna or Sportster to a 2 year old Honda Shadow or Yamaha V-Star, the Honda or Yamaha are going to be about 3 to 5 grand less than the Harley and the 950 V-Star is a damn nice bike. Not to mention, Yamaha puts out tons of after market parts for the V-Star line.

[totalmotorcycle]

I'm really happy to see some oustanding advice has already been given above for Stan.

I'd like to add that since all the big Harley-Davidsons use the "same" size V-Twin there really isn't much difference at all between the loudness of stock H-D pipes. Now, the CVO series uses the "Screamin' Eagle" pipes, which are a little louder but then you pay for the option of having them.

All the Japanese make some nice cruiser options (you can even get a Victory 8-Ball that's near the same price point)...

It all comes down to ... So many of options, not enough garage space.

Mike

[HYPERR]

What's the loudest HD out there?

I always thought it was the Shovel...