Loudest HD model?

[vendicate]

I am looking at purchasing a bike next spring. I do like the Harley's.
I'd like a bike that rips through the road without having to make modifications.

What's the loudest HD out there? Other than HD would you recommend another bike?

Thanks!

[Flesher]

Actually stock HD's roll out of the showroom as fairly quiet machines. It's aftermarket exhaust systems that create the LOUD you are probably thinking about.

I can't really suggest any other bike, the criteria you've listed in your post isn't really related to what you will likely want in a motorcycle once you get some/more seat time (I'm assuming you're a new rider, if not ignore what follows). IMO a good approach is to sign up for a training course, and also give some thought to what type of riding you think you want to do, but I'll tell you right now, that whatever type of riding you think you want to do is very likely to change with experience.

[vendicate]

I'm a soon to be new rider *hopefully*.
I agree with you that it will change with experience.
I just have this image of H-D rider I saw a while back, his bike was loud, like it was ripping the road.
Do you recommend any books to get started while I sit all of winter deciding which bike to purchase?

[Flesher]

I'm a soon to be new rider *hopefully*.
I agree with you that it will change with experience.
I just have this image of H-D rider I saw a while back, his bike was loud, like it was ripping the road.
Do you recommend any books to get started while I sit all of winter deciding which bike to purchase?

Yes, I recommend Proficient Motorcycling by David L. Hough it's a great collection of info that will make you a better and consequently safer rider.

Yeah the image of the bad "O Ring" rider on a loud bike is a common one keep in mind, he was probably a dentist on his way to get coffee

[vendicate]

Haha you're probably right.
I think I will purchase that book.
I'm kind of lost as to choosing a bike, other than aesthetics and how comfortable a bike is, I know nothing.
I'd like to know a bit before I walk in a dealership...
Any ideas?

[jstark47]

Like Flesher said, think about what you want to do with the bike. Is it for recreational riding, or do you want to commute on it? Short hops or longer runs? Any interest in riding on unpaved roads? Are the looks of the bike important to you, or more the functional aspects? These questions can help steer you. E.g. if you want to commute, you'll need to carry stuff. Except for the touring models, most Harley's aren't set up to do that stock - you'll need to add saddlebags. Some folks don't like how saddlebags look on a bike, think they change the look. Yeah, you can carry stuff in a backpack, some do, but it gets old after awhile IMO.

The other thing you can do is go to a dealership and ask to sit on bikes. Sit on all different kinds, get an idea of what they feel like. Somewhere in that process certain bikes will start to feel more comfortable and "natural" than others. Don't be afaid to start on a smaller bike if it feels right to you - you'll pick up riding skills faster if you're not intimidated by the size and weight of the bike.

Once you've gotten a handle on what you want -- go look for a used one to buy. Odds are pretty good you'll drop your first bike at least once when learning. No point in scratching up an expensive new bike when for much less you can buy one that was "pre-dropped"

[blues2cruise]

Make sure you wear earplugs if you get that loud bike.

Loud pipes only annoy other people around you.

[vendicate]

Great stuff thanks! I am looking for a bike that I can commute on, but I'm one of those people that's not very fond of the saddle bags..yet.

[dirt dobber]

I bought my first MC in may this year, had 2 before, i too wanted loud pipes, told salesman that, (150$)belive you me i woun't want any thing louder. in some places i race motor to be heard to let people know to stop or move out of my way. neighbors knows when i leave & come home. been thinking of have it changed back to stock (75$) cause it's pretty loud. and too i've been told in some states loud pipes is not legal. as for as saddle bags go to photo gallery click on Harley Davison picture & look at my pictures & comments.

[vendicate]

Good point. Probably best to stick with stock.