Now THAT's a Nice-Looking Rear End!

James Burleigh · Jul 15, 2007

I spotted this pic and article in the latest AMA magazine, and thought I recognized the rear end of the bike in the pic.

Yep, I was right: Those bags make it look fat.

Silent · Jul 15, 2007

I noted that the other day when I was reading... err... looking at the pics in the magazine

I don't think the back end looks fat with the bags on

You could always ride your Hardly

madmike2 · Jul 15, 2007

That law will be up for review as it discriminates against one class (or group) of motorists. I'd think it would be better to establish a decibel requirement and test every vehicle. Thanks to our "Loud pipes save lives" brethren, motorcyclists are under scrutiny, but I have to say that (and it may be an "age thing") I'm getting tired of being blasted by pickups and cars running Flowmaster-type mufflers, since here in "Yuppyville" (Elk Grove, a suburb of Sacramento) it is the thing-to-do to prove one's individuality. Some of them are every bit as obnoxious as the loud motorcycles, especially since they can't drive without 25% extra throttle so they can "hear the sound".

Dominoes, anyone?

James Burleigh · Jul 15, 2007

I took my Sportster out for a spin yesterday around town. First I had lunch with my family, which I went to on the Sportster. Then, with no plans after the meal, I just lit out. That was 1:30. When I got back home it was 4PM! I just had a blast on that motorcycle, even though it took me about twice the distance of the FJR to bring it to a stop.

But, yeah, it's kinda loud. Honestly, that was part of the fun, doin' that Harley thing. But my pipes are only moderately loud, and I don't wind it out (in my neighborhood).

But yeah, I'm real tired of all the loud Harleys. I'm kinda tired of the whole poseur thing period: fake helmets, sleeveless t-shirts, bad-ass expressions, loud bikes. Not my tribe at all.

At one point I was at the front of a light, and a guy on a BMW dual-sport pulled up a little behind me to my right. Apart from my blue Frank Thomas jacket and white SUOMY, I looked like a Harley guy with the jeans on. When the light changed, this guy flies out ahead and is gone. It may all be in my head, but I had a feeling like I was looked down on. It's a prejudice, I know, because I know several Harley guys at my dealer who are anything but poseurs. It's just that there's a HUGE segment of that tribe that is weekend riders (what's less than weekends?).

Jb

Silent, I went shopping for a Camelback yesterday but didn't see one I liked (don't want to spend a ton of dough). Figure about $30 for a 2-liter.

Silent · Jul 15, 2007

James Burleigh said:
Silent, I went shopping for a Camelback yesterday but didn't see one I liked (don't want to spend a ton of dough). Figure about $30 for a 2-liter.

[hijack] I might be able to find one local for less, but this is like the one I have Clicky [/hijack]

Back on topic: It's an interesting read. The AMA is fighting it on a discrimination basis. I kinda 1/2 hope it passes for awhile to force the "loud pipes save lives" croud to put some mufflers on.