Harley-Davidson is the only American motorcycle builder to survive the Great Depression and continue rolling today.
That fact and that the company has employed generations of workers as well as provided enthusiasts around the world with wind in the face fun has prompted lawmakers in Wisconsin to sponsor a bill to honor H-D as the state’s official motorcycle.
This seemed like a no-brainer to me, but an opposition group (Noise Free America) from Albany, NY issued a hysterical press release denouncing the legislation plan and comparing the “awful noise of Harley riders” to TERRORISM. Huh? One of the group members, George Atwood (email him your thoughts at: meteorite8877@yahoo.com) stated:
“The noise stresses people. The noise ruins the quality of life in our neighborhoods and nation. It frightens and intimidates people. It leads to hearing loss, higher medical costs, lost productivity and loss of peace of mind.”
Geez, this group likely thinks Harley-Davidson is responsible for the lapse of security on Northwest Flight 253 where Abdulmutallab failed to explode the PETN?! Maybe they think that H-D motorcycles are responsible for the coercion and torture tactics in Guantanamo Bay. I’ll bet Atwood had a hand in writing the script for the recent South Park “F” episode?
This group creates more “noise” whining than what comes from the exhaust of my Harley. I suspect they would complain about the sound of falling snow! Talk about ignorant. But, I’ve come up with a SUPER idea for the NFA group — don’t waste a breath and better yet help reduce the nation’s noise level by just waving this 11oz mug (see photo left) in the direction of those so called “noise makers.”
It’s nearly time to “ring” in the New Year. Make some noise!!
Photo courtesy of WI State Journal and The Onion Store.
wow, it is beyond silly that anyone could compare noise from a Harley to terrorism. I think that this is more interesting considering the close relationship between Harley and America. I think that many if not most Harley riders would say that the sound from a stock harley exhaust (while totally awesome) is a bit tame and may explain why many opt for custom exhaust.
This NoiseFreeAmerica group is just another special interest group that wants the government to impose itself on free people in this country. Just comparing the noise from a motorcycle to terrorisim shows how out of wack these people are! The government already has its controlling hand up our backsides far enough. Remember, government is not the soloition to our problems, it is the problem!
Actually David, when we’re talking about noise pollution in our communities YOU are the problem. If the childish faux-barbarians of the Chopper Culture could regulate themselves, we wouldn’t need an government involvement. But you know as well as everyone that the Chopper Culture truly is a special-interest group that considers themselves above the law. Both the Motor Vehicle Code and the rules of common decency. Riding loud motorcycles is the pastime of those with very deep issues.
George Atwood is 100% right–Harleys are the scourge of the Earth and anyone who rides one, unless it is seriously mufflered–is a barbarian! If you choose to ride a death machine, otherwise known as a motorcycle, you have no right to demand that other drivers recognize your existence via your noise assault on them and on pedestrians. Your “macho” assault on neighborhoods, towns, cities, parks and other public venues has indeed ruined the quality of life in America, period!