What's with the bloody motorcycle?

[So-Called Angel]

I don't know if this has been posted before, and I don't know if anyone cares, but has anyone noticed that stupid motorcycle starting up when the actors are outside on the school grounds? It's really annoying. I've noticed it in several episodes, and in "Life of Brian" I think you can hear it on 3 separate occasions.

[Natasha (candygirl)]

Maybe it's Tony Poole

[So-Called Angel]

Maybe it's Tony Poole

OMG! I'm almost afraid to ask since I feel like I should know, but who is Tony Poole?

[So-Called Angel]

I know! Tony Poole was Patty's boyfriend! I knew the name was familiar!

[MadMichael]

...has anyone noticed that stupid motorcycle starting up when the actors are outside on the school grounds?

That's not just a motorcycle, that's a Harley-Davidson you hear, an American classic. They're made to sound that way specifically to annoy you.

Harleys are a long-standing American symbol of freedom, individual empowerment, and rebellion against authority. Nothing else sounds like a Harley...try it, you might like it...

[K-man]

Aren't they purposefully manufactured that noisy as a measure of safety? ie....even though you may not see someone on a cycle, at least you could hear them behind you or next to you in traffic?

[mglenn]

Harleys are a long-standing American symbol of freedom, individual empowerment, and rebellion against authority.

That and its just plain fun to do 145 mph down a flat stretch of road, then brake hard and roll through some nice S bends. Drugs might make you feel good, but its nothing compared to that rush

Of course I own a rice burner Honda F4 600, but I got no problems with Harleys unless their owner has a problem with me!

The only down side is I see a major thinning of the Gene Pool this summer with the release of Biker BoyZ (the Z means its cool, hip and edgy right?) And all the wanna-beZ buying bikes that they have know idea how to handle...

[TomSpeed]

I must confess that I didn't notice the prowling hog. Thanks, though. Now I have another reason to rewatch some episodes. As if, I really needed any.

[MadMichael]

Aren't they purposefully manufactured that noisy as a measure of safety? ie....even though you may not see someone on a cycle, at least you could hear them behind you or next to you in traffic?

In the USA, motorcycles manufactured after 1982 are subject to EPA regulations for noise emission, in the range of 80 to 86 decibels: http://www.netvista.net/~hpb/rs20531.html. To meet these limits, manufacturers build their engines with less-than-optimal 'breathing' capabilities to reduce induction (intake) and exhaust noise. These restrictions reduce the power available from the engine. Some riders modify their bikes with aftermarket 'free flow' intake and exhaust systems for increased performance, with an associated increase in sound output.

Ironically, the loudest exhaust system (a completely unrestricted, 'drag' pipe) is only effective at wide-open-throttle. For normal street riding, a 'drag' pipe actually reduces power output.

"Loud pipes save lives" is often asserted as a justification, but I'm not particularly convinced of it.

[likelife]

ah! i'd always managed to ignore the harley in the background before. i just watched life of brian last night. it's so loud! i'll notice it every time i watch an episode from now on...

[So-Called Angel]

...has anyone noticed that stupid motorcycle starting up when the actors are outside on the school grounds?

That's not just a motorcycle, that's a Harley-Davidson you hear, an American classic. They're made to sound that way specifically to annoy you.

Harleys are a long-standing American symbol of freedom, individual empowerment, and rebellion against authority. Nothing else sounds like a Harley...try it, you might like it...

Thank God nothing else sounds like a Harley.

Actually, my dad happens to have "an American classic". It's called a Heritage softtail or something. I must say, it is a beautiful bike.

Several years ago, my dad had another Harley, it was his first one and he took me around the block for a ride - it was my first time on a motorbike. Well, I was terrified, absolutely petrified. I think the mistake I made was that I didn't look ahead but instead just kept looking at the road under my feet and seeing it speed by - I thought I was going to die. It was my first and LAST time on a motorbike.

It's embarrassing because my eight year old son goes on rides with Dad and he loves it - and it really looks like fun but I just can't bring myself to get back on one.

[Natasha (candygirl)]

I remember when Kirstie Alley was on the Arsenio Hall show - she said that if she could choose a way to die, it would be while riding a Harley. She then went into the feeling of the motor pulsing and throbbing...and you get the general idea. I thought Arsenio was going to fall right out of his chair.

[MadMichael]

Kirstie Alley...then went into the feeling of the motor pulsing and throbbing...and you get the general idea. I thought Arsenio was going to fall right out of his chair.

One well-known knickname for Harleys is 'Milwaukee Vibrator'. I personally know a couple of ladies who can get the big 'O' while riding pillion...

The characteristic 'potato-potato' sound is the result of two pistons at a 45 degree angle connected to a single crankpin.