[quote=John;193277]StefkaRose,

Hey John,

Thanks for your reply. I like that you are informative about things like common and staggered crank pins. I am not a mechanic, but I have hung out with them for lots of my life. I like learning the technical stuff, even though my understand is pretty basic.

And your various takes on different types of bikes? I have no doubt that those Honda Valkeries, and even their Goldwings, are compairable and even better in some ways to the HD tour bikes. Cool factor? To each, his own. Like you said: potato, potato.

And yes, I had to laugh a bit when Harley tried to say their sound was patented, because it was just so funny, yes?

And I totally see your point about how a few bad apples spoil the whole barrel. But really? Banning ALL motorcycles from a downtown area, just cuz a few folks run loud pipes? Why not just give them the tickets?

For me, it is bigger than the loud pipe issue. It is about how we as Americans are so freaking over governed, in general. Like we are a bunch of toddlers who need constant supervision. WHHHAAAAAA, I don't like how people drive with their stereos cranking crappy music with too much bass, could some please outlaw car stereos all together for me?

Part of riding motorcycles is a sense of liberty that you do not get while enclosed in a car. It doesnt matter what someone rides, how fast or how slow, how loud or how quiet, i think it would be safe to say that all riders ride for some sense of unrestricted joy, also known as freedom.

So, my defensive nature derives from these notions, not a feeling that you are picking on me personally. (although your implication of one being an idiot for buying an HD for the power did warrent my FRIENDLY f.u., No? I know things don't translate in print as well as in person.) Like I said, you seem like an intelligent and good natured guy, so thanks for the dialogue and being informative about bikes.

I know this is not a political forum, so I apologize if my rant about feeling overgoverned offends. I just kinda want to point out the other side of the coin: if loud pipes are irresponsible, then I gotta say that censorship is un-American. Maybe people wouldn't feel the need to run shot gun pipes if they didnt feel so overgoverned? Not the most mature way to retaliate, but didnt America start out as a bunch of rebel rousers to begin with?

Happy Memorial Day!