01-21-2019, 10:55 AM
Regarding "loud pipes save lives", I agree that it's at odds with some of the lack of precaution that you sometimes see with Harley riders. But I'll say that there have been more than a few times when I've been driving in a car that I've known without looking that a Harley was approaching from behind. In my opinion, it definitely makes drivers more aware. Would they be better off wearing more protective gear and driving more defensively? Sure. Is it obnoxious in general? Probably. But I do think that cars are less likely to change lanes into a Harley than they would be into a quieter bike.
Having said that, I have no interest in riding around on a loud bike.
Regarding the sound of the CB1100, I absolutely love the bike. It's my favorite of all time. But that has absolutely nothing to do with how it sounds. I ride BMW's after all. Until recently, I'd have said that I couldn't care less how a bike sounds. But I'll admit that my Triumph Speedmaster does seem a bit cooler than is justified because of its sound. Not loud at all. Just a nice deep soft growl.
At the risk of over generalizing, I'd say that somebody who puts a premium on the way a bike sounds won't be initially happy with the CB1100. But once you fall in love with the bike, the sound will remind you of it, and you'll love it.
Having said that, I have no interest in riding around on a loud bike.
Regarding the sound of the CB1100, I absolutely love the bike. It's my favorite of all time. But that has absolutely nothing to do with how it sounds. I ride BMW's after all. Until recently, I'd have said that I couldn't care less how a bike sounds. But I'll admit that my Triumph Speedmaster does seem a bit cooler than is justified because of its sound. Not loud at all. Just a nice deep soft growl.
At the risk of over generalizing, I'd say that somebody who puts a premium on the way a bike sounds won't be initially happy with the CB1100. But once you fall in love with the bike, the sound will remind you of it, and you'll love it.