In one of those old motorcycle B movies --- or worse grade --- there was a bike with upswept exhausts that were about 5 feet high --- looked ridiculous. Somewhat surprised that one of the current chopper lovers hasn't taken the concept to the max extreme and built pipes that are about 10 feet high. Would look as ugly as sin, however, that oughta get the guy some much desired publicity, even if it's all negative.
I would agree. I favor the lines of the 30s and 40s.
In this case, the too long pipes and fishtails at the end, to me, are what ruin what would normally be a stylish 1940s look.
Yet, I've had the same initial dismal reaction to other bikes, and suspect that this is a normal reaction when our sense of aesthetics is violated, but these are based on our own aesthetics. I truly marvel at what others think as neat. What were they seeking?
But I also think that after one's initial repulsion, one has a choice to either say what one was thinking (especially inside a group where one feels that others hold the same aesthetic values)--and this is fun since it confirms our own sense as 'normal', or (based on cherishing one's own freedom to exercise their own sense of aesthetics) allow others to express theirs. I guess this is the same with the subject of art, music, colors, houses, clothes, helmets, boots, etc.
There used to be several of these around my neighborhood a few years back, but the H-D thing is kind of dying out here, (thank god). Pulled up next to one like this one night on Main St. with fishtails that long and the highest apehangers I have ever seen. He was "too cool" to even acknowledge my presence, even though I was the only other vehicle around. Maybe he was riding it late at night so no one would see him. ...J.D.
I never understood why weekend warriors want an outlaw look provided from the factory. The whole point of custom bikes is that it's supposed to be unique and personal.
Letting the man tell you what's cool is far worse than just selling out. It's admitting to the world that you're also a poser as well.
This is why I scoff at this bike, or that terrible trumpet "bobber". It's spits in the face of the history of the motorcycle.
Without the long extension beyond the back wheel, how would the exhaust pipe's 'shark fin' end look, with appropriate muffler modifications, on the new Triumph bobber, the Yamaha Bolt, or the 883 Harley. Would it add or subtract from the retro look of those bikes ?
When I bought an '89 HD Electra-Glide Sport in '95, it had fishtail end caps like these, but not out as far. They stuck out a bit from the saddlebags and looked the part.
I got tired of thwacking my ankles when walking around it polishing the chrome and such. Loud pipes do annoy lives, and I put the original pipes on. Heavier and quieter. Perfect.
It's just Harley's shrewd way of addressing the needs of their aging customer base. Those pipes double as pontoons and will actually keep the bike from falling over if the rider gets a little unsteady.
The tips of those pipes strike me as a gaping mouth or that painting Scream, i think its called....weird anyway.
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