Loud Bikes Defined…

...A completely subjective opinion on the factors that I'd have to consider in order to classify a motorcycle as a Loud Bike:  First of all, Loud Bikes have to be loud - that’s a given.  How loud?  I’m partial to at least 102db, but I’ve been known to make exceptions; the Aermacchi, the Buell XB9S with Race Kit, the Britten… 

And they have to be Italian and preferably Ducati, but then again I’ve been know to make exceptions for the Buell XB9 series with its Verlicchi frame and funky character - and the Britten, for obvious reasons..  A twin is preferred, but a hot rod Laverda triple with an open exhaust makes the grade.  The sound of a Loud Bike's gotta put a smile on your face – no matter what time of day (like 6AM in the pits) it is and this important criterion unfortunately rules out most Ducati singles. 

Loud Bikes must be at least somewhat irreplaceable, but also should be ridden on racetracks with total abandon and as often as possible.  I’m not implying that only vintage Italian bikes apply, but it should seem to the uninitiated that the rider of a Loud Bike must be out of his / her mind to be hurtling around a racetrack on such an amazing piece of machinery.  Bob Berger’s 1036 Corsa comes immediately to mind (and incredibly, he let me ride it).  Mick Ofield’s “Guido” factory TT-F1 http://www.superbikeplanet.com/tmickandguido.htm is definitely a Loud Bike (that is if it’s still being tossed around SoCal racetracks). 

I think that those of us who own Loud Bikes are a pretty rare breed and frankly, I haven’t met many beyond the few whose bikes are featured in the Gallery section in this blog.  I’ve got a few more to add in the next few weeks:  Gareth’s, revived Original Loud Bike, Curly’s ex-MBP dyno mule / Canadian Thunder 900SS, Rick’s recently revived TT1, Mike Cecchini’s 888, and a couple more that have slipped my mind.

I know you’re out there. My range is limited to Canadian tracks like Mosport, Shannonville and Mt. Tremblant and Grattan in Western Michigan but I’m positive that there are many of us who share the passion.  Most of the hot Italian bikes we read about in magazines don’t get a regular thrashing on the track, so if you run a Loud Bike, I’d love to hear from you.  Please add a comment at the bottom of this entry or send me an email.

Comments

[Keith]

Great site Steve best of luck with the new venture, i think you have found your callin brother....However i do beleive there should be one more exception to the loud bike paramaters...possibly a flamed red Buell S1 1996 that has been known to frequent the Ottawa and surrounding areas mostly on the back wheel and sometimes on the front...and you know what i am talkin about...peace best of luck hope to see you at some point, drop in and say hi your not far from me now.