Just got back from a great trip to Key West - my third. Great food. Beautiful weather. But horrible Harleys up and down the streets at all hours. They wouldn't have been so bad except for the fact that most of them had their mufflers removed. What makes these people think that they have the right to be so loud and intrusive - espcially at 3:00 a.m.? It's the most selfish behavior I've witnessed in a long time. Even the local panhandlers were upset. If you're planning a trip to Key West, make sure that there are no bike events scheduled in Florida.

LRT---

I'm with you on this---those things are noise pollution pure and simple. There's no need for them to be that loud---they just do it to draw attention to themselves, and we are supposed to put up with it.
Give me a break. What confuses me is that the police don't seem to do anything about it.

Anytime Daytona Bike Week is going on in early March you can bet that there are going to be bikes everywhere in the state that might be a scenic cruise. Which includes Key West of course. Some bikers go a bit far, as with any group there are a few rotten apples. Although I don't think bike should be deafening, I will say that audible pipes help save lives. Even with a front light on, a motorcycle is obviously less visible than a car. Anything that might alert others to look twice for a bike prevents more fatalities. Most motorcycle accidents are not the rider's fault, but most of these accidents are serious as well. Besides, if you're looking for peace and quiet, I wouldn't recommend staying in Key West anyway. Also, part of what sets Key West apart is its tolerance. Even for whiny guests.

My husband rides a motorcycle, but worries strictly about speeding trees (off-road). The thing about Harley owners is that they think they are special and unique and therefore the rest of us should make special accomodations for them.

Don't get me wrong. I always make sure I am aware of any and all motorcycles around me. Unfortunately they tend to think they have the right to cut traffic, park their bike on the grass beside the picnic table instead of in the parking lot, hurt our ears with their lack of mufflers, etc. Individually, they can be some of the nicest people you want to meet. Collectively they can be some of the biggest *#&$(*$ you've ever met! Blocking traffic for hours during the Trail of Tears ride is only one example!

Above guy writes:

"...I will say that audible pipes help save lives. Even with a front light on, a motorcycle is obviously less visible than a car."

that tired old argument! please!!

Like any good driver, you should drive defensively and use your horn juduciously if you are afraid someone doesn't see you---otherwise stay off the road.
Good driving is what saves lives.
Audible pipes are a nuisance.

I make it a point to get as close to a biker as I can and then open my door and knock his ass over. F**kin savages.

The thread originator wrote "loud and intrusive- especially at 3 am!"- funny, that DEFINES Key West to me, especially if you are staying close to Duval street. Serioulsy, far worse (in Florida) than the Harley drivers are the crotch-rocket riders that weave through I-95 traffic at 90 mph.

Hey "r"-

"Like any good driver, you should drive defensively and use your horn
juduciously if you are afraid someone
doesn't see you---otherwise stay off the road."

Just the kind of comment I would expect to hear on this board. Are you Canadian? Or are you just a prick?

Maybe I should take motorcyle lingo 101.
What is a crotch-rocket!?!!!!!1

I agree motorcylcles in general are too noisy. Don't they noise ordinances which prevent riding them after a certain hour, they do where I live!

Crotch rocket - OK use your imagination when you see the new style of motorcycles on the road. The ones that are sleek, aerodynamic and fast looking. The next time you see one, remember the term "crotch rocket" and you'll understand exactly where the term came from.

Same thing happened when we went to Key West. I planned the trip to make sure there weren't going to be Spring-breakers around, then ran into the Daytona Bike Week. No problem during the day, but our B&B was just about one gear from a stop light -- so they were fully wound up and ready to shift just after they passed our bedroom. They arrived about 1 AM. And left about 6 AM. We just took a nap during the day...

Stayed one block off of Duval Street last May. Didn't hear a sound at night, since luckily we were there in May.