South Park Slams Loud Harley Riders, Predictable Controversy Ensues
"Why is it that every time we try to have a relaxing day," Cartman declares at the top of a much-discussed South Park episode, "a bunch of a******s on their Harley motorcycles show up?"
We've seen plenty of Harley hatin' here on our blog comments, but the show adds a whole new dimension to the anti-H-D stance. The episode-- available gratis on South Park's website-- depicts a pack of bikers whose disruptively loud Harleys prove too irritating for the truth-blurting, foul-mouthed lead characters. As the decibel assault escalates, the kids take the matter into their own hands, lobbying to have the dictionary definition of the term "f*g" changed to "annoying, inconsiderate Harley riders."
I won't put too fine a point on the suggested correlation between the Harley-Davidson brand and raucous exhausts, but if you've ever been annoyed by loud bikes, you can probably identify with the outrage expressed in the episode. And regardless of your stance on the ever-popular debate as to whether or not loud pipes save lives, you'll likely find humor (or irritation) in the show that's so controversial, the New York Times has reported that a gay advocacy group is protesting of the episode. Watch the 22-minute show here, and let us know: does South Park go too far, or do Harley riders really deserve a bad rap?
Sources: Hell for Leather Magazine, South Park TV, New York Times
Related:
- New York City Tries to Ban Loud Pipes
- Oakland Motorcycle Cops Stir Controversy with Loud Pipes
- New Laws Seek to Stifle Noisy Motorcycle Exhausts
Photo © South Park Studios; click to enlarge
I have ridden loud bikes (although, not as loud as a straight-pipe Harley), and I have ridden quiet bikes. I have also ridden bikes with enough vibration to numb your hands, feet and butt within minutes, and I have ridden smooth, vibration-free bikes.
And, I can tell you without exception, quiet and smooth beats loud and shaky every time. Ride a loud bike for 150 miles, and then ride a quiet one for that same distance. The loud bike will make you tense without you realizing it, and when you get off the bike you are shell-shocked by the noise for hours afterward. The quiet bike on the other hand, will allow you to enjoy the ride and the scenery and get to your destination ready for action.
So, where does that leave Harley? Well, Harleys are OK noise-wise, as long as you leave the factory mufflers on them. But, it seems like that is the exception in Harley World.
And these guys that say that loud pipes give them a safety edge in traffic? Give me a break. You and I both know that they have the loud pipes strictly because it helps build on that outlaw image they have of themselves.
I thought the episode was funny, when they were in the library was the best. I have a Harley and the pipes are a little loud on my bike. If ya can’t laugh at your self sometimes it’s a boring sad life.
The library bit was priceless….. the we’re just not loud ENOUGH bit, with the fireworks, cymbals, rooster, PA system…… I’m still chuckling.
This was a really funny episode. I have arguably the loudest stock pipe out there on my Stratoliner, but it’s a rumble and I never rev it needlessly.
Anyone who watches South park regularly knows they go after anyone and everything and push the limits… The Harley episode was just downright funny, and anyone who takes offense took it way too seriously.
steve ga, loud pipes do alert people that you are coming, and yes annoy some people, i have so called loud pipes on my Harley, more people want to hear it than complain about them, and im not an outlaw biker wannabe, as for the show it was brilliant i dont watch south park but did for this one, spose im a fag now, just waiting for someone to come out with it, but will only laugh….
Steve,
I can tell you at least two instances where my pipes have saved me from someone pulling out in front of me.
I could care less about looking outlaw. That’s pretty much out the door when i walk into work (probably not too many 1%er eye doctors out there), but i like the way my moderately loud pipes look on my bike. Explain to me why every day i hear a pickup truck with loud exhaust-? I’d say there’s more of an excuse for us than them.
As for this episode. Haven’t seen it yet, but my buddy was telling me about it and i died laughing.
Just tell me where you live David, this F*g will be right over to rev my bike by your house. Your real tough on the internet David.
Loud Harley Rider!!: Ooh, no, please don’t rev your bike at me! I’m so scared!!! F*g.
After riding my new bike for a full year now, and having a loud pipe on it (single cylinder supermotard), I’m all for making noise on a bike to keep people alerted. That said, my bike still has a real muffler on it. It’s louder than stock but by no means stupidly loud. Harleys with straight pipes border on ridiculously loud, especially in packs. But hey, they stay safe since everyone can hear them, so it’s all good.
Yup, and I love these “bikers” that bitch about the loud ‘thumpa-thumpa’ music. Than take off at 125 decibels.
Folks, there is no doubt that South Park is a show about sarcasm. What is ironic is how a small group of elementary students with limited vocabulary and intelligence are able to persuade the mayor and publishers of a dictionary into labeling a group.
The show could have done the exact same idea with people who drive around in expensive cars blasting offensive rap music with the windows down.
The show is entertainment but not to everyone. If it offends you, complain to the network or change the channel.
Utterly Hillarious! The most meaningful line was when Cartman said “nobody’s intimidated by you, we all just think you’re a bunch of f*gs!”
And that’s so true…..what I think when I see these idiots is; why are you so needy? why are you so attention starved that you will do anything….even piss people off..just to get them to look at you.
It’s very sad really. I don’t know if your mother didn’t hold you when you were a baby or your dad never said he loved you but there’s surely something major missing in your sad, lonely psyche to make you so selfish that you go out of your way and spend extra money to be obnoxious, you’ve grown up to be a very lame f*g indeed!
Why do the gays protest, do they want to keep the name as if it is some kind of control over there identity like the black community has over the N word and look how they have used it in there community, this is not very smart of the sudo intellectuals andso perhaps they like the beat downs by the culture. So be it Harley- Davidson the gays are on your side.
South Park goes too far and loud Harleys (or loud anything else) are antisocial.