i think something important here is the experience of driving a motorcycle in contrast to a car- the car is so quiet that you can then choose some other noise (like music) to fill the silence, but on a motorcycle, you are constantly listening to the outside (albeit muted through the helmet). but one of the articles describes that noise itself as something to listen to for enjoyment: 'another sound will grab your attention: the music emanating from the airbox housing...you will catch yourself changing gears more often than strictly necessary simply as an excuse to hear that meaty murmer at its most intense'.
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