THE DEBATE GOES ON. I’ve never struggled so much to write a motorcycle article as I have with this one. A reader challenged me to enter the discussion about loud pipes earlier this year. At the time, I thought it an easy endeavor because I had my own years of experience and opinion on the matter.
However, I made a mistake: I decided to research the matter. And in the process, my opinion has been somewhat modified.
The Search for Evidence: “Loud Pipes Save Lives”
As you, too, might be inclined to do when seeking more info on a subject, I did an Internet search for “Loud Pipes Save Lives” and read through numerous articles at the top of the search results and much lower in the results.
What I came away with was less certainty on the subject than when I started. And more so than any time before, I recognized that truth can be illusive.
Now I don’t know if my personal experience is typical, or atypical, but I did ride for years with high-performance (and loud), exhaust pipes – when I was much younger. To this day, I don’t know how my ears survived. (Well, the fact is, now that I’m considerably more mature, the question of how well they survived is just as murky as my research on the matter of whether loud pipes save lives, or not.)
Although it appears my hearing is not as good as it used to be, how much of that is due to loud pipes or lots and lots of very loud concerts and very loud music blasting through headphones is difficult to discern. I’m sure it’s safe to say that neither supported long-term optimal hearing. (I only started wearing ear plugs while riding several years ago).
Loud Pipes Are Impractical For Long-Distance Touring
My first coast-to-coast motorcycle trip was on a motorbike with a high-performance, non-stock exhaust system that did not endear the neighbors to my notion of a spirited form of transportation. Although I’ve ridden coast-to-coast across North America a number of times since, I recall that first trip as a highlight of my life. And although I could discourse about the virtues of that summer adventure, in the early 80’s, for hours on end, one thing that I realized without any advice, feedback or suggestions from anyone else, was that loud pipes made for uncomfortable long-distance riding (and also that I would be switching from chain-drive to shaft-drive motorbikes for touring).
Personally, I don’t like loud pipes. As much as I love each and every kind of motorcycle, the only ones that diminish my enthusiasm for the brotherhood are those that disrupt the neighborhood harmony by announcing their every breath coming and going.
So, here I am, a long-distance, mature rider, with hundreds of thousands of miles of motorbike experience, who “used” to ride with loud pipes, and who has not liked them for years, and who is philosophically opposed to them due to their inherent and ongoing damage to the motorsport in the way they impinge on the lives of those non-riders whom are adversely effected by the noise pollution of their very existence. Hence, wouldn’t you think I’d be a vociferous opponent of the same?
Which brings me to the point of the first paragraph. I was already aware of the lack of real evidence that supports the concept that “loud pipes save lives.”
But lo and behold, my research did find anecdotal reports that extol the virtues of loud pipes.
The Truth, or Not?
So, what is the truth?
Are those riders who state that loud pipes “have” saved their lives just plain wrong?
What my research did “not” do is change my perspective on whether I, personally, will integrate loud pipes back into my riding: I won’t. In fact, in the future, I will likely include an electric motorcycle (which are practically silent), within a stable of riding choices.
However, what has resulted from my research regarding loud pipes is a softening of my perspective. Even though scientifically unproven, if riders’ lives have been saved because of loud pipes, or if riders believe they are safer with loud pipes, those are some compelling factors – at least for those individuals.
Even so, such does not address the rights of others to “not” be subjected to the noise of loud motorcycle exhaust systems.
In conclusion, although I am not an advocate for loud pipes, and even though I disagree with the use of the most obnoxious ones, and even though there is no hard evidence in support of their use as a safety catalyst, and even though the loudest pipes do damage to the overall public perception of motorcycling, I respect that there have been “some” quantity of riders (however large or small), who are still riding, purportedly as a result of loud pipes. Which has caused me to re-evaluate their application.
Better yet, what do YOU consider is the truth? Do loud motorcycle pipes save lives?
Barbara Peterson makes an excellent point!
However, working as an electrical engineer in the transportation industry, it is my (humble) opinion that the electric sport bike is a long way off.
Until a $10,000.00 electric bike can out run, out distance, and out handle a $10K internal combustion machine, bikes will continue to have tail pipes and all the noise that goes with them.
-Ej-
What do you guys think of the coming of the electric motorcycle revolution – bikes that ride totally silent (except for a hum, apparently). I would think they’d be even more dangerous than normal bikes, when it comes to car drivers not noticing them. Loud pipes or not, drivers can generally hear the sound of a gasoline-powered motorcycle accellerating…but with an electric motorcycle…
In all the years I have been driving and riding, which is over 40 years now, I can seriously say the loud pipe claim is a lot of hype. When in my vehicles in warm weather with the air on and the music playing, the sound of loud motorcyle exhaust is not very noticeable unless the bike is right next to me. Other times when maybe I have had a window open, all the loud pipe does is startle me and most times it is difficult to determine the direction it even came from. I believe visabilty of the motorcycle is much more important, i.e. a larger motorcycle with extra lighting is much more noticeable. I believe rider awareness and skill, good lighting and a real loud horn on the motorcycle is will prevent more accidents than any loud pipe will. In NE PA where I live and ride most, more motorcycle accidents are caused by rider error such as, losing control on a curve than drivers colliding with a motorcycle because the driver didn’t “hear” or see them. I am sure this debate will rage on though, just as the no helmet debate has. Truth be told, there are just a lot of riders who ride unsafe and ride too loud. Just look at all the bikes parked in front of the local beer joints when you are out riding… I always wonder how many of them don’t make it home! Oh well, enough said… carry on the debate!
Experience (history) has taught us that when it comes to personal freedoms the government will do what ever it wants and we will knuckle-under as required by law.
As for loud pipes. . .
The best deal would be for the individual states to enact laws (not the Fed), whereby you could get a Loud Pipes Permit for show bike purposes. This way, if you absolutely MUST have loud pipes, you would have a way to run them without breaking the law.
Additionally, the Governor would joyfully have yet another way to put his hand in your pocket.
-Ej-
If the exhaust pipes faced forward rather than rearward, there might be a tiny shred of believability that they could save lives, that is if you could do away with the doppler effect. I feel all loud pipes do is, generate bad publicity for all bikers.
I do like the rumble of a finely tuned and moderately loud set of pipes,but as the rumble is always behind me, I see the need for a REALLY loud air horn– it’s the guy in front of you that seems not to SEE you.
Cagers involved in a car/ bike accident never say “I didn’t hear him” they say they didn’t SEE them. And since a majority of bikes are bent in the front forks, how effective is a rear facing pipe anyway?
As I watched a fast moving car come up in my rear view, wondering it he was going to hit me, I waved my arms, not my throttle to get him to slow down. I stayed upright because he saw me. Even tho that bike had loud pipes.
They sound great on my ‘68 Triumph bobber though. (not my touring bike)
I’m curious. How many riders who opt for loud pipes out of concern for personal safety also wear appropriate riding gear – full face helmet, protective gear and boots?
Steve Webb… you have hit the nail on the head
While my SUV rusts away in the driveway, my HD is waxed, with fresh oil and fuel stabilizer…tucked snuggly under a cover waiting for riding season to begin. The relationship of man/woman and machine seems far more powerful with motorcycles than cars…at least among my circle of influence. The adrenaline rush I get when I fire up the beast is not because the lights are shining, or the stereo is blaring…it because the sound coming from the pipes rumbles right through the body to the soul.
Interesting discussion. Just as there is usually not just one reason any of us ride, but many, I think there are several reasons some of us like loud pipes. Yes, there are certain circumstances where loud pipes will serve you well in getting the attention of a brain-numbed cager, such as in a parking lot or when splitting lanes (a whole ‘nother discussion). But let’s be serious. The main reason for replacing stock pipes with loud ones is we like the sound of ‘em! Occasionally, we replace stock pipes because we don’t like how they look, but in my opinion, the bottom line is we like the sound. Increased cager awareness is merely a sometimes benefit. Oh, and it makes for a good reason to tell the wife when we’re justifying yet another expenditure on our bike!
I have quiet Thunder Monster baffles in Vance and Hines slipons They are loud but not to loud. We have a lot of strip malls in Florida. Many times I have been riding slowly behind parked cars that are parked straight in. Someone not seeing me will begin to back out right into me. I just have to pull the clutch in and rev the gas up. They have always stopped instantly.
Ironically, when it comes to riding, turbulent airflow around the helmet aka wind noise does more damage to the hearing than the pipes which are behind you do… The faster you ride the greater the potential damage to hearing done. At highway speed, the db level is over 100, the sound level generated by a rock band, or a car horn constantly blaring in your ear. I always wear hearing protection when riding. After long periods at high speed, riders commonly complain of tinnitus; fatigue; headaches and even disequilibrium. Not much fun when doing long distance rides. According to audiology research, every 10 Kph (6 MPH) increase in speed causes a 4 db level increase. At 100 mph (160 kph), you are quite literally riding in the danger zone for permanent hearing loss.
I know this is going to sound a bit old fashioned but, I really like looking after my hearing and whilst I do agree with the preceding poster and I really hope I do not get shot down for stating this, but I think it is important to take all things in moderation.
I also believe that having a loud pipe increases other Drivers’ awareness of my existence on the road
Unfortunately, we have some city ordinances here in my country that prohibits loud pipes
the thing is… none of them can say where “loud” starts be called loud as opposed to the natural sound of a motorcycle exhaust
It seems like common sense isn’t really all that common any more.
I’ve been a Paramedic/Firefighter since the mid-90’s. I’ve seen some ugly get offs. Some were the rider’s fault, many weren’t.
I’ve been riding since the late 80’s. I try to keep the shiny side up as much as possible. To that end I’ve work to improve my riding skill on an ongoing basis. I took the MSF courses, bought the books and DVD’s. I practice the skills in empty parking lots. I wear protective apparel appropriate to the weather.
I’ve increased my visibility with a light bar, converting my turn signals to running lights, applying scotch-lite judiciously to my helmet and I wear a safety vest in heavy traffic. But I’m not willing to settle for visibility and skills.
Covering all the bases that I can, I put some Vance and Hines Big Shots on my 1600 Vulcan in addition to the loudest horn I could find. So what’s wrong with wanting other drivers to have an increased awareness of my existence? I’ll stay out of the minivan’s blind spot and keep a skeptical eye out for that non-turn signaled surprise left in front of me, but I choose to live and won’t apologize for doing all I can to continue to do so.
As in most things, moderation is key. The same holds true for the db readings on pipes. Those who run pipes with no baffles; gun the throttle at stop signs or rev to the red-line before changing gears while riding in populated areas, are certainly acting in a childish manner, by looking to attract attention to themselves. But so are riders wearing bright clothing while riding sport touring bikes and crotch rockets and launching their machines down the highway at over 100 m.p.h. splitting lanes, weaving around other vehicles and flipping the bird at cagers who may not react quickly enough to their expectations.
The changing of my pipes from stock was part of a stage one upgrade on my HD Classic. Was it for ego? Sure! As was the added bling; keeping the bike clean; comparing it to other bikes on the road etc. I take pride in my motorcycle as do most riders, but when I ride, I do so in as safe and responsible a manner as possible. Don’t get me wrong. I love the deep gutteral sound that emanates from the pipes. For me, it is part of the motorcycle experience. I do, however, respect those around me who may not feel the same, by keeping gear changes reasonable and not cracking the throttle at idle.
At age 56 my views may change and a Honda GoldWing or BMW LT may be on the horizon for my next acquisition, as touring is my passion. If I had a bigger ‘corral’ I’d look at them even now, as they provide a refreshing change to the riding adventure. But today as I look longingly at my Harley-Davidson all tucked away for the winter I cannot wait for spring to arrive so I once again feel that rumble under my feet and find new roads to explore.
I don’t buy it. If you (rider with obnoxiously loud pipes) are so concerned that cage drivers know you’re there, then why aren’t you wearing hi-viz yellow riding gear? The vast majority of you are wearing black leather and half helmets because you think you look cool in it. It’s not about safety – you install loud pipes because you think they make you cool. That’s it.
Pipes with noise will get attention. To those referring to sirens and lack of direction of the sound. The issue is not the sound it is the frequency of the siren. I work as a medic and know all too well that people can not tell which direction I’m coming from, so I use the air horn as well which IS directional and so are most exhaust pipes! I have V&C pipes on my HD classic which are not “stupid loud” but do get attention. I also have enough LED lights on my bike to bring a plane in for a landing. Add two air horns (long story) reflective helmet and clothing and I’ve done my best to be seen AND heard.
I too have had an issue with a quiet bike (Honda Wing) in my blind spot while driving my SUV. I always lean forward and look which had I not done so, would have meant disaster for the rider who was tucked up close to me, trying to squeeze in a left turn. Had it been a bike with louder pipes, I would have known he/she was there and responded accordingly. I also do not ride to be ‘noticed’ by others. I just enjoy riding, but I DO want to be seen AND heard at intersections; when passing; and when approaching side roads. Still, I expect cagers to do dumb things and rarely do they disappoint me… Do pipes with noise save lives? Ask anyone who has bumped into a silent hybrid car, not knowing it was there…
Your welcome Lester
I think loud pipes do save lives but I also think that they serve to stroke egos. I live in myrtle beach and we get lots of noise pollution from bikes, but I still think people are less likely to hit a bike that they hear before they see.
Loud pipes don’t save lives, they only serve to stroke the egos of the uneducated, unskilled riders of the loud bikes. If their bikes handled well, had good brakes, good tires, and a skilled rider on them, they wouldn’t need to make earsplitting noise to be safe. It’s all about the image. Personally, I don’t ride a motorcycle to be noticed, I ride to ride. I’ve never modified the exhaust on any motorcycle I’ve owned, and I’ve been riding for 42 years. The one altercation I had with a car would not have been avoided by making a bunch of noise. Loud pipes make the non-riding public hate us even more, and they don’t differentiate between loud and quiet bikes. So I am hated for the noise your bike makes. Thanks.
I do believe that higher volume from the exhaust system of a motorcycle can significantly increase motorcycle awareness. Much in the same way when traffic and a large truck applies its Jake brake gets noticed, a motorcycle with louder than stock exhaust system gets noticed when dropping back a gear and rolling off of the throttle. As some of the other posts within this blog has stated, many people fail to pay adequate attention to their driving. They busy themselves with conversations on cell phones, shaving, applying makeup, and even reading newspapers, preventing the proper situational awareness they should have while driving a motor vehicle.
Money also qualify by saying I do believe loud pipes are important, I do not believe it is necessary to have exhaust systems that are allowed to the point of rattling windows, forcing people to cover their ears, or setting off car alarms; just to have the ability to get the attention of the drivers is adequate.
Not worth risking your life to find out if the pipes save your life. Ride with your loud pipes or stock pipes – just dont assume a cager is going to notice you.
What strikes me is that the people that claim loud pipes save lives rarely try to enhance their visual signature. If they want to be seen (and heard), they should be just as careful to have bright lights, light helmets, and loud jackets.
I’m sure loud pipes have gotten people noticed; I’m equally sure that they cause the vast majority of people to HATE all motorcycles and that is not acceptable.
I find it comical that some of the responders refuse to believe that there has ever been a single case where a louder then stock exhaust has saved someone from being run off the road. What a heavy burden it must be to have knowledge of every rider, everywhere, that ever was.
I like deep sounding pipes – but not those hellishly loud ones. Now, I admit I am a California freeway lane splitter. I have found it is much faster to pull in the clutch and give a quick rev of the engine to get someone’s attention than it is to blow the horn. Your hands are already where they need to be! Do the louder (or deeper sounding in my case) pipes save lives? The question could well be “do horns save lives?” Quite possibly when used to quickly startle a car driver into awareness.
Great feedback here.
SE and Big Mike, you make some good suggestions in regards to citing references. For this particular piece, I should have been more clear that I did not find any scientific evidence that loud pipes do save lives. Nor did I find any such evidence to disprove it. Everything I read was anecdotal, and in fact, the comments posted here are very representative of the various perspectives I found in my broader research. (However, the point that loud pipes are impractical for long-distance riding is my own opinion based upon my own experience).
I would like to receive a list of your sources and references that you came across while researching the subject to do some follow-up research on my own. I teach motorcycle safety, and this topic comes up on occasion. I’m in the middle of a Master’s program, and anything without sourcing is considered personal opinion. Looking forward to receiving your list of sources…thx!
LOUD PIPES FOREVER!!!
It also depends on the frequency of the pipes. Low frequency noise is non-directional, which is why your subwoofer can go anywhere in a room. High frequency is easier to determine the direction, but since the pipes are generally pointed rearward, not very useful for a rider in a car’s blind spot.
Either way, it can create confusion for other drivers on the road. Also, annoyed drivers may create more dangerous situations.
I have a few different motorbikes and different exhaust arrangments for each.
My Buell Lightning has a race chip and exhaust. This is louder than stock but this is required for the Buell in order to get suitable performance. In this case the louder noise is proportional to increased gas flow and does give a bit of extra top end power.
My KTM 950SM has the stock pipes on. I have resisted the temptation to go with Akrapovic pipes as I find the performance to be fantastic in stock form.
My Harley Vrod has a Vince and Hines two into one complete system. This is a loud pipe and I think it suits the bike. It does improve the performance and notibly, it is significantly lighter than the stock system which is another reason for non-stock pipes.
I am not really into loud pipes just for the noise and I would also consider an electric almost silent bike when they get solid state capacitor batteries and the performance is suitable (in just a few years I guess). Your article has made me think a bit however.
There is no free lunch or free road for that matter. There is a cost to us riding on the road. We pay part of the cost but others who are disturbed by the noise pay a part also. I can see that limited that disturbance has to be a positive thing for social cohesion, maybe I’ll resist the temptation to drop down in the gears so quickly in the Harley (especially near my home subdivision).
First off Jim, your comment that 9 out of 10 loud bikes are Harleys is wrong. Your just confused because so many bikes out there are trying to look and sound like Harleys that you think they are Harleys.
I do think that loud bikes get noticed more in traffic. I’ve been in situations myself while driving my car and getting ready to change lanes and not seeing a bike until last second. Never happens to me when they are loud. It makes me more aware that a bike is around.
I’ve ridden quiet bikes and loud bikes and I can tell the difference in peoples awareness.
However, even if you have a loud bike, you can ride it w/o being obnoxious and inconsiderate of those around you. That to me is the real issue.
The ‘Debate’ is childish, just like the loud pipes and the playing cards in tricycle wheels. It harkens back to the days of, ‘Look @ me Mommy!’
The fact is that no other mode of transportation seeks to enhances safety through loudness. As a long distance transportation biker, a commuter cyclist and a cycling safety instructor, I suggest this is an emotional red herring similar to the debate about angels dancing on the heads of pins.
Want to stay alive? Get real. Constantly hone your riding skills, use the full complement of safety equipment, and behave as if you were invisible.
The fact is, that THE most dangerous place you can be in this world is in traffic. Since the advent of the automobile just over a century ago, car drivers and their ilk have killed and maimed more people than all the soldiers and terrorists in all the wars during the same period. Never mind what they are doing to the planet. Pollution and CARnage particularly from ‘recreational’ driving, is not only the most preventable but also the most childishly self indulgent.
Consider Riding Accordingly.
I ride a Harley Road King and run with 1.75″ Rush slip ons. For most people, they probably wouldn’t notice they were non-stock, as there is only a subtle difference in volume. In any case, I think at the margin they may help with safety (as someone else mentioned… maybe more so with animals at the side of the road than fellow car drivers), but the fact of the matter is that I just like how they sound, and I don’t believe they are so loud as to disturb my neigobors (most Harley riders suggest I get at LEAST 2″ baffles, or possibly bigger, as with anything smaller, they said I may as well say with stock). I think there is definitely such thing as bikes that are too loud… I am quite sure I have not crossed that line.
Other tidbits: I was trained through MSF; I do a lot of slow speed parking lot practice; I wear a yellow full face helmet on every ride (with matching reflective tape to be more visible at night), as well as riding jeans, boots, jacket with armor, gloves with armor; I wear a bright orange reflective construction vest any time I ride after dusk; I have zero tolerance w/ drinking and riding (nor will I ever ride with anyone who’s been drinking). To sum up… I respect this sport/hobby, and treat it as such. I don’t care about looking cool… I ride for me, and for that inexplicable feeling it gives me, and that bonds all riders.
So, yes, I have non-stock pipes. But I hope to disspell what the “typical” Harley rider is… or more generally, what the typical motorcyclist is.
ride safely
Drew
Loud Pipes Do Not Save Lives.
I’ve been in a car many times and never heard the loud, obnoxious, Harley approach–the megaphones are pointing backwards, not forwards! They are heard only in passing, and it would be too late in any situation.
On one occasion, with a loud set of headers approaching, the noise sounded like it was coming from EVERYWHERE, and in searching for the source, I’ve wandered in my lane, almost taking out the rider.
“If loud pipes save lives, imagine what actually learning to ride that thing could do for you….”
Over the years I have improved my riding skills by learning to handle the bikes in emergency situations. (YES, I do practice emergency braking). FAR too many people use neon colors, loud pipes, modulating lights etc. to make them SEEM more visible to the cage drivers. In reality, cage drivers don’t see you, or hear you, because they have no real expectation that you even exist on the road with them. Bikes are just too rare in the USA on a daily basis. The ONLY way to keep yourself alive is to stay alert and rely on highly refined RIDING SKILLS that come from actual riding and practice. Even then that MAY not be enough. Your loud pipes will save your life about as often as a “Baby on Board” sign will save the kid.
For the record, I too am a loyal reader and enjoy your articles and appreciate that you engage us and allow us to participate in the discussions, but I would like to see some facts from your research. Insert your reference material into the article somewhere so we can have a gander at it too.
Thanks!
Norbert says:
November 30, 2009 at 5:46 pm
I won’t comment on loud pipes, even though I have moderately loud pipes because they attract attention, and I believe therefore help contribute somewhat to my safety.
I will comment on your article. I don’t mean to be harsh, a lot of work has gone into it, but it could be better if:
-it contained solid references – you comment about research, what research? what figures? what stats?
-it wasn’t so ‘be all for everyone’ – at the end of the article you tried so hard not to offend anyone with your opinion
-it hard a start, a middle and an end – i.e. a point to it.
I think the article was aimed at getting readers to think about the subject and offer their opinions, which is great. But like so many articles I’ve read here, I was hoping to hear some facts. You teased me into thinking you had done some research? But what was the outcome?
So, if you have an opinion, offer it. Journalism involves having the emotional intelligence of having your article ripped to shreds by critics and not taking it personally. State the results of your research, be it solid figures or circumstantial evidence. And don’t take offence if someone disagrees with your writting, you’re putting in the effort, you have loyal readers (I’m one) and that is the positive outcome that counts.
Allan is spot on. When you hear a siren in you cage can you tell if is in front, back or side of you? Well I cant tell either. Many times I am afraid to pull over because I am not sure where this LOUD sound is comming from. I just might pull over right onto you and your loud pipes. Loud pipes have already banned me from RV parks and I ride a stock Goldwing! They said we cant make exceptions you are not welcome here with a motorcycle!
I’ve only been riding 6 months, but in that time, I’ve almost been taken out twice. Both times by the stereotypical Mom in a minivan. The first time was partly due to my inexperience (being in the blind spot.) The second was due to her just pulling over without looking…and I swear, when I looked over after taking evasive, she was on her cell and there were kids in the back. I was right next to her and she didn’t even look over. Both times I was riding my Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom – with factory pipes. On the rode, they’re fairly quiet. I’m convinced that if I had loud pipes, I might have startled her, but she would have noticed me.
Right now, I’m saving up to get some Cobra Slash Downs and a power kit for my bike.
BTW, I’ve also noticed that many more sports bike riders obnoxiously rev their engines than cruiser riders.
I won’t comment on loud pipes, even though I have moderately loud pipes because they attract attention, and I believe therefore help contribute somewhat to my safety.
I will comment on your article. I don’t mean to be harsh, a lot of work has gone into it, but it could be better if:
-it contained solid references – you comment about research, what research? what figures? what stats?
-it wasn’t so ‘be all for everyone’ – at the end of the article you tried so hard not to offend anyone with your opinion
-it hard a start, a middle and an end – i.e. a point to it.
I think the article was aimed at getting readers to think about the subject and offer their opinions, which is great. But like so many articles I’ve read here, I was hoping to hear some facts. You teased me into thinking you had done some research? But what was the outcome?
So, if you have an opinion, offer it. Journalism involves having the emotional intelligence of having your article ripped to shreds by critics and not taking it personally. State the results of your research, be it solid figures or circumstantial evidence. And don’t take offence if someone disagrees with your writting, you’re putting in the effort, you have loyal readers (I’m one) and that is the positive outcome that counts.
Has yet to be proven . Show me the proof , not just the opinion of one party . It is a fact that where you look is where you go . If your attention is drawn to a particular direction , you will tend to go that way . This tends to do exactly the opposite of what some claim . For the person claiming that the loud pipes saved some unknowing soul , prove to me that the other party would not have saved their own hide by seeing what you were doing and given you a blast of their horn . Since it never happened , you cannot claim the unknown . Loud pipes will not save you from a potential encroachment if the problem comes from the opposite side of the exit of your exhaust , in so far as they do or do not exit on one side only . Loud pipes are just loud . Nothing more , nothing less . One last item is that many of the ” loud pipes ” out there would not even be legal for closed course competition in racing .
I don’t run loud exhaust but thats my personal preference. I am not against louder than normal performance exhaust but I do think wide open unbaffled exhaust can be annoying especially with the biker who has that “LOOK AT ME” – “HERE I AM” attitude and has to keep blipping his/her throttle every few seconds when at a stop light ( I think it might be because the POS won’t stay running on it’s own) There is a time and place for loud exhaust. Running through a quiet neighborhood making as much noise as possible and setting off car alarms is the kind of negative behavior that in turns forces local law enforcement agencies to enforce noise ordinances because this kind of noise is aggravating and affects all of us bikers. People have a right to peace and quiet and we need to be respectful of that right. My $.02……… Ride Safe!
Loud pipes do NOT save lives. All they do is reinforce why so many people hate motorcyclist. 9 out of 10 bikes with loud pipes are Harleys. These guys just need to be noticed and the only way they can get noticed is to have loud pipes.
Watch this Southpark Episode:
http://www.southparkstudios.com/guide/1312/
I’ve noticed that some of the people I know who have load pipes are also the ones who say riding with a helmet on obstructs ones vision & hearing. I seem to think my hearing improves when riding w/my helmet on. I do notice modulating headlights coming towards me from the front & rear more than being able to hear load pipes. Load pipes are just another myth, like Harleys best f–k the rest. I ride a used Harley FLHRI cop bike, the pipes that came w/it have a pleasant rumble w/out being obnoxious. Extra load pipes are as bad as a car w/extra load bass speakers & radio. Neither take anyone but themselves in to consideration.
I wear a Shoei helmet, leather jacket, boots etc… EVERY TIME I ride, so I don’t fit the usual crowd that says loud pipes save lives. That being said, I know for a fact they can. I ride a 1974 Honda CB550 with a MAC exhaust and no baffle. It’s not obnoxiously loud (says the rider) but it’s quite a bit louder then it was with the baffle. More then once I have dropped a gear and the increased volume of my exhaust got the attention of the person merging into my lane. It’s always the same type of person too, 16-45 year old white woman on a cell phone.
when it comes to cars and truck’s no loud pipes really don’t help that much where I have noticed the help from loud pipes is where animals are concerned where I live we have moose on the roadways and the loud pipes usually runs them off the roadway I run vance @ Hines on my fxst and they are not loud enough to wake the sleeping I dont like pipes that hurt
Like you, I initially though the loud pipes did damage to the overall public perception of motorcycling and wasn’t convinced that they saved lives. Although I still believe the former, I have been converted when it comes to the latter. I used to ride with stock pipes that were virtually silent, but that changed after a close call. I was driving my SUV to work and was getting ready to change lanes, I put on my turn signal, looked in my side and rear-view mirror and even looked over my shoulder. Not seeing any vehicles, I started to change lanes and that is when I heard the sound of motorcycle pipes. The motorcycle must have been in a blind spot as I had not seen it and was just about to move into its lane. If not for the motorcyclist’s loud pipes, he or she would have been seriously injured or possibly killed as I was driving about 45MPH and there wasn’t anywhere for the motorcyclist to go to avoid my SUV. To this day I have no idea if that motorcyclist knew or realized that their pipes saved his or her life, but that is when I decided my stock pipes had to go. While I still don’t ride with obnoxiously loud pipes; I no longer ride with stock pipes. Although I believe I am a better driver, because I ride a motorcycle, it is true that sometimes you are invisible to cages (even those who are looking out for motorcyclists). I have BackOff flashers on my rear brake light and headlight to increase my visibility, but I am a firm believer that you need to be heard as well.
IMHO… a non-issue. While some riders do use the “safety” line… it is more for justification than out of any real sense of conviction (just work in a Harley shop for awhile for proof of that). Some of the loudest proponents of safety in decibels are also the biggest opposers of helmet regulation… strange coincidence eh? Some people will always put their need for self-gratification before any consideration for others… look at the base boom boxes in the cages.
Remember when we used to clothespin cards on the spokes of our bicycles? Some kids grew up. Some just grew.
Absolutely not! There is no way for a motorist to know where the motorcycle is exactly in proximity to the “noise”. Loud pipes save lives was dreamed up by the same group that rides intoxicated from bar to bar and needs no formal training. It’s usually the same group that expounds that helmets aren’t safe and may actually be dangerous. Check my facts…dollars to donuts, I’m right…
I don’t think so. My buddy and I were riding one day. I, on my ‘07 GSX-R750 and he, on his ‘07 Harley Night Train w/Vance and Hines Pipes. I was the front bike and I looked back to change lanes and a car was veering right towards him. So, a car driver is going to do what they want to do regardless of how loud or quite the pipes are. Some people just don’t look. Luckily, my buddy was paying close attention to his surroundings and avoided being hit.