[Drabdr]

After I posted on Facebook after a co-worker was killed on a motorcycle, a minor debate emerged. So, I am interested in getting a feel from the gang here of your thoughts. As always, open for discussion.

[Drabdr]

Poll is public, and multiple choice is possible.

[bill.aam]

I agree with myth 2, I never thought about loud pipes being a safety feature. I installed the Vance & Hines shorty's because I liked the way the sounded, not because I thought they were safer than stock pipes.

I did install a continuously flashing headlight...

Myth 2: Loud Pipes Save Lives

Yeah, there are a few situations—like where you are right next to a driver with his window down who is about the to change lanes—where full-time noise-makers might help a driver notice you, but all that noise directed rearward doesn't do much in the most common and much more dangerous conflict where a car turns in front of you. Maybe it's the fatigue caused by the noise, maybe it's the attitudes of riders who insist on making annoying noise, or perhaps loud bikes annoy enough drivers to make them aggressive. Whatever the reason, the research shows that bikes with modified exhaust systems crash more frequently than those with stock pipes. If you really want to save lives, turn to a loud jacket or a bright helmet color, which have been proven to do the job. Or install a louder horn. Otherwise, just shut up.

The Deadly Dozen: 12 Motorcycle Safety Myths and Misconceptions

[Bastiat]

Loud pipes serve no useful purpose. There is no "safety" afforded by having them contrary to popular belief. A loud horn on the other hand, assuming it's being used to alert a cager, serves a useful purpose.

[bill.aam]

BTW, I voted: Loud horns are a must-have safety item.

[Stoner]

Originally Posted by Bastiat

Loud pipes serve no useful purpose. There is no "safety" afforded by having them contrary to popular belief. A loud horn on the other hand, assuming it's being used to alert a cager, serves a useful purpose.

Indeed.

[Stoner]

I voted a little too quickly and should have also voted that loud horns are a must have safety item.

[mecury_2001]

I have stock pipes on my HD and i like the sound, when i was young i would remove the baffles to irritate those around me and irk my old man,loud horns are always blaring in Boston and are usually ignored by others. i always stay alert of traffic around me. but accidents do happen and people get hurt. car doors opening are a concern in the city because you can be right up on them,and they fail to see you....so i ride out of the city most of the time mostly up in the berkshires where all i have to worry about is deer voting no for loud pipes and blaring horns

[wacor]

loud pipes IMO are not that noticeable unless one is accelerating.

Yes you can hear the rumble but not so much when driving in another vehicle.

I gave up my bike years ago. I can't ride a big enough one to make it comfortable and they are just too easy to not see and I want to live longer for some unknown reason

[Stoner]

Originally Posted by wacor

loud pipes IMO are not that noticeable unless one is accelerating.

Yes you can hear the rumble but not so much when driving in another vehicle.

I gave up my bike years ago. I can't ride a big enough one to make it comfortable and they are just too easy to not see and I want to live longer for some unknown reason

Most people think of Harleys when the subject of loud pipes comes up......but a 4 cylinder Jap bike with a header and a straight-through megaphone is just as irritating. Sometimes more so.

loud pipes IMO are not that noticeable unless one is accelerating.

What....no stop lights/signs in Michigan or you guys just don't bother stopping?

[wacor]

I remember ages ago at my sisters apartment there was a guy with a Jag XKE that would make the windows rattle when he was idling. Never saw that with a bike idling.

I still think that bikes are not bad until they accelerate. Got the crap scared out of me yesterday on the freeway when a jerk was showing off.

Not arguing for a change tonite. Just stating an opinion .

[thingamajig]

None of the above. I don't recall ever depending on sound for safety while driving. In a moving vehicle with the radio blaring who is going to hear the pipes soon enough to avoid a wreck? If anything the loud exhaust is safety hazard equally to the biker as loud music is to a driver.

It's a good thing that blind people aren't allowed to drive. If they were, this would be a topic worth debating.

[Bastiat]

Originally Posted by thingamajig

I don't recall ever depending on sound for safety while driving.

So why are horns federally mandated for both cars and motorcycles?

[thingamajig]

Originally Posted by Bastiat

So why are horns federally mandated for both cars and motorcycles?

That's a good question. I suppose every reasonable addition to safety is a good idea. But any accident that can be prevented by a horn is not likely to have been very serious - low speed.

[Stoner]

Originally Posted by wacor

I remember ages ago at my sisters apartment there was a guy with a Jag XKE that would make the windows rattle when he was idling. Never saw that with a bike idling.

I still think that bikes are not bad until they accelerate. Got the crap scared out of me yesterday on the freeway when a jerk was showing off.

Not arguing for a change tonite. Just stating an opinion .

I still think that bikes are not bad until they accelerate.

Depends on the type of bike and the type of exhaust.
And you likely lead a sheltered life .....with your car and truck windows rolled up and the air conditioner blasting while playing your favorite tunes.... most of the time ....................( )

Just stating an opinion

It's OK that you're wrong....this is a progressive forum...............( )