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?
753 Comments
George Penner · April 8, 2012 at 4:01 pm
For one thing, “loud” needs to be defined. I have a friend that rides a bike that is ‘killer’ loud and I don’t like following him. My bike is ‘loud’ to Goldwing riders (or so I’m often told), but that very ‘noise’ catches the attention of the deer that are MY number one enemy where I ride. You feel free do be as quiet as you wish to be. I’ll keep my ‘loud’ pipes for that reason.
asshammer · April 8, 2012 at 3:57 am
1. God saves lives, not loud pipes.
2. I like loud pipes, I couldn’t care less if you notice me or not.
3. Glass houses, people…you all suck just like I suck so stop thinking your crap doesn’t stink.
roy rodriguez · April 7, 2012 at 7:42 am
hey joe just cut off the pipes on you car at the headers, if you think you need to save your life that much… will you NO i do not think so…but if every one did it might save lives.. no phone calls, loud noise in side, windows open from the fumes, less driving, …but the draw backs will be every one will have total hearing loss. so it will end up being quiet and they will HAVE TO USE THEIR EYES WHILE DRIVING … and we know how hard that it right now to do…with all that texing who has time to watch the road.. so we will have blind /deaf drivers… riding around till they wipe each other out, then we [ bikers ] will be safer. good plan anyone up for it….see loud pipes save lives
Dangerous · April 6, 2012 at 1:28 pm
I believe loud pipes’ effect on the safety of others is minimal if it exists at all. A loud horn, employed judiciously, works much better and only annoys the one you choose to annoy (like the idiot cutting you off or turning in front of you or napping at a green light) while leaving the rest of us in peace…
Joe · April 4, 2012 at 2:19 pm
bunch of winers, loud pipes sound great and yes they can be heard a mile away unless you are going 700 miles an hour! i personally would put loud pipes on my motorcycle if i had one, not so much for safety, juts love the sound! what will save lives is a responsible driver/rider.
Gogan · March 15, 2012 at 9:20 pm
What I actually believe in the argument about loud pipes saving lives. That those who ride and install said loud pipes tend to be more aware of traffic and people around them. Not because they are more astute but because they are looking to see if anyone is noticing them.
Think about it! The guy/gal out for a easy quiet ride might not be looking to see if anyone is looking at them. Whereas the guy/gal out with their $500 and upward dollar set of pipes wants people to notice them. Therefore, by looking to see if they are being noticed they themselves will notice the cagers and pedestrians about them. If not being noticed they will subconsciously rap and blap their pipes until they are noticed. Purely a physiological feed for the ego and in truth nothing to do about safety.
Loud Cloths Save Lives, Loud Pipes Loose Rights.
Ed · March 12, 2012 at 7:57 pm
I never thought much about motorcycle noise until I started working nights. One thing for sure, there are a lot of assholes riding motorcycles. Not just rumbling but jerking off their throttles like it’s an erotic extension. I’ve wondered! Are their bikes such P.O.S. that they can’t idle. Do the riders still have bad habits from riding under powered 2 cycle engines, are they “Sons of Anarchy” wannabe’s, posers or don’t they know how to ride?
Regardless, pipe down and share some of the freedom you claim you dominate.
Tom · February 26, 2012 at 12:11 pm
when I want to be seen I honk my horn, otherwise I just as soon be quiet. Bright colors probably save lives too but do loud pipe guys wear shocking pink?
Vern Rosa · February 22, 2012 at 6:54 am
For those who think loud pipes (the kind that hurt the eardrums of nearby, and sometimes not so nearby, drivers and pedestrians) save lives. It really doesn’t matter how loud your pipes are if you are behind a cager with his windows up, radio on, cell phone in his ear, etc. Remember the last time you were in your car and were startled by an ambulance coming up behind you with his siren screaming, and you didn’t hear him until he was right on your bumper? It is the same principle with loud pipes. They don’t hear you until you are right on top of them. If you are beside them, let them know you’re there by NOT riding in their blind spot. I ride a Harley Ultra Classic that has a nice rumble to it, but I can still hold a conversation with my passenger without screaming back and forth. My take is that John Doe citizen whose ears are hurt by those attention seekers who have to have loud pipes more than likely is a voter who wants to ban our mode of transportation from “his” streets. Keep the noise down, and just ride for pleasure. That’s my opinion. You are welcome to yours.
Borderline · February 21, 2012 at 7:47 pm
I like a little bit of non-stock sound to my pipes, but not excessive. After almost 40 years of riding, I think that louder pipes do help to some degree and in some situations. They can definitely make your presence known to the blissfully unaware, and in some cases, simply intimidate some people into being very aware of you and keeping away from you. Their hangup, not mine. But think about it, when you see a loud bike on the road, it grabs your attention, with good or bad response from a approval/disapproval mode. But it definitely does grab your attention. In this world of text and cell phones, that is good imho.
That said, good intuition and riding alert will save your life b4 anything else.
Bill Maier · February 21, 2012 at 7:53 am
Defensive riding, practices, and safety courses, save lives pure and simple.
roy rodriguez · February 20, 2012 at 7:23 pm
loud pipes do not save lives —-loud pipes save lives …. does anyone one this site really think that the driver of cars CARES if your life is saved ..after you have blasted his ears reving your motor at a STOP light …now add 4-6 more of you blasting away.. they can not hear their CELL PHONES,or c.d.’s ….so they will vote for mufflers first and to hell with your life, you did not care about there’s……if they are old and near deaf and in a no sound world here you come blasting in to it… what the hell was that says the 80 year old ,it will sound louder then a normal person’s hearing… bottom line they vote there’s more of them you loose.. get it it’s not a matter of saving lives ….your worth nothing to them..they are a few years from the end ..save your life give me a break people…they hit you they MIGHT get a ticket, pay it get car repaired from the ins. THEY move on, your gone ..man get over this saves lives, yes no yes no … its all about pissing off the living dead ….
BassOasis · February 20, 2012 at 9:41 am
I purchased a Suzuki 800 cruiser as my first motorcycle ever last year. I took the safety course about 700 miles into my riding career. I did not know the bike was equipped with Vance & Hines pipes. I knew little about motorcycles at the time. I have LOUD neighbors with Harleys and the like, and while my bike is moderately loud on aggressive accelaration, their bikes are just over the top in volume, without control.
Onto my story…I can honestly admit that I hate(d) annoying loud pipes. However, I can count on more than 1 hand, in the past 4000 miles, the incidents that were avoided becuase I had the ability to create the volume to be noticed when needed. These near-accidents took place on side streets at 20MPH and on highways at 60+ MPH. As a trained law enforcement driver, I tend to drive defensively and safely as a rule. These moments are ones whereby I had a “feeling” somone was about to change lanes right beside me or just ahead of me before looking, or enter the road while using cell phones, etc. They just failed to see, or hear me or anyone else. That was until I made use of the throttle to make just enough noise to get their attention. My pipes actually did what many say they do not.
Loud pipes are a great alternative, provided you have nothing else to get you noticed. However, I strongly recommend the FIRST line of defense as HIGH VISIBILITY clothing, preferably with some kind of armor built in. Again, loud pipes are good in moderation, and in the right hands. If you’re only looking for attention due to insecurity, I suggest you get off the road and take a course in self-confidence. All in all, my pipes have worked for me often enough to understand that it is not a myth. They can be an option, but they should not be the first.
Jay · February 19, 2012 at 11:34 pm
OK, to all you attention whores…
LOUD PIPES DO NOT SAVE LIVES!!!
Quit using it as an excuse to draw attention to yourself, just like a 16 year old girl.(South Park f-word episode) And no one thinks you’re bad ass or tough, just a another loser that needs attention.
I’ve been riding for over 20 years and have never had a problem that made me think, it could have been avoided if I had loud pipes.
In fact, the number one cause of motorcycle accidents is someone turning in front of you in an intersection traveling the opposite direction…how are your loud pipes going to avoid that situation?
I think loud exhaust sounds cool too, what guy doesn’t, like at Nascar races. But, I chose not to have my enjoyment interfere with someone else’s serenity and their enjoyment.
You also say, it’s only for the minute that you’re driving by. But, what you don’t realize is that when it happens hundreds of times a day, it’s no longer an isolated incident, it’s constant noise.
This is one human to another, begging you, please have consideration for others and evolve from the loud chest thumping to a civilized society.
vern kehoss · February 13, 2012 at 1:32 pm
I have to say i’ve been riding since 1958 and have over 250,000 miles on. minus three yrs. with job. transfer I’ve owned 22 diff brands of cycles. When i rode mainly sport bikes i had more close encounters of the deadly kind.They don’t resonate ahead and one headlamp doesn’t seem to help. Since riding my geezer glides with load pipes cagers seem to look up more often. Could it be the low resonance of a set of vance and hines at 2800 rpm. Or is it the triple headlamps with halogen bulbs that catches there eye. YOU BE THE JUDGE !!!
Motopreserve · February 12, 2012 at 6:07 pm
While I’m sure there are those riders who may have been saved by loud pipes, it’s akin to drivers who extolled the virtue of NOT wearing a seat belt when the law became prevalent in the USA. Of course there were the few stories of people being thrown clear of the car, and disaster, because they didn’t wear the seat belt, but the statistics were (and are) still overwhelming in defense of using them.
Unfortunately, in the case of loud pipes, there is no such data. And if for just one moment, riders with ultra loud pipes forget to act as if he/she is invisible, then we are better off without them completely.
Defensive riding, practice, and safety course offer a better bang for the buck, in my opinion…
rick · February 12, 2012 at 4:16 pm
I’m sure loud pipes have saved lives but getting some advanced training is probably the best way of saving lives, i like fairly loud pipes on bikes but not super loud, i love the sound of a roaring Ducati but if it is too loud then it sounds like one huge super loud fart! same with any bike come to think of it, oh and if you are annoyed by a few loud motorbikes then maybe you should consider getting a LIFE and stop being so PATHETIC! there more important things in the world to worry about.
Dan in Mt. · February 7, 2012 at 5:32 pm
I agree with those who say that this will never be resolved in an in-argueable manner, but almost surely what this will result in will be annual (and mandatory) inspections and yearly stickers. This will be an expensive and annoying obligation, but would also have been avoidable if not for the extreme attention whores who just HAVE to go beyond prudent or ‘throaty’ to the N- th degree of “look at me- look at me”…
One thing is nearly certain, though. If, by chance, uninvolved people didn’t already have an opinion about motorcycles- the noise alone will force an opinion. And it will usually be a bad opinion. Human nature would dictate that most motorists likely resent lane splitting on it’s own without adding the noise into the equation. So thanks, in advance, for thinking only about your own egos when we’re all trying to get an appointment to get our annual inspection decals… ’cause we will lose any ballot initiatives by a landslide !!
Allen · February 7, 2012 at 10:29 am
When a motorbike is approaching towards you at high speed on an open road you CANNOT hear it comming until it is too late as the exhaust pipes are facing backwards not forwards like car horns or emergency vehicel sirens. So they do not help as an advance warning, However in an enclosed urban area there may be an increase warning due to revirberations off buildings etc.
Another consideration is that a lot of people have problems with undertanding which direction the load exhaust is coming from especialy the old and very young.
In addition when drivers are enclosed inside there glass cacoon with sterio radion and mobile phones on they are oblivious to anything external of their metal shell.
We all like the sound of a nice well tuned exhaust e.g Ducati or Ferrari but as someone who has had to follow a biker on a HD NightRod with cut off pipes and no exhaust it is very annoying and uncomforatble after a short while and tireing for the rider as well.
So where do I sit on this subject, Loud pipes do not save lives and must not be relied on to do so – thats why bikes have horns. I do like the sound of a well tuned bike but evrything in moderation as the last thing we all do not want is another crazy law to enforce single type tested exhausts for all bikes do we!! As is being proposed in Europe with a new EU law restricting all modifications to all bikes.
Simples!!
roy rodriguez · February 5, 2012 at 6:52 am
to swoop …you are right on the mark if anyone wants to know… but i will still go with who cares… loud pipes are a thing of the past, because they are LOUD as in NO mufflers ..enough people in calf. and other states have had enough.. 4am sun wake up’s ..packs gunning there h.d. at lights.. [ how are they saving lives then ? ] ..and who’s lives are they saving theirs ? do you really think the many people they piss off care if they the few live… i could go on but WE all know it and now THEY are saying stop.. THEY have more vote’s then WE and to top it off how MANY WE can vote, not do vote but ..theres more of THEM then US so they vote , now they have the guns ,ticket makers in cars with blue lights and a new source of income…so i say all this means nothing .. again thanks h.d. riders.. your bad arse in black really means a lot. that showed em ..keep it up.. maybe you can get bikes banned all together then you can wash off the fake tats and move on in your bmw’s to play and ruin something else.
swoop · February 4, 2012 at 12:30 pm
This article and almost all of the posts in this forum offer no conclusive evidence that loud pipes do or don’t save lives. The statements made here are merely conjecture and opinion with people bantering back and forth. In fact, nothing has been accomplished with this article other than some riders voicing their opinion. Although everyone is entitled to their opinion this accomplishes nothing to elicit a finite solution.
The author of this article starts this discussion with their “wishy-washy – I’ve been on both sides of the fence – I don’t really know what side to pick – don’t want to make anyone mad” statements.
The author further states he doesn’t know if his opinion is “Typical or Atypical”. He also says that he did research on the internet. You can’t be serious. Do you want to be taken seriously? You seem hermaphroditic in nature. In fact, your writing sounds so androgynous I wasn’t quite sure what your point was supposed to be. If ambiguity and forum arguments was your goal than I congratulate you. You’re a steaming pile of success!
After reading the replies to this article it becomes apparent that the readers are searching for more. You can tell the readers, for the most part, are educated and intelligent people looking for factual answers. You leave us at a non plus. Leaving this discussion with little more than some other readers opinions. Well? Where are the answers author?
Lets try this instead:
Gather empirical data based on what your trying to discover.
First find equal groups of ALL people in regards to the subject matter.
1. Riders who have loud pipes on there bikes.
2. Riders who don’t have loud pipes on their bike.
3. Non-riders who are subjected to the aforementioned groups.
4. A control group who has never been subjected to any of the aforementioned groups.
Do a study over a specified time period on these groups to collect empirical data to ascertain each groups opinions, thoughts, and reactions etc.
You will also want to include data that shows what municipalities have banned loud pipes and those that haven’t. I would include the entire U.S. but you could do this by regions. Also, include law enforcement charges that enforced these laws over a specified time line of the shortest time of the enacted law of all municipalities involved so as not to bias the data.
You could even break it down by age groups, types of motorcycle, years each rider has ridden motorcycles etc. The possibilities are endless. You can make this as detailed and accurate as you want.
It’s boring and it’s statistical but it does eventually come to a conclusion.
What are the benefits of actually doing real research instead of regurgitating other peoples thoughts over and over again? Well for starters you could positively tell a rider whether or not their loud pipes are actually doing any good for their safety. You could also tell the riders who have loud pipes where they are most welcome and where they might get ticketed for violating a noise ordnance. Thereby saving them some hard earned cash in fines and insurance. I’m sure there is a myriad of other detailed information for ALL riders to learn on this subject based on factual information.
To the author: Give the reader pertinent and factual information if you want to start a discussion. This will keep your intelligent readers coming back for more. Instead of sitting at a computer “researching”. Use all of the tools of your trade, get out there, and write something that will keep us coming back for more.
However…it’s just an opinion.
carioca urbano · February 2, 2012 at 1:28 pm
a loud bike MIGHT avoid accidents (a supposition). but it ACTUALLY annoys society. so, let’s accept the fact and finish this not so understandable discussion. NOISE OFF PLEASE for me, for you, for our children and even for our enemies (they don’t deserve such a punishment)
roy rodriguez · January 11, 2012 at 8:39 am
LWL…like i said a few lines down its OVER in calif thanks to the h.d. riders, and the sport bike riders with track mufflers on the street….the sport riders will crash ,die or live and move on to something else.. h.d. riders will blame every one else, pay enough fines put on mufflers, or god forbid move to my state…most people [male ] will be ok with some good sounds out of a motorcycle,or a sports car… it even makes them feel good its the NO mufflers that drives them to vote for some relief. and the new bikes will be sound proof because no manuf. will build mufflers just for calif its a one [ cost ] fits all world even EURO STANDARDS,so every one suffers.. thanks calif ..thanks h.d. riders.
eldudeny · January 11, 2012 at 12:00 am
I forgot to mention, I have been riding for over 40 years 44 to be exact. Harleys, European and Jap. I tried loud pipes, didn’t like them, didn’t like waking the neighbors baby and didn’t care for the loss of respect from my neighbors.
Gotta give respect to receive respect.
Eldudeny · January 10, 2012 at 11:54 pm
Simply put. “Loud Pipes Violate Rights” Bikers forget that operating a motor vehicle is a licensed privilege, not a right. Whereas people have a right of peaceful repose on their property and in their homes. Bikers say “Loud Pipes are Free Expression” some may agree but most will agree that your Free Expression end at my property line.
As for sound projection: The pipes are pointed to the rear, bike is moving forward. Ever hear of the “Doppler Effect”? Even operators of emergency vehicles are told that they can outrun their siren and people won’t hear the siren. I know this because I drove emergency vehicles. Look how many accidents involve emergency vehicles because people didn’t hear or see the flashing lights.
Loud pipes saving lives is a myth perpetuated as an excuse for bad behavior, not safety.
LWL · January 8, 2012 at 5:51 pm
I have been startled by many a loud motorcycle splitting fast freeway traffic in California. The noise hit my ears after the bike passed me making me swerve and if there were a second bike on the opposite side passing half a second later he would be hit.
I rode my own bike primarily on the street and only split traffic when it was stopped. My bike was fitted with stock mufflers for my enjoyment and I ride knowing I’m invisible. No amount of noise will save me if they can’t see me.
jimbo · January 5, 2012 at 7:39 am
Do loud pipes save lives, fraid not. Statistics show almost 80 % of motorcycle crashes are caused by hazzards approaching from the front. How many “loud pipe” advacates have their pipes pointing forward?
Loud pipes are vanity pipes. The noise they put out says “look at me”. Don’t think so. Why do riders rap the throttle when riding down a street with high buildings on the side? How many lives are they saving unless they happen to be driving on the sidewalk? All they are looking for is attention, kinda like a child throwing a screaming fit.
Gerhard Koekemoer · January 5, 2012 at 12:37 am
If they do indeed save lives, we should have them on all vehicles.
roy rodriguez · January 4, 2012 at 6:01 pm
p.s. ok do loud pipes save lives… no way to say yes or no.. as in a study, numbers etc. SO its up to the rider to to say hey i think he heard me coming.. and that saved my life OK.. but do you [ cloud ] really think that the people that are pissed off by no muffler bikers ,REALLY CARE IF YOU LIVE OR DIE, your nothing to them, i am nothing to them, maybe a good donor for body parts..but gee i want that biker to live so blast my ear drums out …its ok if i go deaf.. as long as he it still alive … YA RIGHT not after wakeing up the neighbor hood at 4 am. they want to sleep, watch t.v. or what ever… so now comes the chance to vote you out of the picture, get mufflers of pay or loose the bike.so you die ..so .what your just a biker…and whats a biker its what calif film/t.v says we are.. sons of some body, gun runners ,dopers,rapers…another one dead because the truck did not hear him coming …GOOD fix the bumper on the truck ..one less noise maker… thats how they think DUDE…..
roy rodriguez · January 4, 2012 at 8:21 am
try reading the 4or5th para again.. bottom line is if you piss off non riders [as in calif ] with no mufflers then if you believe loud saves lives will be a moot point, because you will have none.. like i said i do not care if they are loud, rock on its your bike i can not judge your wants …. but 98% of the nion rideing voters seem to….
clouds_rest · January 3, 2012 at 5:41 pm
@ roy rodriguez:
I had to read your comment several times to try and understand what you wrote… and I’m still not 100% sure. I think maybe you missed the point of this post; the title reads, “Do Loud Pipes Save Lives?” not, “Do Loud Pipes Piss You Off?”
Either make an actual contribution to the topic, or submit your negativity someplace else.
@ Everyone Else:
I apologize to those who actually would like to take place in a progressive discussion regarding the safety of loud exhaust. I hate when people bicker back and forth in forums, hindering others. That said, I won’t respond to Mr. Rodriguez again.
If anyone out there can think of a time where having loud exhaust has actually put someone in danger or increased risk, I would love hear about it.
Peace.
roy rodriguez · January 3, 2012 at 6:41 am
well CLOUDS your calif dreaming is comeing to an end.. and who are you going to yell at for that…other bikers NO the 98% of the non rideing voters the – ”we want no mufflers bikes off the road ” ..the ones you 1% ers have pissed off with your packs of h.d. noise makeing loud NO mufflers bikes…the clowns in calif say ”what calif does / goes so will the rest of the country” and ” we out here are trend setters ” and you have said that with pride.. THANK ..DUDE…
clouds_rest · January 2, 2012 at 10:31 pm
Noise doesn’t travel forward? Um… yes it does. If that were true, you wouldn’t hear the sirens of emergency vehicles approaching from behind.
I live in traffic-ridden Los Angeles, and can attest that motorcycles with loud pipes are more easily noticed than those without. For example, here in California, motorcyclists are allowed to share lanes with passenger vehicles. Often, during high-traffic times, the folks on their motorbikes, take advantage of this by zipping between slow moving traffic on the highway. Of course, being stuck in this traffic is also an excuse for other drivers to erratically switch lanes without warning in an attempt to speed up their own commute. That being said, there have been many times that while driving, I have heard rear-approaching motorcycles before I have seen them… therefore, possibly making those riders safer. If sudden, loud noises didn’t raise attention, cars would not have horns.
Also, I take offense to the many generalizations made towards motorcyclists that ride Harley Davidsons (or other bikes with loud pipes). I don’t think it’s fair to assume that they’re “compensating for something” or that they simply want to look cool (I’m not saying that those people don’t exist, because that would be a false generalization in and of itself), but keep in mind that nearly every person on earth (whether on a Harley or in a Prius) has some sort of insecurity about themselves. I ride a motorcycle for the same reasons I do most things, including playing music, backpacking through national parks, working with kids, volunteering in homeless shelters, etc. ; I do it because it’s fun, and because it feels good. By the way, if you’re one of the enlightened who’s completely satisfied, please drop some knowledge on this forum, because we could all stand to learn something.
Operating a motorcycle is inherently more dangerous than other forms of standard transportation. If being on the loud side gives riders even the teeny-tiniest edge, I say go for it. For the record, I’m not a huge fan of overly-loud exhaust, and if you’re not either, I’m truly sorry if my noise disturbs you… but when I ride, I feel safer on a louder bike, and so do many others.
Charly · January 2, 2012 at 5:55 am
Noise, whatever its source does not travel forward. Loud pipes are heard after the bike passes, so no way do they “announce” a warning that could save a pedestrian who is stepping off a curb. However they do negatively affect the riders and passengers and spectators ear drums, just as Rock does. We are becoming a nation of hearing aid wearers….doubt it? Check it out.
And, the best part is that reducing the backpressure cuts the MPG. Yep, ask any mechanic…the mfg put mufflers on to help get better mileage, then the owner changes them out and wonders why his mpg drops…DUH…..doubt it? Check it out with any certified mechanic.
Noise is noise is noise, regardless of its source. We need less noise not more in our surroundings. If we riders don’t do it voluntarily, the guvamint will. Doubt it? Check out the states with noise laws and those who are considering it.
Been there, done that for over 60 years of riding…I have seen and heard it all.
roy rodriguez · January 1, 2012 at 6:13 pm
do you have the muffler off your car so people can hear that coming ?? other bikers complain because the NO mufflers [h.d.] bikes will bring the 98% of the voteing to end it. as in calif, and some eastern states… non ridering people are feed up with NO mufflers…hell i could care less but is making all the noise and no speed/power make you look like a joke.. but the real thing here is 98% of the people you piss off will vote for extra quiet laws…not reasonable but more then is needed. its called over reacting . to get relected and keep / increasing control over the people the govt. will do it. plu the $ from the fines…then 80% of the bike riders will suffer because of the 10% of no mufflers.hell people can not hear cops/fire trucks with lights…as it is now…
Chrissy · January 1, 2012 at 10:18 am
I am convinced my LOUD Harley pipes have saved ME from accidents….and, being a woman, I don’t have a small pen** as someone suggested! lol. Drivers can usually hear me coming before they see me. And when I see someone, for example, backing out and am not sure they know I’m there, a simple twist of the throttle alerts them. Horns often offend though they can be used, of course. It’s just easier for me to twist the throttle a bit.
Some of the super quiet motorcycles…you don’t even know they’re around. I’ve seen them go silently down my street and think, is THAT even a motorcycle? I grew up with the sound of motorcycles and that’s part of the appeal, for me.
When I am driving, I usually HEAR a loud bike before I see it. That, to me, is a margin of safety not afforded by the quieter bikes.
To me, the sound of loud pipes is PURE music, whether from my bike or someone else’s. When I hear a bike in my neighborhood, that to me is exciting. When I see a group of bikers roar down the highway, it thrills me to the core. The louder, the better.
I can’t believe some of you people who are complaining are bikers yourselves! The ROAR-R-R of a bike is the very thing I love, besides the thrill of the ride, of course.
Really, HOW can a REAL biker take offense at the incredible roar of a motorcycle?? Who wants a quiet, wimpy bike?
roy rodriguez · December 31, 2011 at 7:20 pm
do not worry the back lash is coming we will all suffer from it ,but we can live with no noise it’s the h.d. fools that will have to live with none of ” hear me,look at me, see me, over here, i am bad, do not mess with me ”….what causes that thinking ,for real… some say ” short male p…”.others they were ”picked on as a young dork and they want to get back”. or is it ”did not get enough attention as a older dork” ..nagging wife, crap job, low self esteem.??? this should be the question for this site,not another wear your gear, boring safety, or pack traveling..all that has been done to death.. for years….
Wayne DW · December 31, 2011 at 8:00 am
I want to get a bumper sticker that says:
LOUD PIPES
ARE ANNOYING
I’ve seen one that says:
LOUD PIPES
SAVE EGOS
Some use the safety angle as a justification. But I think their real reason is emotional. They have loud pipes because they want to and they like or don’t care that it bugs their neighbors and others near the road.
I think loud pipes are rude and arrogant so want nothing to do with them.
Mike Smith · December 6, 2011 at 6:28 pm
I am frustrated by the noise from loud bikes. I am amazed at how hard it is to get away from the noise. I can be in quaint small towns, national forests, or just in my house, and be subjected to the drown of loud bikes. So much so at times, it interrupts conversation. Why do such a small percent of people feel justified by subjecting so many others to such noise? I keep hearing the moto “straight pipes save lives” this is a dubious claim at best, If the rider was really concerned with being seen he/she would were bright clothing(day-glow), there is a reason our military aircraft are black, it is the least visible?
Dan in Mt. · December 1, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Still standing by what I’ve stated, but very interested in all opinions…
Dan in Mt. · September 22, 2011 at 7:20 pm
The people who insist on the loudest pipes they can buy really piss me off.They also piss off the general public so much that states and communities are currently passing laws to make aftermarket pipes illegal. The article I read concluded with the statement-‘if you think that you paid a lot for your loud aftermarket pipes, just wait ’til you go shopping for original equipment’ ! I dislike loud bikes, cars, trucks etc. My touring bike is a V twin, but has very modest and polite exhaust (stock). I’ve never read anywhere that there’s a higher percentage of BMW or Gold Wing riders that die due to an overly quiet bike… are they that much better drivers, more professional, alert than the loud braggarts out there, or is it maybe that they make the extra effort to be better lighted and wear the highest visibility clothing and such. I live on the edge of Yellowstone Park and I know that the extreme loud bikes couldn’t be a better anti-bike advertisement for the groups that would love to make all national parks be a bus- only visitation like Alaska’s Denali already is !! When I see idiots racing around town, – loud, rude and way over the speed limit, I feel the shame that they should feel. National parks are NOT the place for loud pipes, nor for obnoxious riders scaring herds of buffalo away from the roads. I live here and I see lots of both of these behaviors. Trust me- if you need to wear earplugs, you’re too loud to go in the park. And believe me, I’m not alone in this opinion; if we don’t clean up our act on our own, we will lose the visitation privilege- we’ve already lost most of our off-road rights to trail bikes on public lands. It would just be another slice off of our “freedoms” and sure ain’t no skin off their nose…
Hoz · September 19, 2011 at 1:11 pm
I ride with loud pipes, to be honest I prefer a softer noise but I have experienced how loud pipes help protect me as a rider. I do everything I can not to disturb the peace but they are loud and I don’t think I will change them anytime soon. True they are not the best for long rides but that because you can’t change the station! I rather listen to the drum beat lullaby of my motorcycle then music, am not in a car right, its about the ride not the luxury, or is it? I guess it depends. Â The hearing factor due to the noise! Your more likely to have hearing problems due to the vibration of a motorcycle then the noise of the pipes or from the drag of the air due to the wind. Noise, will more likely make you tune death but the vibration and wind push in your inner ear will make you death.Â
I truly do not want to disturbed anyone and though I don’t believe there is a thing out there that can save your life I do believe that loud pipes can help you more then anything else. I mean a glow in the dark vest won’t help. The problem is they don’t see you so if they don’t see you what does it matter what your wearing, common sense right! Yea, it’s to help you be more visible, well so are loud pipes! There is not a soul that can say that they have not looked around when they heard a loud noise, like when a dish drops in a restaurant or a car crash in the street. The truth is nothing gets your attention like noise and that’s what I want the attention of a driver.Â
They say it hasn’t  been proven but how do you take statistics on things that did not occur! Sure you can take statistics on crashes because they are recorded but who is recording that rider with the near miss, it’s his word there is no evidence because there is no proof it  happen except for his word.Â
Nothing and I mean nothing is safer then common sense and good practical riding skills but having an edge always helps And for me the best edge is loud pipes. Â A rider just has to be responsible with them. To many newbie riders abused them for the cool factor instead of using them for what there true potential, safety. Â
I might lower the DB someday but never so low that they can’t be heard.Â
That’s might thoughts on the subject. LOUD PIPES HELPS RIDERS 😉
roy · September 16, 2011 at 1:43 pm
hugh–the steel pipe is a good idea just use it on the drivers door glass that will get them to wake up its time to stop wineing about safe rideing and looking out for the bad car driver , ..ok so he misses you now but he/she still has not changed so they will get the next biker.. …why do we live in fear of them its time we get there att. with a pipe through there door glass. or the old steel brgs up over into the windshield. time to fight back next time they will not tail gate.they should live in fear of us
Hugh Anglin · September 15, 2011 at 12:26 pm
I used to think that loud pipes were safer. But that was back when cars weren’t as well sound insulated. Today, the person I have to watch out for most is weaving along in and out of their lane while texting, listening to the radio and eating a bowl of fruit loops. Loud pipes won’t help me with these, unless it’s a steel pipe that I whack them over the head with. I still love the sound of loud pipes – on someone else’s bike. With my own bike, I would rather put money into good gear and better suspension and tires – the stock exhaust is just fine!
ckin 49 · August 29, 2011 at 9:51 am
My pipes are a little louder than stock pipes. I do have respect for neibors. Last year on the 210 fwy in CA on a nice sunny day. My friend was hit from the back. He was riding uncorked. A 19yr pulled in the middle or the pack. His bike was very loud, but it didn’t save him. You still have to try to be save.
PJM · August 29, 2011 at 2:18 am
how about pipes that are somewhat louder than stock but not the extreme open pipes that really annoy people? It seems to me that while it’s true that very loud pipes are not a comprehensive safety plan for all the reasons stated, some level of noise helps with cars in the next lane as well as pedestrians
I have a Harley and a Kawasaki versys, both with stock pipes. I am shocked at how drivers and pedestrians don’t notice I am a few feet away in the Versys. I don’t want to alienate the public but somewhere in the middle there should a noise level that is a fair compromise
John Minigan · August 28, 2011 at 4:03 pm
I guess I fall under …. not liking loud pipes. In my belief its just the Boy hid the Man coming out.
But the debate will live long after my last ride.
I do like Mussel Cars, bikes racing cars, drag cars and boats for that matter, but Loud pipes just for the sake of pissing off the neighbours is just not expectable.
judgebill` · August 22, 2011 at 12:12 pm
When I was riding my BMW K1200LT, very quietly through the Redwood Highway in northern California, I could hear LOUD PIPES coming through the canyons of tall trees for a very long distance and for a very long time. I hated the intrusion on my sanity and deeply resented it. But, of course, I was definitely aware of the oncoming motorcycles (it was only two but sounded like 20). Fortunately, I find I can live with loud pipes. Don’t enjoy them, wouldn’t drive with them but hey, if they wan ’em loud, go for it.
phil griffiths · August 14, 2011 at 9:19 pm
What a confused and complicated answer to a simple question.
Easy Answer: If you have loud pipes and your alive, then they work – but if your dead….well they did’nt.
Blksam · August 7, 2011 at 12:44 pm
Louder then stock pipes can save lives.They saved the rider who was behind the rider I saw in the lane next to me.I wanted to move to the right lane but I let the bike go.With mydirectional on I started to move over.But I heard a rumble and waited.There in my blind spot was another bike.If I did not hear him he might be dead.I’m not saying loud pipes save all lives under all conditions.And I don’t like open pipes.My pipes on my Harley are just a little louder than stock.The pipes on my Kawasaki Concours are stock and as quiet as a sewing machine.I can tell you as a fact that drivers in front of me know im there sooner on my Harley then on my Kawi.And I’ll state this fact:LOUD PIPES NEVER KILLED ANYONE..PERIOD!