I respect all opinions, but I like my loud pipes. I am considerate of the noise in residential areas, and ride respectfully, but you are going to hear me when I want to be heard.
Being a safe, defensive rider does more than the loudest pipes ever will. On my first bike, the previous owner put a set of V & H pipes with essentially no baffle. It was so loud, people in my riding group did not want to be near me. They also made it hard to hear what was going on around me. I fianally got a different exhaust and things were so much better. Loud exhaust is great for some, but not for me. I don't agree that just having loud pipes will save you over being a better, safer rider. Spend some of that cash and take an advanced rider course to improve how you, not what you ride.
seatboi has a point. there are alot of inconsiderate riders and it is causing some groups to clamor for legislation against the noise. not so different from people buying homes near a racetrack or airport and then complaining about the noise. racetracks close and air traffic patterns are forced to change. be prepared to act against such legislative efforts. lous pipes not only make some cages aware of your presence they also help when rural riding where wildlife (esp deer) handout by the road. deer, in particular, are easily spooked and can run right into you in their flight of fright or they can be in an area where homeowners like to feed the damn critters and they wil just walk right out in front of you. that said, the aftermarket offers all kinds of pipes most are just noise makers that frequently do nothing to add to the actuall performance. tooo often they are just loud and the proud new owner perceives an improvement that isn't there. if you are shopping for pipes look for ones that are designed for your engine specs and riding style you'll find ones that can improve power output without being obnoxious.
the loud pipes saved me a couple of times we have to be aware of car drivers more then the roads itself. unfortunately here in Quebec we are not allowed loud pipes and every month or so the police is out there handing out tickets. ride safe ride hard ride the freedom
plus remember when you build a performance engine to suck in large amounts of air/fuel, during combustion gasses expand so you got to get rid of them quickly/efficently. why work on one end and just choke it down on the other end. if high price, fancy "tuned" exhaust systems were as great they say wouldn't race bikes use them. most use a header/dragpipe. remember this - if it eats, it's got to shit.
Totally agree with much of what was said. The fact is the sound is what they hear before they take the time to look. But respect goes both ways. I never rev my engine when riding in neighborhoods late and early morning. Infact I just wish the cages had the same amount of respect for me as I have for them. After all shouldn't we have the same rights on the road? LOUD PIPES DO SAVE LIVES... IT'S SAVE MINE SEVERAL TIMES OVER.
ok...here's MY opinion...IF bikers with loud pipes THINK of OTHERS, THEN, they're ok. I lived downtown in a small town above an old storefront & I appreciate the cool sound of pipes as much as anyone, BUT>>> it really sux when some INCONSIDERATE biker goes thru a small town like mine at 3 AM & JAMS on the gas all the way thru downtown JUST cuz it makes his pee-pee stiff to hear his own loud pipes roaring off the brick buildings! OR, when your driving in a car on the road on a nice sunny day with your windows down, and just as a biker passes & notices your windows down, JAMS on the gas & scares the shit outa you & about makes you go off the road! It is OBNOXIOUS & INCONSIDERATE & just plain RUDE!! C'mon, people! It gives ALL us riders a bad name when you do that!
The day has come when loud (illegal) pipes will spell the end of riding in many places. Many areas have enacted legislation to ban all motorcycles because of noise pollution, and more places join them every year. It is more practical to add a loud air horn that actually broadcasts the sound in the direction you need it rather than annoy those behind you constantly. If you value your right to ride, please refrain from using non approved pipes on the street. Your neighborhood may be next.
Sounds like your personal opinion, nothing based on facts. I would appreciate seeing some specifics, otherwise I would have to think you just don't like loud pipes.
The day has come when loud (illegal) pipes will spell the end of riding in many places. Many areas have enacted legislation to ban all motorcycles because of noise pollution, and more places join them every year. It is more practical to add a loud air horn that actually broadcasts the sound in the direction you need it rather than annoy those behind you constantly. If you value your right to ride, please refrain from using non approved pipes on the street. Your neighborhood may be next.
In a residentual area the loud pipes will get attention. Out on the interstate or highways about about 45mph most people will not hear you untill you go by them. I drove a firetruck and ambulance and most people did not hear them untill we were going around them. The lights did not even help. Anything you can do to get someones attention is good.
Hey Vulcanrider06 I just wanted to let you know that my pipes are loud when I get on the throttle but when I am cruising they mellow out so its the best of both worlds. It really helps when it comes time to split traffic. People will actually let you by when you give it a rev.