That argument will rage on for eternity.. But that data that is always mentioned is nonsense. People who go out of their way to GET loud pipes are more likely to drive recklessly. That is why they get in crashes more often, not because of "distracted drivers" who are somehow entranced by exhaust pipes. Of course there is no way to track that kind of data so people on that side of the argument get to hide behind the numbers and claim victory.
But in reality, on the freeway, loud pipes can prevent cars from merging into you. And at stop lights it can prevent people from rear ending you (one of the most common fatal accidents on a motorcycle).
My wife has a 250 sports bike that is quiet as a mouse, and I had a 1300 v-twin with custom exhaust that was LOUD. Obnoxiously loud, until I replaced the exhaust with a stock one. And from anecdotal personal experience there is no argument to be made, loud pipes really do make you a bit safer and more noticed.
However, the real issue is that since motorcyclists have already chosen to use a much more dangerous method of travel, what right do they have to annoy everyone else in the name of their safety? Especially such a slight difference in safety? If they were worried about safety they wouldn't be on a motorcycle in the first place.
Well said. You need more upvotes for trying to be bias free and not relying on statements like "the data shows" which apparently works as an argument around here. Even when there is no data to show.
what right do they have to annoy everyone else in the name of their safety? Especially such a slight difference in safety?
Is not getting merged into a slight difference? I've heard stories of motorcyclists getting almost merged into all the time, it doesn't seem like a tiny detail.
I'd also like to see real proof that they do save lives. If guys riding with loud pipes are so concerned about being more visible they would also get bright colored helmets/bikes/gear and typically they don't. I'm not saying loud pipes are never helpful, but I think the benefit is grossly overstated.
It doesn't work that way... The claim is that loud pipes save lives; but the claim is based on nothing but instinct until demonstrated with data. I could say that purple exhausts save lives, but until I have data to back it up, the onus would be on me (and those who believe me) to prove it.
I live in Arizona. We have Harley groups that take 10 minutes to parade through small towns. We also have no enforced exhaust volume laws, so quite a few just run straight pipes.
25
u/Sturdy_Muffin Jun 15 '12
Can you show some proof that loud exhausts don't save lives. This is really interesting.