breeze
Living Legend
moderators gotta moderate so they say(IMO I have not seen anything off topic its all about youre or their safety)Was I off topic?
Mighty Mouse
It's All In The Reflexes!
I believe I led you heathens down the wrong path with my High school bathroom humor. I wasn't aware that I was out of bounds and had to stick to a script. I tried for a while and then my mind wandered when I saw something shinny. I'll try harder next time because I'm a giver.Was I off topic?
Boog
Traveling Story Teller
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- 2014 R3T, RAMAIR, Full Viking Dual exhaust
I think this nerd is my new hero!!!
Dr.D
Octane Boost
I use my throttle hand to signal cars instead of my horn sometimes so I do prefer a pipe with some good sound volume. The horn on most of my bikes is weaker than the motor sound. I want them to hear and look.
It is rather interesting, to me at least, that in this thread about safety the idea of 'loud pipes save lives' seems to some at least to be a given. While at the same time there is another thread about what many feel are overbearing and unjust laws being implemented in Germany to deal with the sound of motorcycles.
It would seem that either motorcyclists need to do a much better job of convincing the general public of the necessity of loud motorcycles, or have to admit that the aural assault that others perceive is indeed a problem. While I cannot deny that I have added aftermarket exhausts to most of the motorcycles I have owned I also have from time to time cringed at the sound of a straight piped Harley. I can say that the majority of my exhaust modifications have been done in conjunction with intake and tuning modifications in the pursuit of better performance, but I have to admit that in most cases I liked the sound.
I have read the scientific writings on how sound waves travel and how in most cases those hearing motorcycles, especially in traffic conditions, are hearing them after they have passed. That argument puts forth the case that those loud pipes don't help you when you are approaching another vehicle. But, from my experience sitting in plenty of cars and trucks in my lifetime, I have heard approaching motorcycles from behind many times. Of course, once they pass the sound is much louder.
I guess the takeaway is that increasing legislation is probably inevitable. Motorcyclists don't tend to be great lobbyists. So, in the future situational awareness is likely to have to play an even bigger role in motorcycle safety.
It would seem that either motorcyclists need to do a much better job of convincing the general public of the necessity of loud motorcycles, or have to admit that the aural assault that others perceive is indeed a problem. While I cannot deny that I have added aftermarket exhausts to most of the motorcycles I have owned I also have from time to time cringed at the sound of a straight piped Harley. I can say that the majority of my exhaust modifications have been done in conjunction with intake and tuning modifications in the pursuit of better performance, but I have to admit that in most cases I liked the sound.
I have read the scientific writings on how sound waves travel and how in most cases those hearing motorcycles, especially in traffic conditions, are hearing them after they have passed. That argument puts forth the case that those loud pipes don't help you when you are approaching another vehicle. But, from my experience sitting in plenty of cars and trucks in my lifetime, I have heard approaching motorcycles from behind many times. Of course, once they pass the sound is much louder.
I guess the takeaway is that increasing legislation is probably inevitable. Motorcyclists don't tend to be great lobbyists. So, in the future situational awareness is likely to have to play an even bigger role in motorcycle safety.
Dr.D
Octane Boost
I have progressed past the vulgar loud days horrible Harleys but still think some sound above stock is enjoyable and usable as a sound alert to motorist. The reving up and falling down repeated in quick succession is more noticeable and alarming than the steady drone of a normal cruising motor.
I agree the lobby for motorcycles is poorly organized. With our lives at stake every day we should be allowed the benefit of the doubt. We should have the right to be heard. I mean who is hurt by the reasonable loud motorcycle?
Dr.D
Octane Boost
I’ve seen that video about being invisible before and it makes scientific sense. I would say that in case of accidents when a motorcycle is struck and the car driver says they did not see it, the statement is not completely correct. If you could obtain a recording of what the eyes registered the bike would be visible. What is closer to truth is that it was not noticed in the consciousness.
We need to be NOTICED. Sight and sound is all we have.
We need to be NOTICED. Sight and sound is all we have.
The problem with that question is who is to determine what constitutes reasonably loud? The opinions will run the gamut from the sound of straight piped Harleys to the sound of a Tesla. With the population of motorcyclists falling the unfortunate opinion of the general public would likely be that you put your life in jeopardy simply be choosing to ride a motorcycle. No amount of righteous indignation is going to change the fact that motorcyclists are likely fighting a losing battle on this issue.
Dr.D
Octane Boost
Ok point valid on who gets to be the judge. I do not have an answer. If you are also correct about the population of motorcyclist falling then by reason of numbers of bikes in decline then hearing one or two a day would not pose a problem for the other drivers on the road.
If we give the battle up then it certainly is losing. Im not trying to be obtuse just sharing my views.
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