Comments on: Question for Harley Riders Who believe in “Loud Pipes Save Lives”?

By: Bill S

Bill S — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:46:18 +0000

1.I think the loud pipes are there for two different reasons. One being that a loud bike does get noticed because it is loud and the second is they are making up for being beat up as a child. I have a Harley with stock pipes and aways ride with a DOT helmet. But to defend Harley riders they are not the only bikes with loud pipes. Everybody is putting them on their bikes now I personally think they are trying to make them sound like a Harley.
2. I have went to a drivers training class they are offered free in my state and they take 10% off your insurance once you have completed the course.
3.The black leather jacket is style and history, black jacket have been worn for centuries and who cares as long as it will protect you if you happen to go down. I went down back in 89 and was glad I had leather to protect my side and a helmet on since my head did hit the pavement but luck as on my side and no injuries. I just think as long as your trying to protect yourself that is the best reason for wearing it.
And last I ride a Harley but that does not make me different than anyone else riding a bike does not matter of the manufacture go out have fun and be safe.

By: Swnut

Swnut — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:46:18 +0000

I want no fight from the following answers. It’s just my opinion.

I think the "Loud pipes save lives" thing is just more or less and excuse. Just my opinion.

By: Jancie

Jancie — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:46:18 +0000

As a motorcyclist who use to teach MSF safety courses, I want to take a stab at this. The loud pipes crowd-to which I am a member-but not obnoxiously loud-has a good point. Face a fact-when you drive down the road, which bike do you notice first-the quiet Honda Goldwing, or the bike with loud pipes? The loud pipes bike draws attention to itself, because you can hear it, even if it is coming toward you. You hear it better when it has passed you because the noise while some travels ahead and to the side of the bike, by in large the greatest amount is toward the rear, where the exhaust exit is. Many of us "louder than stock" (and again I personally HATE obnoxiously loud cars, trucks or bikes), change the exhaust because we want to add personality to our bikes, not that we are trying to add a safety feature (the loud sound). That (the sound) is a secondary benefit. A lot of us HAVE gone to MSF training courses (I use to teach it when I lived back in PA). I agree with you that the training should be the primary defense, but in this day and age, any advantage I’ll take after losing too many friends over the years in bike related accidents with other vehicles.

Most of your questions center more on personal choice issues. Statistically speaking is the car you drive-white, yellow, or bright purple? These colors are noticed more often than green, black, blue etc. And if safety was YOUR goal, should you not be driving a bright colored car? As for Helmets-that is a personal choice issue as well, the funny thing about statistics is that they can be manipulated to support either side, and helmet vs non helmeted rider injuries is one of those issues. In some cases a helmet helps, in other cases it actually causes more damage to the body. depends on type of accident and too many variables to get into here.

Bottom line, we live in a country where person freedom and choice abound. If you wanted to ride with or without a helmet, with or without protective gear-jacket, pants, boots, gloves etc, on a bike with loud pipes or quiet ones, I would support you, and welcome you. But to come into a motorcycle forum and to question people who CHOOSE to ride what they want, as they want to, is a little, well insulting, quiet honestly.

By: Buster Brown

Buster Brown — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:46:18 +0000

"Loud Pipes Save Lives" is not more or less an excuse, it is a complete sham. There is no validity to it whatever. The primary interest of Harley riders is to be noticed, not for reasons of safety, but for reasons that appeal only to the narcissist. That answers #1 and #3.

As for #2, there are some people, you can’t tell them anything. In the case of Harley riders, you can’t tell them they ride like sh!t, even though most of them ride like sh!t. They would benefit from a basic MSF course, but as I said, you can’t tell them anything.

By: Ryde-On

Ryde-On — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:46:18 +0000

I’ve never heard anyone say The Reason They Have Loud Pipes Is Safety.

I have heard ( and experienced) that loud pipes get a bike noticed when it might not be otherwise.

Helmet laws suck, it’s an infringement on my rights, I have several helmets, I wear the one I feel like wearing, most often the beenie.

If I leave the state and enter one that does not require a helmet it’s off.

I’ve been riding 42 years ( Probably longer than you’ve been alive) I went to a MSF course when I taught the ol’ lady to ride 8 or so years ago and I’m a bit beyond that stuff.

Sorry son , But I don’t care for the "Power Rangers " look and black or brown leather suits me just fine.

I appreciate your concern , but I think I’ll be just fine without your helpful suggestions.