Loud pipes....GRRRRR!!!

[rando]

I know this has been beat to death, but.... I DESPISE LOUD PIPES!!! Went to the local Christmas Parade yesterday and was completely disgusted by the "bikers for Jesus" or whatever their group is. Helmetless and revving their Vtwins to hell and back.

The whole biker nonsense that these guys propagate almost disgusts me enough to get out of motorcycling completely. Seriously. And I know I shouldn't let their actions influence mine, but I really hate loud pipes. Not any particular brand - not going there and bash anyone. Just the whole loud Vtwin thing. Loud sportbikes are rare as hen's teeth around here.

Just venting....

Randy

[SurfMan]

And someone else is going to hate you for all the tupperware you have on your LT, since a bike is not supposed to look naked and not like that. And then another one is going to hate somebody else for his pink Ducati, since is not supposed to be pink but red...

Relax, let them have their little fun 5 minutes of fame. They don't hurt you, except your eardrums a bit.

Besides, perhaps it more worrying to see how ridiculous Jesus is promoted. Maybe you should get out of religion instead. :)

[rando]

Hey, you're right......!!!!


Thanks - made my day all better

Randy

[HDusenbery]

Relax, let them have their little fun 5 minutes of fame. They don't hurt you, except your eardrums a bit.



Actually YES THEY DO OR WILL HURT US. Motorcyle BANS are getting more common. These bans are based on noise level. Loud Pipes will hurt us all somewhere down the road. Color of bike or amount of plastic will have no bearing on where we can ride. Just some thoughts for a long time MOTORCYCLIST not a biker.

[rando]

Agreed. There is a motorcycle ban at a condo we stayed at in Myrtle Beach SC last month. We were there for a gymnastics event in the minivan, but it made me wonder - would they really hold it up if I quietly rode the LT in? Probably.

Funny that there is a biker bar in front of the condos though.

I would support a ban on loud pipes in a heartbeat. Not the motorcycles, but loud pipes. I am seriously considering bringing it up to a comissioner friend. Our town, for whatever reason, recently decided to ban "Jake Brakes" on big trucks within the city limits. (!) I see that as an opening to begin banning any other noise that bugs me. I see the Jake brake thing as a bad thing. That is more of a safety issue. But it was passed because a comissioner or two live on a street where trucks pass thru often.

Yes that all kinda extreme and could leave it open to banning motorcycles, scooters, etc. And one thing often leads to another....

Randy

[danbrown]

Randy. Your too hard on them Harley riders, lighten up and learn to laugh at them like everone else. Thats all those 60hp, low tech, dinosaurs are good for, converting gasoline into noise. Look at the bright side, they are a constant source of cheap entertainment. where else can you see a short,fat,bald-headed accountant put on his gay pirate costume and turn into a snarling beast on the weekend ?

[pjessen]

"We were there for a gymnastics event in the minivan"



Ahhh, Rando! Still reliving the 60's, eh??!

I'll bet the van has some of my favorite stickers, too; "If the van's a'rockin, don't come knockin!" and "Don't laugh, your daughter might be in here!", and my favorite capitolistic hippy filosofee, "Gas, grass, or ass, NO body rides for free!"

And loud vehicles are writing their own death sentence daily, but not because politicians have the guts to kill them, they just elliminate ALL motorbikes in HOA's and villages. Cities will be next.

[Matt]

I would support a ban on loud pipes in a heartbeat. Not the motorcycles, but loud pipes. I am seriously considering bringing it up to a comissioner friend.
Randy[/QUOTE]

Careful of what you ask for....... you might get it. Just look at what the condo association did- banned all motorcycles, even your LT which is probably quieter than some of the cars and trucks of the people that live there. Would you like to be banned from riding your motorcycle through town? It's happened in other places. Fortunately, the jurisdictions that have done this have had to include all loud vehicles- cars, trucks of all sizes, scooters, etc. not just motorcycles. And how would the noise be measured? Who would enforce the law? How much would it cost communities for the enforcement- equipment and personnel?

It is so much better to educate than legislate. Perhaps it takes longer to achieve the desired results but you don't lose anywhere near as many freedoms.

[Yamadog]

Dont know it's genesis but there is a ban on motorcycles at my condo. I have parked my ST1300 and my Yamaha Fazer in the driveway and each time, I get a letter from the board or a visit from the "parking police". I am buying a K12LT from a member here and will probably rent a suitable space in which to keep it. This rental represents a major cost of ownership in my case.

[rando]

"We were there for a gymnastics event in the minivan"



Ahhh, Rando! Still reliving the 60's, eh??!

I'll bet the van has some of my favorite stickers, too; "If the van's a'rockin, don't come knockin!" and "Don't laugh, your daughter might be in here!", and my favorite capitolistic hippy filosofee, "Gas, grass, or ass, NO body rides for free!"

And loud vehicles are writing their own death sentence daily, but not because politicians have the guts to kill them, they just elliminate ALL motorbikes in HOA's and villages. Cities will be next.

Actually the van only has two decals on the back: An Appalachian State decal and "YOUR CAR CAN KILL" from the MSF. Large black letters on yellow stuck on right below the window so hopefully more folks can see it.

: )

As for others, I do realize that one little thing can become a huge ban.

It is just plain annoying. Not even funny anymore.

Randy

[Briantime]

Amen!


Can't stand them myself...please...all loud pipe owners...find a way to express your freedom without stomping all over my personal space :mad:

[joegottberg]

Randy,

Congrats on the 1000 posts!

When I was living in NH, they had noise ordinances. A PO would pull a bike over and have some db level they had to meet.

Loud cars, loud bikes, loud music all the same I think. The real problem is the noise NOT the device making it.

Just my two-cents.

Joe

[rando]

Thanks. I noticed that. This should be 1001. 1001 Things About an LT?

The thought process behind the noise is what I don't think I understand. Why would you want to ride something at the edge of legality and draw even more attention to yourself? By that, I mean most cruiser guys are into novelty helmets, taking off the turnsignals, modifying things that shouldn't be, riding stupidly (drunk, high, etc). And then making as much nosie as possible. I just don't get it. I like to go unnoticed.

To me, most other noisemakers locally (cars, stereos, etc) aren't as obnoxious as the guys on the bikes. At least right now. The kids aren't running their stereos at insane levels and only few have the really noisy exhaust cans. But the bikes....

And I did try some drag pipes on my old Shadow. That lasted about two weeks. Way too loud for me. Maybe I'm too old? lol

RAndy

[BillyOmaha]

....
Loud cars, loud bikes, loud music all the same I think. The real problem is the noise NOT the device making it....

Amen Joe.


.

[Ted]

"Gas, grass, or ass, NO body rides for free!"

Forgot about that one - thanks! :)

[Tat_n_Telle]

Randy,

Congrats on the 1000 posts!

When I was living in NH, they had noise ordinances. A PO would pull a bike over and have some db level they had to meet.

Loud cars, loud bikes, loud music all the same I think. The real problem is the noise NOT the device making it.

Just my two-cents.

Joe

Unfortunately, it seems easier to ban a mode of transportation than to have to purchase the required decible meters to enforce a "noise ban".

There is an area of exclusive condos and restaurants near where I used to live. Big sign on the road in read "No Motorcycles Beyond This Point". Basically, you were supposed to park about 1/2 mile out in a lot and walk in. A lot of bikes were stolen out of the lot. I just ignored the sign (pretended I didn't see it) and rode the LT right in. Even turned the radio off. The cop on duty stopped me and told me about the ban. I asked if my bike was bothering anyone. He just told me to park and walked away. Nothing more was said.

Newport, RI is another place with a noise ban. But, it is enforced as that - noise. After a certain hour at night, ANYTHING loud gets ticketed - bikes with loud pipes, cars with loud stereos, etc. I don't know if it's enforced with decible meters, or just the officer's judgement, but I've never had a problem riding down there at night (except for some of those really, REALLY bumpy streets!)

[joegottberg]

The thought process behind the noise is what I don't think I understand. Why would you want to ride something at the edge of legality and draw even more attention to yourself? By that, I mean most cruiser guys are into novelty helmets, taking off the turnsignals, modifying things that shouldn't be, riding stupidly (drunk, high, etc). And then making as much nosie as possible. I just don't get it.

Maybe I'm too old? lol

RAndy

Randy,

Hate to tell you bud, you must be getting old ;) they do it to be COOL! There I said it.

You can't help but notice those "Richard Craniums" running straight pipes. Must be compensating for something :think:

The only good news is every 30 minutes or so they stop to fill up the tank or rest.

Thank God for Darwin! They can't mate, therefore their species is destined to eventually go away :rolleyes:

Joe

[ldbikin]

I think it's my duty as an American to ignore all "no motorcycles allowed" signs, and I do.

Especially in the parking garages for starters.

What are people thinking in this country? Maybe I've spent too much time in Europe...and it wasnt' THAT much time, just visits, but enough to see what stupidity we have to put up with here in the ole USA regarding this issue.

On the other hand, I have stock pipes, EU standards, I wouldn't be able to start a loud bike up in my area. Its just not my style, although I do dream about a Remus on the KS everytime I see one :rolleyes:

[Allred]

I agree with Rando, loud pipes do no good for motorcyclists. As our population continues to grow, and our living/recreating spaces become more congested, it is only a matter of time before increased control is a fact. :rolleyes:

I hope it takes the form of excessive noise of any type. Booming car stereos too! I'll vote for noise control, but not is just a ban on motorcycles!

[Tbird]

I think it's my duty as an American to ignore all "no motorcycles allowed" signs, and I do.


I once moved into a large gated community that had a sign up at the guard shack that read "No Motorcycles Beyond this Point". I owned a motorcycle and was damn sure gonna ride it to...and park it in my garage...NO MATTER WHAT. I moved there knowing this...but was determined to change it. Of course their reasoning was the noise. I asked them why they allowed weed eaters, edgers, trimmers, lawn mowers, euro cars, diesels, dump trucks, etc. all many times louder than my bike. Why not use logic and deal with the actual noise makers?

They gave me hell. Followed me in their rent-a-cop truck with lights flashing every day I rode the bike (almost daily). Each day I'd tell them to call the sheriff. They never would. After a couple of months I got sick of it and pressed the issue. Right in front of the security guards I took a wrench to the guard shack and took the sign off the post and drove home. Thirty minutes later the sheriff did arrive. I handed the sign over to the deputy. The deputy told the guards NOT to put it back up. I was issued a supeona to see the judge for petty theft. I went to the county records department and did my research on the roads/property ownership and laws governing. I went to court on my appointed date and got the charges dropped.

Now me and everybody else who wants to RIDES in this community. During this process I tried hard to get help and support from other riders in the community (they paid to keep their bikes in storage outside the gates). None of them had the balls to step out. I did and am proud of my accomplishment!

[jayjacobson]

I know this has been beat to death, but.... I DESPISE LOUD PIPES!!! Went to the local Christmas Parade yesterday and was completely disgusted by the "bikers for Jesus" or whatever their group is. Helmetless and revving their Vtwins to hell and back.

The whole biker nonsense that these guys propagate almost disgusts me enough to get out of motorcycling completely. Seriously. And I know I shouldn't let their actions influence mine, but I really hate loud pipes. Not any particular brand - not going there and bash anyone. Just the whole loud Vtwin thing. Loud sportbikes are rare as hen's teeth around here.

Just venting....
Man, Randy! You're gonna nut up tighter than a rusty old drum! Relax, TRY to smile and wave--yes--even to the POSERS with the pipes. :)
....There is a motorcycle ban at a condo we stayed at in Myrtle Beach SC last month....
The Nazi HOA's ban all sorts of silly things. You CANNOT fly an American flag in your front yard--or hang one in you front window(s). You cannot paint your property color X, etc. It's all just the beginning of the slippery slope....Next thing you know, they're gunnin' for YOU! :eek: AND you'll ask yourself, why is this happening to me?! :confused: Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....almost sounds familiar...... ;)
....And loud vehicles are writing their own death sentence daily, but not because politicians have the guts to kill them, they just elliminate ALL motorbikes in HOA's and villages. Cities will be next.
Next thing you know, they will come for your diesel veh! Common--to much pollution, right?! Then your gas-guzzling SUV! To big and such poor mileage. Next thing you know, your sports car! How IMPRACTICAL can you get! Who needs a veh with 600 hp?! :confused:
....After a couple of months I got sick of it and pressed the issue. Right in front of the security guards I took a wrench to the guard shack and took the sign off the post and drove home. Thirty minutes later the sheriff did arrive. I handed the sign over to the deputy. The deputy told the guards NOT to put it back up. I was issued a supeona to see the judge for petty theft. I went to the county records department and did my research on the roads/property ownership and laws governing. I went to court on my appointed date and got the charges dropped.

Now me and everybody else who wants to RIDES in this community. During this process I tried hard to get help and support from other riders in the community (they paid to keep their bikes in storage outside the gates). None of them had the balls to step out. I did and am proud of my accomplishment!
You know you're in hickville when they cannot even summons you for the right charge! Vandalism MAYBE, but pretty theft? :confused: Congrats on your well deserved victory, Tom. Shame on the other pussy motorcyclists! :mad:

[pkpr1998]

+1000000000000000 for what Mr TBIRD did! Great on ya'.

Almost makes you want to go borrow a buddies bike with loud pipes and "scout" the 'hood!

And the mower thing, HOW long does one have to listen to THAT? 1-2 hours/week, how long for a passing bike???? Not long!

[bigbear]

Not sure about other states but in Illinois any thing but stock pipes are illegal. More laws don't help, education might, but I don't think you can reason with the majority of the people who believe "Loud Pipes Save Lives". Makes no difference if on a bike or a cage.

Roy

[rando]

Fed law says no mods, as well as various locals. But the local LEOS can't easily push the fed law, even if they wanted to.

And to Jay: I still wave at them when I'm on my bike. But then I can't usually hear them for too long. Only as I approach from behind to pass.

I know of several folks locally who are getting fed up with the whole loud pipe thing. And they are non motorcyclists who are connected with the local commissioners.

We'll see how fed up they get.

Randy

[Tom1200]

The question I have is do the condos and LEO have the right to keep me driving though town with loud pipes and my seeing eye dog. The dog missed the sign so how do I know. Or the other question is how do I get around the town if this the only road? Or I need to get to the heart of the town for traffic court and my only means of transportation is the bike?

I say don't single out the motorcycle but what is the real issue. I assume it is the loud noise. Then regulate that.

[BMWGS]

I know this has been beat to death, but.... I DESPISE LOUD PIPES!!!

Same here.

If I had one of those ignorant aholes living next to me, they'd end up finding a bunch of that expanding spray foam insulation in their exhaust pipes the next morning...solidified by then, of course. :D

[CharlieVT]

Someone once wrote a nice analogy/metaphor: A biker with loud pipes is like a 2 year old kid banging on a kitchen pot with a wooden spoon, making as much noise as he possibly can. Exerting his existence, saying at the top of his lungs: "look at me!, I am here!!".

For a two year old it is forgivable. For an adult biker, it is testimony to a deep seated inferiority complex, a small johnson, and grave immaturity.
Don't get me started..... If I had my way I'd take those loud pipes off the road a la EasyRider with a large bore and consider it a service to humanity, if not the motorcycling community.

[MikeERideWNC]

The sad thing is that NC has a law on the books that can ticket loud pipes...

But no one will enforce it.
NC would rather tax the he11 out of the working class and let the easy dollars slip away.

If I were a trooper in NC, you would only see Harley's parked in front of my car with the riders head hanging low.

I wouldn't care if I pulled the same a$$ over everyday.

[Yamadog]

This is the "final solution"

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=35169

[rando]

It is an extreme measure, to be sure. I love the part in the article from the AMA about how when a car driver wears out a muffler, they can buy any system, but a motorcyclist can't. I don;t think I know anyone who has worn out a motorcycle muffler, although I am sure there are some riders who have. And if they ride that much, my guess is that they would not be a "loud pipe" rider.

I think I hope that ordinance passes just to see it go thru the court system. I don;t think it will hold up, but this is the kind of extreme measures that gov't officials will go to in order to quiet the motorcycles. Because the loud pipe folks are such a$$hats about the noise from their bikes. Harley has even stepped up and tried to encourage less noise. But some folks still need to have their bikes and themselves noticed. And some are probably foolish enough to think the loud pipes are a safety feature.

Personally, I'd much rather hone my riding skills than hope my pipes are loud enough. For those folks, we should institute some kind of silly siren facing forward. that would work better for them and if enough ppl had to use them, they would back down from that excuse.

Randy

[Matt]

It is an extreme measure, to be sure. I love the part in the article from the AMA about how when a car driver wears out a muffler, they can buy any system, but a motorcyclist can't. I don;t think I know anyone who has worn out a motorcycle muffler, although I am sure there are some riders who have. And if they ride that much, my guess is that they would not be a "loud pipe" rider.

I think I hope that ordinance passes just to see it go thru the court system. I don;t think it will hold up, but this is the kind of extreme measures that gov't officials will go to in order to quiet the motorcycles. Because the loud pipe folks are such a$$hats about the noise from their bikes. Harley has even stepped up and tried to encourage less noise. But some folks still need to have their bikes and themselves noticed. And some are probably foolish enough to think the loud pipes are a safety feature.

Personally, I'd much rather hone my riding skills than hope my pipes are loud enough. For those folks, we should institute some kind of silly siren facing forward. that would work better for them and if enough ppl had to use them, they would back down from that excuse.

Randy

Man, Randy, you are so eager to invite increased government regulation into your life! Problem is you're inviting it into the lives of everyone around you regardless of their desires and riding habits.

How 'bout this- the State of North Carolina's legislature desides that since motorcycles are so hard to see by the average driver they are therefore a dire threat to the safe and efficient flow of traffic. So, in a midnight session with no notice for public comments they pass a ban on the operation of motorcycles on all state routes during the rush hours morning and afternoon and all times between sunset and sunrise. Failure to obey is punished by the immediate immobilization and confiscation of the motorcycle until a $1,000.00 fine is paid. Any further transgression is punished by the permanent confiscation of the motorcycle. Think of all the deaths and injuries this would prevent (have you seen the death rates of motorcyclists- they're skyrocketing!!). Why they'd be doing the motorcycle community a favor. Besides, motorcycles are just for the well to-do; they're just a toy so it wouldn't have any impact on anyone's ability to earn a living. And it would lower health insurance premiums and would somehow save the children and be better for the planet.

Or...to stop the hooligans from doing stoppies and wheelies and weaving in and out of traffic at 120mph the federal government bans all motorcycles over 350cc and restricts the efficiency of the braking systems. Afterall, who needs to go faster than 70mph?

And exhausts do wear out and they are damaged during accidents. There are aftermarket exhausts available that are not loud, but do they have the EPA stamp? And OEM exhausts are expensive and can be hard to get in a timely manner depending on the make and model.

I understand yours and most everyone else's frustration with the loud pipes. I have a Ducati S4 Monster with a Termi exhaust system installed. It was staight pipes when I bought it and was LOUD! Sounded great too. But I realized it was too loud to be considerate to my neighbors so I put a set of Db killers in the cans. It's quite a bit quieter but still has a great sound. And goes like a raped ape.

I still contend that education and persuasion are still preferable to government regulations. It is happening right now. I think more and more people are turning away from the loud pipes. Now if the manufacturers will make exhausts that give the performance increase desired without the excessive noise then everyone may be happy. It can be done.

[rando]

Matt,

You are so correct. In that regard, I don't think that its remotely possible that the ordinance would ever stand up in any court. I agree with you that we don't need this kind of regulation. But it gets to a point where folks get desperate to stop things that are annoying to them. And you get someone like that in a position in gov't and you have this kind of thing. Some of those folks must really be fed up with the noise. Others probably see dollar signs from the auction of confiscated bikes.

Normal manufacturers can and do make performance pipes that are not obnoxious. Custom builders often bend up a set of straight pipes and have them chromed.

And the loud pipe folks will always find a drill somewhere to make their own louder, even at the cost of performance. For some (many? most?), it is all about loud and being seen for the social aspect. I am convinced of this. If they wanted to be "Safe", they would pursue education; they would add increased lighting, front and rear, they would do other things.

There is no solution, period, in my opinion.

Randy

[Palerider]

Someone once wrote a nice analogy/metaphor: A biker with loud pipes is like a 2 year old kid banging on a kitchen pot with a wooden spoon, making as much noise as he possibly can. Exerting his existence, saying at the top of his lungs: "look at me!, I am here!!".

For a two year old it is forgivable. For an adult biker, it is testimony to a deep seated inferiority complex, a small johnson, and grave immaturity.
Don't get me started..... If I had my way I'd take those loud pipes off the road a la EasyRider with a large bore and consider it a service to humanity, if not the motorcycling community.

Amen Charlie;

B-Safe out there......................p.s. it's colder than a well digger's lunch bucket up here today..................stay warm.................... :cool:

[jayjacobson]

This is the "final solution"

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=35169
And you thought I was kidding when I said the pipe Nazi's are a comin'!

[MikeERideWNC]

Here is the law currently on the books in North Carolina:

Muffler “Muffler or other exhaust system of the type installed at the time of manufacture, in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise; muffler cut-out prohibited. (NC General Statutes, Section 20-128)”

20‑128. Exhaust system and emissions control devices.

(a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a muffler, or other exhaust system of the type installed at the time of manufacture, in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, annoying smoke and smoke screens.

(b) It shall be unlawful to use a "muffler cut‑out" on any motor vehicle upon a highway.

(c) No motor vehicle registered in this State that was manufactured after model year 1967 shall be operated in this State unless it is equipped with emissions control devices that were installed on the vehicle at the time the vehicle was manufactured and these devices are properly connected.

(d) The requirements of subsection (c) of this section shall not apply if the emissions control devices have been removed for the purpose of converting the motor vehicle to operate on natural or liquefied petroleum gas or other modifications have been made in order to reduce air pollution and these modifications are approved by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (1937, c. 407, s. 91; 1971, c. 455, s. 1; 1983, c. 132; 1989, c. 727, s. 9; 1997‑443, s. 11A.119(a); 2000‑134, s. 6.)

[fpmlt]

Yep, and removing the sticker from a mattress is an offense punishable by law!

[rando]

But the final purchaser can remove the mattress sticker. The fine print.

Randy

[Lynn_Keen]

Don't ya all know "LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES"! I pulled into a restaurant on my LT a couple of weeks ago and parked next to one of them big V twins. The owner was just taking off his $5 brain bucket with the Loud Pipe stickers plastered all over it. I noticed that he had straight pipes and so of course couldn't help but start the conversation with a comment about Loud Pipes. I was immediately informed that those loud pipes had saved his life at least two times. Both times he said a car had tried to pull over into his lane and push him off the road so he revved the engine to make the driver that the lane was occupied. I responded with a comment about not riding in blind spots and wondered if his horn didn't work. Guess he didn't like my attitude 'cauz he turned a walked off with no response.

[Florian]

The owner was just taking off his $5 brain bucket

$5 Brain bucket for a $5 brain.....what did you expect? :rotf:


F

[fpmlt]

The big V-twins are usually, and rightfully, the culprits of the loud pipe discussions, but I came across this in our own classified section, and thought it rather funny:

Looking for: Looking for a custom exhaust system that someone wants to exchange for a quiet stock system. I have a 2005 K1200LT and am looking to switch it out for your louder system. I had a Staintune on my RT and liked it. Willing to also put some money on top of the exchange. Let me know what you think?

[jdsd-tourteam]

Don't ya all know "LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES"! I pulled into a restaurant on my LT a couple of weeks ago and parked next to one of them big V twins. The owner was just taking off his $5 brain bucket with the Loud Pipe stickers plastered all over it. I noticed that he had straight pipes and so of course couldn't help but start the conversation with a comment about Loud Pipes. I was immediately informed that those loud pipes had saved his life at least two times. Both times he said a car had tried to pull over into his lane and push him off the road so he revved the engine to make the driver that the lane was occupied. I responded with a comment about not riding in blind spots and wondered if his horn didn't work. Guess he didn't like my attitude 'cauz he turned a walked off with no response.

You made me laugh! And so-o right about the blind spot area. And also predicting what the drivers(riders) around you may do next. Think like you are next to invisible.

Personally, I like to ride a quiet bike with a LOUD horn. I think the LT has a loud horn and the few times I hit it, the other driver sure seems to have heard it and immediately ceased moving into my space.