I’m sure you’ve heard the saying — that loud pipes [exhausts] on motorcycles save lives. According to some believers [all of whom actually HAVE loud pipes], you’re more likely to be noticed if your motorcycle is LOUD.
Let’s consider the facts.
1. While loud pipes ARE noticeable [and annoying] when sitting next to a dude blipping his throttle, you can barely hear him once you are in motion. That is, unless you’re right behind him.
2. The loudest exhaust sounds exit toward the rear of a motorcycle. This is of little benefit, considering the Hurt Report study that shows 77% of all motorcycle crashes occur in front of the rider.
3. We can all agree that it IS loud for the rider on a motorcycle with loud pipes. But, is this a good thing? Long exposure to high db sound is both fatiguing and potentially dangerous. How can someone on a loud motorcycle hear what’s going on around THEM (sirens, horns, etc.)?
Other things for riders with loud motorcycles to consider:
At a stop light, do you enjoy listening to the-guy-next-to-you blaring his stereo? How is this different than someone revving a motorcycle with loud pipes?
The fact is, I don’t have a problem with riders who chose loud exhausts because they like the vibrations and throaty sound — as long as they don’t disturb others.
But I DO have a problem with riders who think having loud pipes substitutes as taking an active role in reducing their risks.
Please, don’t mistake getting a loud motorcycle with riding safely. If you REALLY want to increase your odds of survival, might I suggest a brightly colored riding jacket and a real helmet.
Do loud pipes sound cool? Maybe, maybe not… that’s your call.
Do loud pipes save lives? No.
PS.
If you believe that loud pipes safe lives, you probably believe riding in groups is safer. Stay tuned for an analysis of that myth.
No related posts.
14. June 2010 at 1:18 am
While I agree with most of the comments in this article it is an oversimplification. I ride a Harley Davidson with Vance & Hines pipes and people can definitely hear me coming. The simple fact is that the loud exhausts, in my riding environment (Northern Thailand) where road rules and licensed operators are few and far between, means people can hear me coming. Anything that can alert people to my presence is a potential lifesaver. I have seen it numerous times – as I am approaching a small motorcycle, bicycle, or truck etc someone on the back always turns around to see what it coming up behind them. For me this is not a myth.
7. July 2010 at 8:54 am
I don’t know about Northern Thailand, but here in the USA, unless those Vance & Hines pipes are EPA compliant, with the label of compliance, and in an untampered with condition, any street motorcycle so equipped is in violation of the law. And unlike the LPSL belief, that is no myth.
30. August 2010 at 11:54 am
Unfortunately, Your comment has nothing to do with what the article says. Loud pipes save lives…. Yes They actually do.
2. September 2010 at 2:37 pm
@Anonymous: I suspect you ride a loud, butt numbing, vibrating machine… all in the name of safety.
11. September 2010 at 2:24 pm
While I don’t have a bike yet I can say that louder exhaust does help. When I’m driving my car, if I hear the slightest sound of a motorcycle I check myself and around me. Unfortunately most ppl don’t take the time to pay attention. I think every little bit helps
23. September 2010 at 8:02 pm
I think having a loud exhaust sounds cool, up to a point. When it’s so loud it vibrates my car, or hurts my ears, that is way too loud. But a low growling rumble sounds good. Does it save lives? Probably not.
Do you think the average idiot driver (this includes teenagers, hell anyone under 25, old people, people who drive hybrids, soccer moms….basically 9 out of 10 people are idiots in my mind.)
gives a crap if they hear a loud bike, car, ambulance, police car? they are too busy texting and being inattentive to their surroundings to notice one loud bike out of the general traffic to pay attention too.
For people that actually know what a motorcycle is, and what the different brands of cars are…..of course we are going to be more in tune with our surroundings and pay more attention in general.
It should be mandatory in USA to take defensive driving courses…..and mandatory for anyone over 65 to take yearly driving exams.
I’ve prevented more accidents on a weekly basis thanks to ME being aware of other morons on the road, and adjusting my driving accordingly, or stopping, or whatever. That’s what saves lives, is YOU, being in control at all times, being vigilante at what others are doing, so you are prepared for the situation.
For the record, I’m a brand new rider, took the MSF basic rider course about 2 years ago, finally got a little Ninja 250 last month, and have been loving it. It’s all stock, I can barely hear it running myself it’s so quiet. I try to be pro active and wear a bright full face helmet, reflective armored jacket, gloves. I’m on the defensive at all times, and so far no problems.
9. December 2010 at 12:18 pm
@drdoug99: I agree with this “You, being in control at all times, being vigilant at what others are doing…” is important. I could make a list of ‘close calls’ that were avoided by being vigilante anticipating other drivers.
7. December 2010 at 4:31 pm
I agree with drdoug99. The majority of the time, it’s your actions that will save lives. However, I will interject that loud pipes do have a greater tendency to scare off animals that you may not be aware of.
8. December 2010 at 7:03 pm
This argument has been around as long as their have been motorcycles.
I do not think loud pipes save lives. Attention by the cyclist saves lives. Loud pipes are annoying and may cause a motorist to do something foolish if a motorcyclist continues to rev up his bike.
I have a headlight and taillight modulator on my bike, but the best thing I have is a sense of awareness of what is happening around me.
8. December 2010 at 7:09 pm
If you think loud pipes can only be heard BEHIND the motorcycle, think again. Have you ever heard a large group of motorcycles, most with loud pipes, coming at you? The noise level coming and going is about the same, louder as they go past your location. Can they get too loud? For me yes for some no. I do not like riding behind a really loud set of pipes so it is true it is loud behind but loud pipes can be heard as the motorcycle approaches. Loud thumping sounds (wouldn’t call it music) is more annoying to me than the loud idle of a bike at a stop light but continued racking of the throttle is annoying as well. Contrary to some riders thinking, racking the throttle at a stop light or in a parade is not cool. If you think your bike only sounds good when racking the throttle then it probably really does not sound very good at all. a deep rumble at idle and a roar at acceleration is what a good set of pipes sound like, but that’s just my opinion and we all know what opinions are like
8. December 2010 at 10:14 pm
I loooooove LOUD pipes . . .. sorry just had to say it ! ! !
9. December 2010 at 10:35 am
It’s interesting that many of the proponents of loud pipes for safety don’t seem to believe that loud helmets save lives too. I usually change the pipes on my bikes, but more for performance and better quality of sound. I know how to ride without annoying others and I think the vast majority of people aren’t bothered by the louder pipes when the you treat the throttle responsibly. It’s the “look at me – I’ve got a loud bike” crowd that ticks people off.
9. December 2010 at 11:25 am
I too, am a beleiver in loud pipes. I beleive they are a very useful tool along with safe riding habits and wearing appropriate attire when riding, to keep riders safe on the road. I have been in a cage before and a quiet motorcycle came up on the side of me splitting lanes and I didnt know he was there till he was already in my line of vision. Good thing I didnt decide to change lanes at that moment. he might have been toast!! Personally, I could give a fig whether people are irritated by my loud pipes. Lots of things irritate me, like loud garbage trucks, bumping car stereos, rude people, etc, and the list goes on. Maybe people should understand they need to get a life and quit trying to run mine.
This is not just a matter of getting attention. its a safety factor too. Loud pipes are not the only thing that could save a riders life, there are many factors involved when out there riding on the road. My safety out there is of the utmost importance to me, and if my loud pipes assist in achieving that goal, then more power to me. You dont like it, go buy some ear plugs!!
Oh, and the next time I pull up at a stoplight and you are bumping your stereo, or giving the driver next to you the finger, I’ll try to introduce some legiislation to stop that from that happening too. Give me a freakin break, MYOB……
9. December 2010 at 12:24 pm
@Debbie: I’ve got my earplugs in my tank bag
9. December 2010 at 1:29 pm
@ David, lol!!!
9. December 2010 at 10:17 pm
This sounds like an attack on loud exhaust more than anything. I have an HD with Bassani Prostreets exhaust. Yes they are somewhat loud. I have almost been in less near misses then with the factory pipes. I also live in San Antonio where traffic is crazy. One thing i did was put 120 Db airhorns on the bike for just such occasions. Don’t know where to go with this one. The Government is trying to mandate motorcycle exhaust not go over (if I recall) 92 Db. This post comes as a surprise because most riders are trying to keep the government from telling us what we can do with our bikes. Same with the fuel but that’s a different story.
10. December 2010 at 12:56 pm
I’ve had several bikes over my 40+ years of riding. None of them had loud pipes. Just don’t like ‘em. At all.
Whether or not they “save lives” – I’d have to see the factual stats in B&W before I’d be convinced.
That’s my 2.
Krikit ~:)
11. December 2010 at 10:34 pm
They seem to help when you’re riding home drunk judging by the number of cruisers I see parked outside taverns all day.
13. December 2010 at 10:11 am
@ Dave: not all bikers drink and ride. I dont. So that blows your theory right out the window. There are some who do, however, I will agree with that. But, drinking and riding isnt the subject here, so lets keep the discussion to the issue at hand.
16. December 2010 at 3:09 pm
While I personally think pipes may have a bearing on some drivers noticing some motorcycles. I also believe being seen with bright and reflective colors can be more of an asset.
16. December 2010 at 4:52 pm
Debbie,
Although you are glad you noticed the rider’s loud pipes, please notice: you said that rider was splitting lanes, something illegal in many, if not all, states. That rider was likely an accident waiting to happen.
I have louder pipes on my bike, but only because that’s what the bike came with. The engine was adjusted for the previous owner’s addition of hypercharger and pipes; I have asked my mechanic to change them out and readjust; it’s not worth the time and trouble.
Would I rely on just louder pipes for my safety? Not in a million years. I add a full face helmet, bright clothing, regular, repeated MSF courses (both BRC and ERC), full riding gear (yes even in the hottest weather), and reading everything I can find to continue to make my ride more enjoyable and safer. I plan to ride for a long time and live to become an aggravation to my children.
16. December 2010 at 7:34 pm
Just as a note of info: It is not illegal in California to split lanes.
Nice post, Chris, especially the last para. ~:)
16. December 2010 at 8:25 pm
Krikit, thanks for the information. I wasn’t aware California allowed split lanes. You taught me something new.:-)
16. December 2010 at 8:14 pm
I believe everyone is missing the point of this conversation, do loud pipes reduce the chance of being involved in an accident and we can conclusively say we don’t know, its undetermined. There is no way to know if an accident would have occurred had the rider had loud pipes. We cannot investigate what would have happen “if”; it is for this reason that the insurance industry does not have a discount for ABS breaks; there is no way to determine if an accident would have happen when the near accident goes unreported and uninvestigated.
16. December 2010 at 9:38 pm
I have twisted the throttle to use my pipes to get a drivers attention, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Depends on what os going on in the vehicle. if their radio is loud, yelling at the kids,or talking on a cell phone it probably will not help. Nothing can replace riding defensivly, making yourself seen and always thinking the other driver does not see you, even if he is looking directly at you. (happened to me) remember “Guns Don’t Kill People, Drivers With cell phones Do”
18. December 2010 at 9:52 am
Excellent comments. oldblueroadking. Very well put.
17. December 2010 at 9:42 am
At Chris:
Yes, In California it is legal to lane split. Not something I do as a general rule. If you will note I said and I quote,
“too, am a beleiver in loud pipes. I beleive they are a very useful tool along with safe riding habits and wearing appropriate attire when riding, to keep riders safe on the road.” end quote..
I do not believe that loud pipes by themselves do save lives, but I believe they are a useful tool along with wearing the right clothing, proper and constant training, etc, and can go a long ways in perhaps keeping one more driver aware of my presence.
As Dennis stated earlier, we have no conclusive evidence that loud pipes by themselves save lives. But, pipes along with the other things I mentioned earlier, can all be handy tools in keeping yourself safe on the road. Thats my story and I;m sticking to it.
ride safe!!
17. December 2010 at 9:53 am
Not to “argue” because, as pointed out, we don’t have stats as “proof.” However, I can say unequivocally that when I crashed my bike last August, loud pipes would NOT have helped. In the slightest.
No cages, no drivers other than me, myself, and I and my bike were involved. A concrete pylon w/steel beam doesn’t have ears to hear pipes. ~:/
18. December 2010 at 9:57 am
Very well put , Krikit.
The point of this discussion is, Do Loud Pipes Save Lives? In your case, you could have had the loudest pipes ever made and it wouldn’t have helped you. Those concrete pylons just don’t hear very well, and add those steel beams, hering goes down to less than zero.
Glad you made it through that accident and are here to add more comments. Hope you’re still riding.
18. December 2010 at 10:12 am
*lol* @ Chris F.
Unfortunately, not riding again yet. No way to know at this point whether or not I ever will again. *sigh*. I turned my knee inside out through the back of my leg. Yep – exactly like you break the joint of a chicken leg from the thigh.
But, Hey! It could be me in Heaven instead of my beautiful *girl.* Brand new-to-me-birthday-bike; 1990 Yamaha Virago 750 in mint condition, 15,000 miles on her. I crashed her 3 days later. My first ever crash – Friday the 13th, no less. *lol* I waited 25 years to have a Virago. What a major bummer.
18. December 2010 at 11:06 am
@Dennis: I agree… darn near impossible to statistically determine whether loud pipes save lives. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be surprised if the insurance industry gives [or will soon] a discount for ABS equipped motorcycles. That data should be measurable… considering all the motorcycles that have non-ABS and ABS versions [ST1300, VFR800, FJR... just to name a few].
21. January 2011 at 9:58 pm
This is an interesting and for the most part, well thought out thread. I’m an admittedly ‘loud pipe’ kinda guy and live in Ontario, Canada, where us riders are under attack for db issues. One very interesting thought just came to me after hearing of another rider who was ticketed for having a bike that was too loud…
Why was he ticketed??.. Its because he was ‘noticed’ by the officer. If he drew the attention of the police officer because of the volume of his machine and would have gone unmolested otherwise, I guess it also stands to reason, that another motorist of similar hearing abilities might also have noticed him and NOT pulled out if front of him and turned him into a greasy hood ornament.
Seems pretty simple to me.
P.S. I’ll happily ride a whisper-quiet bike when they make it legal to fire off flares whenever I approach an intersection or side street.
21. January 2011 at 10:28 pm
I am so sick of the debate whether loud pipes are beneficial to motorcyclists. The purpose of this site (motorcycle mentor) was supposed to have experienced riders give safe riding tips and practices to the neophyte or beginner motorcyclist. Instead, a few have pontificated one single-minded opinion to the detriment of the entire site. I have a headlight and taillight modulator on my bike. However, this does not reduce my requirement and obligation to constantly observe what is happening around me and ride accordingly.
This type of topic is much more beneficial to the new rider then whether or not they should have loud pipes. Another thought on this is most cage dwellers (car drivers) have their windows up and the radio blaring or they are talking on their phones with the windows rolled up and could not hear the pipes if they were as loud as they can legally be.
21. January 2011 at 11:01 pm
It doesn’t matter how loud or quiet your pipes are, accelerating when approaching an intersection hoping someone will hear you coming is extremely foolish. Better to slow down and be vigilant of your surroundings at all times than to blunder around expecting people to give you right of way because you have a loud motorcycle. I have a Stebel air horn on my nice quiet ST1300 that I use when needed. There’s some advice from 40 years experience without a collision for the new riders. Never ride faster than you can safely stop in the distance you can see to be clear. And ride sober.
22. January 2011 at 9:20 am
NOTHING can replace SMART, ALLERT riding. I would encourage all new riders (and the old ones too) to take a Rider Safety Course. I live in Texas and I believe it is now mandatory for a new license applicant to complete the beginner’s course. Probably so in many other states as well. I have taken the advanced course 3 times and learn something valuable each time, not to mention as a H.O.G. member I get $50 back from them each time I complete the course. Last time I took the course it was $75 and with the $50 back it was a great investment, would have been worth $75 anyway. Never depend on loud pipes, bright helments/clothing, modulating head or tail lights to cause cagers to see you. ALLWAYS ride as if you are invisable to those around you and ride as if they don’t see you, even if they are looking directly at you!
25. January 2011 at 9:33 pm
“It doesn’t matter how loud or quiet your pipes are, accelerating when approaching an intersection hoping someone will hear you coming is extremely foolish” – EXACTLY!
Only the grey matter within your crash helmet is going to save your life.
I love the sound of an open-tuned engine as much as the next petrol-head, but you are a fool if you ever think that your noise will be heard over the music (or lack of awareness) of the next person who ‘SMIDSY’s you.
(SMIDSY = “Sorry Mate, I Didn’t See You”)
Forward observation is the ONLY thing that is going to keep your ass out of the ER.
29. January 2011 at 9:40 pm
I can’t believe I’ve had so many similar comments to my post about cracking the throttle at interections to make drivers aware of my approach. Several commentors have answered that it’s foolish to accelerate when approaching an intersection. That’s a very salient point, but I ride a bike with a clutch!
JESUS, GET A CLUE OUT THERE, VESPA JOCKIES!
Pull the clutch, crack the throttle and take note if the drivers head swivels in your direction. Also, assuming they don’t have a flat disc front wheel, look for any rotation. If they don’t turn their heads and/or the wheels start to rotate, prepare for excitement you don’t want.
Oh yea, I almost forgot. Turn off your MP3, stop chatting to your wife on the intercom, look away from the dash mounted GPS and let your onboard cigarette lighter wait a few more seconds. Congratulations, you didn’t make tomorrow’s headlines.
30. January 2011 at 1:05 am
I’d rather ride a Vespa than one of them hogley-fergusons. It’s more manly.
30. January 2011 at 10:18 am
Confession: When I wrote this article, I suspected there would be opinionated responses. My predictions were accurate.
It reminds me of an article I wrote asking, “Are Hayabusas good first motorcycles.” My theory was, NO. Apparently the Hayabusa forums found the article, and flamed on me relentlessly. Surprise.
I don’t think we will ever convince “the other side” of our points. Some riders think loud exhausts are cool (and safer), others think they are annoying (and comical).
I suppose, then, that some think the teenage-tanktop-dude that leaves his stereo blaring [for my enjoyment?] while getting gas … and then walks inside to shop is *cool*. Yep, I turn my head and look, but I assure you I’m not thinking “bad ass.”
30. January 2011 at 1:27 pm
LOL @ David!
30. January 2011 at 5:47 pm
It’s a subjective preference, I personally am not comfortable coming across as aggressive when I’m riding. I just don’t think it’s the sensible thing to do. Riding defensively and being alert seems the more effective technique.
I notice there is a backlash from the public causing the passing of noise laws aimed directly at motorcycle riders producing excessive noise and using the loud sound as a weapon.
Your right to make loud noise ends at my ear.
Vespa’s Rule!
6. February 2011 at 1:22 am
“I need it to ride safely and, if you don’t like it: tough” sounds very much like an argument that is defeated by “then you shouldn’t be driving it”.
Are motorcycles not required by law to have HORNS?
A good air wouldn’t do the same thing? (and be kind of cool)