Do Loud Pipes Save Lives? We ask Harley-Davidson riders and non-Harley riders what they think.

[@dgatling100]

I totally agree that loud pipes save lives and I love hearing my pipes going under the underpass 👍🏾

[@TravelingTall]

I think the statemen🎉t that Loud Pipes Saves Lives definitely needs to be expounded on, because the truth is loud pipes can help others to know you are nearby, but unsafe overly aggressive riding, low visibility and lack of motorcycle riding skills can kill you even with loud pipes. When I say loud pipes save lives, I merely mean that it can help keep others around you to be more aware of your presence.

[@garyiacopucci293]

There is a very good reason why bikers don't call them tunnels. The proper term for those sections of the road is a HARLEY CONCERT HALL. Let those bikes sing baby.

[@5musicman]

I have spent many years riding a custom chopper to work at 4:45 am in the morning and I can't count the number of times someone pulls up on a side road and starts to pull out in front of me and I pull in my clutch and rev the engine, they hear it and stop dead in their tracks. And BTW for the people out there that say you can't hear loud pipes going down the interstate at highway speeds, your full of crap. I drive Semis for a living and have for almost 36 years, my tractor trailer is 70 feet long and I can hear a Harley coming up behind me a long way before they get to the rear of my trailer. So YES LOUD PIPES DO SAVES LIVES!!

[@ShinobiKingYT]

Yes they do

[@deanmareno9688]

Try using skill SEE Search Evaluate Execute The fact that your exhaust is in the rear and you are trying to get a drivers attention along side or in front doesn’t work. In a lot of states like NY loud pipes get you a substantial fine. Take a skills riding class That will benefit you . Practice those skills. As a Rider Coach I tell my students that . Also if you actually wave your hand or look directly into the vehicle you are in close proximity, it gets their attention.

[@TravelingTall]

​@deanmareno9688 please don't take your hands off of the bars to wave at someone potentially pulling out in front of you. That has to be the worst thing that you could do. Seconds matter and if you need to stop quick, swerve, speed up or etc... your going to need both hands for that. I'm not sure who is teaching this method but if they think that this is the way to do it please find another teacher, I say this out of concern for your safety. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@fredharms2478]

Have to ask the same question at a Honda Goldwing dealer. I think (my opinion only) its the skill of the rider more than anything thats saves lives.

[@TravelingTall]

I just might do that. 😀

[@JBTexas]

I agree. Yes loud pipes helps make others aware your near by. But if you ride careless and don’t pay attention to your surroundings (other vehicle drivers) your percentage of getting injured is higher. I personally stay away from vehicles blind sides, don’t ride next to a vehicle and when I pass, I do it as fast and as safely possible. I also do my best to stay away from inner city highways/loops as that is the most dangerous places to get injured. Happens every time I get back into the city to return home. While the whole few hours out in the country, never had an issue. And for that dummy that said split lanes, your the one that gives everyone a bad rep and your a high risk. I ride bikes and can’t stand when riders do that. And for the woman and man that said, rev your engine when another vehicle is merging into your lane. My last concern would be rev engine. I’m speeding up to move out the way. You should always have an escape route regardless of the situation. Again riding skills. And don’t start what in bumper to bumper traffic. If you get hit there by somebody merging into your lane, you shouldn’t be riding. Ride safe and good bless!

[@nowhere.com76]

Experience rider can also limit the damage but in a lot of cases it's that one split second the person pulls out in front of you or the person hit you and doesn't even see you parked right there at the light that is the most common is because of the other person not paying attention experience rider would know that don't put your bike in the middle of a car you're always lean your bike to the outside or the inside so if it gets rear-ended it goes forward without going into the car I've been riding for 30 years I still pay $300 to take a riding course just to refresh everything I do this every year I've been doing it for 30 years I would not suggest anyone that does not have a lot of experience to just jump on a Harley take your safety lessons and driving course at the nearest Harley dealer beforehand

[@jinjaman101]

Very True you still need to use the horn though and in that situation REV, REV.

[@rtzzz9772]

well certainly that is true, but all things being equal, good driver against good driver, it's the lousy drivers out there we want to alert to our presence.

[@markgreen2488]

Wood 22XE cam with an S&S Sidewinder on a 107ci M8. Mellow rumble while cruising, but throttle out, and it gets loud . Yes, loud pipes let Joe Q Cager know that you're in their neighborhood!!! Keep em coming Tall, your vids are always top-notch, brother!!!

[@frankg06]

Without a doubt 100% seeing how most drivers are easily distracted riders need all the safety features possible and LOUD PIPES is a MUST!!!!

[@dougerlendson6273]

Tall I believe the comments you got are spot on. The problem I’ve seen is when there’s a group of riders passing older people. You can literally scare the crap out of them. Yes I am older and I ride. I also have changed the pipes on my road glide. Cages beware!

[@keithwhitney1648]

Loud pipes are a piece of safety equipment just like helmets, gloves, and loud clothes. You don’t know what piece of safety equipment will save your life or prevent an accident. Loud pipes have the potential to save lives in certain situations just like other safety equipment (back roads, heavy traffic for example). The ones who disagree do not truly understand motorcycling, you should use any piece of equipment that may give you an advantage.

[@TravelingTall]

Well said.

[@D-doggy77]

Part of an overall safety package.

[@hogluvr1]

Good topic! I used to love the sound of loud pipes. Now, my mindset and riding style have changed. I'm trying to ride longer distances, and the loud pipes drown out the stereo, as well as aggravate my tinnitus. I try to maintain a compromise, where I'm louder than factory, but still can tolerate it after an hour or two.

[@joestorey6884]

Yes, 100%, reducing stress makes you live longer, which reduces fatalities, thus the sound of loud pipes saves lives!

[@markfrank2454]

Yes loud pipes saves lives! It’s a must I love my TAB’s with zombie baffles they wake up my M8 i really like these type of videos that you do!

[@icyGrip666]

Where the loud pipes dont save lives came from. Was a study that littlery said the louder the bike the more they can hear you. Its just the distance they could hear you was determined to be to close to maneuver away. Soooooo riding safely is better but definitely helps people let you know your there.

[@garyehrhardt3136]

Loud pipes have saved me this summer, on more than one occasion I have had deer stand directly in from of me, horn didn't move them but twist of the throttle did, so yes they do. 🇺🇸✌️

[@ericmcelroy6970]

Heck yeah. And yeah, when things go sideways in traffic I can instantly crack the throttle faster than can grab the horn button. I Ride an M8 107 SG with S&S .475 and Khrome Werks 2into1 Outlaw. She loud. Loved how you had all these folks talk on this video.

[@leechapman7848]

Yes they do , many times whilst driving my car I have heard bikes long before I could see them especially in my blind spots.

[@Grumpyoldman60-]

When in doubt throttle out.

[@bambam0099]

I live in a heavily deer populated area and no one can ever convince me otherwise that louder pipes don't help because I see it almost every day, especially in the fall. I've heard many people tell me that they always know there is a bike around with loud pipes even though they can't see them. Yeah, loud pipes and bright lights definitely are a safety issue and of course, safe, defensive riding.

[@sherryjimenez3789]

Thanks for the opportunity to share about the Fueling Students for Success Ride tomorrow!

[@ThePNWRiderWA]

Absolutely they do. I have been riding since ‘73 and they have stopped many cars and trucks from not being I am aware I was there. They look at you through the mirror.

[@xanbiker]

Tall, I am sure about saving and it sure does not hurt to be heard to prevent any life altering injury.

[@raygilhuys8002]

I totally agree loud pipes make you be seen! I’ve got a2007 Streetglide with true duals and it’s loud but sounds great!

[@kellybgliding]

Yes they definitely saved lives.

[@JoeFurtado-xv5no]

On more than one occasion I reved my motor hard I. An intersection and it caught the attention of the car that had cut the turn into my lane so I’ll be keeping my loud pipes lol

[@grootsgracemission]

I can’t believe that anyone would think that loud pipes don’t save lives. I rev my bike under bridges and in tunnels, for fun.

[@bigrobpierce3804]

Definitely save lives people will look when they hear you before they see you💯💯💯✌🏾🙏🏾

[@DifferentBreed.Podcast]

Sound also creates vibrations, so they can also feel the rumble just like a subwoofer.

[@grootsgracemission]

I can’t believe that anyone would think that loud pipes don’t save lives. I rev my bike under bridges and in tunnels, for fun. And big Custom Dynamics lights, lots of lights.

[@Pw.papa.7]

You need to keep the microphone away from the exhaust when they do that to see how loud it is because it drowns it out it sounds better when it's away from the bike😊

[@Frankfoot986]

Loud pipes HAVE saved lives but good skills and smart riding saves more lives!

[@TravelingTall]

Very true!

[@scootinflh]

When you are on the 405 in southern California and have to split lane, loud pipes save lives.

[@CharlesJrSmith]

Loud pipes is a way to let people know that you are around, and i do think it's another protection item,i also have a pro beast horn that will let people know also, it's really loud

[@LHawk-l8f]

Vance and Hines 2/1 on twin cam , for when you need them to know your there 👍. ✌️

[@PeterSmith-or3pq]

100 % . Tunnels are concert halls❤

[@mikedunn2022]

I will answer your question “Do Loud Pipes Save Lives” with my own question “Do Loud Train Horns Prevent Accidents At Railroad Crossings”

[@RayTorres-gb8bp]

Hi Tall , yes most definitely do saves lives ......

[@brianmurphy1722]

A point I did not hear. Loud pipes on back country roads can make bears, deer, etc run away from the road. Unfortunately, if your loud pipes made an animal run away you’ll never see them and you can’t report how effective it was. I’ll bet a Goldwing sees more deer and bears and etc than a loud Harley. We’ll never know will we? Been riding since the 80’s on a LOT of different bikes and can say I’ve noticed this difference personally.

[@Ridingon3TN]

I would be there if I wasn't working this weekend.. Kinda I think they can but also depends on whether the other person driving is actually listening or paying attention while driving. great vid Tall.. hope to have the bike back just in time for smokey mtn. rally and hope to run into you at some point during the rally. stay safe out there and take care.

[@lifeliners1]

first off ,let me tell you that the fat bob sounds best after yours. and as a rider and a driver and commercial driver too i will say that loud pipes might help at slow speeds but when you are at faster speed, since the pipes are behind you ,the sound is delayed . the best way to avoid any incident is , be visible, wear light clothing and more lights above all don't ride in other vehicle blind spots

[@DavidAyars]

Been riding motorcycles for 45 years. Loud pipes have literally saved my life twice.

[@firestarter8202]

“My client’s motorcycle had a very loud exhaust system on it. Did you hear his motorcycle prior to the accident?”…. Now, how many drivers are going to say “yes.“

[@MarcusTurner-b5p]

Nice video keep up the good work traveling tall

[@raymondhintz691]

I also belive that Loud pipes save lives I ride a 2009 883C with Vance & Hines short angle cut pipes and stage two kit on it . I love the sound of them when riding

[@MichaelH416]

There is nothing to replace good riding skills. Skills that need to be practiced and sharpened regularly. With that said, loud pipes are another tool to be noticed. Why would we not use all the tools at our disposal. First Responders have sirens. Not everyone hears sirens or see flashing lights (trust me I’m a retired cop) but they still work some of the time. Better to have than have not.

[@jinjaman101]

Yes it does!! REV, REV CAN BE QUICKER THAN TOOT, TOOT??

[@VTG63]

I use my pipes every chance I get to get people attention as they start to move into my lane, just used them today before typing this comment, It's quicker for me to use my throttle then to locate my horn, It work in TX.

[@poptenn7153]

I think so myself

[@metricOIL]

Do loud pipes wake up neighbors? Same philosophy.

[@craigkemmerzell5741]

Spot on 😊

[@amsoiladam]

Hey Tal, are you gonna be coming to the Smokey mountain Bike Week and Maryville at the end of the month? We will be working it, I believe in the mall parking lot, not at the dealership. But I think it’ll be great for us finally to get together and meet each other maybe do a small collaboration together.

[@TravelingTall]

I don't think so, I may be out of town that week. I swing by and see you if I'm here.

[@pspez]

As a general rule rarely. I don't every remember a time where I have heard someones pipes until they are next to me or passed me. Now I do understand that when someone is next to me, I sometimes do hear them but not always. I get it. But I have been driving and riding for 50 years and I can't remember anytime I went to change lanes and stopped because of louder pipes.

[@Brian-zg9ff]

Next to you…..you mean like in your blind spot? 🙄

[@tylercampbell6365]

With emergency vehicles you hear them before you see them in most cases

[@bigherk80]

I agree yes loud pipes save lives!

[@dugbucky3298]

YES, thats all I gotta say about that.

[@armadilllo]

If you rely on a loud pipe for your lack of riding skills you should probably not be riding.

[@stevenmilton5070]

Loud pipes save lives, and animals (deer,dogs,cats,etc) HEAR you coming.

[@rtzzz9772]

interesting video, i have come to the conclusion my current bike I think is way to quiet. On the road, i noticed that Cars do not pay attention to motorcycles enough and I am always trying to figure out if. they see/hear me when they are pulling out into the road. Yesterday even, I brand new F150 was in front of me on a quiet road and boom deer ran out and truck smashed into it. Thinking if my Bike was a Harley everyone would be running the other way (which I have come to believe is a good thing).

[@Ghost-zo2zm]

Yes loud pipes saves lives and at least get their attention and wakes them up while riding beside or behind a vehicle. Just a snap of the throttle and they start looking around if they’re on their phones.

[@306jah]

Wish they have something for Deer

[@tims6104]

Each to their own I'm old and like quiet now

[@Manros-e8x]

Visibility before load pipes.

[@scottlin777]

Loud pipes saves lives but Jesus saves souls

[@zavlo72]

Do loud pipes save lives???? lights, bright colors, loud sounds OBVIOUSLY draw attention. anyone that argues this lives in a cave or hates Harleys. If you really want to save lives, Put the cell phone down!

[@mezanoken1492]

True.

[@grumpyoldretiredcop8382]

Having been riding over a half-century and now on my 4th HD with a number of other makes between, if you ask me I say loud pipes do not save lives. I can't count the number of clueless drivers who have paid no attention to the sound of my pipes before trying to turn me into roadkill. Anyone who thinks so doesn't understand the Doppler effect. IMO lighting is more effective but it becomes harder and harder to get the attention of drivers absorbed in their cell phones, reading the newspaper, pounding the keys of their laptops, performing various personal hygiene tasks and the myriad other things I've seen drivers do over the years. Even the sirens on a patrol unit don't get through, does anyone think their pipes are louder than that? I think that what overly loud pipes do best is piss off your neighbors.

[@chrislocke7842]

Loud pipes look rad ❤😂

[@chrislanagan1128]

Maybe you've been ask about your mirrors did you just move right to left put upside down

[@TravelingTall]

Yes

[@tylercampbell6365]

They could hear but the radio and phone causes deafness

[@markmarcelis]

My man tall!

[@AmericanBattlefieldBiker]

Being seen saves more lives.

[@stevemiller6734]

Do you still ride the 23 RG? Haven't seen it lately...

[@TravelingTall]

Rode it the other day.

[@daveyd4000]

Great video. loud pipes means more tickets For you in some states.

[@edwardaiken5191]

128? 👍🏾

[@grumpyrides9891]

Man I seen you at the dealership Thursday not gonna lie thought it was cool but didn’t wanna bug you cuz it looked like you was busy

[@cliffn7526]

Yes Loud pipes save lives. Now you don't have to be annoying, but louder than stock please. When you honk your horn here in Toronto car drivers just think "oh, that horns not for me", and they continue on being oblivious to everyone around them. Rev your engine, everyone pays attention. Especially the moron ignoring everything.

[@klchristian1522]

Most motorcycle crashes are vehicles turning left in front of you. Loud pipes won't help. Riders who crash in curves won't be saved by loud pipes.

[@TravelingTall]

That's true I made a video about it.

[@19scooter1976]

D&D boarzilla saves lives

[@web525]

People's opinions don't become evidence that "loud pipes save lives". A study in Europe showed that the bike needs to be next to the car for the driver to hear it, as most of the noise is behind the bike. In most crash scenarios this is too late to stop the collision. Most of your commenters were talking about lane splitting and general riding in traffic not potential crashes leading to death of a rider, in this case loud pipes probably do help a little.

[@michaelroy925]

I do believe loud pipes definitely help, in certain situations. 😎

[@ldubb9621]

Loud pipes save lives for sure!

[@RonInNapa]

If loud pipes do not save lives, then neither to sirens and horns. Why mandate that vehicles have horns at all? Many accident studies conclude that loud pipes do not play a part in motorcycle safety. But they always have the same inherent problem: they only study the effectiveness of loud pipes in the aftermath of an accident. However, they fail to consider that loud pipes prevent accidents from occurring at all. Analagous to this are people who give the impression that they are not an easy victim. Criminals tend to not attack those people. But those numbers are very much uncountable. Who knows how many crimes were prevented by appearing armed or being aware of your surroundings. Police will tell you that looking someone in the eye will prevent an attack because you can identify them. Same goes with loud pipes. Nobody knows how many people became aware of the bike before the bike's location was pinpointed.

[@2upjourneyjunkies]

Rev bombing saves lives!!! 🤘🏼

[@karlanderson1791]

Did Bootleggers shrink Matt Laidlaw down and make him manager?

[@eljefeog]

Tab Performance with Zombie baffles.

[@vincentjacovino9097]

Tall I love your riding video's but I fast forward past the beginning because I hate listening to your bike on the dyno. I do not agree with loud pipes save lives. I do think you can get a louder horn for your bike. Also I have seen people who talk about loud pipes being a safety tool but ride with no helmet, shorts, T-shirts and flipflops. I do not like loud pipes and todays driver don't hear them with windows rolled up and talking on the phone. If you haven guess by now I ride a Honda Gold Wing.

[@TravelingTall]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@christopherluna2268]

I don't think loud pipes saves lives. The area I live in seems like to many vehicles have a I don't care attitude and pull out right in front of bikers even with eye contact.

[@Rvbiker18]

The statement is not true . They did a study and at 30ft they don't hear you and today's cars are sound proof and you can't hear bikes until it to late

[@jmack03harleyman19]

That manager is cool as all get out, of course everyone else was too, but where was he when Tall cranked up his Street Glide, just asking 😂😂😂😂 Load Pipes on Motorcycles 100% Saves Lives For Sure and I’m a firm believer of that because it’s Better To Have Them and Don’t Need Them Than To Need Them and Don’t Have Them. Spend some money y’all and get yourself some loud exhaust pipes on your bikes.

[@nowhere.com76]

I'm here in New York and yes I have incidents where my loud pipes have made people aware of my presence but I would like to also state that I have LED lights all over my engine it is illegal to run your LED lights but I still run them I don't get bothered by the police I've even drove by the police I think that they should not have outlawed the LED lights because it is more visual if a person is in a car and they're loud system is going and they can't hear your loud pipes then they need a visual

[@nowhere.com76]

I'm here in New York and yes I have incidents where my loud pipes have made people aware of my presence but I would like to also state that I have LED lights all over my engine it is illegal to run your LED lights but I still run them I don't get bothered by the police I've even drove by the police I think that they should not have outlawed the LED lights because it is more visual if a person is in a car and they're loud system is going and they can't hear your loud pipes then they need a visual so this is only my opinion loud pipes and LED lights saves lives