Loud Pipes Save Lives

[@MCrider]

Winter is here...it is time to get the motorcycle up on a lift and make some modifications. As you can see from the thumbnail for this video, I added some pipes to my Triumph Rocket 3 GT. I have some video in the loop with the stock exhaust and with & without the db inserts. Look for that video coming soon for those Rocket 3 fans of MCrider. In the meantime why don't you become a member of MCrider? You will get instant access to the forums and field guide and it will give you tons of motorcycle talk to get you through the long winter break. www.MCrider.com/Member

[@Goodvibrations-Impickingup]

Kevin, if you find it a worthwhile subject, please tell us your opinion on motorcycles driving with their high beams on all of the time. I think it’s unsafe as it blinds oncoming vehicles day or night. I see this a lot. Thanks 🙏 safe riding.

[@ZildjianMan30]

@Goodvibrations1966 I do high beams all the time during the day, especially on nice sunny days. In my professional experience, drivers pay less attention during nice weather. After the Sun goes down, I will switch to low beam when approaching other vehicles.

[@Goodvibrations-Impickingup]

@@ZildjianMan30 I understand your thinking but bright lights even during the daylight is blinding to oncoming drivers.

[@ksgtrpkr]

After 30 years of riding in and being around various emergency vehicles, I can say that 85% of drivers are oblivious of what is going on around them and drive with their heads up their saddles, showing no courtsey or regards for others on the road. Loud pipes might occasionally save you and get you noticed, but good rider training and practice of training is the only way that you have a chance to continue to ride and save your life! Thank You Kevin for all these videos and your dedication to make motorcyclists safe and aware!!

[@ronchase474]

Agree 100%

[@therdku]

People underestimate how much cars have evolved in terms of sound proofing. If you are on the move and you are fast, by the time a car hears you it is too late.

[@user-ne2tb1vs9m]

Right on Kevin, but only 85 %?

[@GH-cp9wc]

Yep! An idiot changed lanes into me when I was clearly visible on his right. Totaled my Bike and left me somewhat crippled from a serious ankle injury. Yellow, loud chopper and I was wearing a yellow helmet, yellow armored jacket and yellow armored gloves. He actually only hit my leg, but forced it into my bike, almost ripping off my left foot. The deadbeat had no income and minimal insurance, so I was stuck with a lot of bills.

[@ADobbin1]

Most car drivers are not paying attention either but we keep excusing them by saying they have psychological blindness or something.

[@jameyhinds]

For years I had loud pipes - 2003 Indian Chief (Gilroy) and then a 2013 Yamaha V-Star 950. There were occasions I felt the loud pipes helped with others' awareness I was nearby. But here's the thing: licenses are given to deaf people, not the blind. Riding responsibly includes riding to be seen.

[@BootsandJeansRiders]

Excellent point ( But here's the thing: licenses are given to deaf people, not the blind.)

[@kcav5374]

I ride to be seen as well, I learned that awhile ago.

[@kenwittlief255]

drivers are not blind, except they can NOT SEE MOTORCYCLES if they cant see you then when they hear something they STILL wont see you ride as if you are invisible, its up to YOU to not get hit. if you dont like this then DONT RIDE

[@joemann7971]

That's why you have to get very loud pipes so even the deaf can hear you. 😂😂 If its loud enough, even the deaf will hear it. Well, not literally but they'll feel the vibrations. But of course, that's too much. Lol

[@BootsandJeansRiders]

Sooo happy you made this video. We did a loud pipe test in a vehicle. Window up and down, (no radio) and we could not hear the bike when it was next to us. Once the bike was in front we could here it, but not coming from the rear. Played the video for a group we ride with, and the were in disbelief. "Riding Skills Save Lives" PERIOD!!!

[@beepbop6697]

Exactly. My buddy has straight pipes on his Harley. If I'm behind him I'll go deaf without earplugs. Can't hear him at all when I'm in front.

[@KyleStanfield]

I just mentioned in my comment that you could easily test the theory before I started reading comments. Glad someone did it. I had a real-world experience in the cage one time of a rider with loud pipes passing me on the left and same thing, I couldn't hear their pipes at all until they were in front of me, and could only barely hear them as they were next to me (window up, no radio, 70 mph on the interstate, passing Harley with drag pipes was going maybe 80). Before that happened, I already believed that loud pipes saving lives wasn't true, that only helped to confirm it. I always challenge everyone to test it if they believe it and nobody is willing to do so, they just keep spouting the same flimsy anecdotes.

[@eddcurry1245]

Seems I’ve never heard of a cage driver involved in a motorcycle crash say “I didn’t hear it”. Rather, it’s “I didn’t see it”

[@vitalsteve1]

wow man. thanks for making the argument that drivers arent alerted by loud noises, they instead need visual cues instead. theres absolutely no benfit from making bikes obnoxious. as a cager and rider both, while im driving 9/10 i cant hear bike until i see it which especially holds true on the highway. again, being seen is what saves live by your own comment, not being heard.

[@MCrider]

Great point

[@beepbop6697]

A Harley with straight pipes (no muffler) is giving off 100 decibels at the source. Sound decreases with the square of distance from the source. At 60mph, and a 2 second following distance, would leave the rider 176 feet behind a car. That distance equates to a decibel reading of 55 at the car, from the motorcycle's exhaust. Inside a car traveling at 60mph has internal decibel of 70 (from that car's own road/wind noise). End result: Straight pipe Harley following a car at 60mph can not be heard inside the car in front of him given a standard 2 sec following distance. It is already louder in the car than the exhaust from the motorcycle at those speeds and distances. That's the math.

[@Zooooman]

In traffic then

[@elevationmoto6208]

But that loud Harley would probably be heard when in the driver's blind spot. Bike might not be seen, but heard.

[@jonhelms6496]

You spelled myth wrong.

[@ahmedalhosani]

If I’m passing someone using his phone while driving I hope that my pipes are annoying enough to bother him to look and curse 😂

[@rogervallve7375]

hopefully they don't target fix!

[@ahmedalhosani]

@@rogervallve7375 🤞🏽😬🤞🏽

[@philshelton1828]

Kevin, you use thoughtful and considerate language as you discuss this subject: what a new concept for a KZbin video! One of my favorite Friday morning rituals is to look for the new MCRider video. Keep up the great work!

[@MCrider]

Wow, thank you!

[@shaleknight62]

@@MCrider I totally agree with you, like I said in SOME situations LPSL do THAT but in OTHERS COMMON SENSE saves MORE lives

[@TictacAddict1]

I have a story that answers that question positively for both sides. My son, while he was an East Coast Marine, was riding his Harley with loud pipes on a 4 lane divided highway in NC. He was in the passing lane overtaking a woman in the traveling lane, who was asleep at the wheel. My son Revved his motor hard to save her life. Problem was she woke up pissed and tried running my son off the road. He kicked at her driver's door twice before the sound of the Highway patrol cruiser behind him forced him and the woman to pull over. The officer walked up to my son and said, "I saw everything that happened, you can go son". Moral of the story, Loud pipes saved a woman's life but almost cost my son's his. Don't know what happened to the woman but, I can guess it was not pleasant. Great channel sir.

[@derekhunter5040]

A good horn has the same or better effect without wear and tear on the engine.

[@kenwittlief255]

A horn would do the same thing..... and it has an ON/OFF button!

[@gokudomatic]

This story is an illustration of how a bad deed was used for a good cause. Your son did a bad deed by riding a motorbike with loud pipes and by using them. But he was doing a good deed by waking up a sleeping driver, which was doing a very bad thing. That bad driver was very angry because she only perceived the bad deed part of your son, aka revving his motor with loud pipes right near her. She didn't get the finality of your son's deed, though probably the cop explained that to her afterwards. And that's pretty much the issue. Your son did a good thing, very good in fact, but with the wrong means. Horns are made for that kind of purpose (to warn others), not loud pipes.

[@drummerdavemax]

I've always been told "ride like you're invisible" ...which is the opposite of that! Take care!

[@ccohen1965]

Give yourself time, always be aware and don't drink and ride - that saves lives.

[@TheWanderingGeezer]

If you’re relying on loud pipes to “save you” from an accident you have a lot to learn.

[@karllued]

A new slogan should be, "Following MC Rider on KZbin saves lives". I bought a 110 cc scooter in 2011 brand new. I've ridden bicycles all my life. I had never owned a powered 2 wheeler. I've never had any course on riding. I recently sold the 110 cc scooter with over 30,000 miles on it. I also have a 300cc scooter with over 27,000 miles on it that I bought in 2014 brand new. Last summer I bought another 150cc scooter new which I have already ridden 2900 miles, (all Hondas). Thank you Kevin for all your helpful tips. I've never changed from the factory exhaust on any of my scooters. I prefer that they don't sound like a lawn mower, as they are all single cylinder. When the weather warms up, and bikes start showing up at my work place, I joke about them being, "Fair whether riders". I live in Rio Rancho, NM.

[@debbymarshall2857]

One of the most common comments from drivers who hit motorcyclists: I didn’t see them. Sound doesn’t mean anything. If you can’t be seen, you’re at a big disadvantage with safety. Great video!

[@ezpoppy55]

Agreed. Most riders live in that middle ground, at least around here. I have aftermarket pipes that I chose for the quality of sound they make, not quantity. There’s a small number who, for whatever reason, have obnoxiously loud pipes. It seems like, given all the revving at traffic stops these riders enjoy doing, being obnoxious is the real appeal. I was an adjunct photography professor locally. One of my associates at the same college was killed by a freight train coming up behind her while she was walking on the tracks, taking pictures. This type of accident is sadly not uncommon around the world. People not hearing trains approaching until it’s too late. So much for loud noises and their “warning” ability. Freight trains. But you’re right: anyone that depends on loud pipes as their protection is at a disadvantage from the start. Thanks for a terrific video!

[@markellott5620]

I used to teach track safety on the railway. Didn't matter the type of locomotive, the trainees would hear it when it was around three seconds away. As far as bikes are concerned, my Z900RS has a nice fruity sound without being obnoxiously loud out of the factory. I like it and it's not an antisocial nuisance.

[@fs_seven]

Loud pipes don't save lives. We should not rely on them to do our job of driving defensively. However they can help raise awareness of our presence and perhaps help avoid a scuffle. I've asked several non-riding friends what they think about it and, to my surprise, they say it actually helps them notice a biker is coming up, mostly in slow moving traffic, where the biker is filtering. They're absolutely useless in preventing anything above a certain speed as explained but can help in specific cases. Also, they're not horn replacements, people who rev bomb have a hard time grasping this.

[@hook7872]

You hit the nail on the head. Situational awareness is key to being safe on the road. I drove tractor trailer for close to twenty years and have found this to be true. Being aware of your surroundings, leaving an escape route, keeping your eyes moving, and having a good following distance can prevent a serious accident. Pipes are good for slow speeds but half the time most people are not looking for motorcycles. They are focusing on four wheelers. Your life is in your hands. Never a matter of who’s right. Matter of getting home safe to your family. Be safe out there

[@Zookeeper101]

If have to agree, while loud pipes might add a degree of awareness we as riders have to have good 360⁰ situational awareness and ride for the environment. I drive truck, I can honestly say if my window isn't down I'm not going to hear a loud pipe until it's beside me, same thing in my pickup. Today's vehicles are better insulated against road and traffic noise. I think where the most benefit of the argument comes into play is actually saving the life of a pedestrian, they can hear ya coming from farther away so it may potentially avoid a collision with a pedestrian. On another note, I know people that will purposely get in the way of a bike that's overly loud so in some instances it might actually put us at risk. In this day and age, way too many people go thru life distracted, it seems everyone is always in a hurry, and there doesn't seem to be much give and take, everyone is focused on themselves.

[@dalailalai6335]

I agree with most of this. That said, ride in NYC at all hours. It’s challenging in broad daylight. I soon learned which bike I needed to be on to ride through drunk pedestrians and drivers. The answer is the louder bike. In this city you’re almost always in traffic of some kind and always clutching. I switch bikes and can’t always reach the horn when clutching. The rev bomb is handy. I replaced the pipes on my Bonneville cause it purred like a kitten. Drivers and pedestrians in this town do everything but keep their eyes on the road. I agree that loud exhaust is irrelevant on highways and the rider is responsible for their own safety, regardless.

[@ADobbin1]

Yeah rev bombing just takes power off the tire eliminating your ability to get away from a dangerous situation. Its pointless.

[@beepbop6697]

The biggest problem with the "loud pipes save lives", is that the premise is you are relying on others to hear you too keep you safe. If you are relying on others to keep you safe when you ride, you are already set up for failure. Ride like you are invisible to other traffic, and know that you are responsible for your own safety.

[@eddie8279]

I completely agree! Thanks for sharing.

[@mhoeij]

Completely agree. A rider with loud pipes is less able to hear what is going around them, which makes the rider more dependent on others to keep them safe.

[@Norepinefrain]

Facts

[@noelleonard2498]

How are they going to ride drunk without loud pipes?

[@kenwittlief255]

^ THIS! also if you put a truck horn on your motorcycle and blow it to stop cars from pulling out in front of you they will pause they wont see no truck and they will still pull out RIGHT in front of you if they cant see you, they CANT see you!

[@bronxbrosmotorcycles]

My first bike was in 79 I soon put an aftermarket exhaust on it, my brother's bike had stock exhaust, on a bright summer day I was leading us through town when we were to make a left hand turn down a street, as I crossed the car at the stop sign to my left I revved my engine, my brother went to pass the front of the car and the lady driver clipped him. The sun was glaring in her eyes and she could not see, she said that she heard me but not him. Since 1979 I believe loud pipes help in cases where you can't always be seen. Peace Kevin and God bless you for what you do.

[@bwfpfc]

Loud pipes are directional and most effective at full throttle. So they are best at protecting you from getting run over from behind while accelerating hard. Not an issue for most of us.

[@theodoremarakas9899]

Yes, unless your engine is a Moto Guzzi or Ducati or Aprilia.

[@Steve-ec6ed]

My Harley is loud for me, I could care less if people hear me coming because I approach everyone like they cant hear or see me. The only time the "loud pipes save lives" argument comes into play for me is when I want a new exhaust and need to persuade the wife.🤣

[@TJRohyans]

I could not agree more! I have after market pipes on my bike, but it only adds a bit more grunt to the exhaust note over stock. Had one guy that rode with us on a Patriot Guard mission with straight pipes. He was kindly asked not to ride that bike again in the group. Being a more aware rider is better for saving your life, IMO. Peace and love.

[@OFallons]

While riding my 1977 XLCH eastbound on Hwy 8 in San Diego in 1977 coming upon staring to overtake a elderly woman driving her vehicle by her self in the lane to my right she started to move to her left towards my occupied lane. She stopped moving into the lane and was looking around, her looking was readily apparent she then saw me. It was most obvious she heard me before she fully committed pulling in my lane into me. So I really like your most reasonable presentation, thank you.

[@jtrogue]

I never wanted loud pipes or anything other than stock. However I bought a used Goldwing that has aftermarket exhaust. Not obnoxious makes it sound a little throatier. I enjoy it and appreciate it. I think the motto of be thoughtful and respectful of others is best. Thank you Kevin.

[@richardmourdock2719]

Great comments. Everyone has a story: I owned a Goldwing for a number of years. Excellent muffler, one of the quieter motorcycles by any measure. But, after being in the right lane on interstates, having cars pull up on my left and then just linger in front of me for a time before cutting me off, I came to turning the radio volume up as high as it would go blaring music (usually Wagner or Beethoven) that was far more audible than the engine. Never got cut off again. And please note, exiting the interstate, I always turned the volume down again unless in heavy urban traffic. Another note, in aviation there is a cliche "the near misses are never counted, only the accidents". In motorcycling, it is hard to compute the number of accidents AVOIDED by loud pipes as they don't show up in statistics. So yeah, I believe LPSLs, but try always to be respectful to others while riding defensively.

[@ScottGraber]

did you ever try tapping on the horn? and your comment on the difficulty of computing how many accidents were avoided by loud pipes that could not have been avoided by tapping on the horn is offset by nobody ever testing crashed motorcycles to determine how loud the exhaust was.

[@rushedandlost]

I have stock (quiet) pipes. I work at a factory and operate a machine for a living. I also wear earplugs when needed, at work, and while riding. For me, position on the road is the biggest thing, next is looking ahead, giving myself time to be in a as safe possible position when needed.

[@pauldowell1228]

Thank you for this first and only intelligent discussion I have heard on this topic. I run stock exhaust on my 2009 VSTROM. Not a fan of loud pipes.

[@negoras]

φλώρε

[@mikecarreca7864]

I will stick gto my LOUD Python Street Cannons . The dealer, at my request, placed those pipes on new, and they have sounded, and worked great . I have seen 🦌 dear raised up and run when I get close. When my wife is riding her bike with me, it sounds like thunder approaching. Yes, loud pipes save lives . Thank you for a great topic.

[@scottc8876]

I run straight pipes on my shovelhead. On my others stock exhaust. Just a matter of preference. That being said I have asked neighbors if I wake them up when I leave the house at 4 am. To which they respond with no. You know, that throttle control thing. I wait until I'm outside of town before I open the throttle up. After 30+ years I have yet to be stopped for loud exhaust. Not an argument about saving lives. An argument for being respectful of others.

[@davidchereneimmel8820]

Agree

[@WhackBytch256]

Fun fact: Nobody gets stopped for loud exhaust. They get stopped for being an a-hole, and the loud exhaust charge is just an extra ‘tax’ on being that a-hole. You are a thoughtful rider, so you don’t have that problem 👍

[@SteveJohnsonPHANTOM1984]

I rode for years with factory exhaust and only recently started modifyng it to make them louder. Ive noticed in some situations the louder pipes do get more attention. True its not as much as some think but every little bit helps. I still keep my eyes open at all times watching upcoming roads and driveways for cars that may pull out in front of me as well as cars that may be changing lanes that may not see or hear me.

[@opichocal]

I had a D&D exhaust on my CBR when I was younger. That thing was stupid loud and other bikers would complain if they followed me. Now I’m 47 and I prefer noise of my Goldwing. Much more fun and less headaches!

[@B235RViggen]

Kevin, you made a good point at the 6:04 mark. You didn't want to be BEHIND the rider to avoid the deafening exhaust noise. Exhaust sound predominantly projects backward. So if the target of rev-bombing is ahead of the rider... yeah.

[@jamesbonanno3359]

Kevin is the epitome of the voice of reason. You learn so much from this channel, because it's always presented without a big ego in play. The man knows how to educate. I am very grateful in what I've learned in the past 2 years. I do watch other channels for advice, opinions and just overall motorcycle safety, but I always find myself coming back to this one

[@1234567marks]

After riding for 43 years (I’m very tired, boom tish!) I am aware of only one occasion where a louder exhaust helped, riding along a lane in the countryside with a 10’ high brick wall to my left, there was a farm entrance that was invisible to me until I was 25 feet away from it, as I passed it there was a farmer on his tractor waiting to reverse out of the opening in the wall, he was looking back over his shoulder and clearly waiting for me to pass because he’d heard me, so that’s once in all those years.

[@ryangoodwin5195]

I appreciate and respect you not fully taking a side. There is a reason fire trucks sirens come from the front, to project sound forward towards where they are going unlike “loud pipes” on motorcycle that throw sound behind them. I like the respectful rumble my HD came with. It sounds nice but not obnoxious as to aggravate non motorcycle riders.

[@DavelyDriven]

Brake pressure and riding skill goes a lot further to saving lives

[@kmg501]

The Doppler issue isn't the full argument as to why motorcycles are not heard on the highway unless you are in a stationary position relative to that motorcycle. I can tell you from a professional driver perspective of decades that your loud pipes are simply not heard until you pass me going in either direction. In other words I never heard you coming until the very last moment. Your loud pipes did absolutely nothing to warn me of your presence.

[@Rettequetette]

The only lives you may be able to save are those of pedestrians who can hear you coming from afar. I can imagine, on the other hand, that some riders using loud pipes may have a false sense of extra safety because they think other people can hear them better - thus maybe riding more recklessly.

[@kenwittlief255]

when you think a driver is going to turn left across your path if you reach for the horn or throttle instead of the brake you're dead

[@elrumcajs777]

It doesn’t matter how loud the pipes are…. if you’re reckless, nothing is gonna safe you. I like when a bike sounds good, but for me it’s more about the tone more than the volume. But as someone who’s got an insane amount of miles both on motorcycles and cars, I gotta say that I do appreciate the fact that I can hear the bikes before I see them when I’m driving a car.

[@mrwhite2628]

I love a good exhaust note as much as the next guy. But stupid loud pipes are nothing but an annoyance that does absolutely nothing for safety. But sometimes you have to let people be stupid. It is what they are used to.

[@grantbradley5084]

After finishing up a 500 mile ride on my RT, I couldn’t fathom listening to that drone from loud exhaust continuously for 10 hours. Although I must admit the sound a Ducati makes is music to my 👂.

[@DB-so8zc]

I ride a 18' Triumph Street Triple RS with the factory exhaust. Striples have a unique induction growl and when wick up the throttle I hear the induction noise over the exhaust. Makes me giggle. I thought about putting a aftermarket exhaust on it but would rather put the money towards safety gear and school/ track days.

[@lynnsample4549]

Kevin I'm split on this also, but I lean to quieter side. In addition to the wind noise I think the loud exhaust adds to the hearing loss experienced by riders. I like slightly louder than stock for my bikes, but that is my choice. Thanks for another good topic!! Ride safe.

[@kevinfergerson7169]

The most highly respected flight training company used the slogan “The best safety device in an aircraft is a well-trained pilot.” I believe this is the biggest factor in the motorcycle world as well. Loud pipes, if applicable, are far down the list of things (good tires, brakes, abs, etc) that can promote safety. Quality safety gear and visibility are far more effective in promoting rider safety the increasing the decibel output of the motorcycle.

[@jash7401]

I don't know how many times I've heard motorcycle pipes before I could see them. (Maybe my ears have been trained) I hear them while they are still two to three or more car lengths behind me when being overtaken by them on a highway or freeway. I think everyone has experienced this more than a few times. I don't rely on them though. You must always pay attention which isn't always easy.

[@eddie8279]

Why are the sirens on emergency vehicles facing forward? If you want loud pipes point them upwards and forward for maximum effect. ..

[@FlatBrokeAdventures]

I fully agree with you here. Yes to an extent loud pipes can be heard more. But new cars a quieter and if a driver gets into their own world while driving then it doesn't matter how loud your bike is it wont register to them that they're putting someone else in danger.

[@jamescruz7460]

Thank you Kevin. I prefer and enjoy after market exhausts, the stock exhaust are usually too quite, but I dislike extremely loud exhaust and have always gotten that reply when I've asked a rider with an obnoxious exhaust why.

[@VRRider]

All I can say is when I am in a car I have stopped myself from entering another lane because I could hear the pipes but not see the rider. I kept looking for the source before changing lanes. But chances are I more aware of it because I am also a rider.

[@antondahl8945]

Kevin I enjoy the fact that you see both sides of this argument, so do I. I've ridden nearly a million miles on street bikes since the 1970s. I've ridden with super loud firestack open exhaust,drag pipes and quiet stock exhaust systems. The three bikes I currently ride have stock exhaust systems that are quiet. Noise is a fatigue factor and is accompanied by vibration. Possibly one safety enhancing feature of loud exhaust is that people associate it with outlaws that don't take crap,so other motorists may steer clear of a loud bike. Just speculation though. One of my fellow motorcycle industry professionals used to say,loud pipes don't save lives,they just piss off the neighbors. Lol.

[@antondahl8945]

I remember roaring into to Sandford NC enroute to my motorcycle school and a highway patrol pulling up beside me and waving me over. My xs650 had glass pack firestacks that all of the packing was gone. I had a full coverage helmet and ear plugs in...couldn't hear siren! Lol. The officer said it was the loudest motorcycle he'd ever heard haha! He didn't write me a ticket.

[@edmorris7408]

Rode from Ft.Worth to Black Gold Harley-Davidson in Allen with makeshift exhaust pipes. The only purchase I made that day were earplugs for the ride home. Will join when funds become available. Thanks!

[@gelfyd1]

You are spot on. I chose pipes for my bike that weren’t obnoxious but still let the w fibs sound much better than stock. 1982 Kawasaki 650CSR - Delkevic 4/1 one baffle removed

[@MKandKCCampbell]

I come down on the side of loud pipes may, sometimes, help get you noticed. Not nearly as important as good riding techniques such as a proper space cushion, have an escape route, and always being alert to everything around you.

[@AJG76]

I’ve found a loud exhaust to be useful , as I drive in central London at night, when there are people in various states of intoxication stumbling around ( I imagine similar to any big city ) , and quick blip on the throttle often turns their heads. I don’t do it for other cars, just for pedestrians in my situation. Nowhere near as important as advanced bike training however IMHO

[@robertvincent562]

I have always liked bikes to be a bit louder than stock. What I think a lot of loud pipe fans are missing however, is it isn't just about loudness but also tone. To me, a loud exhaust without taking tone into consideration is just plain obnoxious.

[@avarria587]

I can only speak from my perspective, but I am hard of hearing. A motorcycle is usually long past me by the time I hear it. One that that does immediately grab my attention is very visible clothing. I immediately spot a white helmet and a hi-viz vest. Thus, when I ride, I ride with a white helmet and a hi-viz vest. I recently upgrade to the hi-viz version of the Helite Turtle 2. Not only might it save my life in a crash, it makes me more visible, especially at night or in rain.

[@fatbudgiekillen8997]

Always look forward to my Saturday morning MC Rider . Whether your preference is for standard or loud exhaust , hearing protection is a must to reduce the chance of permanent hearing damage. Tinnitus is a very common side effect from prolonged noise exposure, as is noise induced hearing loss.

[@Anthrobiker]

A lot of people talk about the noise when cars are travelling in the same direction as evidence they don’t make a difference. However one of the most common accidents is motorists pulling out on junctions, so they are stationary maybe with the window up it down, but there’s more chance they will hear a motorcycle approaching. Also when I went from a quiet exhaust to a louder one, pedestrians no longer stepped out in front of me. This happened about 4 times from memory over a year, and hasn’t happened once in the year I’ve had louder pipes. I think a lot of the evidence people use against the phrase, doesn’t represent all the circumstances riders find themselves in :)

[@danielloftus9875]

You can see an ambulance down the street. The siren from an ambulance is very loud, but you can't hear it until it's right there. Being seen is better than being heard.

[@danielgaskell5490]

Loud pipes mean NOTHING if you aren’t BEING SEEN. LED HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS ARE KEY! Loud pipes make people hate bikers…

[@JBMotorrad]

My limited experience with my small circle of riding companions over the years has been that folks who have obnoxiously loud pipes on their bikes are drama queens and enjoy the attention, positive and negative, that it draws to them. The same goes for the cop-killer wannabee at the red light blaring "music" with nothing but filth for lyrics. All that said, loud pipes will not stop an idiot, phone flicking zombie car operator from pulling out in front of you, or turning left in front of you. They cannot hear you inside their cages at 200ft.

[@tclaz991]

Enjoyed your video and different perspectives. Nothing like the burble of the R3!

[@rondavis9918]

With riding with a group with mainly gold wings, I ride in the back with my roadking. It can get annoying on a long ride. In rush hour traffic, I find that the pipes do help let people know I’m around. I’ve seen cars pull in my lane, even tho I see that their blind spot monitor on blinking in their rear view mirror. Pipes don’t save lives, situation awareness and road skills do

[@SoloPilot6]

Been riding since 1968. From the mid-1970s through 2010, I rode an average of 600 miles per week, 49 weeks each year, every mile on factory, quiet pipes. Since 2010, I only ride an average of 100 per week. I've seen hundreds of bike vs. car collisions. I've never seen anyone save themselves with loud pipes. For that matter, I've seen drivers hit motors that had SIRENS going -- all the extra noise did was confuse them. The only time that loud pipes are anything more than motorcycle masturbation is during rides escorting fallen heroes.

[@SpaceBass13]

Cars today block so much sound from the outside. If folks don't hear ambulance sirens, they won't hear a bike. I have a 2019 Indian Scout with the stock exhaust. It isn't quiet, but it isn't loud enough to wake neighbors when I leave for work before the sun comes up. Since the majority of drivers aren't seeing bikes on the road, I try to stay in a position where I wouldn't need to use engine noise to announce my presence. I don't mind having to stay more aware than everyone else on the road. In all of the questionable moments I have experienced, a louder bike would not have helped. For me, my neighborhood and commute are better served staying at a lower volume. But, this is only MY experience. I am sure there have been many a moment where the loud bike was just as effective as a horn and possibly a quicker response than looking for the horn button when one's hand is already on the throttle. Realistically, how often do we hit our horns on purpose? I usually hit my blinker cancel button when aiming for the horn, which is more than enough time for that sound to no longer matter. I've only been riding for two years, so I am trying to position myself in a good spot to avoid something long before it has a chance to happen.

[@SMKreitzer1968]

Hey Kevin, I ride and find some riders take loud pipes too far. Some times riders rev their engines at 6 in the morning, not needed in a residential area! I love a loud stereo with low bass but don't crank it up at 6 in a residential area. I think there's a trade off for time and place. I definitely agree, the best bang for your buck is road skils over loud pipes. Thanks Kevin. God bless.

[@MrSalcedoKinder]

Great video. After years of driving a car I only hear motorcycles after they pass me up on the freeway and not before.

[@intooblivion2114]

10 degrees this morning ! My pipes are quiet at the moment ! 👍😎

[@57HEMIviken]

-1 here mine are also silent 😔

[@MCrider]

It is cold here in North Texas too...but not quite that cold.

[@DonnieDarko727]

Get a heated suit and get out there

[@intooblivion2114]

My new leather jacket ( high vis) arrives today 🤞🏼

[@57HEMIviken]

@@DonnieDarko727 there's salt all over the roads here i prefer to keep my bike rust free.

[@brucesantacory1390]

sadly Kevin we didn't have anyone like you when i started riding in the 60's and i now have Tinnitus, and ear plugs give me the annoying ring in my head, but i'm in my mid 60's now, recon i can live with it as is till my time is done.

[@pirateadam3686]

I have loud pipes on a big V-twin (see lovely picture :D) and love roaring through tunnels when I can. Howevr, when I'm in villages or urban centres I'll go as high gear/low rev as possible to try and reduce the disturbance to people. But, that is also the only real place they 'save lives' - residential areas where the sound can bounce around and be heard. In my experience the only time they help is with predestirans at low speeds who can hear something coming and, hopefully, look up and pay attention. It's like sirens on emergency vehicles. In a city you can hear them from miles away around 7 corners; out on the motorway I've been passed by an ambulance and only heard the sirens when they are right next to me.

[@davidbreen4727]

I am guilty of changing my exhaust. only because i couldn't hear my engine rpm in traffic. i ride a Honda Rebel 500. the exhaust was so quiet i was shifting gears so fast just so i wouldn't over rev the engine. it's not excessively loud, but i can hear what the bike is doing so to speak. a truck in front of me one day was so loud, i couldn't hear my exhaust at all. and yes i wear day glo jackets just so these people can see me. being 66, and getting back to riding again, i want to live for the next ride. greatly appreciate your video's.

[@samueljeppsen9785]

Kevin, the absolute only time loud pipes saves lives is when you're in a drivers 5 or 7 O'clock position, and about 20 to 25 feet behind them in their blind spot. The proof of that statement is you can see the driver start looking around for you. In any other position, coming toward them, crossing their path, or farther behind them, loud pipes have no safety value. They're just fun.

[@michaeltrivette1728]

Looking around for you? It's like people don't even hear what they are saying.

[@doshonace7669]

Kevin, I am with you concerning earplugs. I always use them. I also always keep the stock exhaust system intact. I am more interested in how the motorcycle handles & responds than how it sounds. There is plenty enough noise in the modern world without adding more.

[@Generalski]

How "loud pipes save lives" person can hear someone else's loud pipe? ;)

[@vitalsteve1]

they cant. theu cant even hear their own pipes over the radio which they have yo blast to hear over their loud pipes...🤣

[@scottnicholson1236]

I have only been riding for 6 years now. I have found myself in situations where making myself known has made some difference, but that cannot be my only tool to be a safe rider. For work i drive a pickup with a solid canopy(no windows behind me). Which means no rear view mirror. I have found myself in situations where I could neither see nor hear motorcycles with upgraded exhausts behind me. This is due in part to road noise being made by my vehicle, as well as other vehicles around me that are canceling out the noise being made by The motorcycle. That being said I have been on a ride with friends where a particular motorcycle had an exhaust that was so loud it unplugged itself from its own computer, and then shook apart its shifter linkages.

[@JP1970]

Hmmmm, I don't think they do, but they might, I guess...say if you are riding through a parking lot and people are walking to and fro, louder pipes would come in handy, but when I'm riding down the road at 75, then no, I don't think it would. Thanks for the video!

[@darmah1959]

The data I have seen shows pretty clearly that most motorcycle accidents are either rider induced or at the very least rider avoidable due to lack of skill and/or training. The ones that are avoidable are mostly cars pulling in front of a bike, the question is why do cars do this? Most people judge distance by historical size comparison, if an object is a certain size in your vision, they assume it is a certain distance away. The problem is of course bikes are smaller than cars so they look further away than they are, hence cars pull out thinking they have room, add in that it is likely the bike is travelling faster than the driver is used to and you have double trouble. The avoidable part of this is that any minivan mom can do a one G stop all day long, whereas most motorcyclists struggle to do a 0.5G one. The difference at 60 mph is over the length of semi-trailer, hence they tend to hit the car that pulls out in front of them rather than being able to avoid it. A loud pipe will do nothing to prevent this, especially when the people who want the loud pipes also seem to be ones who dont want to wear a helmet, jacket etc. so any impact tends to be very unpleasant. Personally I hate the loud pipes, they are offensive to your ears and do nothing for performance, fuel economy, emissions or safety. Not to mention are a siren to any passing police officer. I much prefer stealth mode, less likely to be pulled over, less likely to get a headache and less likely to upset the neighbors.

[@impalaSS65]

7:28 correct. There needs to be a sound level and character that sticks out enough to be noted. It doesn't need to be obnoxious. I notice my klx650r (big thumper 9.5:1 with 100% original exhaust) is noted quickly when I lane split. My all original super quiet GSF1200 bandit is not. My sharp toned yoshimura-equipped zrx1200 is noted somewhere in between. The problem of electrical vehicles is the same as backing heavy trucks with articulated trailers (not so common in the US, but Europe). When they come backing round a corner, the only sound is slight crushing of gravel and the view in the mirror is good enough to see corners of buildings, light/dark, but not small humans or animals. Being too obnoxiously loud might very well trigger a-holes. We have few of that caliber were I ride. They are mostly super nice, even moving over when I lane split. The ones who react negatively are generally criminal immigrants with a self inflicted macho standard to prove.

[@prestonallyn2502]

I ride my Goldwing in Tour mode most of the time but love the sound of the engine and exhaust in Sport mode 💪🏼🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@SamSwanner]

While I think there is the odd occasion where loud pipes have saved someone's life. I'm in that group that just wants to hear my bike, but I have quieted down a bike because it was just too obnoxious. My first Harley had open pipes when I bought it. After a half hour of riding I couldn't hear it over the ringing in my ears. I put baffled exhaust on it and not only was it more pleasant to ride, it ran better. And it was still plenty loud.

[@TennRides]

I completely agree. Great video, brother.

[@daveywaite25]

On my Goldwing F6B, I have an insane loud horn. That gets attention way better than any loud pipes.

[@markryland2408]

Having a "decent" horn makes a huge difference in getting peoples attention when required... sadly most bike horns seem rubbish and it's not an expensive upgrade to replace.

[@ryanryz64]

A commonly regurgitated comment I see in Wisconsin is that loud pipes will spook a deer away from the road. Anyone who's hunted or observed deer should know that you can't predict which direction a spooked deer will run. It might run away from the road; it might run toward the road. You could argue a loud pipe increases your chance of a deer collision. My Sportster Roadster came with VERY loud pipes, but I make a point to never rely on them to keep me safe.

[@murraehaynes3182]

Another thoughtful video👍 My on track only race bikes have race exhaust systems and can be somewhat loud… my street bikes have stick exhausts and are pretty quiet…I really don’t like getting off a bike after a full day of riding and hearing the exhaust for another hour😳

[@FNGMOTO]

Loud pipes dont make much of a difference around other vehicles imo. I will say that deer do not like the sound of a loud bike, ive seen them head back into the woods when my wife and I get close. Learning how to ride, full gear, and watching this channel saves lives. My exhaust is for my enjoyment.

[@robertarton6141]

I had a Spyder F3 Limited I got rid after two months because of all the error codes and the cost of that thing was unbelievable it was like $32,000 do a lot of people who have Can-Am‘s have a lot of trouble with him I love the way it handled it and it was fun but it costed a lot I bought it on an impulse Tks I’ve learned a lot from You

[@coilstreeservice9398]

Sir I agree with you 100% May y’all have a happy Independence Day and may God Bless

[@davidchereneimmel8820]

Well said! Same with me, I want to hear my bike, I just don't want the people a half mile away to hear also. (2006 Road King)

[@ftby59mikeD]

Same here, 2008 R/King with Vance & Hines slip-ons w/baffles in thank you!

[@johnnylightning1491]

I've had bikes with no mufflers, shorties and stock mufflers. In the last 30 or so years I've opted for the stock mufflers. Why? It's better for my hearing and doesn't annoy others and I can still hear my bike fine. Used to live on a road that was "out in the country" and was on the primary route to a local biker bar. I lived about a few hundred yards from a turn on the route. I can tell you that I got pretty annoyed with guys and gals thinking that every time they came out of that corner they had to be under hard acceleration with open pipes. I was many times in bed and was awakened by this noise. We, as a community, need to be respectful of others if we want to maintain our "freedom". Just like some folks don't like being awakened by church bells early on Sunday morning some don't like being awakened by loud motorcycles in the middle of the night. They are both imposing our will and beliefs on others without their consent.

[@Paul20661]

Aaah yes the classic LPSL This gotta be good Got some pretty loud pipes now but also wear a hiviz helmet

[@tomjones8883]

As the owner of a H-D Heritage Classic with Vance & Hines Big Shots. It’s loud and I’m considering quiet baffles. My other bike is a Triumph Tiger 800XCA with the standard pipe. The difference in how other road users are aware of my presence is stark. So many cars pull out in front of me when on my Tiger (standard exhaust) compared to how car drivers are more aware of me on my Harley. So from my own experience Loud Pipes Saves Lives. That doesn’t mean however that I’m going to change the exhaust on my Tiger. I’m just more aware that car may pull out/across me is going to me more prevalent on my Tiger.

[@nickhathaway3711]

I think one point that mentioned, but did not discuss is the direction of the exhaust pipes. When riding behind your friend, the exhaust was too loud and you had to ride in front of him. This is because the exhaust points rearward. Most of the hazards on the road are in front of the rider, so an exhaust that can effectively grab the attention of distracted motorists in front of them will be too loud to the rear.

[@johnburgess2084]

In terms of "saving a life", it would have to be a pretty fast, brutal wreck to be fatal. And at those deadly speeds, pipes would have to be absurdly loud in order for a driver to hear you in time to avoid pulling out in front of you approaching an intersection, for example. At lower speeds it might be helpful, especially for pedestrians who are absorbed in thought (or their cell phones) for the sound to yank them out of their trance and not step out in front of you.

[@chevyon37s]

The modified exhaust found on more bikes in crashes is simply a correlation not causation. Everybody I’ve ever known personally to own a motorcycle had modified exhaust, except ONE. Motorcycles are extremely modifiable and people are more likely to modify them than they would an automobile. And I would argue that an overwhelming majority of motorcycles have modified exhaust of some sort. It’s one of the cheapest, easiest, and easily noticeable changes you can make to a bike. So of course with a higher percentage of the vehicles you’re studying having modified exhaust, you going to see more vehicles with said modification in crashes.

[@kenwittlief255]

you will see more bikes overall with modified exhaust, but the HURT report takes that into consideration these studies are done of the percent of the riders represented. For example if 20% of all riders drink before riding and 50% of riders in fatal accidents were DWI, then drunk drivers are "over-represented" same as loud bike owners same as no-helmet riders same as no-professional training riders...

[@coffman06]

Loud pipes are only loud behind the motorcycle. However on my BMWr1200RT playing my sound system real loud on numerous occasions driving home from work at 11:00 at night many a deer along side the road have stood up and checked me out and never did they bolt.

[@darylcopp9013]

In regards to the number of bikes involved in accidents with aftermarket exhausts, my perception is that most bikes have modified exhaust. I did a quick google search on percentage of motorcycles with aftermarket exhaust, but didn't find any numbers. It would make sense that there would be more bikes in accidents with modified exhaust just because of the percentages overall.

[@markryland2408]

Thanks for your insights once again Kevin, always appreciated. I agree with you, loud pipes require a "middle ground" On my previous bike a Suzuki GS1200SS the stock exhaust was 'butt ugly". I tried 10 different aftermarket exhausts before I settled on one that sound both good at idle and when revving without being too loud or quiet. (I used a DB meter so it wasn't just my imagination of the perceived volume levels) Also Importantly to me the style of the exhaust has to compliment the look of the bike. I found it fascinating the difference shape, length, diameters, single or double outlets and materials (stainless steel, titanium or carbon fibre) made to the volume and tone of the exhaust. I've also "played" with adding different types/styles of DB restrictors to short exhausts because I like the looked of the short exhaust but not the loudness :-( My current bike is a Suzuki GSX1250FA - I'm on my second aftermarket exhaust and contemplating a third option to try (play with) :-)

[@bbbonthemoon]

After I got hit by a driver that didnt check his rear view mirror before changing lane I turned into a loud pipes believer. Riding a loud motorcycle now(still stock exhaust though) and measuring drivers reaction Im certain a loud pipe would’ve helped me get noticed back then.

[@6582rg]

I don’t like loud pipes. I had Vance & Hines Straight Shots on my 2005 Heritage. By the end of a ride, I was ready to get off the bike because of the noise. When I left my house I’d coast down my street before starting the bike. Never again. My 18 Gold Wing Tour DCT is amazingly quiet. I like it, and I don’t notice anyone acting differently. The only time I notice any difference is when approaching a bicyclist on a twisty road. I have to be really careful as I pass those folks, and try to drift away from the bicycle as I pass on the GW because they can’t hear me coming.

[@MCrider]

I can agree with this, some pipes are simply too loud and too loud ruins the ride more than not being able to hear the motorcycle.

[@TictacAddict1]

I don't ride a motorcycle yet but, when I ride my recumbent tadpole I get folks that give a courtesy honk prior to passing. As a bike rider, I actually appreciate that.

[@HavasuTyson]

Many times bikes with quiet exhaust have snuck up on me when I'm in the car and also on the bike. I've found that most of the time if a bike has loud pipes; I will hear it, which causes me to look for it, then see it.

[@thepretentiouswetz]

"...motorcycles that announce the end of times every time they start their motorcycle up." 🤣🤣🤣