As a company that builds custom motorcycles i’m frequently asked whether i agree with the argument of whether there is credence to the statement that “Loud Pipes Save Lives!”. Having been a rider for over 30 yrs, i’d have to say “YES”. But, there is another side of this story too….which is the annoying use of “straight pipes” by a select few who apparently are deaf or need the attention. Recently Bill Law, a rider and political activist spoke out to tell the truth about loud pipes and his views, which we at Guilty embrace. Here is his article.
Illinois – As a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, I can understand the problem created by a few individuals who install after-market exhaust systems on their motorcycle with the sole thought of making as much noise as possible. Those people want that noise so that everyone will look at them when they ride by. They want to be seen, simply for the sake of being seen.It’s not enough for those few to enjoy the freedom of riding, they want everyone to know they are a “biker.â€
Well I don’t think so. It is a true statement that load pipes do save lives, but there are limits. Ask any motorcyclist, and you will find out that the act of riding from one end of town to the other is putting your life in the hands of some very scary drivers. Windows rolled up, radio on, cell phone in hand, they move through life like they are the only person on the road.A few years ago, someone came up with the idea that if motorcyclists rode with their headlights on, they would be easier to see in traffic. It was a good idea at the time. As a result, the numbers of motorcycle injuries started to decline.Then along came the “daytime running lights†on cars and trucks and the motorcycle became just another light. And the number of accidents between cars and motorcycles, again started to increase.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a quiet evening at home in the back yard, watching the sun set, listening to the sounds of the approaching night. I don’t, however, get any pleasure from listening to the music blasting from someone’s car stereo as they drive by. If I’m out on my motorcycle, and that guy with the stereo and the cell phone is on the same street, I want as much help in getting his attention as I can. If that means I change out my stock mufflers for ones that are loader, that’s called self preservation.No, I don’t use or condone the use of straight pipes. They do nothing to enhance the performance of any internal combustion engine. They just make noise. I use an altered exhaust as a way of getting the attention of the not so attentive driver. I’m 60 years old and have been riding my entire life. …
I want to apologize to everyone for the jerk with the load pipes. I want to say to the folks with the stereo and the cell phone, turn it down, hang it up and look the next time you get ready to make that left turn across the oncoming traffic. That old guy on the bike you just let live another day might just have been me. Thanks.
Bill Law
President, American Legion Riders
Life Member, ABATE of Iowa, ABATE of Illinios, Freedom of the Road Riders of Missouri, Motorcyle Riders Foundation
