4 ms·
I hear people do not like loud bikes, but as a big bike rider I loved the straight pipes on my Harley. It meant cars around me were aware of my presence, which
by BatFastard 9y ago
I hear people do not like loud bikes, but as a big bike rider I loved the straight pipes on my Harley. It meant cars around me were aware of my presence, which felt critical to my survival. As a biker my biggest risk is cars being oblivious to my existence.
A silent motorcycle while cool would be a huge risk for people changing lanes on top of it, pulling out in front of it.
Edit: Speelling
- SirZimzim 9y agoOnly time I hear those loud pipes is when they pass me and when they wake me up.
- colanderman 9y agoYep. The "loud pipes" are only loud when the motorcycle is already in front of you, not in, say, your blind spot where it matters.
- BatFastard 9y agoI can only speak from experience. I rode a very quiet shaft driven bike for 3 years, and then I switched to a loud Harley. On city streets people were aware that I was there when driving the louder bike. On the quiet bike they would not notice me until I came right up alongside them. But that is the experience of one person.
- nugi 9y agoMost new bikes, and plenty of older imports, are nearly silent. They don't hear you till you pass. My old race bike got just as may blind merges as my quiet tourer. The difference seems to be riding style, staying out of blind spots and being 'unpredictable' so drivers actually notice you. That said, it is well known that the power-sound connection is a very satisfying one to the rider.
- vpribish 9y agoif you are so afraid on your bike that you can justify irritating everyone around you, maybe you should get a different hobby.