jeffconnors

An article concerning whether automobile and truck drivers can hear quiet motorcycles under various circumstances, including when the bike is right next to the car (spoiler: they can't) -- http://www.bikernet.com/pages/Bikernet_Independent_Motorcycle_Noise_Study.aspx

An article discussing how the Oakland CA police department retrofitted loud exhaust to all their motorcycles, in clear violation of the law, owing to safety concerns. "Kozinski cited an accident three months ago in which an Oakland officer riding a toned-down cycle was struck by a motorist who said he hadn't heard the officer approaching." http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Oakland-PD-s-Harleys-have-a-new-roar-3281220.php

It has been said many times, first heard it in my late teens "Loud Pipes Save Lives" Nice to see some documented backup. Us HD riders have known this for years. It has saved by behind more than once. But even being heard is no excuse for not using your mirrors, and a shoulder check into your blind spot, before executing a turn.Bigger problem is people do not know how to drive, or ride. This is at the heart of the matter.

Correct, riding skills are ultimately what will save lives or reduce injuries. The "loud pipes save lives" jingle is dangerous. It is really about "look at me" and not about safety which is the excuse perpetuated by vanity. Can it possible save an accident or two? Sure. Worth it for those folks, absolutely. Overall, loud pipes do one thing. Make noise. Not about safety more than it's about drawing attention to themselves and their "lifestyle." We should not rely on loud pipes and anecdotal reports but rather good biking skills, defensive driving, and, when needed, a good air horn (compared to the buzzer's on most stock bikes).

Always had loud pipes on my HD. And it has saved my behind more than once. Most non-HD bikes with loud pipes sound obnoxious to me - gues I am just use to the rumble, not the scream. Old saying - If it is Too Loud, you are Too Old 555

Saving your behind many times is good. You are way above average. The dynamics of MC accidents suggest the opposite but if they save you once, maybe the obnoxious sound that loud pipes make to the rest of us is worth it.

The problem is that the data in the Hurt report only reports the presence or absence of loud pipes after an accident has occurred. The statement, "loud pipes didn't prevent this accident" will therefore necessarily be true 100% of the time. In fact, however, there are no statistics available by which to measure how many accidents may have been prevented by the presence of "loud pipes." I mean, I've never seen a headline saying "Yet another accident prevented by the presence of loud pipes." Just doesn't happen.

I see no reason whatsoever to disbelieve canthai55's report. It matches my own experience, as previously noted, and the reports of many others. There is no data with which to refute the idea. Only the cries of the easily annoyed.

Your statement is correct but the belief that "loud pipes save lives" is not an overall correct assumption but rather another opinion repeated by one group of brand dedicated bikers. How many accident reports have you seen from HD riders? Many. Makes sense since 50% make up the riders (US). So statistics should tell us that less accidents by HD riders based on loud pipes. Not there. Again, what do we have. Assumptions. Based on: no data. When talking to HD riders about "counter steering" and "Doppler effect" ...you get deer in the headlights look. But to each their own. I prefer the cheaper more reliable alternative. My one overall complaint of a UJM is the horn. Weak. Quieter engine and louder horn is necessary to make noise when I want to make noise and not all the time as HD does. I have seen them sitting at an intersection revving and looking around to see who is looking...many times. NO cars around to warn for safety, just one vain rider trying to show off but just showing how ignorant he or she is. It's good to discuss though. None of us has the crystal ball to know everything. If I was a HD rider and had the belief that my loud pipes was protecting when they were not or my MC was protecting me because I have a loud horn, it may not be valid. It all comes down to skill, luck, visibility, equipment, and other vehicle operators trying to run our ass over!!

Only non-HD sound like that to me. Honda, when entering the cruiser market, spent well over a million bucks to try and get their bikes to sound like a HD. As all the cruiser makes, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.

Big difference between flattery and marketing. The Japanese want to make money in the U.S. Now if they lived in the US and had to listen to those vibrating noise makers revving at stop lights for no reason, they probably would not want to imitate HD. They probably could not make it work because they would have to back up their engineering 50 years and it would not make sense.

Beautiful !! I hope it's the beginning of a major market crash in which stock & bonds holders ( especially banks ) get wiped out.

But it won't of course , central banks are standing ready to pump in the free money.

So are you just mouthing off, or do you sincerely hope the world will crash into a deep depression?

Think it's better to argue with a brick wall Ed.

Always had loud pipes on my HD. And it has saved my behind more than once. Most non-HD bikes with loud pipes sound obnoxious to me - gues I am just use to the rumble, not the scream. Old saying - If it is Too Loud, you are Too Old 555

Saving your behind many times is good. You are way above average. The dynamics of MC accidents suggest the opposite but if they save you once, maybe the obnoxious sound that loud pipes make to the rest of us is worth it.

Use the dip as a buying opportunity. Stocks are on sale.

Actually, while a few different people like to stop by to let us all know that loud pipes on motorcycles are verbotten, there appear to be no laws here in Thailand to prevent one from mounting as many huge speakers as possible on one's vehicle and playing whatever they wish as loudly as possible, often while driving around quite slowly, perhaps ever forming a parade with others driving around quite slowly. I'm therefore thinking to get one of these. I'm sure I can fit speakers that are large enough to blast the noise of choice loudly, enough to rattle car windows and tooth fillings. And the cops can check the sound level of my stock exhaust all they want, and it will pass every tim

My perspective always defaults to the US. Yep, here the rules may, just may, be different. I enjoy scootering a lot here--we would all be under arrest in the US. When the MC is licensed, that will be more of a hoot. It's a quiet one but the air horn makes it louder!

RED:

I did not say the Hurt Report addressed loud pipes...but it did identify the frequent accident conditions in which loud pipes will not be effective. Linked is a good article based on simple science. As it says, mostly the argument is made by Harley riders. If they were honest, their vanity is why they want loud pipes (Look at me!). Reducing accidents with loud pipes is a pipe dream.

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/most-common-motorcycle-myths-debunked-part-1-45969.html

Yes Japanese bikes are very quiet. All to do with Japanese noise regulations. An aftermarket exhaust is a must imo.

I hate to read this. For me, a bike cannot be too quiet. A Tesla bike would be nice...

Not talking about excessive but I feel a lot safer if someone can hear me.

Take a look at the Hurt Report from many years ago...still valid results. Good for you if you feel better about making noise. Can't hurt anyone but annoy other non riders.

It's tax free import for me. Emissions testing? I registered a scooter and all they checked was VIN and turn signals.

Is it a permanent import?

Yes

It's tax free import for me. Emissions testing? I registered a scooter and all they checked was VIN and turn signals.

Hi All...

I have some experience on a V-Strom. I purchased a 06 in 07 with about 3300 miles on it. After many bikes have come and gone, my Wee is my #1 bike now with almost 50k miles on it. Right about now, it's on a ship heading toward bkk. This is a do everything pretty well bike. Not great for off road, not great for touring, not great for city traffic (U.S. okay but def. not Bangkok) but it's an all around great bike. It's never been to the dealer and the only thing done is chains, tires, brakes, & reg. maintenance stuff. I'm really looking forward to making some great trips in SE Asia!!

Jeff

Hi Jeff, are you importing your bike or just for a tour?

Importing--it arrived last week and I'm setting it up now. They tell me it will take three months to get a license for it! Amazing.

Have you been told the import process regards tax/duty and emissions test?

Be good if you can keep us updated.

Hi All...

I have some experience on a V-Strom. I purchased a 06 in 07 with about 3300 miles on it. After many bikes have come and gone, my Wee is my #1 bike now with almost 50k miles on it. Right about now, it's on a ship heading toward bkk. This is a do everything pretty well bike. Not great for off road, not great for touring, not great for city traffic (U.S. okay but def. not Bangkok) but it's an all around great bike. It's never been to the dealer and the only thing done is chains, tires, brakes, & reg. maintenance stuff. I'm really looking forward to making some great trips in SE Asia!!

Jeff

Hi Jeff, are you importing your bike or just for a tour?

Importing--it arrived last week and I'm setting it up now. They tell me it will take three months to get a license for it! Amazing.

I was at a Tesco yesterday and took this photo. (TX tag)

My MC arrived from the US last week and still has Kentucky plates on it. They said it would take 3 months for my plates to arrive. I"m riding with KY plates and will see how far it will get me.

Where bouts in Kentucky?

OP: I am still waiting for plates and have been stopped at two checkpoints since buying the new bike. Both times showed them the dealership receipt and had no problems.

We were in a little town call London, south central KY on I75.

I was at a Tesco yesterday and took this photo. (TX tag)

My MC arrived from the US last week and still has Kentucky plates on it. They said it would take 3 months for my plates to arrive. I"m riding with KY plates and will see how far it will get me.

My VA healthcare has overall been good. Sometimes slow but for chronic none life-threatening conditions, they have been good. For C & P issues, they are "there for the veteran"------NOT!! It's the most adversarial system next to a court of law there is. They are there for saving money on the backs, sometimes literally, of veterans. All so they can get their bonuses, etc. The VA is not the only poor government agency. So much fat---we need fiscal conservatism regarding our systems. We sure don't have it now with Obozo "leading" the US. Our debt shows it.

I'm working with a state service officer back home. He is worthless. Thanks OP for asking here, I had no idea we had service officers here. I need to find them on an appeal I'm going to submit. I will submit the JUSTMAG form.

Remember the movie Galaxy Quest from 99? #1 quote there is how I deal with the VA! "Never give up, never surrender!!"

Dave...I was just transferred here with the government and am service related for several conditions. I called my local VA before I left home and they referred me to another office. The VA has a Foreign Medical Program. After I got done talking with the gal on the phone and having a little fun with her, she said, "Well, basically you are on your own!" So I said...gee, just like in the U.S. Anyway, you have to sign up and they will reimburse for service related conditions only. According to what they say....and they always say the truth! Brother. I have not tried it yet but did sign up.

I'm sure the service officers will know much more than me but thought I would tell you what the VA told me. If you find out more, could you post it?

Jeff

http://www.va.gov/purchasedcare/programs/veterans/fmp/

I was hoping it would at least be a female farang

That was the only reason I clicked on the picture. Imagine my disappointment when I saw it? Who can I complain to?

Hi All...

I have some experience on a V-Strom. I purchased a 06 in 07 with about 3300 miles on it. After many bikes have come and gone, my Wee is my #1 bike now with almost 50k miles on it. Right about now, it's on a ship heading toward bkk. This is a do everything pretty well bike. Not great for off road, not great for touring, not great for city traffic (U.S. okay but def. not Bangkok) but it's an all around great bike. It's never been to the dealer and the only thing done is chains, tires, brakes, & reg. maintenance stuff. I'm really looking forward to making some great trips in SE Asia!!

Jeff