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Loud pipes save lives..
I always thought it was one of those trendy sayings with no substance, but it's true.. motorcyclists are notoriously hard to see, so by having loud pipes it allows motorists to know they're coming.
at least that's what I was told by a biker, and it sounded good to me..
it's not really true, if the driver has his windows up, and the radio or AC on, you wont hear even the loudest bike until it is right up on you.
i had loud ass pipes for a long time, and eventually got tired of my ears ringing, so i switched to proper muffles, and i notice no difference in how often a dumbass tried to change lanes right through me.
the biggest determining factor in stying alive on a bike is being attentive to your surroundings, including listening for the dipshit who is blasting up behind you at 75 on a city street which is impossible with loud pipes
with quiet pipes i find i more often hear a dipshit before i see him which was impossible with window rattlers.
on a quiet afternoon cruise through the hills and mountains i enjoy the sound of the wind, the trees, the birds, the waves, etc, which was overpowered by my old pipes.
plus it's hilarious to cruise up and startle the shit out of squirrels and deer grazing on the side of the road.
loud pipes dont save shit, but a quiet bike is more pleasant to ride, and in my opinion, a safer option.
