--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, CB wrote:
>
> I have a different take on this. Just my thoughts, not trying to
> convert anyone.
>
> It's interesting to me to see this post here. The "loud pipes
save
> lives" crowd tends to be more involved with cruisers, generally.
> They often claim the loud pipes make them safer. These seem to
also
> be the same folks that wear a t-shirt, jeans and skid lid for
> protection. To me, their claim of being safety focused is worn
thin
> by their other habits.
>
> A few observations below:
> On Aug 15, 2006, at 9:05 PM, jeepaviation wrote:
> > Louder, Well...SOME people think that a loud bike makes others
frown
> > upon our "riding freedom".
> It does. People almost universally dislike loud motorcycles.
>
> > .. do you really think our little KLR 650 cc is even
> > comparable to a 96 CI V-Twin with gutted pipes (AKA - any
Harley).
> > Let me tell you, It's not even close.
>
> The V-Twins are a problem, so it's okay for us to make it worse?
Huh?
> > With all the 4 wheelers out there in the morning putting on
makeup,
> > listening to the radio, eating breakfast, drinking coffee, and
talking
> > on their $%!@ Cell phones...a loud pipe is a real advantage.
> There have been reputable studies done that show this is simply
not
> true in almost any situation. The pipes don't direct the sound
where
> you need it -- in front of you. Unless of course you've turned
the
> pipes around to they point in front of the motorcycle. (in which
> case they may work great and probably scare the heck out of a lot
of
> people.) The exception to this seems to be when you're riding
next
> to someone and they attempt to come over into your lane. This
> situation is easily avoided though just by riding defensively.
>
> Planning ahead, practicing emergency maneuvers and riding
defensively
> are much better options for keeping oneself healthy. And, it
won't
> piss off everyone within a hundred yards.
>
> LIke I said, just my 2 cents..
>
> Ride safe and enjoy.
>
> Clark
>
Hello Clark,
I can tell you this from experience,
The Harley that I commuted with from Spanaway to Seattle for two
years, was the only bike that I never, repeat, never had anyone pull
into my lane with me while I was occupying it. I definitely had that
problem with the Yamaha Venture, V-65 Magna and the 650 nighthawk.
I'm pretty sure it wasn't because it was a Harley, but rather, it was
louder than hell with straight pipes. I respect your opinion, but I
couldn't care less if I piss a thousand people off because I ride a
bike with loud pipes. At least I'll be alive! Until folks can be more
aware, I'm going to do what I have to, to avoid them, including
putting fog lights on the bike to break up the single light pattern
and wearing a bright yellow vest. I have the same problem with the
KLR but not as much because most of my commute now is through back
roads. About the only thing I'm fighting for road space with now are
the raccoons and the deer on my commute from Shelton to Seattle. You
can be the best defensive motorcycle rider out there, but it only
takes a split second while your looking at something for shit to
happen.
Take care, Tim....