I can actually empathize with a lot of what the non riders are saying. Myself, I cannot stand wide open pipes on Harleys, they serve no purpose. Loud pipes save lives is the biggest bunch of BS going. With modern cars being so well insulated for sound you cannot hear anything until it is too late.
There is an idiot on my street that goes wide open down the street at 5 times a day on his Harley and sets off car alarms. He does this up until 2 in the morning. Just last night I went down and talked to him, rider to rider, and told him I would call the cops if he keeps it up as it is inconsiderate and illegal and it wakes me up at night. I always go down the street at idle or just above, as I live in a dense condo area, and it is not fair to the locals. So I get what you guys are saying about the noise levels, it can be very annoying.
Personally I stick with the factory pipe option on most of my bikes, as they are usually no louder than a car unless you are revving it past 8 or 9000 rpm. On my current bike, people are shocked at how quiet it is under normal conditions. I am planning to change out the pipes on my current bike, to an after market pipe that is baffled, and just gives the bike a better tone, while minimally increasing the volume. The sound level at full throttle would be equivelant to a stock Porsche 911, so it is reasonable.
Anyway, not every biker is in this super secret club where we defend the actions of the idiots that partake in the same hobby. There are those of us out there that are considerate riders.
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