Exhaust replacement for safety

[bigmak]

I know that most people replace thier exhausts for the performance increase but I'm wondering if anyone had done it just to make your bike louder so that people can hear you and at least realize there is a bike around. I've been cut off a few times and I'm just wondering if putting a louder exhaust on is a good way to make you more noticable on the street.

[JeffD]

"Loud pipes save lives"....or do they

Opinions vary, heres one take on it.

"According to the Hurt report is was determined that 77% of motorcycle accident hazards come from in front of the rider, while only 3% approach from the rear. What's interesting here is that motorcycle pipes direct the vast majority of sound backwards where the least danger is, so for loud pipes to be truly effective safety measures they would need to be pointed forward where the greatest danger lies. That doesn't do much to support the proposition that loud pipes are a safely factor. "

http://www.virginiawind.com/byways/loud_pipes_save_lives.asp






Now if you just wana hack of your pipes where the exit the engine from the front and stick two megaphones on there....now were talking! 

[fred]

That is a pretty weak argument. The loud exhaust will make it loud behind your bike and will probably annoy more people than it will cause people to see you. Also, it is usually illegal to make your exhaust louder, so you'll get more attention from the cops, which is not a good thing. If you want to be more visible, ride more defensively and if you feel you must modify your bike, get a headlight modulator. I have one and ever since I installed it, I've been cut off much less. I even see people pull away from me as they notice I'm there because they see the modulating headlight and move away from it. Modulators are cheaper and easier than new exhaust systems and they have the added benefit of being DOT approved, so you don't have to worry about cops giving you tickets all the time. Loud exhausts will only make your neighbors angry with you and draw unwanted attention from cops looking to write fix it tickets. Do something else if you want to be noticed. Here is a whole site run by the Minnesota department of transportation dedicated to teaching you ways to be more visible while riding: http://www.highviz.org/. You should check it out, it has many good ideas.

[DoD#i]

I've been cut off a few times and I'm just wondering if putting a louder exhaust on is a good way to make you more noticable on the street.

Makes more people you've already passed by think motorcycles are an annoyance that someone ought to pass a law against.

Makes you deaf.

Does f*ck-all for making you more noticeable until you've already passed by.

Provides any cop that wants your ass on a platter with a ready-made violation.

[philward]

A louder exhaust is generally only significantly louder for the people behind you - which you would hope already have quite a good view of you.  The only occasion that I can think of that the louder exhaust would help people notice you is when you are filtering at lights (ie coming up next to them at slow speed).

Personally I think that loud exhausts equating to increased safety is a bit of a long bow to draw.  I have a sports exhaust - why can't people just admit they prefer the way it sounds, rather than having to dress it up as a safety issue?   

I say, if you want a new exhaust get a new exhaust! 

[ohgood]

Wear day-glow green or pink. You'll get noticed.

Vary your lane position.

Get a modulator.

Check your 6 o'clock.

Forget the loud pipes.

[DoD#i]

Best color is firetruck yellow-green - high-vis yellow.

Best to avoid fancy/busy graphics, which tend to act like camoflage - large sold color blocks, and some reflective stripes.

Both bike and you should be colored for best effect.

Virulent advert-info:

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/HiViz-Motorcycle-Suits-sp-19.html

[bigmak]

Thanks for all the opinion.. I don't want louder pipes just for the sound or for the increased power. I was told by a few friends of mine that it makes you more noticable but from what you have said I have to agree. It's only going to help people I pass notice me more so for now I'll pass on the pipes. I was thinking of getting a modulator for my head lights but I wouldn't know where to start on getting one or installing one. Any suggestions?

[fred]

Thanks for all the opinion.. I don't want louder pipes just for the sound or for the increased power. I was told by a few friends of mine that it makes you more noticable but from what you have said I have to agree. It's only going to help people I pass notice me more so for now I'll pass on the pipes. I was thinking of getting a modulator for my head lights but I wouldn't know where to start on getting one or installing one. Any suggestions?

I have a Kissan modulator. It was stupid simple to install. You just have to disconnect your headlight lamp and put the modulator between the bike and the bulb. Then route a small light sensor to a place where it can see the sky and zip tie it in place. My light sensor is zip tied to the banjo bolt on my front brakes and it looks fine. Kissan is a little bit more expensive than other companies, but they require no wiring modifications and you can install one in under 10 minutes no problem...

[bigmak]

I'm guessing these are what you're talking about but what model?

http://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=2

[fred]

Yeah, those are the ones. You just need one that will fit the GS headlight bulb. I forget what letter it is because I have a random other junkyard headlight on my bike that I got from a salvage yard. I think the GS uses H7 bulbs, but you might want to double check on that... Many other people on this forum will know.

[Skeets]

wow I've heard this on several forums. I can't believe people buy into it. The REAL reason people buy the aftermarket loud pipes is for attention. Just like the fart cans on the Hondas..you think that's for safety? lol.

[bigmak]

As I mentioned, this is my first street bike and that was what I was told by a friend of mine. If I had believed it, I wouldn't have posted here asking for opinions. I don't think that's any reason to make fun of my question. I was just trying to make my riding as safe as possible and since I don't have the experience of other riders in this forum I thought it would be a good place to ask. I apologize in advance for my ignorance when it comes to riding. 

[philward]

I think the GS uses H7 bulbs, but you might want to double check on that... Many other people on this forum will know.

H4

[yamahonkawazuki]

i tend to disagree on teh loud pipes argument. to a point. somewhat louder maybe, gets peopels attention. but not sounding like a nitro burning funny car though.  plus yes, it does get teh leos attention( and in some instances is not legal ) if you go loud, do it respectfully, yes, most of teh "noise is directed rearwards) ( unless you are motionless)

[B kizzle]

Holy sh*t balls! Those modulators are expensive!! It seems like a better alternative than a loud exhaust though. I've seen bikes with them when I am driving my car and it does make them more noticable...but a flashing light in your rearview mirror can be just as annoying as a loud exhaust. The verdict is you will annoy the public either route you choose...but at least you will be less likely to be cut off by cars.

[gsJack]

If they hear you coming they have time to aim, I prefer to fly in stealth mode.

[sledge]

It wont keep you safe from your neighbours.......they will soon get pissed off with you and start complaining.

[The Buddha]

Best color is firetruck yellow-green - high-vis yellow.

Best to avoid fancy/busy graphics, which tend to act like camoflage - large sold color blocks, and some reflective stripes.

Both bike and you should be colored for best effect.

Virulent advert-info:

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/HiViz-Motorcycle-Suits-sp-19.html

That yellow is what my powdercoat guy calls "safety yellow".
I did a savage in that color and put it up for sale - the first guy that saw it right about jizzed himself ... and bought it.
It had tond of flat black, but the yellow was truly eye catching. After which you'd see after images ... that stoner liked it, and said he'd chase the after images and ride them too.
Cool.
Buddha.

[Roadstergal]

Situational awareness and anticipation of dumb moves by all around >>> loud pipes.