PosterFZ6
Junior Member
So I am sure as everybody has heard the cliche argument that loud pipes make us safer.
I somewhat disagree.
Don't get me wrong, loud pipes are cool and they might have the psychological assurance for us riders that we are being heard a mile a way so to speak.
In my experience usually I hear bikes only as they are just passing my rear passenger window. While we, as riders might think that if they hear me they will notice me.
I disagree, putting loud pipes isn't enough folks. Few days ago, I was sitting in traffic and just minding my own business after getting out of the office, suddenly a fellow biker scares the bejeeezus out of me. I didn't hear him until he passed the rear door of my car. He really startled me, I almost lost my cool and wanted to veer out of my lane. for a second there I thought that some big ass truck was crashing into the cars sitting behind me.
I wish more people would start putting headlight modulators or at least ride on high beams as they decide to split lanes. ALSO HIGH VIZ clothing. I really can't see some bikers out there. they dress like ninjas and it's hard to see them in the usual blend of gray and black cars here in the city.
Another thing is while us, car drivers, usually sit in a tip toe mile long traffic, we stop paying that much attention. Usually radio is on and we slowly inch forward with the traffic jam. I personally feel that high viz clothing and maybe headlight modulator will catch unfocused drivers sitting in a stand still traffic a little more than just zooming by with loud pipes which aren't really heard until the moment you begin to pass my car.
That being said, I am going to get myself a headlight modulator and wear a hi-viz vest when wearing my leathers. In the summer I wear a high viz jacket and the difference from the behavior of drivers is noticeable outright.
Anyway just some food for thought.
I somewhat disagree.
Don't get me wrong, loud pipes are cool and they might have the psychological assurance for us riders that we are being heard a mile a way so to speak.
In my experience usually I hear bikes only as they are just passing my rear passenger window. While we, as riders might think that if they hear me they will notice me.
I disagree, putting loud pipes isn't enough folks. Few days ago, I was sitting in traffic and just minding my own business after getting out of the office, suddenly a fellow biker scares the bejeeezus out of me. I didn't hear him until he passed the rear door of my car. He really startled me, I almost lost my cool and wanted to veer out of my lane. for a second there I thought that some big ass truck was crashing into the cars sitting behind me.
I wish more people would start putting headlight modulators or at least ride on high beams as they decide to split lanes. ALSO HIGH VIZ clothing. I really can't see some bikers out there. they dress like ninjas and it's hard to see them in the usual blend of gray and black cars here in the city.
Another thing is while us, car drivers, usually sit in a tip toe mile long traffic, we stop paying that much attention. Usually radio is on and we slowly inch forward with the traffic jam. I personally feel that high viz clothing and maybe headlight modulator will catch unfocused drivers sitting in a stand still traffic a little more than just zooming by with loud pipes which aren't really heard until the moment you begin to pass my car.
That being said, I am going to get myself a headlight modulator and wear a hi-viz vest when wearing my leathers. In the summer I wear a high viz jacket and the difference from the behavior of drivers is noticeable outright.
Anyway just some food for thought.