Posted on 09/22/2010 12:56:11 AM PDT by Terrence DoGood
"As the popularity of motorcycles increases, loud pipes become offensive to the general public out there," Scott added.
The roaring motorcycles -- primarily Harleys -- have led to a bill that would target motorcyclists who remove factory-installed emission control devices mandated by the federal government and replace them with custom, aftermarket parts that often make their bikes louder and more polluting.
SB 435 had been approved by the state legislature and now is sitting on the Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk. The Harley-riding governor has until Sept. 30 to sign the bill into law or veto it.
If the governor puts his stamp of approval on the measure, motorcyclists would be required to post a visible, unaltered Environment Protection Agency stamp to confirm the exhaust system is clean burning and does not exceed 80 decibels -- about the same noise level as a vacuum cleaner. The stamp would only be required for motorcycles and aftermarket parts made after 2013.
"The noise caused by illegally modified motorcycle exhaust systems is a major quality of life issue across the state," said state Sen. Fran Pavley, a Democrat from Agoura Hills. "Basic common sense and decency dictates that when a motorcycle drives by and sets off every car alarm on the street, that is too loud
First-time offenders would be fined up to $100; tickets could be voided if the owners bring their bikes back into compliance. Subsequent infractions would be subject to fines of $100 to $250.
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
If that’s what it takes for them to be safe, they shouldn’t be on the road.
If that's the case, then my children are the product of immaculate conception. My bike is beyond loud. I run SEII's and I've pulled the baffles and redrilled every hole with a 3/8" bit. It sounds like a Harley is supposed to sound.
Everyone else shouldn’t have to pay the price for motorcycling to be safe. If it’s not safe without a damaging level of noise, then people should opt not to ride motorcycles.
Back in the 60s my cousin had a handle by the gearshift in his Chevy. Pull it back and the pipes got LOUD. On motorcycles we got turnable washer-like things at the tips called “Snuff-or-Nots.”
If the bike “exceed decibel limits”, then the cop should write the guy a damn ticket. To think the government needs yet another law when there are EXHISTING LAWS ON THE DAMN BOOKS, is asinine!
Eeewwwww...
“Leave the psychologizing to the Liberals. They have so much to compensate for”
You know, that’s so true. Perhaps some of these Harley drivers can figure out how to retrofit open pipes onto the liberals Prius’.
I got my first motorcycle when I was 5. I'm pretty sure that my attraction had nothing to do with the fact that in my 5 years, I'd failed to make a mark on the world. Sorry, but I ride a bike because I love riding bikes, and I've loved riding bikes since I was old enough to remember.
The wimps are really on the bikes - the loudness of the bike represents the loudness of the tantrum they are throwing at the world for not thinking they are as wonderful as their mothers think they are.
Yeah, we're all wimps. We all know that tough guys drive mini-vans and complain about bikers on the internet. As for my mother, she's long dead, but my wife thinks I'm pretty wonderful.
My favorite sounds: harley, diesel locomotive, startup of large radial aircraft engine like those on the DC6, to a lesser extent the muscle cars of the 60s.
I don’t live in the BWI area, its just where I’m flying into. I said I’m from South Carolina. Dude, just let it go. I see I’ve struck a nerve. Screw you, and keep you damn thanks.
You have a big fat non sequitur in your implied argument.
“Many motorcyclists intentionally modify the exhaust as a safety precaution. The loud noise informs cars if their presence, since most cars do not see motorcycles.”
I always pull out in front of motorcycles with loud pipes.
It informs them that like a yappy little dog against a real dog, mass trumps the sound and fury of such a small thing.
You should see the looks they give you when they almost have to set their bikes on the pavement to avoid being splattered.
I don’t know why motorcycle drivers can’t just be more tolerant of my large and lumbering vehicle instead of giving me “looks” and waving their middle finger at me all the time.
Exactly!!
“LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES”
Only if you slow down when I hear you coming and pull out in front of you.
Loud pipes save lives
“Screw you, and keep you damn thanks.”
LOL..... VROOOOOM! VROOOOOOOOOOM!
It also works conversely, they can't hear an approaching emergency vehicle or a car horn......
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.