Please sign my petition to allow straight pipes in Ontario for rider safety

[suprPHREAK]

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From my personal experience with my bikes, I can say that louder pipes do make a difference. But to what extent (as in, save my life) I am unsure.

I daily commute the 404 south from Newmarket to Toronto. Same time every day, same riding habits. Back when I had my SV650, I would notice several "near misses" daily when using the stock pipes. A lot of people who started to merge into my lane without looking, only to snap back to their lane when they finally saw I was already occupying that space. By contrast, when I put this completely obnoxious shorty pipe on it, doing the same commute, riding in the same manner, the quantity of said attempts did drastically reduce. People looked around for the noise before making a move. So, based on my experience, I can see the argument in "loud pipes save lives".

Now fast forward 9 years. I am riding a stock, so-quiet-it-could-be-electric VFR, and have even less attempts to end my life than even with the shorty pipe. I still do the same commute, but the only difference I can come up with is that I have almost 200,000km more saddle time since then. I have matured, I have grown up, and I have gained the experience of how to survive in traffic. Patience and keeping space is the key. Anticipate a cage's next movements and prepare for it, no matter what. Know your exits. Maybe the overall rate of incidence hasn't changed, but I am more prepared and able to react better than before, so I just don't notice it as much.

I still understand the appeal of louder pipes. I have a great Two Brothers pipe for this VFR that makes it sound angry, but my current living arrangement would make that just rude to be in use right now. So while I can see how loud pipes can help, I ultimately believe that it is the skill and maturity of the rider that makes the real difference.

 

[sonnythebull]

Janice janice...stop hanging out with that guido ********* crowd..they are twisting up your brain.

 

[gqelements]

Why is it that so many motorcycle riders forget their bike comes with a horn?

I too was a fan of loud pipes until I realized how aggravating it was to have some hero with an exhaust cannon gunning it down a side-street waking my newborn in his crib. Since then I'm back to standard pipes, no longer needing ear plugs myself and overall happier.

As per above poster - use your horn.

Sent from my C625a using Tapatalk

 

[Griffin]

I'd sign the petition to get her back in the kitchen where she belongs.

I'd get banned answering this as it deserves. Come say that to my wife in person when she's riding with me. You won't walk away for a long time. Promise.

 

[Scudzo_2]

Loud pipes save lives, and the front brake is dangerous to use!

Ah, what fun antiquated thinking is...

(Petition NOT signed)

 

[hedo2002]

From my personal experience with my bikes, I can say that louder pipes do make a difference. But to what extent (as in, save my life) I am unsure.

I daily commute the 404 south from Newmarket to Toronto. Same time every day, same riding habits. Back when I had my SV650, I would notice several "near misses" daily when using the stock pipes. A lot of people who started to merge into my lane without looking, only to snap back to their lane when they finally saw I was already occupying that space. By contrast, when I put this completely obnoxious shorty pipe on it, doing the same commute, riding in the same manner, the quantity of said attempts did drastically reduce. People looked around for the noise before making a move. So, based on my experience, I can see the argument in "loud pipes save lives".

Now fast forward 9 years. I am riding a stock, so-quiet-it-could-be-electric VFR, and have even less attempts to end my life than even with the shorty pipe. I still do the same commute, but the only difference I can come up with is that I have almost 200,000km more saddle time since then. I have matured, I have grown up, and I have gained the experience of how to survive in traffic. Patience and keeping space is the key. Anticipate a cage's next movements and prepare for it, no matter what. Know your exits. Maybe the overall rate of incidence hasn't changed, but I am more prepared and able to react better than before, so I just don't notice it as much.

I still understand the appeal of louder pipes. I have a great Two Brothers pipe for this VFR that makes it sound angry, but my current living arrangement would make that just rude to be in use right now. So while I can see how loud pipes can help, I ultimately believe that it is the skill and maturity of the rider that makes the real difference.

I read this thread with interest as I too used to commute the 404 from Keswick to the city daily as I read it I thought "really you think loud pipes saved your life", then you continued on. It became evident that you learned experience is the greatest thing we as riders can have on our side. I commute approx 170 kms everyday on my bike, using mainly 80 K roads but also still have to use the 404 for a stretch.

Just like this poster I initially found lots of commuters trying to invade my space. Then as my experience grew I found it less so, not because I went with LOUD pipes, (in fact my Roadstar 1700 with stock pipes is quieter than my previous 750 Intruder was). Although my horn is MUCH louder, (the roadstar comes with two VERY loud stock horns, that even other riders can't believe how loud they are), the reduction in incidents came as a result of experience, (I already had the maturity thing happening)..lol

I anticipate well ahead if a cager is going to pull an idiotic move, (in fact I count on them being stupid..lol), this has lead to me being a much better rider but also a better commuter. I don't need LOUD pipes to be safe. I live right on Hwy 7, (in a small village), and I wash my bike on the paved shoulder. About 2 weeks ago while washing it I heard nothing then all of a sudden a deafening exhaust noise I looked up to see two harleys passing I didn't even hear them approaching, (so their loud pipes would "maybe" save them from being rear ended but would have done NOTHING for someone in front of them). I was wearing NO earbuds nor playing music it was just the traffic noise.

So rather than trying to get straight pipes, (which will never happen in today's society), Get a louder horn, Get a head light modulator. Most of all MODIFY your riding style. If after 35 years of riding your still having this many "life threatening close calls" then I would have to say it is a result of YOUR riding style and not all the cagers, and the loud pipes will NEVER correct that. Also get a bike that you can control PROPERLY, with proper steering controls, (avoidance technique 101), proper braking systems.

 

[jay-d]

[video=youtube;xGyKBFCd_u4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGyKBFCd_u4[/video]

 

[RetroGrouch]

Choppergirl's pipes. Yup, them's loud all right.

 

[inreb]

Choppergirl's pipes. Yup, them's loud all right.

The bike is obviously incomplete. No chain guard or foot controls. A work in progress. Surely mufflers are on order.

 

[Scob]

Just like this poster I initially found lots of commuters trying to invade my space. Then as my experience grew I found it less so, not because I went with LOUD pipes, (in fact my Roadstar 1700 with stock pipes is quieter than my previous 750 Intruder was). Although my horn is MUCH louder, (the roadstar comes with two VERY loud stock horns, that even other riders can't believe how loud they are), the reduction in incidents came as a result of experience, (I already had the maturity thing happening)..lol

This exactly mirrors my experience. My Roadstar with stock pipes is quieter than my wife's stock Volusia but the horn on the Roadstar is at least as loud as any car horn. If you feel your bike's horn is anemic, than I suggest you replace it with one of the many options out there such as this Wolo air horn. It even comes in Chrome if you are so inclined.

Before the Roadstar I bought a second-hand VStar 1100 with aftermarket pipes. They did have baffles but it was still loud and no matter how gingerly I tried to leave my house in the morning, I knew I was annoying my neighbours. The fact that the bike was carbed and needed choke meant that even the startup process was by definition, a noisy affair. Now with stock pipes I can come and go any time during the day or night without disturbing my neighbours.

 

[Griffin]

Choppergirl's pipes. Yup, them's loud all right.

Yeah, if I was in my car or truck and someone was riding with pipes like these nearby - I would be sorely tempted to do something drastic to them. There are no words to describe the arrogance of anyone that thinks this type of exhaust is okay. It just makes my blood boil that someone could think this is okay.

And to the OP - I do actually ride. I've ridden for 38 years and put 10k or so on a year. I think that counts as "experienced". The fact I disagree with you has nothing to do with not being informed or being a "non-rider". I'm just not an arsehole and I happen to have a brain. That's what leads me to have a different opinion.

 

[Gary]

Come say that to my wife in person when she's riding with me. You won't walk away for a long time. Promise.

Yeah, if I was in my car or truck and someone was riding with pipes like these nearby - I would be sorely tempted to do something drastic to them.
I'm just not an arsehole and I happen to have a brain. .

Do we need to take a number and wait in line for a beatdown? :love10:

 

[Acadian1974]

Choppergirl's pipes. Yup, them's loud all right.

hmmmm, using the OP's logic... that set up would only be good for cars on her right

 

[MacDoc]

Why is it that so many motorcycle riders forget their bike comes with a horn?

I too was a fan of loud pipes until I realized how aggravating it was to have some hero with an exhaust cannon gunning it down a side-street waking my newborn in his crib. Since then I'm back to standard pipes, no longer needing ear plugs myself and overall happier.

As per above poster - use your horn.

Sent from my C625a using Tapatalk

thank you .

 

[fastar1]

Janice janice...stop hanging out with that guido ********* crowd..they are twisting up your brain.

My guess is one of her buddies said "you should try and start a petition on GTAM to allow straight pipes *snicker* *snicker*"

 

[meester_jamie]

riding my 1340cc , I got stuck behind 2 HD bikes with straight pipes, and the attitude they had to use them,, a 10 min down the road, there is a Y where they went left,, I went right... so I was able to get beside them,, even with my vance and hines... they didn't know I was in the right lane, left track.. he was in the left lane right track... 4ft away... I hit my "catering truck air horn" baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaap baaaaaaaaaaaap bap bap bap!! and watched them both jump out of their beanies! lol .. it was funny to see loud pipes distract themselves! hahaha..

petition not signed... "your pipes are loud,, not obnoxious.." a lot of people tell me

 

[klr_guy]

Luck has saved your life.

couldn't agree more

 

[Fiery254]

Are these "lives" really worth saving?

 

[reciprocity]

Are these "lives" really worth saving?

YES DAMMIT!!!!


That's my dentist!

 

[RedDogDarren]

With every cause, you will definitely have your critics but I am surprised to read some of these comments that sound more like the rantings of prejudiced non riders. Come on. You may be right about certain ignorant individuals who ride ALL STYLES of bikes, but let's stick the facts at hand and not trash people.

Some people who ride with straight pipes are inconsiderate with their pipe noise i.e. revving at lights, gunning it through tunnels and underpasses, making excessive noise through a neighborhood late at night, etc. I personally don't condone that behavior and believe in being polite. It is not the point of this petition.

What I'm talking about is after 35 years of riding and 29 years on roadways, I have enough experience and expertise to state that loud pipes do in fact save lives when faced with a distracted driver riding alongside or turning out in front of you. I've seen it, lived it. I do understand the physics of pipes that face to the back and noise travel. That loud 'crack' wakes them up and gets their attention when I see them about to cut me off or turn in front of me. It's more important to live to see another day, not become a new hood ornament. I won't apologize or back down from anyone who wants to debate that loud pipes are effective in that situation in addition to safety equipment, courses, etc etc. Even with the negative feedback I've read, my darlings, all the driver training in the world won't help you if they suddenly cut into you because they can't hear/see you. I am seeking to lower the odds of that happening.

So to re-iterate, I am not promoting legalization of straight pipes to give riders permission to scare the crap out of people or seek attention by being obnoxious. That would be excessive, unnecessary noise and owning a motorcycle does not come with the right to break the noise pollution laws. Those who choose to show no respect to others unnecessarily should be penalized. What I am asking for is the legalization of straight pipes for safety as a warning to drivers. Of course, there would need to be stipulations but I beleive the HTA is antiquated in areas and should be re-addressed and updated.

Love with a bum slap ~ Choppergirl

You have excellent writing style. You are also extremely obtuse.

Sorry but that is the nicest way I can say it without calling you a moron.

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