Loud Pipes Research Study
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 1
From: Oak Park, IL
Actually that is not true. Harley's were originally known as the Silent Grey Fellow. My Panhead with it's stock exhaust was a very "respectable" bike. It wasn't until I added the fishtails and straight pipes that it drew attention, lol.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 753
Likes: 0
From: Yakima, WA
I'm not really very interested in the outcome of a study in this area, but I do love thinking, so you have my attention.
It seems to me it would be easy to do some historical research on motorcycle accidents. Clearly an accident report does not include how loud the exhaust was for the involved bike(s), but they do include the model of the vehicle.
So if 75% of harley baggers have loud pipes, and 2% of gold wings do, then compare the rate of accidents between them which are not caused by the bike.
Obviously you'll only get correlation rather than cause-and-effect, but a much less invloved and expensive way of getting at the same relationship.
Steve
It seems to me it would be easy to do some historical research on motorcycle accidents. Clearly an accident report does not include how loud the exhaust was for the involved bike(s), but they do include the model of the vehicle.
So if 75% of harley baggers have loud pipes, and 2% of gold wings do, then compare the rate of accidents between them which are not caused by the bike.
Obviously you'll only get correlation rather than cause-and-effect, but a much less invloved and expensive way of getting at the same relationship.
Steve
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,250
Likes: 0
From: St. Cloud Minnesota
I think having them may at times help. Warning to someone not seeing you when they are merging onto the freeway. But I do not think that they are a deterrent to the possibility of fewer accidents with bikes that have loud pipes. If that were the case then Gold Wing riders would be dropping like flies.
The pipes on our bikes are loud, But in regard to the neighbors. We do not start them in the garage we get them to the end of the driveway and then start them. We do not let them idle for too long. If you go out of your way to **** off the neighbors then you will.
The pipes on our bikes are loud, But in regard to the neighbors. We do not start them in the garage we get them to the end of the driveway and then start them. We do not let them idle for too long. If you go out of your way to **** off the neighbors then you will.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: Mountaintop, PA
Definitely a question that is begging for an answer. I think that there are a lot surrogate markers and subjectivity that will make a definitive word difficult. But some evidence to support the idea that being heard = being noticed and could translate into safety would be great. Good luck. Looking forward to the results.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Great suggestions. I agree with you, there are many factors that will influence the ability of a cager to be aware of a rider. Usually the first study looks into factors that seem the most likely to produce a significant effect, and then if you find something interesting you can drill-down into more specific details. For the first study I'd like to manipulate the loudness of the pipes with mixed driving scenarios (such as the ones you mentioned). I want this to be as externally valid as possible and not a lab-tube experiment that means nothing in the real world.
Also, I realize I'm broadcasting a bit of my experimental design, but I really don't care if someone scoops this, since I really am more interested in the results. And multiple studies are better than one!
Also, I realize I'm broadcasting a bit of my experimental design, but I really don't care if someone scoops this, since I really am more interested in the results. And multiple studies are better than one!
Good luck!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
As you do your study, which appears to already be slanted in favor of "noise," be sure and be objective in the adverse effect of "too much noise," as that has been proven to be one of the causes of road rage.
Here's a link to help you:
http://www.geocities.com/road_rage_page/causes.html
Another factor to road rage is the environment. One example of enviromental caused road rage is noise. Noise can influence the intensity of aggression in a driver. Some music that people listen to can match their feelings that can cause them to become violent. While listening to music for some people can be soothing, this can be dangerous because it prevents some people to give less attention to the road and how they are driving. Noise can also come from outside the car; from another driver's car. If noise can not be controlled, this can produce stress, and can make concentration more difficult for the driver.
Here's a link to help you:
http://www.geocities.com/road_rage_page/causes.html
Another factor to road rage is the environment. One example of enviromental caused road rage is noise. Noise can influence the intensity of aggression in a driver. Some music that people listen to can match their feelings that can cause them to become violent. While listening to music for some people can be soothing, this can be dangerous because it prevents some people to give less attention to the road and how they are driving. Noise can also come from outside the car; from another driver's car. If noise can not be controlled, this can produce stress, and can make concentration more difficult for the driver.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
I once came upon someone having a heart attack in their car. I pulled up next to them and revved my engine as much as possible, but, alas, the poor fellow still died. My loud pipes do not seem to have lifesaving capabilities. 