New State Law Messing up my Pipes
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 7
I know, right? My home state of Maryland is about the most oppressive, overbearing mother of a nanny state that ever existed. However, when it comes to motorcycles, they seem to be pretty chill. I read stories on here all the time about how local cops in other towns are total dicks to guys on bikes, or how controlling the state regs are on inspections, etc.. I gotta say, never, nobody I know ever gets hassled by a cop here on a bike, unless it's a sportbike, and we have no state inspection either. Small blessings I guess...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 2
From: D.C.
I know, right? My home state of Maryland is about the most oppressive, overbearing mother of a nanny state that ever existed. However, when it comes to motorcycles, they seem to be pretty chill. I read stories on here all the time about how local cops in other towns are total dicks to guys on bikes, or how controlling the state regs are on inspections, etc.. I gotta say, never, nobody I know ever gets hassled by a cop here on a bike, unless it's a sportbike, and we have no state inspection either. Small blessings I guess...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,788
Likes: 1
From: Maine
There aren't any shops set up to offically measure sound levels according to the new rules. So, then it becomes a subjective decision of your inspection tech as to whether your pipes are too loud or not. Nuff said there.
PM me Rogue and I will point you to a place for Maine specific information regarding the new laws. Common sense and avoiding Waterville, Arundel/Kennebunk will also help keep you from getting fined.
PM me Rogue and I will point you to a place for Maine specific information regarding the new laws. Common sense and avoiding Waterville, Arundel/Kennebunk will also help keep you from getting fined.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 5
From: Batesville Ga
I'd ask the guy who said you'd fail if that really means you need to have stock pipes. Are there other aftermarket pipes you might be able to live with that would pass? Sure, you can probably get away with either skipping inspection or taking a ticket for altering an inspected vehicle but is it worth the worry and aggravation? Riding is supposed to be fun - a paranoia trip worrying about fines.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 102
Likes: 1
I have obnoxious pipes on both my bikes and I have never, I mean never, been pulled over by the cops cos of my pipes, or when I have been pulled over, have they ever check the sound comin from my pipes..........where I live in PA, I would get stickered and then put the pipes back on. Don't know what the cops are like in Maine though??
You could always point out that your bike is a Harley, and by law it IS required to be loud. I think the last time my bike was inspected was '08. Dont drive like a jackass and they wont have a reason to pull you over. Seriously when is the last time youve had a problem with the law while on your bike?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 20
From: Shamokin, PA
I have obnoxious pipes on both my bikes and I have never, I mean never, been pulled over by the cops cos of my pipes, or when I have been pulled over, have they ever check the sound comin from my pipes..........where I live in PA, I would get stickered and then put the pipes back on. Don't know what the cops are like in Maine though??
I live in PA and I've never been pulled over either. Cops have better things to do. My exhaust is loud but not obnoxious. Not sure I'd pass the Dba test. My inspection guy just looks at my tires and turn signals then puts a sticker on it and sends me off. Takes all of 5 minutes.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,750
Likes: 261
From: back home in Michigan
They have been coming down, nationwide, more and more about the sound issue on bikes. It's coming and it will be very difficult to avoid. Thanks to 'modernization', there is hardly anyplace where 'the man' can't see us or find us.