HB-95 New Motorcycle Laws.... UGGH!

[Woodsy]

I wont even get into the fact that this law ONLY targets the V-twin (Harley) crowd!

Woodsy

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

I wont even get into the fact that this law ONLY targets the V-twin (Harley) crowd!

Woodsy

Not being totally bike-savvy myself, how do you come to this conclusion? It seems like the law applies to bikes in general, not just the Harley crowd, but perhaps I missed something key.

[Woodsy]

Brk...

At 2800 RPM the V-twin motor is right in the middle of its powerband.... I dont think there are many Harleys that rev over 5000 RPM. They are tractor motors after all...

Your run of the mill 4 cyl crotch rocket doesnt get to its powerband until 7000 - 8000 RPM. They can rev as high as 13,000 RPM! A piped crotch rocket would be very quiet @ 2800 RPM.

Woodsy

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

Brk...

At 2800 RPM the V-twin motor is right in the middle of its powerband.... I dont think there are many Harleys that rev over 5000 RPM. They are tractor motors after all...

Your run of the mill 4 cyl crotch rocket doesnt get to its powerband until 7000 - 8000 RPM. They can rev as high as 13,000 RPM! A piped crotch rocket would be very quiet @ 2800 RPM.

Woodsy

Very interesting, makes sense now that you spelled it out.

I'm (obviously) not a rider, but it's been on my to-do list for several years

I do have this un-biased comment, though, the "loud pipes" crowd is pretty fugging annoying the majority of the time. The "loud pipes save lives" argument would only seem to apply to anything approaching directly from behind, for the most part it really comes off as a cross between a "look and me" and an "F U" statement.

Although I've never kept valid statistics, I can't recall the last time I heard a crotch rocket with an insanely loud exhaust.

Hard to say if this is the result of a specific anti-V Twin beef, or an attempt to just target the law towards the most common offenders. (I realize it may be hard to distinguish between the two statements.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

Very interesting, makes sense now that you spelled it out.

I'm (obviously) not a rider, but it's been on my to-do list for several years

I do have this un-biased comment, though, the "loud pipes" crowd is pretty fugging annoying the majority of the time. The "loud pipes save lives" argument would only seem to apply to anything approaching directly from behind, for the most part it really comes off as a cross between a "look and me" and an "F U" statement.

Although I've never kept valid statistics, I can't recall the last time I heard a crotch rocket with an insanely loud exhaust.

Hard to say if this is the result of a specific anti-V Twin beef, or an attempt to just target the law towards the most common offenders. (I realize it may be hard to distinguish between the two statements.

I agree with BRK on this- there are few things more annoying than a straight piped V-Twin (let's be realistic most of them are HDs). I don't think it is anti-HD sentiment, people just don't want to get blown off the porch when a bike goes by (and yes I have riding a HD since well before it was fashionable to do so).

Woodsy is right on with the equipment- I don't have a tach, never did, never will- the LEO should supply that.

[Cobalt 25]

To me, loud pipes are the number one reason for people to dislike motorcycles. I had straight pipes when I was 21 years old and have since grown up. I wish riders with loud pipes would figure out a different way to be noticed, because that seems to be ultimate in self-centeredness.

I'm a life member of the American Motorcycle Association and have watched this debate for many years. The personal freedom argument pales in comparison to the obnoxious assault on one's senses that these bikes produce, IMO.

This new law may have some aspects that will be difficult to enforce, but each state needs to address this issue. Aftermarket exhaust systems are fine as long as they can comply with the appropriate db levels.

Wouldn't it be nice if we in the motorcycling community could influence all riders to be reasonable about noise levels, then we wouldn't need these laws.

Peter

[VitaBene]

Maybe it is because I am an old fart, but I don't like thru-hull open exhausts on boats either. It is no different than straight pipes on bikes- ew ew ew Mr Cotter pick (look at) me!

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Cobalt 25

To me, loud pipes are the number one reason for people to dislike motorcycles. I had straight pipes when I was 21 years old and have since grown up. I wish riders with loud pipes would figure out a different way to be noticed, because that seems to be ultimate in self-centeredness.

I'm a life member of the American Motorcycle Association and have watched this debate for many years. The personal freedom argument pales in comparison to the obnoxious assault on one's senses that these bikes produce, IMO.

This new law may have some aspects that will be difficult to enforce, but each state needs to address this issue. Aftermarket exhaust systems are fine as long as they can comply with the appropriate db levels.

Wouldn't it be nice if we in the motorcycling community could influence all riders to be reasonable about noise levels, then we wouldn't need these laws.

Peter

Well said. Personally, I hope the law passes. The noise drives me nuts.