I’m not big on soapbox rants – but here we go. I have had it with obnoxious, socially irresponsible bikers.
It seems that an increasing number of novice riders are compensating for their lack of skill, or their shortcomings elsewhere, with ridiculously loud exhausts.
Here are some facts. An average stock Harley emits about 80 decibels. Conversely, the same bike with open straight pipes puts out over 120 decibels. That 120 decibel level is at the pain and ear damage threshold. For comparison, a screaming chainsaw puts out about 110 decibels. Just so you don’t think I’m picking on the Harley crowd, I am just as put off by unreasonably loud sport-bike exhausts.
Don’t get me wrong. I am not a big fan of the overzealous regulations that have rendered stock motorcycles almost mute. I love the visceral sound of motorcycles of all cylinder configurations. But you can get too much of a good thing.
I see riding an excessively loud motorcycle as comparable to smoking in a restaurant. That smoke is not just affecting your lungs. The analogy is probably obvious. That noise you are emitting is leaving a ringing in more than just your ears. You may also be affecting my rights as a motorcyclist with your irresponsibility.
Fellow riders, let’s consider the perception of the larger motorcycling community, and get a grip on our noise. We have made major strides in breaking the negative stereotypes associated with our beloved activity. Let’s not drown that progress in our sad attempts to be noticed.
Here are two examples of what I’m talking about:
