I was reading an editorial from Scott Cochran, Editor of U.S. Rider News entitled "Loud Pipes Are An Expression, Not Safety Equipment." I found his opinions very interesting on this subject and I have to say that he does have a point.
Don't get me wrong, loud pipes are cool! I enjoy the throaty sound of a Harley as much as the next guy or girl but are they REALLY a life saver? Scott Cochran states that "exhaust noise travels backwards." and continued on explaining that unless you’re riding 3 mph and blipping the throttle constantly, there’s little chance anyone in front of you will hear your “loud pipes.” At some point the loud pipes would get the attention of a driver, but as Scott so definitively reminded us, a baseball outfielder will attest, you see the ball heading your way before you hear the crack of the bat.
Obviously this opinion can be argued and I am sure, never will be resolved, but as I read on he mentioned a law in a town of Georgia where it is illegal to wear saggy pants and anyone who is caught gets slapped with a $200 fine. Now to some this is a blatant attack on our constitutional rights, but the truth is, what is offensive to some of us is a form of expression, rebellion or a statement of individuality to others.
I tend to agree that loud pipes do not really save lives,,,, but they are cool! But they are really about expression, and our individual rights as Americans to be able to voice our opinions and express our uniqueness.
And as for the safety issue? You would do much better to invest in the loudest train horn you can find to get a motorists attention.
No comments:
Post a Comment