tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post933443900815774136..comments2024-01-30T22:53:34.269-08:00Comments on Musings of an Intrepid Commuter: irondadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-36056372508791173232009-09-17T12:51:54.073-07:002009-09-17T12:51:54.073-07:00dlunt- I'm not arguing that good horns are a t...dlunt- I'm not arguing that good horns are a tool, and should be used when needed.<br /><br />However, I try to work hard to avoid getting into a situation when I need them. If I'm using my horn, it means I let something slip into my space cushion and I'm reacting to it, instead of keeping it at arm's length; time for me to wake up and pay attention, before things get worse.Dean Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00312658128426614145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-91526017880514503852009-09-12T09:00:29.244-07:002009-09-12T09:00:29.244-07:00Yesterday I saw a Harley rider with lovely quiet p...Yesterday I saw a Harley rider with lovely quiet pipes (nice gurgling, really sounded great) wearing a magnificently large day-glo yellow riding jacket, and I think a white helmet. It was a beautiful sunny day and he lit up the road with that garment. +1 to him!Poustmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08349499434269961190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-11312988411968049462009-09-12T08:41:31.976-07:002009-09-12T08:41:31.976-07:00You said " then I beat myself up for getting ...You said " then I beat myself up for getting into a position where I needed to use them."<br />Don't do that! The horn is another tool. Sometimes in extreme urban traffic, like rush hour in construction zones, there just isn't a better position that you can place your bike.<br />Be ready to be horn happy in those situations. Horns are a good and fast way to alert others.ryde4everhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16916282229524041877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-59211216934012784842009-09-12T08:02:22.316-07:002009-09-12T08:02:22.316-07:00Brilliantly done! I hate that flimsy "Loud P...Brilliantly done! I hate that flimsy "Loud Pipes Save Lives" justification for annoying and painfully loud pipes. I have been saying "Loud Pipes Do Not Save Lives -- Helmets Save Lives" for years. But I think this T-Shirt slogan is great! Wear your gear, and learn to ride, practice your skills, stay alert!Rathttp://atgattrat.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-616769939058142972009-09-08T13:59:04.730-07:002009-09-08T13:59:04.730-07:00Apart from being both anti-social and ineffective ...Apart from being both anti-social and ineffective as warning devices, another thing not mentioned is that loud pipes actually put the rider in real danger of actual and permanent harm. <br /><br />By this I mean damage to the rider's hearing, from this very load noise, leading not only to hearing loss, but also to tinnitus. You know how next door's burglar alarm always goes off half an hour after they have gone away for the weekend. Imagine living with your own constant firebell inside your head ? <br /><br />I read a magazine article just as I came into biking, of a Road Captain who after riding for many years with straight-through pipes and no helmet, had just that. He was stone deaf but with a constant ringing. <br /><br />This scared the Bejasus out of me and as a result ear plugs have always been part of my ATGATT fit. Initially little foam ones then last year I have bought got a custom fitted set. Expensive but very comfortable.<br /><br />Secondly sitting that close to that level of noise is also very tiring. The concentration must begin to suffer And that really is dangerous if you are not paying attention.Young Daihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12555960598884624382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-55573905069329948972009-09-08T05:51:49.059-07:002009-09-08T05:51:49.059-07:00Brilliant post, thanks to both of you!!
I have a ...Brilliant post, thanks to both of you!!<br /><br />I have a fazer, it's quiet, really quiet. On a long road he's like riding on air, the road noise is louder than the engine. <br /><br />Isn't that progress? Not having a tractor rumbling so loud under you you cannot think? (i'm assuming many of the old bikes were loud too)<br /><br />As to horns, you CANNOT have enough noise on tap ... peds are the worst here, horns work, engine noise doesn't .... that simple.<br /><br />peaceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-69463759624047945402009-09-06T18:13:44.157-07:002009-09-06T18:13:44.157-07:00One further note.
I have a neighbor not too many h...One further note.<br />I have a neighbor not too many houses away. He drilled/reamed his <br />Harley pipes to make them much louder. He shakes the windows of houses he passes. Two of his older neighbours (older than me) got fed<br /> up. The bike was outside, and the owner had to use his truck to do an errand. Neighbours shoved not one, not two but three large potatoes up the exhaust pipes! The bike at first couldn't start. But when it did, those potatoes became missiles. And one exhaust pipe now has a hole where<br />there wasn't a hole and the bike smells like burnt potatoes. He would love to know who did this, but I'll never tell, nor will his neighbours. One neighbour left him a cryptic note. "Next time the potatoes will be up your butt if you don't get a quieter motorcycle!"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-36700703311999195462009-09-06T09:59:55.085-07:002009-09-06T09:59:55.085-07:00Fantastic job Dean. Loud pipes Saves lives is a g...Fantastic job Dean. Loud pipes Saves lives is a great topic to start.<br /><br />I've always thought the Loud Pipes movement and slogan was more of a rationalization and attempt to quiet the growing criticism of loud bikes. I doubt there was ever any serious belief behind it. <br /><br />Two more plausible reasons for loud pipes would be attention getting (look at me, look at me, look at me), power, and the "F you" effect. All those are rooted in needs that don't respond too well to logic or common courtesy.<br /><br />This weekend I have been riding a Ducati HyperMotard with an aftermarket Termignoni exhaust. I ride with foam earplugs and the engine had a deep, deep rumble. I wanted to experience the sound directly, took the plugs out and went holy hell that's loud. I was so embarrassed that I took the back way home so I could kill the engine at the top of the hill and coast home.<br /><br />Loud Pipes... I'm an offender now. At least until I get my Vespa back.<br /><br />Steve Williams<br /><a href="http://vespalx150.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Scooter in the Sticks</a>Steve Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04540977884513559091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-19383022206602406192009-09-06T05:06:22.824-07:002009-09-06T05:06:22.824-07:00Great post and right on the mark! As someone else ...Great post and right on the mark! As someone else once said, if safety is the ultimate objective, why aren't all those guys (and gals, too) wearing day-glo orange vests and bright white helmets - if they're wearing a helmet at all. Makes no sense whatsoever, but it has been presented as "fact" for so long some folks actually believe it.Canajunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17529505799866207528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-43289695758441439392009-09-05T19:00:20.840-07:002009-09-05T19:00:20.840-07:00I have a friend who installs loud horns on all his...I have a friend who installs loud horns on all his motorcycles. He also rides in peoples blind spots and uses his horns liberally when they naturally start to cut him off. Personally I prefer to drive defensively (intelligently) and not even know if my horn even works.kz1000sthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10322913253825488007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-33397995073621071752009-09-04T14:05:52.211-07:002009-09-04T14:05:52.211-07:00Great read and I have to say that I've never s...Great read and I have to say that I've never subscribed to the "Loud pipes save lives" theory. I think that in certain circumstances it may help make the rider more visible but definitely not all (that boy-racer with his stereo on 10 etc). Nothing beats keeping your eyes and ears peeled and wits about you.<br /><br />Both my bikes run standard mufflers - at this stage...Andrew Thomsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00716829007873864871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-60583168816783985822009-09-03T19:16:58.011-07:002009-09-03T19:16:58.011-07:00Dear Dean (Via IronDad):
Just the other day, I ha...Dear Dean (Via IronDad):<br /><br />Just the other day, I had a gentleman explain to me how loud pipes saves lives. This same, well-intentioned individual told me I was virtually asking for a broken neck or a collar bone by wearing a full-face helmet. <br /><br />I thanked him for the information, and for taking the time to explain it to me. People ride motorcycles for a lot of reasons, many of which are questionable, though valid in theory. It has been my limited experience that it would be easier to change a person's sexual orientation than to change their minds on loud pipes. <br /><br />My last bike had twin FIAMM screamers under the fairing. I chased a guy on some cruiser one day, to tell him that his saddle bags were open, spewing contents on the road. I got to within eight feet of this rider, who was unable to hear those horns blaring. <br /><br />My new horn, not yet installed, is a Steibel/Nautilus Compact Air Horn. These suckers draw 18 amps when you hit the button and need a big fuse. They also need to be installed in an upright position, with the intake to the rear, or it dramatically shortens the life of the horn. I mention this as it complicates the installation.<br /><br />To the gentleman who maintained loud pipes save lives, I asked why then do we not all just blow our horns every 90 seconds or so, and reduce the mortality rate by half. His reply, "that would be rude and annoying."<br /><br />I thought Dean was a man's name, but you certainly look cute in the PJ's shirt. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack <br />Twisted RoadsJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-66919825310738311932009-09-03T16:24:41.192-07:002009-09-03T16:24:41.192-07:00Dean, I read that article and thought someone shou...Dean, I read that article and thought someone should put a steel toed put in the crack of his butt.<br /><br />as far as the Steibel:<br />http://www.bikerhiway.com/stebel-nautilus-compact-motorcycle-air-horn-black-p-869.html?utm_medium=frgl&utm_source=froogle&language=en<br /><br />best $36 you'll ever spend.<br /><br />-PeaceAllen Maddinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03975320122826127770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-47586707699485266412009-09-03T08:55:52.325-07:002009-09-03T08:55:52.325-07:00"Texas rider who is suing his dealership for ..."<i>Texas rider who is suing his dealership for forcing him to use the front brake and causing a crash</i>" <br /><br />O.<br />M.<br />G.<br /><br />I found this news article on him: <br />http://www.setexasrecord.com/printer/article.asp?c=220427<br /><br />Yes, the shop should have reattached the brake right, but c'mon! A big heavy bike like that & he doesn't know how to use the front brake?<br /><br />What an idiot!Krysta in MKEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07101287869577972478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-92009943583148131922009-09-03T06:53:39.820-07:002009-09-03T06:53:39.820-07:00Dean, thanks for the post. It's a refreshing b...Dean, thanks for the post. It's a refreshing break from Irondad. Just kidding.<br />Love that orange T-shirtcpa3485https://www.blogger.com/profile/00031439889267356735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-90564768487157805282009-09-03T05:50:21.248-07:002009-09-03T05:50:21.248-07:00I like a quiet bike. The engine is a beautiful so...I like a quiet bike. The engine is a beautiful sound which gets interrupted by the sounds of loud exhaust. I like to hear the valves, listen to the transmission's natural whine. The gurgle of the pipe(s) should be a tone balanced to the rest of what you hear.<br /><br />Every bike I own has stock exhaust. From the Japanese bikes to the Harley to the Vespas.<br /><br />So be a little vain. Check yourself out in somebody elses mirrors hehe.<br /><br />HarvAmerican Scooterist Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16175082275638635145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-34490574914233205292009-09-02T13:44:03.391-07:002009-09-02T13:44:03.391-07:00Thanks for the link-- that's a strong setup!Thanks for the link-- that's a strong setup!Poustmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08349499434269961190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-12260216264639059932009-09-02T11:09:13.742-07:002009-09-02T11:09:13.742-07:00I have a semi loud set of pipes depending on which...I have a semi loud set of pipes depending on which of my neighbors you talk to. They have never helped people to see me in all the time I've been on the road. Around here I think it's a frieudian thing with people. I too have better horns. Mine are off and older Impala and they do grab attention. Thanks for the article. I enjoyed it.<br />John<br />http://bikin-ridin-nwa.blogspot.comJohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06905696451133098621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-52696833535042016692009-09-02T10:00:29.909-07:002009-09-02T10:00:29.909-07:00Well said.Well said.Stacyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04582046943770681695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-9135109086140625772009-09-02T09:27:14.579-07:002009-09-02T09:27:14.579-07:00Horns- also look up Stebel Compact Nautilus. Whee!...Horns- also look up <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stebel-Nautilus-Compact-Motorcycle-Horn/dp/B000NPRTII" rel="nofollow">Stebel Compact Nautilus</a>. Whee!Dean Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00312658128426614145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-86540920865153602192009-09-02T09:16:28.030-07:002009-09-02T09:16:28.030-07:00Krysta- It's worse than that. I don't know...Krysta- It's worse than that. I don't know if NHTSA asks the right questions, but Oregon data shows that about 2/3 of motorcycle crashes (fatalities) here occur in corners- and about half of those are multi-vehicle. Most frequently, the motorcyclist commits a "lane violation" and crosses into oncoming traffic.<br /><br />Poustman- The horns I have are "Magnum Blaster" horns, acquired at a local auto parts store. They actually can be found by any of several names- "Freeway Blaster" and "Fiamms Blaster" are also common. They're made by Fiamms. <a href="http://www.fjrtech.com/getdbitem.cfm?item=46" rel="nofollow">Here's a link</a> on how-to and a photo comparing the stock horn to the replacement.<br /><br />Allen- I'll ponder ape hangers. Meanwhile, there was a news story this past week about a Texas rider who is suing his dealership for forcing him to use the front brake and causing a crash.Dean Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00312658128426614145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-90129444272183575542009-09-02T08:52:01.568-07:002009-09-02T08:52:01.568-07:00ok...with that myth debunked, how about "Ape ...ok...with that myth debunked, how about "Ape Hanger save lives" ?? :)<br /><br />-PeaceAllen Maddinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03975320122826127770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-30963197014420436622009-09-02T08:43:37.253-07:002009-09-02T08:43:37.253-07:00Any links for where to purchase those Electra horn...Any links for where to purchase those Electra horns?Poustmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08349499434269961190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-57760050165346139622009-09-02T07:59:51.075-07:002009-09-02T07:59:51.075-07:00damn good information and dead on....I've lear...damn good information and dead on....I've learned to ride so that no matter what the cars around me do, there's no way they can actually hit me....it's not be visible, its be un-hittable...or as near as you can be.....<br /><br />here's where the above concept was formally introduced, though it's been there in all the training I've gone through...<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-14097-Colorado-Motorcycle-Travel-Examiner~y2009m7d5-Good-commentary-re-HiViz" rel="nofollow">LINK</a><br /><br />when cars are near me, my thumb is near the horn button or if I foresee a possible "event".<br /><br />loud pipes don't save lives but they do irritate the crap out of everyone around you....and then those irritated people paint all motorcycle riders with the same brush....not good.<br /><br />now, if we could only make this a part of getting a driver's license for the first time or renewed....ride a motorcycle/scooter in city traffic for one week.....redlegsrideshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10927757855921321097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-73392986675324375292009-09-02T07:22:09.394-07:002009-09-02T07:22:09.394-07:00Like many things, the phrase "Loud Pipes save...Like many things, the phrase "Loud Pipes saves Lives" is a flimsy justification for a something that a group of people want. In this case, it has reached a point where it has become something that people actually believe. <br /><br />The sad but true statement is that we could save alot more lives by going back in time and relearning lost skills:<br /><br />Courtesy being the most important. <br /><br />Think about the lives that could be saved by simply slowing down, using blinkers and turning off the cell phones to *gasp* pay attention to the act of driving. <br /><br />Since that isn't going to happen, we have to be proactive about protecting ourselves. That makes 'easy' things like loud pipes sound attractive, but they aren't for all of the above mentioned reasons, as well as a few more; the active antagonism and hostility they breed from driver and other riders being on the list.<br /><br />Modulating headlights and running with your brights are also 'easy' solutions with little proof that they work, and plenty of questions about if they create additional risks.<br /><br />It really is too bad that we don't have wide spread PSA's and more people riding to expand the awareness of us.Dru_https://www.blogger.com/profile/11080039177313670696noreply@blogger.com