[dubojr1]

Originally Posted by Alex

Sarcasm noted, and attributed appropriately. What it comes down to is if a rider is depending on other people on the road to actively do something or not do something to keep the rider safe, the rider is already way behind the curve on their own understanding of how to keep themselves alive. Thinking a loud exhaust is some talisman that will keep people from merging into you, prevent them from pulling out in front of you, prevent them from drifting over while they are in their own haze; this type of thinking is done by riders with not enough miles under their belt. Simple as that.

With experience and maturity, comes the realization that the only thing that can keep you safe is your own awareness, skills, and ever attentiveness while on the road. The problem with the whole loud pipes issue is that even if there is one case where someone can point to "Aha! They heard my pipe and moved over!", that's not a lifesaving measure. It's another motorist with the thought of "great, another f*cking loud-ass motorcycle. What an a-hole." The cumulative weight of all of those experiences does a heck of a lot more to decrease our safety. It's why the AMA has changed their tune. It's why states are getting on the bandwagon of more noise legislation. It's why motorcycles are banned from some private subdivisions.

But don't worry, nobody expects anyone to change their mind by reading threads like this. Eventually everybody grows up and gets it on their own.

Well said Alex!