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Rider Safety

The EPA also considered the issue of “noise visibility,” as popularized by the slogan, “loud pipes save lives.” This is the theory that a small group of motorcyclists believes they are making themselves more conspicuous to other motorists in traffic by modifying their motorcycle exhaust systems to produce an excessive level of exhaust noise. The EPA concluded that the proposed noise emissions regulations would have no effect on rider safety. They did, however, voice their opinion on this “noise visibility” theory:

“Motorcyclists who are depending on the noise generated from their machines to provide a necessary warning to other road users are gambling with their own safety^[1].”

Although it may seem obvious that the noise emitted by loud motorcycle exhaust systems would aid in conspicuity and cause more watchful driving by other motorists, in reality there has not been a single thoughtful study done that supports this theory. To the contrary, there are several available via the Internet that prove otherwise.

Oddly enough, the two types of motorcycles that most often use loud exhaust systems (cruisers and sport bikes) are significantly overrepresented in crash data (accidents per type of vehicle, per mile)^[2].

1. Docket Analysis for the Noise Emission Regulations for Motorcycle and Motorcycle Exhaust Systems, section 9, p. 5 (hereinafter “Docket Analysis”).
2. Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures, Volume 1 (the “Hurt Report”).