We Admit to Speeding, But What About Pipes?

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

The poll for May is closed, but a new June poll has been posted asking for reaction to loud exhaust pipes. Before getting into that issue, the May results…

By an overwhelming majority, 84 percent of voters suggested that posted speed limits are meant to be ignored. While 63 percent admitted to routinely riding five to 10 miles over the posted speed limit, an additional 16 percent said they ride more than 10 miles above the speed limit, and five percent said they ride as fast as they can. Only 16 percent of voters said they obey the law.

Are these results surprising? Probably not. Much of the fun of riding is twisting the throttle, especially coming out of corners.

Not part of the fun of riding are loud exhaust pipes. If you’ve ever ridden behind someone with loud pipes, you know why. Even though the science says otherwise, I’ve had riders insist to me over the years that “loud pipes save lives” because drivers and pedestrians “hear you coming.”

Maybe I’m getting crotchety, but loud pipes have become increasingly offensive the longer I’ve ridden. Lately, I’ve taken to yelling “Asshole!” whenever someone with a window-jarring exhaust noise rides by, which makes me rude as well. I’m all for personal freedom and expression, but not when it intrudes from a distance.

Which brings us the June poll question. It begins “Do you think loud pipes…” There are six choices on the ballot and you’re welcome to check as many as you like.