Targeting bike with loud exhausts

[Toaster]

What's this I hear (in true hearsay form of course) from those in blue that Harleys with straight-throughs (and anything else on 2 wheels that is "too loud") are being targeted for being too loud.

Thanks to years of media attention to and the noisy misbehaviour of idiot tossers in poofy little wet pants jap cars with blow dryers for exhausts that they take the noise issue out on us bikers.

Bikes SHOULD be loud. Loud and beautiful beasts of all makes and models as long as it has two wheels!

[MadDuck]

Bikes SHOULD be loud.

Hell yeah! And my new pipes sound sooooo sweet. :niceone:

Took the last ones off as they were setting car alarms off and that wasnt too good for the neighbours or my ears

[AllanB]

Ah crap here we go :(

Personally I like a nice deep tone - not loud enough to piss off your neighbour, but just enough to hear when you are spinning around the hills.

And personally one of the shittiest bike sounds is a HD with open drag pipes. NOTE I said OPEN ie no baffles - just a vacuum cleaner hose.

Another of the nice sounding bikes is a HD with a set of modest deep sounding pipes - sweet - a nice rumble that does not assault the ears and sound like it needs a bloody good tune.

And Ducatis - hmmm nice

A nice inline 4 with a mellow baffled pipe sounds powerful.

Triumph triples - now there is a sound to behold.

[jimbo600]

well my old K6 gsxr was pretty damn loud. But I kept the noise down in built up areas and in traffic. Never got stopped. I'd burble thought towns in 5th in order to keep the peace. Never had anyone complain either. Had many compliments but.

[R6_kid]

Kiss goodbye to your GSXR750k6/7 then, there are a number of RACETRACKS in the UK where they are deemed 'too loud', even with standard exhausts, and the tests are almost identical to the ones that are set to be used here.

[Kwakajack]

I am the same, full Arrow race exhaust on my 98 Kawasaki ZX6R, rev her hard and she'll scream nicely, but potter about town a gear higher than normal and the noise isn't much above stock. In saying that, its only as quiet as my wrist lets her be . . .

[Gremlin]

I know its a cruiser thread, but I voted anyway, the racefit growler should beat just about anything else on the road anyway.

No warnings, haven't been spoken to. However, currently, its lucky to see the light of day three to four times a month, and if I have removed the baffle, I scuttle into the country side asap, so I have less chance of upsetting the city :lol:

[terbang]

Vee twins (not the split singles) sound bloody awesome with a rowdy pipe. So does a howling four.

[vifferman]

Yerp.
But there are too many bikes where the object is just to say, "LOOK AT ME!! I have a very noisy bike to make up for my very tiny penis!"
Drag pipes on Harleys (or other crusiers) sound like poo - they're not tuned, just noisy.
I'd imagine almost all of the targeting of noisy bikes has been brought about by the seemingly mandatory fitting (and, incredibly, the warranting!) of overly loud, obnoxious pipes to crusiers. They sound very like a tractor that the exhaust's fallen off.
So we all suffer restrictions for the selfishness of the few.

[/rant]
Phew!! That feels better...

[Kiwi Graham]

Iv'e got standard looking screaming eagle pipes on the Harley, they have a very modest baffle that just rumbles away as you potter around town but if you give her a handful you get a satisfying V twin roar!*#? The straight through pipes are too loud and intrusive. There is a difference between attracting attention :yes: and 'attracting attention'!! :argh:

[Toaster]

I bought slip ons for the bike as it was cheaper than buying a whole new system after the crash. Here I was thinking it would only make it a little more "rumbly" ... Geez.... started her up and.... boy I'm so gonna get busted!

[Fatjim]

Kiss goodbye to your GSXR750k6/7 then, there are a number of RACETRACKS in the UK where they are deemed 'too loud', even with standard exhausts, and the tests are almost identical to the ones that are set to be used here.


Yeah, but Jimbos wasn't stock. But Fark it was great.

I too hate the sound of HD's. Never really heard one that sounds nice. They just sound like a poorly designed motor trying real hard to play cool. I've had better sound shits.

[Qkchk]

Drag pipes on Harleys (or other crusiers) sound like poo - they're not tuned, just noisy.


Meh................?


I too hate the sound of HD's. Never really heard one that sounds nice. They just sound like a poorly designed motor trying real hard to play cool. I've had better sound shits.

:whistle:

[MSTRS]

Kiss goodbye to your GSXR750k6/7 then, there are a number of RACETRACKS in the UK where they are deemed 'too loud', even with standard exhausts, and the tests are almost identical to the ones that are set to be used here.

Under 100dB on a motorcycle is the (new) rule. Do you fully understand just how loud that is? There's not many that will go over that.
My 750 Srad with it's Yoshi TRS is only 87dB at the required revs

[Gremlin]

Under 100dB on a motorcycle is the (new) rule. Do you fully understand just how loud that is? There's not many that will go over that.
Fact: stock, gixxers are failing at trackdays in the UK. They have varying limits, from track to track, yes, but stock bikes are still not passing. If I remember correctly, some of the gixxers are coming out stamped 102db.

As for going over that, I'm quite sure its a small hurdle for me, and while most say it sounds awesome, yes, it does create a whole new level of loud (to the point that night rides playing with boy racers require the baffle in, otherwise we would be easy pickings). Pics in the link in sig, if you aren't familiar with Racefit.

[vifferman]

Kiss goodbye to your GSXR750k6/7 then, there are a number of RACETRACKS in the UK where they are deemed 'too loud', even with standard exhausts, and the tests are almost identical to the ones that are set to be used here.
Kinda pointless restricting some bikes and not others, given that MotoGP bikes have no such restrictions.

[Gremlin]

Kinda pointless restricting some bikes and not others, given that MotoGP bikes have no such restrictions.
its not so much restricting bikes, its the rules the track has to comply with, to meet requirements set out by the local council. If they exceed the restrictions... bye bye track days. The rules vary from track to track, but generally they can hold x number of days, where noise cannot exceed one level, then they have some louder days (fewer numbers of those etc).

Confusing part for those attending, is that the way they measure, and the limit varies from track to track, and quite a few companies running them do not provide refunds if you are denied time on the track if the bike is too loud. If people have travelled to it, they have accomodation expenses etc, gets very expensive for a road trip and no track time :buggerd:

[MSTRS]

This talk of being denied at tracks in the UK applies here too. Varies as well. I don't know what the test procedure is here at trackside though.
But the point of this thread was to do with roadbikes, particularly cruisers with straight pipes. For WOF compliancy there is still a great deal of subjective 'testing' going on (ie the the tester decides if he thinks it is too loud - perhaps they lose hearing with a little foldie slipped into the pocket?). If 'failed' by the WOF tester, you have to take your bike to a LVV centre for an objective dB test with a meter. I believe the set-up is the meter positioned about 2m behind your bike and revs set to around halfway between idle and redline. If it passes, you get a authorised tag attached to your exhaust. If it fails, go baffle it (a bit).

[Ixion]

Fact: stock, gixxers are failing at trackdays in the UK. They have varying limits, from track to track, yes, but stock bikes are still not passing. If I remember correctly, some of the gixxers are coming out stamped 102db.

...

A reminder that , as far as NZ Wofs are concerned, they CANNOT refer you if the exhaust is stock OEM. If its damaged or defective, they can fail you on a 'defective exhaust', but they can only do the "You need a LVV mod cert" thing is the exhaust (any part of it) is modified or not standard OEM (NB OEM means what the manufactirer designed , not what was on it when the dealer sold it) . No matte rhow loud it is. So if the gixxer is 102dB that's fine, so long as it still has the stock system in good nick.

[The Lone Rider]

What do I tick in the vote thing if I got pulled over for speeding, but they pulled me over because the bike was so loud they knew I was speeding - and then after giving me the speeding ticket noticed the pipes and then chucked in a fine for the pipes also.

[bmz2]

OK got stopped the other day , more to point, the cop wanted to know what the bike it was, he pointed out to me he thought the bike was to load, so a little warning to me keep the revs low , bloody cop wanted a ride.... like shit, you drop it you own it.

But heres the real deal any bloody trying to break a land speed record should do it NOW , if the fools have it their way, every bike ,car will be restricted to the max, you will need NOS just to get to the legal speed limit

[AlBundy]

We all know Hardleys don't handle, so one of the few bits of enjoyment their owners get, is to make a lot of noise from standstill.

Now for them, they will obviously see this as negative but sometimes it can be downright offensive, having to listen to it...

As stated before, a deep rumble is good but some of them are just too much of a loud crackle...

I'm surprised Harleys have got away with it for so long...

[alanzs]

Harley tried to patent the sound their bikes make. They were unsuccessful. How can you patent "potato, potato, potato, potato?" :hug:

[jafar]

The decibel restriction is still quite high so most won't be affected. :whistle:

If you have loud pipes better have the baffles in when it is WOF time ;)

[The Lone Rider]

Harley tried to patent the sound their bikes make. They were unsuccessful. How can you patent "potato, potato, potato, potato?" :hug:

They were able to patent aspects of the design that were key to getting that sound however.

Honda's ACE was an attempt to copy it, using.. I guess you could call it.. "clever" engineering with the crankshaft or something.

I like loud bikes.

As long as they aren't being ridden at night when people are sleeping, I'm all for drag pipes. Even open ones although I quickly got tired of the open drags I had on my last bike.

I thought the noise problem stemmed from the noise a lot of the boy racer cars make - and the boy racers are particularly problematic not only for the dangerous behavior but also the noise they make. Particularly when they congregate in groups at night.. or even the fact alone that their social culture IS driving around at night.

[MXNUT]

A reminder that , as far as NZ Wofs are concerned, they CANNOT refer you if the exhaust is stock OEM. If its damaged or defective, they can fail you on a 'defective exhaust', but they can only do the "You need a LVV mod cert" thing is the exhaust (any part of it) is modified or not standard OEM (NB OEM means what the manufactirer designed , not what was on it when the dealer sold it) . No matte rhow loud it is. So if the gixxer is 102dB that's fine, so long as it still has the stock system in good nick.
NOT CORRECT,as of the 1st July 2008 it does not matter if the exhaust system is stock or factory. If it exceeds the maximum level ( which varies depending on the number of cylinders ) then you can be refused a Wof or be made by a police officer to have a subjective noise test.The subjective noise test can ONLY be carried out by a specialist LVV certifier with a far more accurate noise meter than wof agents/testing stations use and the cost for this subjective noise test is around $120.00

[Ixion]

Argue with LTSA. That's their official statement to BRONZ. Which agrees with the VIRM



Modification
6. A class LE, MA, MB, MC, MD1, MD2 or NA vehicle that
has been modified so as to increase its exhaust noise
output must have the exhaust system inspected,
tested and certified by an LVV specialist certifier,
unless:
a) the increased noise output is clearly below
(Note 3) the applicable noise limits, and
b) has been inspected in accordance with the
requirements in this manual, including those for
equipment, condition and performance.



Tania Luckow at Land Transport NZ is the person you want to argue with.

Cf this post (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1590998&highlight=OEM#post1590998)

EDIT: Note taht this does NOT apply to a VIN "WoF".

[gunrunner]

But do have a mate with a Bandit with aftermarket exhaust and has been warned from a local motorcycle shop (who will remain nameless) to change it .:2guns:

[Timber020]

A while back I was picking up some gear and was waiting at a crossing wearing my bike gear with my helmet on my arm along with about 15 kindergarten kids with handlers.
2 harleys pull up on the red light, we get the green walk signal and start crossing. These two guys old enough to know better start reving what could only have been open pipes. They were LOUD. I work with chainsaws and chippers all day and it was hurting my ears.
The kids start screaming and scatter, trying to get away from the noise in all directions, up the street, between cars, etc with handlers desperately trying to control them. I give chase to two little kids running up the street where cars in another part of the intersection are on green so are moving. I get one under my arm and nab the other by his tigger the tiger hoody.
Bikes are still reving.

I get the kids to the footpath and drop em at the feet of one of the handlers and im as angry as all hell, I turned and ran towards the gits, I didnt know what I was going to do but someone was going to regret it, but the light turns green and the bikes take off, leaving a pissed off guy in bike gear standing in traffic, alot of pissed off pedistrians and some really scared and crying kids.

One of the handlers who is also a client of mine looked at my gear and asked me "those friends of yours?"

Ive Never felt embarrassed to be a motorcyclists before. Its not just the boy racers making this law get enforced.

[Darth Fader]

Howzit all, I don't know if there are many Boulevards M1800R's down your way, but I've just removed my baffles from the stock pipes as I do not think that the aftermarket Cobra's do anything for the bike, except make the bike look crap. The sound now is not intrusive, unless I REALLY twist the throttle, but a lovely DEEP rumble...something like a thunder storm coming down the road behind those sleepy cagers. It most certailny wakes them up, but so far, the neighbours have not yet complained. Anyone else with a Boullie??

DF

[MSTRS]

NOT CORRECT,as of the 1st July 2008 it does not matter if the exhaust system is stock or factory. If it exceeds the maximum level ( which varies depending on the number of cylinders ) then you can be refused a Wof or be made by a police officer to have a subjective noise test.The subjective noise test can ONLY be carried out by a specialist LVV certifier with a far more accurate noise meter than wof agents/testing stations use and the cost for this subjective noise test is around $120.00

And neither are you exactly correct...the real deal is here http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/vehicle-ownership/noisy-vehicle.html
Point of order...subjective means "in the opinion of...' objective means 'quantified by (eg) machine...'

[Toaster]

And neither are you exactly correct...the real deal is here http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/vehicle-ownership/noisy-vehicle.html
Point of order...subjective means "in the opinion of...' objective means 'quantified by (eg) machine...'

Very helpful link :) Thanks for posting that.:niceone:

[Deano]

So if some stock Gixxers are putting out 102dB and the limit is 100dB how are they getting the original VIN when they are brought into the country ?

[MSTRS]

So if some stock Gixxers are putting out 102dB and the limit is 100dB how are they getting the original VIN when they are brought into the country ?

Tis truly one of life's little mysteries....

[jafar]

Tis truly one of life's little mysteries....

The other one being why would anyone want a stock gixxer in the first place ?:devil2:

[MSTRS]

Stock anything, when you get right down to it.

[jafar]

Stock anything, when you get right down to it.

Eggzachery. stock is boring :shit:



:moon:

[Ixion]

Tis truly one of life's little mysteries....

I can explain that.

The rules require that if TESTED for a VIN the bike must generate less than 100dB

But, not every vehicle brought into the country is separately tested. There is an alternative

For NEW vehicles (including bikes) LTSA accept the manufacturers declaration that the vehicle complies with one (or more) foreign standards. So, Suzuki send along to LTNZ a letter saying "The GSXR1000 complies with noise standard blah blah blah". LTNZ say "OK then, all good".

Bear in mind that the 102dB almost certainly won't be measured the same way as our test. So 102dB on the foreign test protocol (whatever that is) might be more or less when measured our way.

Yes. It is stupid. No, I don't know what wally invented such a silly arrangement.

It's all set out below. Note my emphases, which are important.



It is estimated that five percent of standard vehicles (approximately 130,000 vehicles in the New Zealand fleet) tested on the tail-pipe noise test are above 90dBA, but these standard vehicles will continue to be allowed to enter, and operate within, the New Zealand fleet, provided they have passed a recognised overseas noise standard and have not since been modified.



(Rule is here (http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/rules/vehicle-equipment-amendment-2007.html))
# Noise output of vehicles entering service
# “2.7(4) The noise output from a Class LC, LD, LE, MA, MB, MC, MD1, MD2 or NA motor vehicle that is entering service in New Zealand must not exceed:
# “(a) the maximum decibel level prescribed in Schedule 2 when tested in accordance with the vehicle drive-by test prescribed in:

1. “(i) ISO 362, Measurement of Noise Emitted by Vehicles; or
2. “(ii) BS 3425, Method for the Measurement of Noise Emitted by Motor Vehicles; or
3. “(iii) SAE J1470, Measurement of Noise Emitted by Accelerating Highway Vehicles; or
4. “(iv) ADR 28/01, External Noise of Motor Vehicles; or
5. “(v) TRIAS 20, Noise test procedure for motor vehicles (measurement procedure for acceleration running noise level); or

# “(b) the maximum decibel level prescribed in Schedule 3 when tested in accordance with the Low Volume Vehicle Code.
# “2.7(5) The noise output from a Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB or NC motor vehicle that is entering service in New Zealand must not exceed the maximum decibel level prescribed in Schedule 2 when tested in accordance with a method approved by the Director by notice in the Gazette and, a vehicle drive-by test referred to in 2.7(4)(a)(i)-(v) is deemed to be an approved method.
# “2.7(6) A vehicle is deemed to comply with 2.7(4)(a) and 2.7(5) if:

1. “(a) the vehicle was manufactured so as not to exceed the maximum decibel level prescribed in Schedule 2; and
2. “(b) the vehicle has not been modified such as to increase the noise output from the exhaust system.

# “2.7(7) A vehicle manufactured before 1 January 1985 is not required to comply with subclause 2.7(4) or 2.7(5) if the vehicle has not been modified such as to increase the noise output from the exhaust system.
# “Noise output of vehicles operated in service
# “2.7(8) The noise output from the exhaust system of a motor vehicle that is operated in service:

* “(a) must, in the case of a Class LC, LD, LE, MA, MB, MC, MD1, MD2 or NA vehicle:
“(i) be less than, or similar to, the noise output from the vehicle’s original exhaust system at the time of the vehicle’s manufacture; or
“(ii) not exceed the maximum decibel level prescribed in Schedule 3, when tested in accordance with the Low Volume Vehicle Code;
* “(b) must not, in the case of any other motor vehicle, be noticeably and significantly louder than the noise output from the vehicle’s original exhaust system at the time of the vehicle’s manufacture.



What all that waffle means is :

When the bike is new it must EITHER be certified by the maker as passing one of those standards (the ISO, SAE shit) OR pass the NZ test. Almost all new bikes will be approved on the basis of the certified by the maker bit.

And, in service it must either not be any louder than when new (which, if it has a standard zorst in good nick, should logically be the case) OR pass the NZ test

So, in theory, all new vehicles entering the country should be sufficiently quiet: and if they are not modified and kept in good condition logically will still be quiet when tested for WoF. If they ARE modified , they (probably) need a LVV cert. And if not in good condition, need to be repaired. All quite elegant, really.

Hence, a vehicle with a good condition standard exhaust cannot be rejected. Because that would mean that either the makers (eg Suzuki) could be done for telling porkies int he certification declaration: or LTNZ could be done for passing a non-compliant vehicle at point of entry.

It may get a bit trickier with really old vehicles, from the days before all this crap was invented.

[MSTRS]

So, in theory, all new vehicles entering the country should be sufficiently quiet: and if they are not modified and kept in good condition logically will still be quiet when tested for WoF. If they ARE modified , they (probably) need a LVV cert. And if not in good condition, need to be repaired. All quite elegant, really.



This is the bit that most seem to be having trouble with. As I understand from LTSAs own rules, is that the WOF tester still applies a subjective noise evaluation and will insist on a proper LVV test if he 'thinks' it's too loud. 100dB being deemed to be the maximum legal noise level.

[avgas]

Yep i got pulled over when i had my GB400.......had to turn it off to hear the cop.
Sounded feckn awesome - made the harleys seem rather tame

[vifferman]

This is the bit that most seem to be having trouble with. As I understand from LTSAs own rules, is that the WOF tester still applies a subjective noise evaluation and will insist on a proper LVV test if he 'thinks' it's too loud. 100dB being deemed to be the maximum legal noise level.
Well, that actually makes sense, if you think about it.
It's unrealistic to expect all WOFfers or pleece to carry certified testing equipment AND to test in a manner that satisfies the regulations. So... it's easier for go "If in doubt, chuck it out!", fail it if they think it's too loud, then refer it to the proper outlet for proper noise testing. It saves them the hassles of backing up their opinion with a verified test themselves, and shifts that resposibility (and expense) elsewhere.
The alternative is that every vehicle is tested every time it goes for a WOF.

However, the really dumb thing about all this noise emissions palaver is that there is a similar situation for exhasut gas emissions testing, but it apparently is not being done. I'm staggered by the number of vehicles on the road that spew out clouds of fumes, apparently with no agency doing anything about it.

[MSTRS]

It's unrealistic to expect all WOFfers or pleece to carry certified testing equipment AND to test in a manner that satisfies the regulations.


However, the really dumb thing about all this noise emissions palaver is that there is a similar situation for exhasut gas emissions testing, but it apparently is not being done. I'm staggered by the number of vehicles on the road that spew out clouds of fumes, apparently with no agency doing anything about it.

I talked to the guys at OnRoad testing station here...they will not be purchasing any equipment for such tests (expense, training in use of, constant calibration etc) - their reply to 'too loud' is "Haven't come across one yet - even Harley's with straight pipes":2thumbsup
The smoky vehicle thing has been in force for a while now...those cars you see may not have WOFs

I also talked with the only LVV Certifier in the Bay, and he told me he'd just put a plaque on to satisfy the 'pricks in Welly'...he told me that tested under the insisted upon conditions a Holden Senator would fail

[peasea]

I talked to the guys at OnRoad testing station here...they will not be purchasing any equipment for such tests (expense, training in use of, constant calibration etc) - their reply to 'too loud' is "Haven't come across one yet - even Harley's with straight pipes":2thumbsup
The smoky vehicle thing has been in force for a while now...those cars you see may not have WOFs

I also talked with the only LVV Certifier in the Bay, and he told me he'd just put a plaque on to satisfy the 'pricks in Welly'...he told me that tested under the insisted upon conditions a Holden Senator would fail

Quite likely.
I attended a session of 'noise testing' a while back and a brand new Turbo'd Falcon (Typhoon) was over the limit. That was with the gear set at the right distance, angle etc and other vehicles tested at the time were right where the manufacturers said they should be. So, from that I'd say the methodology and equipment were reasonably accurate.

There are too many grey areas with all this crap but generally speaking if your exhaust isn't too over the top and the WOF dude is a reasonable type you'll be fine. Just don't go screaming into the testing station or fitting an exhaust that is unreasonably loud. That way the 'unresonable' part won't get debated and you're less likely to get hassled, either by the WOF guy or the cops.

[MSTRS]

....if your exhaust isn't too over the top and the WOF dude is a reasonable type you'll be fine. Just don't go screaming into the testing station or fitting an exhaust that is unreasonably loud. That way the 'unresonable' part won't get debated and you're less likely to get hassled, either by the WOF guy or the cops.

Sort of - it's not what you got but how you use it? :dodge:

[peasea]

Sort of - it's not what you got but how you use it? :dodge:

I'd say "to a degree". We all know that pouring it on through town or a sleepy suburb will attract attention, moreso if your exhaust is of a 'dubious nature' so why go there? Thrash the same thing out in the forest and you're less likely to get ticketed. Also, many tweakers and fiddlers add performance oriented intakes, which can add to the noise level of an oncoming machine. Intake noise can be horrendous, so if you're going hard on something that has a noisy induction but a quiet exhaust you could attract attention for 'noise' but not exhaust noise.

Button-off and that same induction will most likely squeeze past the sensitive ear brigade.

[MSTRS]

That assumes that you are out riding. It is a WOF time that things may come to a brickwall.
But did you miss my double entendre? Refer your siggy for a clue...:rolleyes:

[Ixion]

And then JUST when you thought you finally understood it : today they ahve released the draft of NEW regulations, to come into force May next year, which reduce the limits still further . (No, not the 'new' regulations, these are the NEWER new regulations. ) Fortunately they seem mainly focused on cages.

The new proposals are here (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/vehicle-equipment-noise-amendment/draft-vehicle-equipment-noise-amendment.html)

As always, BRONZ will be seeking the opinion of the biker community and making submissions accordingly.

[Toaster]

Howzit all, I don't know if there are many Boulevards M1800R's down your way, but I've just removed my baffles from the stock pipes as I do not think that the aftermarket Cobra's do anything for the bike, except make the bike look crap. The sound now is not intrusive, unless I REALLY twist the throttle, but a lovely DEEP rumble...something like a thunder storm coming down the road behind those sleepy cagers. It most certailny wakes them up, but so far, the neighbours have not yet complained. Anyone else with a Boullie??

DF

Oh yes! and I will post updated pics of the modified bike soon.

[Toaster]

And then JUST when you thought you finally understood it : today they ahve released the draft of NEW regulations, to come into force May next year, which reduce the limits still further . (No, not the 'new' regulations, these are the NEWER new regulations. ) Fortunately they seem mainly focused on cages.

The new proposals are here (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/vehicle-equipment-noise-amendment/draft-vehicle-equipment-noise-amendment.html)

As always, BRONZ will be seeking the opinion of the biker community and making submissions accordingly.

In reading that article I take it our level (i.e. bikes) stays at 100db... correct?

[Toaster]

Stock anything, when you get right down to it.

Silicon bags are a beautiful thing.<_<

[Toaster]

OK got stopped the other day , more to point, the cop wanted to know what the bike it was, he pointed out to me he thought the bike was to load, so a little warning to me keep the revs low , bloody cop wanted a ride.... like shit, you drop it you own it.

I presume you mean the cop wanted to ride the bike?

My pipes are waaaay louder than before the crash dammit. :innocent::woohoo::rockon::done: oh well......

[bmz2]

I presume you mean the cop wanted to ride the bike?

My pipes are waaaay louder than before the crash dammit. :innocent::woohoo::rockon::done: oh well......

I've told you before . The computer and i have a beautiful relationship. i will be voting for more porn on INTERNET:shutup::innocent:

[Toaster]

I've told you before . The computer and i have a beautiful relationship. i will be voting for more porn on INTERNET:shutup::innocent:

Well, there are only so many women I can do on camera in a day mate.... the pay is good though. :shifty:

[bmz2]

Well, there are only so many women I can do on camera in a day mate.... the pay is good though. :shifty:

hmm ,is that why my credit card was maxed out:whistle:

[MSTRS]

In reading that article I take it our level (i.e. bikes) stays at 100db... correct?

Yes. For a stationary test. It introduces a new noise standard...the moving test with lower dB level than the static one.

[SilverGrin]

Talking with a mate today has an '03 750 Honda Shadow and was going for a warrant and got told to get his pipes certified, as a decibel reading came back as 104 db.

Problem is, they are stock standard pipes.

Apparently they made him rev up to 3000rpm, and snap off the throttle.
He said he was told it was the deceleration popping that was over the limit.

As of July 1st this year, there will be literally thousands of bikes illegally on the road.

[twotyred]

Talking with a mate today has an '03 750 Honda Shadow and was going for a warrant and got told to get his pipes certified, as a decibel reading came back as 104 db.

Problem is, they are stock standard pipes.

Apparently they made him rev up to 3000rpm, and snap off the throttle.
He said he was told it was the deceleration popping that was over the limit.

As of July 1st this year, there will be literally thousands of bikes illegally on the road.

welcome to the Global Fascist State of New Zealand...

[Gremlin]

Apparently they made him rev up to 3000rpm, and snap off the throttle. He said he was told it was the deceleration popping that was over the limit.
Trying to remember if those sort of noise spikes are illegal.... I believe they may be, but I think there is some sort of exclusion as to what warrants a void sound etc. If it is not counted, then the result must be excluded. iirc, you have to have multiple tests, and they must be very similar results.

Also may pay to check that they had their device set correctly, as the rules are very specific as to how the device must measure sound.

[honda929]

Time to get out the stock pipes for a warrant then.

[Ixion]

Trying to remember if those sort of noise spikes are illegal.... I believe they may be, but I think there is some sort of exclusion as to what warrants a void sound etc. If it is not counted, then the result must be excluded. iirc, you have to have multiple tests, and they must be very similar results.

Also may pay to check that they had their device set correctly, as the rules are very specific as to how the device must measure sound.




2.8(13)
The result of an exhaust noise emission test of a low volume vehicle must be calculated from the average of three separate and consecutive measurements, each of which must be within 2 dBA of each other.
2.8(14)
The final decibel figure established for a low volume vehicle after an exhaust noise emission test, and application of any applicable factoring specified in 2.9, must be rounded to the nearest whole dBA value.
...
2.8(15)
An unusual or unrelated noise spike or peak that occurs when carrying out an exhaust noise emission sound level test on a low volume vehicle must not be taken into account as part of the test results, in which case the test must be repeated until a satisfactory result is achieved.



And, just for repetition




1.1(2)
This low volume vehicle standard does not apply to:
(a) powered bicycles of Class AB; or
(b) a vehicle that is not powered by an internal combustion engine; or
(c) a production vehicle that retains the vehicle manufacturer’s original equipment exhaust system in unmodified condition; or
(d) a vehicle that has been referred for objective exhaust noise emission testing solely on the basis of exhaust leaks or an exhaust system that is in poor condition; or
(e) those vehicles specified in section 4.[irrelevant]


So, as I have said before, a bike with a good condition STANDARD OEM exhaust cannot be pinged by the new rules. And cannot even legally be tested.


The rulez is here (http://www.lvvta.co.nz/stdExhaustNoiseEmissions.pdf)

[pritch]

Kinda pointless restricting some bikes and not others, given that MotoGP bikes have no such restrictions.

I understood that there was a restriction because originally the 990s had mufflers. Ducati turned up with a minimal item that met the spec, then everybody else followed suit.

Not sure what the limit was but those bikes were bloody loud.

[gunrunner]

Going on poll results so far no 1 fined , sounds like another tax to me :doh:

[xknuts]

The decibel restriction is still quite high so most won't be affected. :whistle:
If you have loud pipes better have the baffles in when it is WOF time ;)

Its not high at all, & a lot are affected

I went to a Muffler shop today to get baffles put in new Slash Ness style pipes. They had their own Db testing equipment. I tested @ 116db with the straight thrus, after baffling still @ 109db. They told me they can do no more and asked for $80.
I'm pissed that new pipes don't necessarily come with baffles ex manufacturer. Looks like steel wool down the pipes for a warrant!:niceone:

[Gremlin]

Well, my Racefit Growler went right through wof... baffle was in, and no mention of the exhaust whatsoever...

Now I just have to not draw attention to myself on the road :whistle:

[McJim]

My exhaust made the WOF people smile.

Everyone loves the sound of my bike. She sings nice for a 6 hundy...and as an air cooled 2 valve per cyl twin the sound measurment only takes place at 3,000 rpm when she really is quite docile.

Daffyd seemed to enjoy her song when I was overtaking cars on the way back from the March Hare though.

[bikerboy011]

Didnt have any problems so far, am lovin the Youshi RS-5 Carbon fiber she growls. All i need now is a pc3 and a tune.

[fLaThEaD FreD]

Trying to remember if those sort of noise spikes are illegal.... I believe they may be, but I think there is some sort of exclusion as to what warrants a void sound etc. If it is not counted, then the result must be excluded. iirc, you have to have multiple tests, and they must be very similar results.

Also may pay to check that they had their device set correctly, as the rules are very specific as to how the device must measure sound.

Where do I go to get a copy of the rules and operating procedures of the testing device?

[Motu]

Where do I go to get a copy of the rules and operating procedures of the testing device?

You should have received an infosheet on test procedure when LTNZ sent out the exhaust rules update for the VIRM....that's of course if you are an AVIC.Private citizens don't test their own WoF's....so you don't need to know.

[jc-vtr]

I am the same, full Arrow race exhaust on my 98 Kawasaki ZX6R, rev her hard and she'll scream nicely, but potter about town a gear higher than normal and the noise isn't much above stock. In saying that, its only as quiet as my wrist lets her be . . .

i have a vtr1000 with two brothers exhausts which just got through a warrant,like you say your throttle is also your noise control the more you give it the louder it goes!:scooter:

[Gremlin]

Where do I go to get a copy of the rules and operating procedures of the testing device?
http://lvvta.org.nz/stdExhaustNoiseEmissions.pdf

[Toaster]

Had mine signed off at 97dB.

[Motu]

I've had a db meter for a week now,and not one single noisy car has come in! But a couple of Harleys have,a Sporty and a Night Train.Unfortunately both had stock systems and put out 90db.Myth busted.

[maybe]

Same sort of laws over here although they seem to leave bikes alone unless you do somthing stupid in front of them, you also have the transport department inspectors that can book you.

[Motu]

I finally got to test a big block with open pipes today,a Soft tail Heritage.It had stamped Harley pipes,but they were obviously gutted - it made that sound the sprotsbike riders love to hate.If we had of cracked it wide open to 5 grand and backed off it would of blown the wind sock clean off my meter - but at a steady 2,500rpm (Aprox) it was as soft and gentle as a kitten - 88db.

Heh,heh - oh don't you just love it when everyone is wrong?

[scumdog]

Got a WOF on the T-Sport last week, stock cans, no guts and stainless-steel end caps with 30mm or so hole in centre.

Passed no sweat.
(and no, I didn't stand over the mechanic, I dropped the bike off and picked it up a couple of hours later)

And Nighthawk, Ghost Bullet etc will vouch it ain't excessive in the noise department.

[Shiny side up]

Just to add my 5c..... I have an old XJ550. the pipes on them rotted out in the first few years. All the one Ive seen now have 4 into 1 pipes with small mufflers. At 4000rpm they start to sing. I used to have a Honda CBX250RS and I repacked the baffels cause I thought I liked a quiet bike. Everyone seemed to jump out in front of me. Now I have learned two things about bikes
The number one safety feature of a bike is the noise. If the cage driver knows you are there he wont ACCEDENTLY change lanes or pull out into you.
Second thing is when the cage driver does somthing stupid, if you button your horn at him he will respond with the finger as he thinks he is safe in his cage. Pull the clutch in and blip 6000 rpm on the old XJ and it unleshes a widow rattleing snarl. The peasent in the cage jumps out of the way and give you a wide birth. He dosent feel so safe when it sounds like you are comming at him as 200kph. Lound (ish) bikes have a built in safety feature, so green sticker me for being too safe, yup that makes good sense - not!

[Grub]

Bikes SHOULD be loud. !

What a load of old bollocks!

By what divine right should bikes be allowed noise pollution when nothing else, either on wheels or not, is allowed to make noise that exceeds 85dB/100dB?

You want motorcycling to get a bad name? You want ALL motorcyclist to be tarred with the "boy racer" label? You want ALL bikers to be thought of as a big fat hairy anti-social sub-class? Go right ahead and ride noisy bikes making the maximum noise from open pipes and open throttle.

[Shiny side up]

What a load of old bollocks!

By what divine right should bikes be allowed noise pollution when nothing else, either on wheels or not, is allowed to make noise that exceeds 85dB/100dB?
.

The right to life!

When other road users (mainly car drivers) learn to use their other senses and stop endagering motorcyclists with their insular stupidity I will happily ride a wisper quite bike. I till then I want to live so I do everything I cant o make them aware of my presence. (Lights, bright clothes, and NOISE)

[Cross Rider]

U raise an interesting point. Low noise bikes especially on the motorways became car skittles. I saw that on the Gold Coast. Overly noisey bikes used just for the loook at mee look at mee riders mean if you need other people to look at you to feel good then perhaps its therapist time. My wife rides a S50, which is a small Suzuki 800 and it does need a little more noise to create car driver awareness. We need to strike a balance without being percieved as being anti social. After all the bike population is very much on the rise.

[Kickaha]

U raise an interesting point. Low noise bikes especially on the motorways became car skittles. I saw that on the Gold Coast. Overly noisey bikes used just for the loook at mee look at mee riders mean if you need other people to look at you to feel good then perhaps its therapist time. My wife rides a S50, which is a small Suzuki 800 and it does need a little more noise to create car driver awareness. We need to strike a balance without being percieved as being anti social. After all the bike population is very much on the rise.

The noise you need to generate for a car driver to become aware of you has to be obnoxiously loud to even be noticed

The whole loud pipes save lives line is bullshit propaganda some people use to justify running them

In my company ute with the radio going and windows up a bike has to be right at the back corner or alongside before I will hear it pretty much regardless of what type of bike it is and what type of pipe it has

When I had my last Ducati with Conti pipes on it made no difference whatsoever to awareness from car drivers

[Cross Rider]

Agreed, you noticed them before you ran them off the road. Not everyone plays loud music, drives a ute or has their windows up. I certainly notice loud trucks, cars and bikes on the road. As I am sure do others. One life spared by another motorist hearing them first is worth it, is it not?

[imdying]

I would wager that most people drive with the windows and stereo up... he's right, loud pipes don't save shit.

[pritch]

Heh,heh - oh don't you just love it when everyone is wrong?

Now now don't get too cocky. I can remember your posts on the topic of standards printed on braided hoses... :whistle:

[Kickaha]

Agreed, you noticed them before you ran them off the road. Not everyone plays loud music, drives a ute or has their windows up. I certainly notice loud trucks, cars and bikes on the road. As I am sure do others. One life spared by another motorist hearing them first is worth it, is it not?

I noticed them at the point where they'd just got themselves into position to be run off the road if I moved over without looking the noise from their pipes made no difference, I drive quite a few different vehicles and especially later model vehicles are very well insulated against exterior sound even if the radio isn't going and I don't have mine loud

I see them in mirrors long before I ever hear them and I don't believe having loud pipes fitted makes any difference and there is no way to tell if they move because of the noise from the pipes or because they actually checked there mirrors

[shoshin]

Yeah, Not so sure that noisy pipes save lives. Don't get me wrong, I love the sound of my HD fitted with V&H. They have the quieter baffles and I still ride inside a wall of sound.
The problem with drivers is that they mostly wont hear you in time, the use of a their sound system will mostly block you out unless you blat your pipes when your on them.
There are also those who use their pipes to get through congested traffic, I see this from my office and it is annoying. It will only annoy drivers who will push for bikes to be included in the policing/ticketing.

So, I have loud pipes and I did the night of a driver pulling out in front of me. I now have a new bike. Did my pipes help? Not in the slightest. But do I want the sound? - that's why I bought the bike.

What we need is simply an anti-revving law.

[Headbanger]

We don't need more laws.

If fuckwits were taken off the road (no matter how many wheels they travelled on) it would be a safer place, But it makes more profit to keep everyone on the road and use them for resource gathering.

[Cross Rider]

Hows the Nightser performing? My wife is keen to get one at some stage.

[duckonin]

Loud pipes save nothing at all, your own senses and ability to ride defensivley save your arse, stay where the mutts can actually see you not in the blind spots, as that is the place you are going to be caught in; get through it fast.., and if you need their attention use what all bikes have .....Your Horn:done:

[Headbanger]

Loud pipes save nothing at all, your own senses and ability to ride defensivley save your arse, stay where the mutts can actually see you not in the blind spots, as that is the place you are going to be caught in; get through it fast.., and if you need their attention use what all bikes have .....Your Horn:done:

I disagree.

Plenty of times a rev of my engine has caused a driver to notice me and curb the lane drift they were in the middle of doing, which would have wiped me out.

If the car driver is not bothering to look or not paying attention then blind-spots are irrelevant.

[doc]

What a load of old bollocks!

By what divine right should bikes be allowed noise pollution when nothing else, either on wheels or not, is allowed to make noise that exceeds 85dB/100dB?

You want motorcycling to get a bad name? You want ALL motorcyclist to be tarred with the "boy racer" label? You want ALL bikers to be thought of as a big fat hairy anti-social sub-class? Go right ahead and ride noisy bikes making the maximum noise from open pipes and open throttle.

This is a pisstake. Please don't tell me you mean this. :(

[carver]

What's this I hear (in true hearsay form of course) from those in blue that Harleys with straight-throughs (and anything else on 2 wheels that is "too loud") are being targeted for being too loud.

Thanks to years of media attention to and the noisy misbehaviour of idiot tossers in poofy little wet pants jap cars with blow dryers for exhausts that they take the noise issue out on us bikers.

Bikes SHOULD be loud. Loud and beautiful beasts of all makes and models as long as it has two wheels!

to be truly tested, it must be tested in a sound chamber

[NighthawkNZ]

i have a vtr1000 with two brothers exhausts which just got through a warrant,like you say your throttle is also your noise control the more you give it the louder it goes!:scooter:

My VTR passed (standard pipes that have had the bafflectomy) passed and did an unofficial test was 95-96db.

Has a nice burble to it nice deep rumble and not the highier frequency putter sound...(which is alot harsher on the ears) the guys at the shop said sounds nice... and they didn't find it offensive...


to be truly tested, it must be tested in a sound chamber

I agree... to get a true and accurate reading, no surrounding noise, no echo etc...

[BMW]

Under 100dB on a motorcycle is the (new) rule. Do you fully understand just how loud that is? There's not many that will go over that.
My 750 Srad with it's Yoshi TRS is only 87dB at the required revs

Alot of HD's will fail that! They did a test on a standard one and it was over 100!!

also the cars notice a noisy bike and hence can not say they did not see you!

[NighthawkNZ]

By what divine right should bikes be allowed noise pollution when nothing else, either on wheels or not, is allowed to make noise that exceeds 85dB/100dB?

Bikes are allowed to be louder for the simple reason that cages have the room for longer pipes, where on a bike it is pretty restrictive... but at the end of the day depends what you call offensive and what I call offensive and what some nambey pambey in Wellington calls offensive...

Frenceny has a lot to do with it as well... the lower the rumble and frequency you would be supprised that most people don't find offensive... the highier closer to that screaming sound they do...

The business across the road the owner is in some car v8 club thing and I am sure that it is more than 90db cars are allowed... (well I reckon it be louder than the vtr) but I personally like the sound of it... (except when he be tunning and reving it at 11pm... :doh:)


You want motorcycling to get a bad name? You want ALL motorcyclist to be tarred with the "boy racer" label? You want ALL bikers to be thought of as a big fat hairy anti-social sub-class? Go right ahead and ride noisy bikes making the maximum noise from open pipes and open throttle.

you mean we ain't already there... :scratch:

[carver]

AVGAS..you got warned?
that FZ is quiet as!
my full micron system is pretty quiet i think!

[reofix]

noisy bikes are like loud women ... fun for the first hour:laugh:

[icekiwi]

AVGAS..you got warned?
that FZ is quiet as!
my full micron system is pretty quiet i think!

Bullshit sheet that came with my Micron sez 107db@7500
Farkem I say...if i toddle along it seems quiet enough give it a squirt...well thats a different story.

ps...Doesn't sound like a Hardley.

[carver]

Bullshit sheet that came with my Micron sez 107db@7500
Farkem I say...if i toddle along it seems quiet enough give it a squirt...well thats a different story.

ps...Doesn't sound like a Hardley.

i feel sorry for any DRZ-sm owner with aftermarket pipes....

my one was very loud!

all singles are hard to keep quiet

[NighthawkNZ]

my Micron sez 107db@7500


yeah but for the test I doubt you would need to rev it to 7500 rpm..

[Jerry74]

Stupid LTSA ruining how a bike should sound

[Rob Taylor]

Just got a warrant on my Heritage with after market slash cuts with minimil baffles.:shit:No problems at all,the noise didnt bother them and i think its loud...:eek:

[naphazoline]

it's probably been mentioned at least once in here somewhere,but i think that bikes should have a louder limit then other vehicles,simply for the safety factor.(and they sound good too)

LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES.
and it's good to know that other motorists can hear you coming.cause they sure is hell don't make an effort to see you coming.

[Max Headroom]

My wife's Buell XB12S was due for a WOF and 16k service, so we took it to Road & Sport about 2 weeks ago. We did an "informal" noise test in their carpark, and even with the race kit the bike registered 99db. They were happy with that, and so were we.

[Kickaha]

LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES.
and it's good to know that other motorists can hear you coming.cause they sure is hell don't make an effort to see you coming.

And from personal experience it's been shown to be bullshit

[Ocean1]

My wife's Buell XB12S was due for a WOF and 16k service, so we took it to Road & Sport about 2 weeks ago. We did an "informal" noise test in their carpark, and even with the race kit the bike registered 99db. They were happy with that, and so were we.

Believe my std race kit zorst has 105dba stamped on it, don't know what standard that's quoted for though. It's not obnoxious, as you know, but it's good to know they can sneak under the limit.

[Headbanger]

And from personal experience it's been shown to be bullshit


well then feel free to use quiet pipes.


Though next time your on the open road in a modern car take the time to gauge the volume of any bikes around you, In my 2007 Hilux I heard most, But I heard the louder bikes sooner and was able to "know" where they were by the sound.

Loud pipes, great stuff, unless stupidly loud.

[The Lone Rider]

You want motorcycling to get a bad name? You want ALL motorcyclist to be tarred with the "boy racer" label? You want ALL bikers to be thought of as a big fat hairy anti-social sub-class? Go right ahead and ride noisy bikes making the maximum noise from open pipes and open throttle.

My experience is the ones most like boy racers are the ones in matching leathers and excessive speed... not noisy bikes. :crazy:

I have had 10 or more bikes show up at my place at various times of the day, no complaints from the neighbors even though they are very tight units. I've had several bikes over the last year including one with SHORTENED drag pipes. Absolutely ruthless sounding bike, no complaints still.

So I guess loud is only irritating for those around if you are riding or using your bike in a manner that will wake or piss off people.

I will admit though, when I come home from work at 11pm on a week night I pull the clutch and flick the engine off and coast up the drive (two walls on each side of drive makes for very very loud bike)

Only problems I've heard of in my area is... the people in bored car exhausts - skylines, and civics and familias.

At least one good thing can be said about loud bikes. I had a flat of boy racers across my drive and those ass holes were revving their motors at like 7 in the morning (i often work evenings). After them doing that more times than I can tolerate over the last few weeks, I got up that morning, opened my garage. Then I wheeled my bike (the one with the shortened drags) just so its past the threshold of the garage, turned it on and REVVVED the engine VERY hard. I then turned off and wheeled my bike back into the garage and closed the door.

Never have had a problem with their fucking noisy cars since :yes:

[shoshin]

Hows the Nightser performing? My wife is keen to get one at some stage.
Nightster good at this stage. Although not riding it as yet - certainly looking forward to it :)

[mister.koz]

i know this isn't a sport bike forum but loud is quite subjective.. i mean my old zxr250 was louder than my zx6r even with the vince exhaust, but the 250 sounded like it was going to explode and the 600 sounds like its going to eat the nearest cage driver that looks at it sideways and spit out the emblems...

Or are you meaning so loud your vision distorts? cause i reckon those hogs with loud pipes and no baffles that make windows rattle at 200m are SLIGHTLY over the top.

[Cross Rider]

Nightster good at this stage. Although not riding it as yet - certainly looking forward to it :)
Saw a pair of black short pipes on a nightster last week in aus. Sounded and looked great. The rider was of small stature and looked perfect for the bike. I was doing 110ks on the freeway and he passed me, or should I say cruised past me easy. Cool bike.

[scumdog]

Nightster good at this stage. Although not riding it as yet - certainly looking forward to it :)

Saw one on a post put in by a Ch-ch Harley owner on an American site, not yours by chance? - was outside a dealers in Ch-ch.

[speights_bud]

Have just heard that three bike from around here have been ticketed for being too noisy.... :(

[scumdog]

Have just heard that three bike from around here have been ticketed for being too noisy.... :(

And if you get done for too much noise and have to get your zorst certified you drop a level in allowable noise...don't forget THAT little fish-hook.

[AD345]

And if you get done for too much noise and have to get your zorst certified you drop a level in allowable noise...don't forget THAT little fish-hook.

Oh nice

And I just got my slip-ons today....

It might be worth forking out for the objective test just to get the sticker and put all doubt to bed.

I wonder if you fail the objective test - does your bike get entered into a database or anything??

[speights_bud]

i tested my GPX250 pipes with an unofficial hand held type meter, came out at 98dB, it was just after i'd built full stainless pipes for it and fairly open can. then measured Gixxer 4 Evers bike whick has full arrow race headers/can/system and it came back at 97 dB. I think he's going to get it properly tested just to be sure so the results may be interesting :)

[MotoKuzzi]

Just spent the princely sum of $80 on some straight exhaust tube and clamps so's I can hear the mighty Guzzi roar. Gotta love that V twin sound, don't think I'll be taking them off after listening to that music. Might need a re-tune though, she back fires a bit on decelaration and one pipe showing a different sooting pattern.

[The Lone Rider]

Just spent the princely sum of $80 on some straight exhaust tube and clamps so's I can hear the mighty Guzzi roar. Gotta love that V twin sound, don't think I'll be taking them off after listening to that music. Might need a re-tune though, she back fires a bit on decelaration and one pipe showing a different sooting pattern.

$80 for new pipes?

Please tell me more :)


Aftermarket pipes for my bike start at $600 and up!

Edit -

I seem to be the only one on that poll to have been fined for having a loud bike.
And when that happened, it was only when it was being discussed to crack down on loud everything (not just cars)

[MotoKuzzi]

$80 for new pipes?

Please tell me more :)


Aftermarket pipes for my bike start at $600 and up!

Edit -

I seem to be the only one on that poll to have been fined for having a loud bike.
And when that happened, it was only when it was being discussed to crack down on loud everything (not just cars)

Pitstop Takanini, nice man there sold me 2 * 0.85m lenghths of 41mm od aluminium anodised exhaust tube $42, plus 2 clamps and 2 hanging brackets $38, ( thought they were a bit expensive, but avoided the need for welding ) and expanded the ends of each pipe to the right dia for slip ons free of charge. 1 hours work at home with a drill and grinder and hey presto that sweet guzzi rumble. Ok, it looks a bit industrial but I could paint the tube and tidy it up. The main object of the exercise was to get the sound for the least cost. If I decide to keep her that way I will keep a look out for some cheap stainless tube and go with that. Still got the original mufflers and brackets for WOF time. ;)

[The Lone Rider]

Pitstop Takanini, nice man there sold me 2 * 0.85m lenghths of 41mm od aluminium anodised exhaust tube $42, plus 2 clamps and 2 hanging brackets $38, ( thought they were a bit expensive, but avoided the need for welding ) and expanded the ends of each pipe to the right dia for slip ons free of charge. 1 hours work at home with a drill and grinder and hey presto that sweet guzzi rumble. Ok, it looks a bit industrial but I could paint the tube and tidy it up. The main object of the exercise was to get the sound for the least cost. If I decide to keep her that way I will keep a look out for some cheap stainless tube and go with that. Still got the original mufflers and brackets for WOF time. ;)

Ah yeap. I did that on my other bike

Wouldn't cut it on my current. The muffles aren't slip on/off ones.

And I'd have to include chroming costs in it all.

[STOLLI R1]

My 98 R1 has the standard Stainless / Carbon pipe and fits well within the rule book. I don't think the sound of an inline four should be amplified for the consumption of the general public as a twin tends to sound much better with a set of two brothers or Yoshi pipes. I like my bike quiet so I can sneak up on my mates while on the rides and blast past them before they even know whats happened.