Loud exhaust?

[DanCollins]

Hey Guys,

I recently lost my 1989 CBR250 to heat (hole in the piston!). I looked around, and picked up a 2003 Suzuki GSX250 for $3,250. Seemed like a great price (compared with ninjas and hyos!) and it passed my mechanic's servicing just fine. All and all, I'm pretty happy with it. In my true and unoriginal spirit I have named my new bike Suzy. She can't fill the hole my CBR left, but she is growing on me more and more.

I have my eyes on a CBR600 when I get my full, and having a loud exhaust on it would be cool.

I've had a few close calls with 'crazy lane switching ladies' lately. I drive through Hamilton a whole lot, and they seem to be out in force. What I think is happening is they just don't see or hear my because my muffler is so quiet. My mate made the recommendation of a louder exhaust so I'm more visible. Plus it might help with the fact my bike sounds like a lawn mower at the bottom end of the revs.

Keeping in mind I'd put the exhaust onto a CBR600 in future, what and where should I look for a loud exhaust? A common mod for hyos is to drill out some of the baffle, which might be a better option for this Suzuki?

I'm also open for other suggestions with dealing with these crazy and erratic drivers...


Cheers,

Dan

[Milts]

I don't think anyone would claim a loud exaust makes you more "visable". Noticable, maybe, in a very few situations.

However, the sound is loudest behind you. And it's cars in front who are going to violate your right of way. You're better off buying a bright helmet - like a helmet with a design using both white and black, they are more visible than single colour helmets. Assuming people will violate your right of way and being prepared with the brakes and horn would do you even better.

This might be worth a read:http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/str...s/viewall.html

And it is echoed on a range of sites: http://www.eglaw.com/library/deadly-...fety-myths.cfm http://www.eglaw.com/library/deadly-...fety-myths.cfm http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mo...t-1-45969.html

[Bassmatt]

Deaf people are allowed to drive.

[Katman]

As Milts said, it's been proven that the vast majority of noise an exhaust makes is behind you.

If you're worried about not being seen, go down the brighter clothing path or preferably,train your eyes to spot those who don't see you.

[McFatty1000]

The other thing (Which I'm trying to do) is not hide in peoples blind spots, mainly by either moving slightly faster than they are or by sitting a little ahead of them (When possible). And make eye contact in mirrors

[Road kill]

Loud pipes make me turn the stereo up.

[kinger]

Try putting your lights on full beam in the daytime.
it seems to work for plenty of cars/twin headlighted bikes I see coming towards me.
Personally, I'd say you're better off practising a bit of "anticipation' riding. Don't go for gaps til you're sure you've been seen. Look at their mirrors and if you see they've seen you, then make your move. Just be aware that the driver in front of them may still be oblivious to your presence.

[Old Steve]

I saw a video of the "SIAM", Smidsy Identification and Avoidance Manouever, and started using it.

Whenever you see an oncoming car indicating to turn across your path or a car coming out of a side road, start to do the "happy biker weave" - slight alternate countersteering so you weave slightly. This makes you and your headlight weave against the background and makes you more visible to the turning drivers

Also I watch the car's wheels, if they're still turning then they haven't seen you and it's a job for Mr Brakes. The wheels are a much more accurate indication of if a vehicle is moving than actually watching the vehicle itself.

[cheshirecat]

Assume nothing

[AllanB]

I saw a video of the "SIAM", Smidsy Identification and Avoidance Manouever, and started using it.

Whenever you see an oncoming car indicating to turn across your path or a car coming out of a side road, start to do the "happy biker weave" - slight alternate countersteering so you weave slightly. This makes you and your headlight weave against the background and makes you more visible to the turning drivers

Fark me that made me laugh!!!!! It probably works due to the oncoming car drivers thinking you are a crazy arse about to fall off!!!!!!




Q - what are the most obvious motorcycles on the road?

A - police and 'bikies'

[Oakie]

Also I watch the car's wheels, if they're still turning then they haven't seen you and it's a job for Mr Brakes. The wheels are a much more accurate indication of if a vehicle is moving than actually watching the vehicle itself.

Yep. Watching the wheels will never let you down.

[bogan]

As Milts said, it's been proven that the vast majority of noise an exhaust makes is behind you.

If you're worried about not being seen, go down the brighter clothing path or preferably,train your eyes to spot those who don't see you.

Funny how often it comes up though, you'd think it obvious considering which way the exhaust points.

It's just a myth perpetuated by classless buffoons who think the public go, wow cool, that is a loud bike. When in reality the public and most other bikers just want you to shut the fuck up and get that exhaust fixed...

[Gianz]

lane spiltting under 30km/h the loud exhaust cure works. But only with cars close to you. And yo haveto know when to apply it.

[Berries]

Assume nothing

I thought you were going to add something else there.



But yeah, forget the exhaust, forget the horn and forget the hi-viz. Just learn to know what a vulnerable position is and then learn not to stay too long in one.

[Sis]

I had a CBR600 with standard exhaust. Then changed to a Harley that doesn't seem to have any baffles.

Auckland Traffic parts for me when I am on my noisy bike. Never did when I was on the quiet bike.
And hi-viz vests did nothing either.

My riding habits are still the same. Assume nothing and expect everything.