I have started to wonder if there is some real safety value in a sports exhaust system on a motorcycle in an urban environment.
Before the CB1100 I had a Buell with standard muffler, which I liked very much, but I had a number of occasions where cars beside me on the M1 motorway moved over into my lane until I sounded my horn and they noticed I was there. I cannot recall that happening on my motorcycles fitted with sports mufflers so I presume the drivers generally heard me being nearby to them.
It could all be chance and I am sure some people will never notice me which is why I ride defensively on motorways trying to keep in a safe zone but that is not always possible on the ever busier roads.
I don’t like really loud exhausts, hate open pipes on Harleys which not only sound stupid are sending the riders deaf however just saying I have noticed drivers seem much more aware of me on this bike since I fitted the sports exhaust than they ever were of my bright white Buell with 2 HID’s and 2 pilot lights illuminated.
I think it's coincidental - or - selective stuff, like how you only Notice a certain car on the road After you own it.
ReplyDeleteI tend to think, it's never a question of not hearing you or seeing you, but rather not caring. I even had one fellow merging onto the highway look right at me and then speed up to come right onto me even though behind me was clear. WTF?
Reliance on Noise can lead to a sense of false security. I'd rather just assume I'm invisible and ride accordingly.
Yes I agree not to rely on it or anything else for that matter.
ReplyDelete