Exhaust Sound

[Snick]

The thing is bikes, almost regardless of size, at one time or another are invisible to cagers. Not particularly because they are exceptionally careless but because of the "gorilla in the room" phenomena (

). It's been proven the brain can only register so much info at one time, picking and choosing what it sees as the most important. Unfortunately, because most cagers have little real experience with bikes they become invisible. It sounds like you did every reasonable thing to avoid being the "Gorilla", but all circumstances can't be controlled. Pipes can be that one more safety device to keep the rubber on the road. Which brings to mind the Elio. The pure novelty will give it added visibility, but there are other additions to it that might be made if we are concerned about its visibility in traffic. Extra lights, louder horns, reflective strips for night driving, bright colors. Regardless of all that, the best tool for safety is to be alert and like a WWII fighter pilot, keep your head on a swivel.

Novelty catches people's attention. When the 3rd, center-mounted brake light first appeared in road tests, nearly EVERYONE noticed it with a high recognition rate, and the government mandated it. A few years later, the insurance institute assessed rear-end wreck data and found virtually zero benefit from having a 3rd brake light. Yet, the 3rd brake light is still mandated, despite having no gain whatsoever for safety.

 

[carzes]

Novelty catches people's attention. When the 3rd, center-mounted brake light first appeared in road tests, nearly EVERYONE noticed it with a high recognition rate, and the government mandated it. A few years later, the insurance institute assessed rear-end wreck data and found virtually zero benefit from having a 3rd brake light. Yet, the 3rd brake light is still mandated, despite having no gain whatsoever for safety.

The government mandating something that has been proven useless?? OUR beloved government from whence floweth the wisdom and guidance that shelters us from the chaos and dangers of the heartless world around us and, more importantly, from our OWN personal failings in judgement and character? I'm afraid you must be mistaken. Such oversights are not only inconceivable, but blasphemous to suggest. Now go and recite the bureaucrat's prayer, say 10 hail Obamas, and I absolve you of your transgressions. Go and sin no more.

 

[wheaters]

Of course I was young enough to only be responsible for keeping myself occupied, out of trouble and collecting eggs from the hen house at that point.

I don't always keep myself out of trouble, but I do still collect the eggs from the hen house!

 

[MajorXx]

Here is my vote for sound ...1953 vintage BRM

 

[Mike W]

Here is my vote for sound ...1953 vintage BRM

A nice, tight sound. It is understated but enough noise there to let people know you mean business!

 

[wheaters]

Here is my vote for sound ...1953 vintage BRM

Ah, yes - the BRM! They never did get that engine to run properly though; you can even hear it misfiring in that clip

Possibly my favourite car engine sound of all time though.

 

[Jim H]

Here is my vote for sound ...1953 vintage BRM

As an avid race fan I love this sound however I don't want my Elio to sound like that. I want my Elio to be in the quiet stealth mode.

 

[Lil4X]

Nice!!
What, no helmet, is this guy nuts?

No, he just doesn't want to scratch it. Ditto the non-use of an effective roll bar. Boy, we've come a long ways in safety engineering.

 

[wheaters]

No, he just doesn't want to scratch it. Ditto the non-use of an effective roll bar. Boy, we've come a long ways in safety engineering.

He's not got a seat harness, either!

 

[Mark Ambrose]

Not a big Harley fan myself but I have to admit they have the best sound of any bike.

Try riding one for any length of time versus a quieter bike and see how you feel after 8 hrs or so in the saddle. Sound and vibration are exhausting. Nevertheless different strokes for different folks. Some like it loud and obnoxious, others like it quiet and serene.