Pantagraph.com | News | Noise laws could muffle motorcycle sales

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Hogs wrote on Dec 15, 2007 6:25 PM:

" Hogs would rather have anarchy than democracy. "

iRide wrote on Dec 6, 2007 11:01 PM:

" yeah people should definitely settle down a bit. stop using all the legal technicalities and lighten up. if loud bikes were constantly roaming the public, then yes i'd say there would be a problem. but in the few instances a loud bike is around, it will pass by as fast as it came. i myself race motocross and have an aftermarket pipe that’s around 100db. sure i think it sounds awesome but the reason for having it is because sound with exhaust generally means power. quiet exhaust holds back flow and restricts some of the motors potential and aftermarket exhaust yields different power curves. while the everyday motorcycle may not be for racing, its comes down to preference for the owner. others may not understand loud exhaust just as though i dont understand how people listen to classical music. but ya know what, ill let them listen. and if i do just happen to walk past someone listening to it, i wont file suit, but instead walk away. And to “Ifount,” people don’t mow at 3am because theres laws against it? Im sure that’s not exactly the reason eager mowers are held back. "

Lu Lu Jane wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:56 AM:

" I ride with my husband on a beautiful baby blue Electra Glide and it purrs like a kitten.People are always admiring us and the bike.We go out of our way to avoid the areas frequented by (BEARDS and BELLIES) on bikes with stupid loud pipes,because they seem to have low self esteem and an overabundance of DUMB and FAT.And those bikers who are all ego think they have Hulk physiques are usually the dumbest trying to impress a fat biker babe. "

rick rjr wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:44 AM:

" All we ask is that the biker respect our peace and quiet and the health of our children.(Excessively loud noise damages nerves in young undeveloped ears). I now look upon the noisy biker as an immature,uneducated,drugger with a noisy ugly machine. They transport drugs and guns and are useless to a progressive society.Our NATIONAL shame is that cops who are also bikers seem to be on their side. "

lfount wrote on Sep 6, 2007 9:38 AM:

" the smoking analogy is valid because people have sued and passed laws regulating smoking, and in one case "In Montgomery County, Maryland, a little ninny neighbor claimed in her locked house with the windows down, she could smell somebody's cigarette smoke a hundred yards away who was also in their house. So a city councilman said, "Well, we can't have this! That's disruptive," and they tried to ban smoking in the house." They passed the law and retracted it seven days later. So, right-to-quiet advocacy with second-hand-smoke-law advocacy use the same arguments, that was all that I was saying. "

lfount wrote on Sep 6, 2007 8:53 AM:

" I replied in response to your saying "You want a "delicate balance"What?".... I never said I want a "delicate balance". I said "It is a delicate balance the individual States have decided to strike..." There is a big difference in what you were suggesting and what was actually said, but that is beside the point. I think using the smoking analogy is valid in explaining how the noise laws are justified. Basically the same arguments are used. The argument that someones actions causes a change in environment that might bother someone, therefore governmental regulation is desired by some people. I am just pointing out similarities. "

It's not wrote on Sep 5, 2007 10:33 AM:

" This isn't a Harley thing..Hondas and Yamaha owners have pipes that are just as loud...and there is no 'right to silence' You live in a populated area..it's part of the game..Good point about trains and planes..Let's fine DHL for flying those ancient DC9s that wake the dead at 10 p.m. and 6 a.m....Sorry Amtrak, but no horn blowing within city limits....that said..many riders could exercise a little restraint by not choosing straight pipes (which sound like crud and kill your performance) and by not hitting the rev limiter in town. "

Jon wrote on Sep 5, 2007 8:26 AM:

" I agree lfount...I think idiot when I hear people with extremely loud bikes. Kinda like when I see a car with spinning rims. "

Bicker Bicker Bicker wrote on Sep 5, 2007 7:34 AM:

" The arguement that "I want people to see me, so I am loud" is a little weak. Have you ever stood in front of a revving motorcycle? You can hear it, but it's nothing like what you hear once it has passed you. So, we are not nearly as likely to hear you as you might think when you are approaching us. It's when you have blown by that we hear you, and at that point, it's just an annoyance. Perhaps a better way to draw attention to yourself would be to wear flourescent clothing, or a flourescent helmet. "

The Final Truth wrote on Sep 4, 2007 11:05 PM:

" To lfount: You claim, 'I never said "a delicate balance'. I quote you from your September 01 post: 'It is a delicate balance the individual States have decided to strike...' That said, I think I see where you're coming from... you like quiet... Ok, I believe you. But you lump right-to-quiet advocacy with second-hand-smoke-law advocacy. Please try this on for size: no one can ever smell a Marlboro cigarette from five hundred feet away. But aftershock (I mean afterstock) pipes on a Harley can most definitely be heard from five hundred feet away or more. If we compare that to the distance allowed in your municipality's vehicle noise code, the difference is stark. "

loud bikers are rude wrote on Sep 4, 2007 10:31 PM:

" we common folk, in ambience, wishing quiet to linger we give loud bikers lenience, and they give us the finger. "

lfount wrote on Sep 4, 2007 6:01 PM:

" I never said "a delicate balance" I was saying the government creates noise ordinances taking into account the noise people have to make and the quiet people desire. I never said I disagree with any noise "laws" or whatever. I was only stating how I perceive the ordinances are applied. Again, I prefer quiet. I recognize that some road noise is necessary, but excessive noise should be limited and regulated. Believe me, I would be happy if they passed noise laws and included dogs barking and children playing, as well as motor vehicles. "

The Final Truth wrote on Sep 4, 2007 9:30 AM:

" To lfount: You want a "delicate balance". What? This is noise assault we're talking about. The biking community is assaulting us with terrible blasts in the quiet of our homes. It's not just the idiocy of one - it's the noise assault of many. “The liberty of the individual must be thus far limited: he must not make himself a nuisance to other people." - John Stuart Mill. "

The Final Truth wrote on Sep 4, 2007 9:10 AM:

" To TTFT and lfount: you both missed my point. Number one, our right to quiet is stipulated by Common Law. The quiet enjoyment of property is a common right. You missed my point. Freedom of speech is guaranteed in the Consitution, and the ones seeking to curtail this are members of the biking community on illogical grounds that just because some people don't regularly ride a bike, that disqualifies them from commenting on pipes. "

lfount wrote on Sep 3, 2007 8:38 PM:

" I own a motorcycle (japanese bike), and have the stock muffler. I see no reason to put some loud muffler on it (makes no sense to me). Whenever I hear someone with loud pipes on their bikes, the first thing I think is "what an idiot", I think the same for cars. "

lfount wrote on Sep 3, 2007 8:34 PM:

" How did I get lumped in with the "opponents of the right to quiet"? Read the posts. I prefer quiet. "

i just dont... wrote on Sep 3, 2007 5:35 PM:

" agree w/this at all.i do not personally own a motorcycle but can say they are not a problem to me.what does bother me is these teenagers w/their rice burning cars that have those loud annoying mufflers on them.now if those are allowed to be so loud so should a motorcycle.this is just my thought on this.:) "

The Final Truth wrote on Sep 3, 2007 1:24 PM:

" No claim to safety can justify disturbing us in the peace and quiet of our homes. Yet, this is precisely what Wayne Eldridge and his ilk condone. The biking community wants to undermine the right to quiet. If you are a quiet biker, we salute you. You have become a minority in the biking community. "

The Final Truth wrote on Sep 3, 2007 1:09 PM:

" To lfount and Wayne Eldridge and all opponents of the right to quiet: “The liberty of the individual must be thus far limited: he must not make himself a nuisance to other people.” -John Stuart Mill Those who infringe upon another’s right to quiet enjoyment of property, are undermining the right to quiet and in fact undermining civility. "

Ever hear a loud pickup truck? wrote on Sep 2, 2007 4:29 PM:

" Stop wasting time chasing down Harleys. There are enough loud pickup trucks out there that run year round to keep law enforcement busy 24/7. "

tough guy wrote on Sep 2, 2007 6:23 AM:

" OOOOOH...Big Harley guys!...Noise, noise, noise. How anoying. Phalic devices to attract attention....attention of who? "

Don wrote on Sep 1, 2007 11:14 PM:

" Its about time they do something about it.If you have a blown out muffler on a car.You get stopped for it.But if its a Harley its OK?I say its about time this Harley ego trip was adressed. "

lfount wrote on Sep 1, 2007 10:48 AM:

" you have the right to own a motorcycle, you do not have the right to operate a motorcycle on public roads (hence the whole DMV, license thing). Once you get State government approval to operate the motorcycle, you do not have the right to intrude on others rights. You have the right to make noise, others have the right to be free from your noise, so a balance has to be created. That balance is created by limiting how much noise can be made. You have the right to free speech, but you do not have the right to yell in anyones ear. "

lfount wrote on Sep 1, 2007 10:41 AM:

" lawn mowers, weed eaters and all tools gas powered for lawn work, are not relevant to the article because there are already local ordinances governing their use. Those ordinances say when they can and cannot be used. That is why you never hear anyone cutting their grass at 3am. "

lfount wrote on Sep 1, 2007 10:32 AM:

" The First Amendment says "congress shall make no laws prohibiting free speech" nowhere in the constitution does it say anyone has the right to make as much noise as they want. In fact, the constitution says what the federal government can and cannot do. The State makes these noise laws and others. These noise ordinances are not unconstitutional, they do not outlaw noise, they only limit how much your noise can intrude on others. It is a delicate balance the individual States have decided to strike, since some people want to intrude on others. "

lfount wrote on Sep 1, 2007 10:06 AM:

" This is an offshoot of the current anti-smoking laws. So basically, if you are one of the ones cheering the anti-smoking laws, then you are responsible for these laws. The anti-smoking laws created the "slippery-slope" and the same argument the anti-smokers use can and will be applied to the noise laws. Anti-smoking argument: "Smoking can cause health problems, your right to smoke ends when others health is at stake". Anti-noise argument: "Sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss, your right to create noise ends when there is a possibility of damaging someone else's hearing". The government outlaws smoking... See the simularities? "

brit biker wrote on Sep 1, 2007 10:04 AM:

" haha some of the comments made about police state etc by some about rediculous laws they might have, we have them all in britain that has been listed cell phones, noise etc. trick is to get a fast enough bike and just keep on ridin. o yeah im moving out to the states in 2 months hoping to get a gixxer...... "

To The Final Truth wrote on Aug 28, 2007 10:06 AM:

" You have a first amendment right to free speech, but nothing in the consitution says you have a righ to quiet. "

To Paco and Dr. Fill wrote on Aug 28, 2007 10:03 AM:

" I always love when people, usually females, like to ensenuate that everything a man does depends on his 'endowment'. Please, get a life. Name calling just makes you look ignorant. I've had a VW and now a I drive a sportscar with loud pipes! Why? because I like it! "

"motorcycles" ?? wrote on Aug 27, 2007 11:11 PM:

" ..ha, what we need are more cop cars, and judges, and prosecutors, and court houses, and jails, and prisons, and cameras, and paid citizen spies, and listening devices, and real ID, and computerchip implants, and martial law, and sirens, and "handcuffs", (since my girlfriend supposedly "lost" her other pair, "again"..). So our taxes can go down. "

Who Knew? wrote on Aug 27, 2007 8:21 PM:

" It's not grass roots, it's brown nosing........ Get it right... "

wow wrote on Aug 27, 2007 7:59 PM:

" umm i dont understand what the big deal is?? it is a motorcycle not a dirt bike or a lawn mower that makes just as much nosie as a bike.....there other things to worry about in our country then loud bikes...like umm a war we are not winning or even the day to day crime like moms killing their kids just because they can get way with it!!! Or just maybe focusing on more inportant things like child molester's people being burned in a building....there are bigger problems then wither or not a bike is to loud....after all isnt that why they are made??? "

Smack wrote on Aug 27, 2007 6:11 PM:

" While I hate loud pipes on motorcycles, loud car stereos are much more annoying. "

Mike wrote on Aug 27, 2007 9:39 AM:

" My car needs a muffler! So does your bike!! Why a little engine on a bike pulling just your rear end has to be louder than my 440 Magnum is a question I have to ask. "

To Awesome: wrote on Aug 24, 2007 11:05 AM:

" If it's too loud for ya you must be too old!! Ha ha ha!!!! "

To Final Truth wrote on Aug 24, 2007 8:41 AM:

" Maybe as a "Whiner" if you try hard enough, we can eliminate all loud cars, motorcycles and maybe even road noise from tires. Those annoying sirens from emergency vehicles are non stop along with planes and helicopters overhead. And what about those annoying kids outside yelling and squeeling from having fun not to mention those baseball cards in their spokes...Definetly need a law or two on them. For God's sake... will somebody please do something about lawn mowers, weed eaters and all tools gas powered for lawn work... those people drive the whiners crazy !! Garbage trucks when they smash the garbage and those ridiculous back up alarms !!!! Need I go on !! Hey whiners... move to the middle of nowhere and enjoy your peace and quite !! Thats right I forgot... birds, coyotes, cows, and those insane crickets !! Guess your outta luck !! Keep whining !!!! "

The Final Truth wrote on Aug 24, 2007 2:25 AM:

" Yawnnn. Same old argument. "Unless you ride, you don't have the right to comment on bike noise or bike laws." Well, we can comment, and we will. We are exercising our First Amendment right to freedom of speech. And you bikers are infringing upon our right to quiet. And blasting your afterstock pipes at one-hundred-and-ten decibels in residential neighborhoods is not a First Amendment right. "

plaid braisley wrote on Aug 24, 2007 1:02 AM:

" have never owned a motorcycle. i used to rent an apartment 2&1/2 blocks from a church with bells louder than any bike i've ever heard. at least with the bikes they make their noise and move on.those church bells went on and on at just the hours of the week when i needed my sleep the most. "

spam wrote on Aug 23, 2007 10:06 PM:

" there are ways to avoid unessary laws and it starts with you as a voter by becoming involved with rights groups and organitions such as A.B.A.T.E. yes grass roots works and will work if you get involved dont like the way things are then get involved and talk with law makers and tell them how you feel and ask how they feel and why this is not the place to change things but only a place to vent the most important person in any rights org . is the one that joins today are any day yes it does work and it takes you to make it work ive seen it done for going on 22 years ive been involved and i do it not for myself but for others that will be growing up and wanting the same freedoms that ive worked hard for ive been a motorcyclist for almost 40 years now started young as most do laws can be stopped and it takes the people to do it i wasnt going to make any writings in this blog but i felt compelled to do so "

The Truth wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:50 PM:

" We use the exhaust to our advantage more than anything. We use it to BE HEARD because they don't make loud enough horns on motorcycles to address that situation. Like many other things in this life people, you have to understand what being a motorcycle rider is like in order to really judge. I hope you see that that law is really more detrimental than anything. It really opens the door for other nickel & dime legislation that will end the end, just chip away at our personal rights. "

c'mon wrote on Aug 23, 2007 6:02 PM:

" the whiners about their kids; when you are on a loud bike coming into a town and see the little kids walking down the street, 9 out of ten turn to look at you and give you a thumbs up, and I don't care who you are, that just makes you feel good and kinda gets you thinking that maybe, just maybe, that kid won't be writting laws like this some day. "

PLEASE wrote on Aug 23, 2007 5:53 PM:

" Make laws like these go away. I could NOT care less if a motorcycle wants to revv at any time of the day. Go for it! I'll just turn over and go back to sleep at night. And admire during the day, though I don't ride bikes myself. Please stop WHINING! Everyone should have some fun; these laws are only resulting in every behavior in society being dictated by some law. We're setting ourselves up to be like the Germans in the 1930's. Have any doubts? Read up on history; either online or in a printed book. The facts are there in black & white print how they ran their society before Hitler took over. Scary parallels to the way we're running this society now! "

to harley owner wrote on Aug 23, 2007 5:24 PM:

" sorry but if you're on a harley you'll be easy to catch.i've never seen anything make so much noise and be so slow "

cops too wrote on Aug 23, 2007 4:22 PM:

" half the cops I know own those loud freakin bikes. Do you think they will enforce it?....NOOOOOO...I doubt it. The article said turning neighbors heads on a sunday afternoon...huh..try 1,2,3,4 o'clock in the morning. Everyone of them pull off the stock muffler and go straight pipes. Cops are not enforcing it, I think it is extremely annoying!!!! I can't wait for winter, I want to drive by their house in my muscle car and rev it up waking them at 5am and see how they like it!! "

wake up! wrote on Aug 23, 2007 3:38 PM:

" This really points to the further decline of the individual freedoms and the increased centralized governmental control. If you replace the words "noise", "smoking" or even "Pepsi Center" with whatever you personally enjoy, would you be pleased that there are now stricter regularions on what/where/when/how you can do what you like? The people who are opposed to the centralized control tend to like personal freedom more than conforming to the opinions of the masses. Unfortunately, that results in a diverse group that tends to not come together and vote down whatever the proponents of oneness are trying to govern. What saddens me the most is that while a control issue like this is not something you care about, you let it slide. Who will you be looking to get help from when the next "personal freedom" up for a vote is one that you cherish? Do not fool yourself, when we fail to support individuality, our own government will step in to let the most vocal group (not necessarily even the largest, just the loudest) control the outcome of what you thought was an obvious personal freedom that the government had no right to control. "

bert wrote on Aug 23, 2007 3:36 PM:

" please.....stop the loud bikes save lives marketing jingle....ride free ride proud.....ha ha ha.....harley riders are the most taken advantage of consumer next to children "

B-town Dem wrote on Aug 23, 2007 3:18 PM:

" Yeah, my 2 year old and 4 year old are really amused when you wake them up at night trying to make up for your inadequacies by reving your bike. You ain't tough. You talk about "brats" - you were once a "brat" pooping in your diapers - I'm sure you enjoyed "drive by's" way back them. "

To all the whiners... wrote on Aug 23, 2007 2:56 PM:

" I want to thank you. I love upsetting people. Fortunately I have sufficient enough funds to pay fines for many years to come. I revel in the fact that I will be outfitting ALL of my vehicles with the loudest exhaust system possible. Have a great day! "

To all the whiners... wrote on Aug 23, 2007 2:50 PM:

To all the whiners... wrote on Aug 23, 2007 2:32 PM:

To insignificant wrote on Aug 23, 2007 2:30 PM:

" ....I didnt post twice, it must have glitched and done it itself. "

To Awesome... wrote on Aug 23, 2007 2:28 PM:

" I would say, yeah you can come use an air horn outside my house. As long as you do it while moving at traffic speed past my house and not laying on it in my driveway. ...you know what, its no big deal. "

To One Humorous Note wrote on Aug 23, 2007 2:22 PM:

" That is an excellent way to not stay in business very long! "

To Beemer Buff wrote on Aug 23, 2007 2:16 PM:

" That's right...just HD owners with their performance pipes will be affected. Not the boneheads with their metric cruisers who take out all the baffles and run them straight to get that "Harley" sound...which they don't. Those are the obnoxious bikes you are normally hearing and then you assume its a Harley. "

to Hear em when you don't see em wrote on Aug 23, 2007 2:11 PM:

" If that's true, then please explain why bikers will sit at red lights or in parking lots and driveways reving their engines to deafening levels. So much for your silly theory. "

to: To Likes The Laws wrote on Aug 23, 2007 2:10 PM:

" Posting your comments twice does not make them coherent. "

Awesome! wrote on Aug 23, 2007 1:50 PM:

" This would be awesome. I hope BN considers enacting a law like this. For all of you inconsiderate riders, would it be ok for me to stand in front of your house with a 120 decibel air horn and blow it while you're trying to take a nap, eat dinner, have a conversation, or watch a ball game? I didn't think so. The most pathetic thing is that the worst offenders look to be middle age or older "Fonzie wannabees", trying to be cool or recapture their youth. "

Wheeee ! wrote on Aug 23, 2007 1:49 PM:

" If it's too loud, you're too old ! Funny how no one mentions those little "Miami Rice" cars you see revving up an down vets. They love to wind 'em up tight before shifting just to hear the "mosquitos make love", now those are annoying. I ride a Harley, got a couple actually, one stock and one not so much, aint changing a thing on either anytime soon, go big or go home, we are only here for a short time, stop sweatin' the small stuff people! "

cars only wrote on Aug 23, 2007 1:48 PM:

" I was ticketed for loud muffler - asked the cop what about cycles - he said - well, we don't worry about those. "

One humorous note.... wrote on Aug 23, 2007 1:30 PM:

" Where I work, my boss will not hire anyone who pulls up on a motorcycle to apply for work. It's funny to watch them fill out job applications, when I know they're never going to be hired. "Sure thing, buddy, we'll keep your application on file." ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha "

Interesting wrote on Aug 23, 2007 1:21 PM:

" Interesting how some loud bike riders "defend" their actions by pointing out that loud car stereos and loud car exhausts also make noise. That's like a burglar defending himself in court by pointing out that armed robbers steal, too. "

Hear 'em when you don't see 'em wrote on Aug 23, 2007 1:07 PM:

" The loudness of motorcycles is partly a safety feature - you may not like it in the middle of the night (seems like lots of folks get woken at 2am by loud music in this city), but a common cause of a bike accident is the driver "didn't see them." If the bike makes more noise, you can hear them, and know they're nearby. I, for one, usually hear a motorcyle before I see it. If cities quiet the bikes, they can expect more accidents. "

To Likes the Laws wrote on Aug 23, 2007 12:35 PM:

" How can a passing bike seriously be that disruptive? It is audible for maybe a second. Fact is, the sound of traffic in general (tires on the road) is a more constant and more disruptive noise. Should we then limit what hours traffic can use streets? No, we shouldnt. Nor should we be regulating this exhaust issue. If they are out literally sitting in front of your house that is one thing, but if not, quit looking for something to complain about. "

To Likes the Laws wrote on Aug 23, 2007 12:28 PM:

To Beemer Buff wrote on Aug 23, 2007 12:24 PM:

" Whatever. So apparently the Muzzy, Two Brothers, etc on all the rice rockets is ok then? "

Harley rider here wrote on Aug 23, 2007 12:22 PM:

" Hog Tales had an article last month about pipes. This writer's point of view w/ stats stated was that loud pipes do not save lives. "

RE:To "RE:What " wrote on Aug 23, 2007 12:17 PM:

" You are correct, a jake brake is not used to stop the truck but it will slow the engine and with the other brakes being used it will hopefully stop the truck before it hits something. There isn't much use for a jake brake in town. My point was, in an emergency I would use everything possible to avoid an accident. "

To: HD Rider wrote on Aug 23, 2007 12:08 PM:

" Wake up bro, we already are. It is getting worse and worse. And these groups are fooling people that it is for their own good, (ie health, security, and such). Things are going to get much much worse before they get better.............. . .C Hackman "

Rider wrote on Aug 23, 2007 12:04 PM:

" As a rider I have to agree with the laws. If they would just require them to keep OEM parts on them then the would solve 90% of the problem. When I take my bike out I do NOT start it up in the drive next to the other house. I do not sit at stop light hitting the gas. I hate it when they drive by my house at 1 in the morning full throtle in 1st gear from one stop sign to the next. These laws are needed for the stupid inconsiderate riders out there. "

Beemer Buff wrote on Aug 23, 2007 11:37 AM:

" The only people that this would affect is Harley Riders becasue they seem to be the only bike that has to be obnoxiously loud. My bike is as quiet as can be and I dont have a problem with brain dead cage drivers in most cases Face it, the people with loud pipes do it more for the "look at me" factor than anything to do with safety. But there are plenty of cars/trucks on the road that have noise issues as well due to exhaust or stereos, and bikers shouldn't be discriminated against. Enforse the laws as they are equally, we dont need any more new ones. "

Beemer Buff wrote on Aug 23, 2007 11:31 AM:

likes the laws..... wrote on Aug 23, 2007 10:32 AM:

" come on riders, quit crying, admit it, loud is loud, regardless of the time of day or night. And not everyone in this world sleeps at night. Some of us have jobs at night, so we SLEEP during the DAY! "

Lisard wrote on Aug 23, 2007 10:03 AM:

" Most you commenters have largly missed the point. No one has lost their freedoms. All of us have the same freedoms that we always have had. We are just being made more responsible when exercising them. If you want to excercise your fredom to make noise, make noise; no one is stopping you. Its your pocket book. At least my pocket book will not suffer if I excercise my freedom to have a quiet Sunday morning. "

Gotcha wrote on Aug 23, 2007 9:51 AM:

" Loud pipes do save lives. I have had cars come over in my lane many times. I honk and they dont even look up. I rev the bike a bit and everyone notices where im at. My bike can be heard from blocks away and across town if i get on it.. Big shocker its 100% stock. But at night i use higher gears in neighborhoods not to wake all the fragile people sleeping next to their prius. LIVE LIFE .. RIDE HARD. "

Pipes wrote on Aug 23, 2007 9:42 AM:

" Yes, my pipes are aftermarket and are a bit louder than stock, but, I do have the common sense not to rev up the bike while going down neighborhood streets at dark hours or to see if I can hit the rev limiter on city streets. I'm sure it's the 1 or 2 percent that are obnoxious about it that is ruining it for the rest of us. "

Freedom riders? wrote on Aug 23, 2007 9:06 AM:

" Never understood how some equate motorcycles with freedom. Heck, you can drive motorcycles in any communist country, probably with straight pipes on it as well. Nothing special about that. Guess they have to justify it somehow. Most of them probably don't know what the Bill of Rights are let alone what they contain. I'm sure they don't realize you DON"T have a right to drive on the roads in this country? "

loud pipes wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:58 AM:

" save lives "

HD Rider wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:57 AM:

" Just what we need in this country . . more laws!! If this keeps up we will be living in a police state before long. What's next . . banning cell phones in cars, or outlawing SUVs? I personally don't care for either, but it's every individuals right to choose how to live their life, and I don't want to see any more laws limiting that right. If they pass this legislation I for one will ignore it. As someone posted earlier . . RIDE FREE RIDE PROUD "

don't get it wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:43 AM:

" I've had quiet bikes and louder ones. I had way more cars pull out and deers run out in front of me that I've had with the louder ones. And the sound of most of them aren't that bad... "

Hey, libertarian~ wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:42 AM:

" dos'nt look like my comment will be posted. Too bad, and good luck with your 12 gage. Sure hope you don't miss, and GOD help you if you connect.--Lose, lose for you....I'd re-think your threat. What comes around---goes around. "

???? wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:40 AM:

" When are we going to start saying enough is enough with these "Nanny" government laws!!!!! "

Amazing wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:37 AM:

" None of this legislation on noise would be necessary if people would show a little respect and consideration. A few bikers and thumping car owners have wet their bed. Now they have to sleep in the wet spot. Look at it this way, you want people to notice you, and they have. "

Oh No! wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:31 AM:

" Do these noise bans include flatulence too? Cause lately I've had some pretty loud ones!! "

Re: libertarian wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:21 AM:

" Ya better not miss... I have the right and will defend myself----any means possible. "

To "RE:What " wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:21 AM:

" Jake brakes are not for emergency use. They don't stop a truck, they just slow the revolution of the engine down somewhat like "down shifting" The Jake brake is used to help slow the truck on descending grades so not to get the regular brakes hot and burn them out. As I recollect Bloomington/Normal....there is no steep grades where Jake brakes would be needed. I don't believe speed would require the use of the Jake brakes descending down Mount Market st off of I-55/74. "

Muffle Away! wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:21 AM:

" Too loud, often distracting and certainly inconsiderate! "

bert wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:18 AM:

" sorry but if someone wants an ordinance passed I can understand....I've been riding for over 40 years and the quality/consideration of the average biker these days almost makes me embarassed to participate any longer. Whether its the idiot doing stoppies and wheelies on veterans or the moron on the piece of crap panhead with straight pipes rattling the teeth of every driver around doesn't matter...... "

OSD wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:10 AM:

" Its all about revenue and cry babies. The same ones writing this law are the ones that have never ridden a bike, yet they think they know whats best. LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES!!!!! Ride down Veterans on a quiet bike and if you survive, try a loud one next. You'll see for yourself. "

Bluegrass American wrote on Aug 23, 2007 7:56 AM:

" I sure am glad that I live in a community that has a bunch of retired folks. They don't mind the noise. I sure am glad I don't live in a community with a bunch of whiny brats that have to go to work everyday and can't stand to be bothered for a few minutes or can't change their locations. I think the stress is getting to those people. It sure shows with some of these ordinances. I wonder what they are going to do about the RAP music coming from within cars that is so loud it can shake the bolts on the Harley loose. I sure am glad that these retired folks don't listen to that. I don't have to worry about the bolts on the Harley, but you folks in the city have to. Get your priorities straight, keep the Harley Tradition and get rid of the Rap Crap. "

to AMEN!! wrote on Aug 23, 2007 7:49 AM:

" go to Cozhairs in Decatur, they have Vance & Hines pipes. much better than Screamin Eagle you get from Chucks. wish i had done that. "

Get Over Yourselves... wrote on Aug 23, 2007 7:24 AM:

" Thats right, its not like these bikes/autos are pulling into your driveway and reving on it at 3:00am. If they are driving by and the half of a second disrupts you then you need to have your insulation checked or see a sleep therapist. Automotive/motorcycle customization and hot rodding has been a part of American culture for decades. Enjoy our open spaces or move to Europe if you cant take it. I will be dead or in jail before I comply with a law like this. Celebrate freedom! "

To Paco and Dr. Fill wrote on Aug 23, 2007 7:20 AM:

" Why are you ladies so bitter? "

Oh my Gawwwwwddddd wrote on Aug 23, 2007 6:55 AM:

" I think New York city should target Staten Island girls for noise problems before any motorcycles. "

Cop out wrote on Aug 23, 2007 6:53 AM:

" Just another easy way for police to regulate something they fear. I don't know about Denver, but New York city has no business targeting one specific group of people on a "noise" oridinance. "

Equal wrote on Aug 23, 2007 6:53 AM:

" The vehicle noise ordinance should be equal for cars and motorcycles. A car with half the sound of a harley will get a ticket but shouldn't. "

ok ok ok wrote on Aug 23, 2007 6:26 AM:

" So ya' got me, I have to quit my smoking, put my baffles back in, make sure I'm wearing clothing that acceptable, but I agree with harley owner, my baffles are gonna sit right where they have been for 6 yrs. and I'm still gonna be smoking, I'll deal with the fines as they come, it's just a shame that I have to pay for my freedom. BIG BROTHER AINT WATCHING ANYMORE, HE"S DICTATING "

To: Rough Rider wrote on Aug 23, 2007 5:53 AM:

" If Loud Pipes save lives then why do the bikers(little b) make all the noise when in parking lots and in areas where there is no traffic?? End of(if there ever was) argument. "

OGS More Social Control wrote on Aug 23, 2007 12:40 AM:

" Onward goes the slippery slope. We either learn wake up and pay attention to ridiculous nature of current lawmakers and oust them...or as you can see...it is only going to get worse. Stand up for common sense or lose everything...including your freedom and your country. Where are the Hell's Angels when you need them? "

Brenstalka wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:17 PM:

" I guess I'm going to have to take the straight pipes off of my scooter. How am I supposed to pick up chicks now? "

AMEN !!!! wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:45 PM:

" Stormin Norman is 100% right !! And as for Dr. Fill in his BMW blaring his Barry Manilow with his all important cellular head set on, eating his taco and flying down Veterans because he is late to get to work... try a set of ear plugs !! Maybe then you'll pull to the right when those rude and obnoxious police , fire and ambulances with their loud blaring sirens are trying to get to a scene to save a life or your home !!!! Thats right ... what was I thinking... your that same guy that tries to outrun us and doesn't pull over anyway because your priorities come first !!! Thanks Dr Phyllis... I just scraped enough money together to by the loudest pipes available from Chucks !!!! "

rough rider wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:10 PM:

" loud pipes save lives "

Fed UP wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:08 PM:

" Its about time something quiets them. I rode a "bike" "Triumph Bonneville" when you had to have mufflers along with the cars. If we are going to allow the motorcycles to run straight pipes, then lets take the mufflers off of everything and we all can go deaf. "

Libertarian wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:06 PM:

" It should be legal for anyone to ride a loud bike or blast a car stereo at any hour in any neighborhood. That's their right. Of course, I should be able to lean out my window with a 12 gauge and silence them once and for all. That's my right. "

to Stormin Norma wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:00 PM:

" If you're right (and you're not) in that loud pipes are necessary for safety, then motorcycles should be banned from the roads from 11 PM to 7 AM. "

Harley Owner wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:59 PM:

" I think you are all a bunch of wanna be rider's who can't get away from momma long enough to own your on ride. Don't like my pipes - tough - go ahead and make a law and see if you can catch me. Ride FREE Ride PROUD "

To Dr. Fill wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:56 PM:

" Your comments show how little you know. Sorry to say, but exhaust note change is not the only benefit of an aftermarket exhaust. Some of us prefer not to drive around the little whining Prius hippy mobiles. "

Give it a break! wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:54 PM:

" Leave them alone! What is going on in this world? Land of the Free? We need noise laws in the evening at my job more than noise laws for motorcycles! "

blah-blah-blah wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:50 PM:

" Louder pipes just MIGHT get the attention of those inconsiderate people who are constantly on their cell phones while driving to actually pay attention to the traffic once in awhile. Harleys (and even some other motorcycles) are loud - if you want to control it, start with the manufacturers instead of ticketing those of us who love to ride! What about loud MUFFLERS? What about stereo with the BASS cranked? Deal with CRIME...that's a REAL problem... "

Lack of respect! wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:24 PM:

" This is just a by product of the popular mentality - intimidate others anyway possible. Whether it's through a loud muffler, big vehicle, driving as fast as possible, loud music, etc. The purpose is to be a nuisance, not to be respectful of others. "

Barney wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:17 PM:

" Let's solve two problems at once. We'll let cops keep the fine money from citing noise violators. That way, cops could greatly boost their incomes and we'd get the "loud crowd" off the streets. Win-win. "

Poor Poor Little Boys wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:14 PM:

" It's not the size of th boat. It's the motion of the ocean that makes you rock. "

Max Sniler wrote on Aug 22, 2007 8:31 PM:

" How about lawn mowers, cryin' kids in restraunts, people that talk at the movies, people on cell phones talking twice as loud as they need to. I'm ready for some legislation! BAN EM, and make it double illegal for loud mufflers! "

Ban it all wrote on Aug 22, 2007 8:20 PM:

" No matter what it is....BAN IT. This issue on noise is almost the same as the gun issue. There are more than enough laws on the books to deal with the problems, but no one is willing to enforce them so we'll just make a new law to deal with it. By the time this country is done trying to micro-manage our lives you'll be greeting your neighbors with "Hello Comrade". Yep bring on more laws, control us more and pass the vodka before it's banned. "

TJA wrote on Aug 22, 2007 8:18 PM:

" They had better quiet that train that comes through in the middle of the night too. We had better do something about the birds chirping at 5 in the morning when I am trying to sleep. THey had also better do something about the dogs barking in the middle of the night. And when I am on night shifts and need to sleep during the day... they had better do something about the noisey kids playing in the back yard making all that commotion. "

RE:What wrote on Aug 22, 2007 7:58 PM:

" Jake brakes are noisy but if I had the option of hitting a car full of kids or using the tractor brake, trailer brake Jake break I would use them. I know drivers use them because they think they are cool. I did and they are cool I think but in an emergency would you rather have a little noise for a few seconds or a carload of dead kids? You also don’t have multiple Jake brakes on when drivers are going past you like the noise that multiple motorcycles make. There as a pickup in front of me yesterday that was as loud or louder than a motorcycle. "

Paco to Dr. Fill wrote on Aug 22, 2007 7:51 PM:

" Right on! I agree with you 100%. "

Stormin' Norman wrote on Aug 22, 2007 7:48 PM:

" Straight pipes save lives, and I only use them on my Harley as a safety consideration. I want to be heard coming down the road so I can try to grab the attention of any automobile driver mindlessly yakking on their cell phone... "

Government Muppet wrote on Aug 22, 2007 7:29 PM:

" Yes, Illinois needs laws like this. All noise is pollution. Now we need laws that force people to be quiet indoors. If you can be heard over 15 feet away you are asked to go outside in the rain, snow, sleet, ect... Yep right along with that bran new smoking ban we smokers are tired of hearing you loud mouths indoors too.... We must push for tighter stricter laws on everything.... After all my hearing is part of my over all health too.... The USA is going to be one healthy nation real soon huh.... "

Re" about time~~ wrote on Aug 22, 2007 7:26 PM:

" Just cuz I like my music loud dos'nt make me a jerk or a moron. I'm not out at 1am, but I could be with your comment. What's your address????? "

Manfred wrote on Aug 22, 2007 7:22 PM:

" Just enforce the current noise ordinances. "

Dr. Fill wrote on Aug 22, 2007 7:20 PM:

" Its not stock mufflers that are the problem..its the aftermarket that caters to insecure men who feel their anatomy is not competitive. The same goes for cars..B/N is full of cars and dodge trucks (inc. the RAM, the official truck of the under endowed American male) who have deep loud mufflers that serve no other purpose but to try to up the sagging self esteem of their respective owners. Ever notice how the loud muffler guys never seem to have a girl riding with them ? "

Melvin to What wrote on Aug 22, 2007 7:15 PM:

" Why do we have to solve our problems one at a time? Both loud cycles and loud car stereos are a problem, so let's address both of them. I am sick and tired of being awakened at 2 AM by idiots with "loud pipes" or "ground pounders." I would GLADLY pay more taxes to see noise oridances enforced. Why should an entire neighborhood be awakened in the middle of the night because some moron wants to see how loud he can be? I'd like to get a decent night's sleep so I can go to work in the morning. Is that too much to expect? "

Dang! Does this mean-- wrote on Aug 22, 2007 6:57 PM:

" I gotta turn down my music? Ain't gonna happen, so let's hear those pipes (for now)! What a drag!!! "

about time wrote on Aug 22, 2007 6:56 PM:

" It is about time for a law like this. I would normally be against this kind of law, but I'm sick of the inconsiderate morons out there. I hope they start enforcing noise laws on the jerks who blare their music at 1am too. "

Revenue making excuse wrote on Aug 22, 2007 6:54 PM:

" It is just a revenue making excuse! All cities want is more money and find motorcyclist to get ticket and get money from... "

Tax Payer wrote on Aug 22, 2007 6:44 PM:

" I hope it hits Illinois HARD. The bikes..trucks...junker cars...music everything. Anyone who wants to make noise regardless of how many people they bothered has done it and not just a little but a lot. There are laws on the books just no enforcment! "

WAWAWAAA wrote on Aug 22, 2007 6:43 PM:

" The mean old government is making me quiet my bike down. Now no one will hear me at 2:00am and I'll be hit by some guy driving a quiet car. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA "

*sigh* wrote on Aug 22, 2007 6:31 PM:

" This type of ordinance would not be needed if all motorcyclists would be courteous. That's the thing: a few bad apples ruin things for everyone. I don't like motorcycle noise, but as this article says, I don't think much of most of those I hear on the road or that go by my house; but I definitely notice those few that feel they have to be as loud as possible. :( "

What wrote on Aug 22, 2007 6:14 PM:

" this really sounds like is more B.S. legislation and a waste of taxpayer money. What about those people driving down the street with their 'thumpity-bump' music turned up far more than normal? What about the people with rusted out mufflers on their beater cars? What about trucks and their "jake brakes"? Yes, let's lean on motorcyclists and solve this noise problem. Hopefully, stupidity of this nature will stay out of Illinois, but given the current administration, I'm not holding my breath. "