Topic: Noise bylaw - is this a Canadian issue only???

[Cqyqte]

I lived in Toronto, ON for most of my life.  Last 15 years I moved to the north to the country, but I remember as a kid I read some pretty funny shat about those noise haters.   To the northwest of Toronto is our international airport it was pretty much in the middle of nowhere for years.  Urban sprawl hit and Mississauga popped up and places to the west like Milton grew and became home for commuting Toronto employees.  Now Milton was under the western flight path for Toronto International Airport and it wasn't long before those new home owners began pettitioning to close or move the airport.

Daaahh the airport was there long before their subdivisions were and what did they think when they went to view that new house?  Well, long story short the same politically correct, holy'er than thou noise haters got the airport to place noise abatement rules into to all flights using the westbound runways, as well as to shut the airport flight times down somewhere around 11:00 at night.

So I guess what I am saying is there will always be squeaky wheels and politicians and councellors will always do as they're told to keep them happy.  The problem is we the noise makers, don't make enough at the right time or directed to the right people.  If we become the squeaky wheel they will pay attention to us!

[Tom in Newcastle......Ontario]

I guess it's time for us to start making noise and do something to end loud pipes.......

[Magpie]

But don't loud pipes save lives? Cliff.

[DarcyCB400F]

I especially don't like any law that appears to address all vehicles but really is meant to address motorcycles...
how about noise testing those new diesel trucks with their aftermarket 6" exhaust?? How about those truck drivers and their jake brake??? How about those highway buses that could drown out a 747 on take off???

[72 yellow]

I lived in Toronto, ON for most of my life.  Last 15 years I moved to the north to the country, but I remember as a kid I read some pretty funny shat about those noise haters.   To the northwest of Toronto is our international airport it was pretty much in the middle of nowhere for years.  Urban sprawl hit and Mississauga popped up and places to the west like Milton grew and became home for commuting Toronto employees.  Now Milton was under the western flight path for Toronto International Airport and it wasn't long before those new home owners began pettitioning to close or move the airport.

Daaahh the airport was there long before their subdivisions were and what did they think when they went to view that new house?  Well, long story short the same politically correct, holy'er than thou noise haters got the airport to place noise abatement rules into to all flights using the westbound runways, as well as to shut the airport flight times down somewhere around 11:00 at night.

So I guess what I am saying is there will always be squeaky wheels and politicians and councellors will always do as they're told to keep them happy.  The problem is we the noise makers, don't make enough at the right time or directed to the right people.  If we become the squeaky wheel they will pay attention to us!

We had the same type people try the same thing in Macomb County.  They bought new homes next to an existing and active Air National Guard base (Selfridge Field) which had been there since the 20's.  Then complained about the noise.

[Roach]

my bike being loud is for my safety im the smallest thing on the road i need to be heard or the big guys wont notice that im even there

[72 yellow]

In 1973 I purchased a new H-D XLH Sportster from Detroit Harley-Davidson.  Since it was bought within the city limits, it came with a different, single muffler than the staggered duals sold elsewhere.  I was told Detroit, Philadelphia and California had to have these exhaust systems due to noise regulations.  I was able to purchase the staggered duals and install them myself, but the dealership could only sell the parts in the box.  And they were factory pipes and mufflers.

Several of us rode in and out of Detroit and all remember a Detroit cop who  specialized in stopping motorcycles he thought were too loud.  He would use his nightstick to check for baffles in the mufflers.  No baffles and you got a ticket.  This was in the mid-late 70's.

I live by a left turn lane by a busy highway.  It is 2 blocks from a popular bike bar.  All summer long the straight pipe cruiser crowd blasts around the turn lane to the red light.  Of course they only use first gear, so you get both the noise from the acceleration and snarling when they close the throttle.  I don't know how they can stand it, unless they are already deaf.  My bikes are louder than stock, but never got a threatening look from any law enforcement type.  And I don't ride like a fool to draw attention to myself.

  

[Cqyqte]

Thats the key, ride sensibly and lay off the throttle until way out in the country and you will be fine.  Biggest thing is blipping the throttle at a stoplight, tune it so it idles without constant blipping!!!

[TwoTired]

my bike being loud is for my safety im the smallest thing on the road i need to be heard or the big guys wont notice that im even there

I call BS. 
If you are relying on others for your safety, you are just an accident waiting to happen.  You are far better off with loud horns, unless you are afraid YOU won't notice THEM either.  If the latter is the case, get ready for some pain.
Rather, I suspect you are using the loud pipe excuse 'cause you like it loud and want to be noticed.  It's the same reason that Cocks crow, and rutting animals make loud noises.

Good for them. It's time to stomp on idiots with stupidly loud exhausts. You can't have open pipes at a race track any more. Why anyone believes he should be able to wake the dead with his toy mystifies me.
There are different classes of idiot though, a bike with a blown out glasspack or a just-over-the-limit custom exhaust is in a different world from a pencil dicked moron with open pipes blatting around to enjoy the racket echoing off houses - they should take those bikes straight to the crusher. Hell, have a crusher beside the noise test stop.
The problem is getting an enforceable and reasonable testing method.

I'm with Bodi on this one.
Cars around here don't keep loud exhausts very long, likely due to citations.  Thump speakers are another issue, that seems mostly ignored by law enforcement.  It's just an alternate method of the Cock's crow syndrome, really.

There are still a lot of loud pipe Harleys shaking my windows from three blocks away where a stop light exists.  Of course, these overgrown infants have to keep blipping the throttle on the POS so it doesn't die on the spot.  (And to have anyone nearby look daggers at them.)  But, they are true "weekend rebels", with their uncreased shiny new leathers who have paid big money for the right to annoy anyone within the widest radius earshot.

The only difference between a Hoover vacuum cleaner and a bike with loud pipes is the position of the dirt bag, and they both suck. 

Cheers,

[Roach]

i was joking i have stock pipes and baffles... i had enough noise when i had my integra and mustang it quiet time for me...

[DarcyCB400F]

my bike being loud is for my safety I'm the smallest thing on the road i need to be heard or the big guys wont notice that I'm even there

I call BS.  
If you are relying on others for your safety, you are just an accident waiting to happen.  You are far better off with loud horns, unless you are afraid YOU won't notice THEM either.  If the latter is the case, get ready for some pain.
Rather, I suspect you are using the loud pipe excuse 'cause you like it loud and want to be noticed.  It's the same reason that Cocks crow, and rutting animals make loud noises.

Good for them. It's time to stomp on idiots with stupidly loud exhausts. You can't have open pipes at a race track any more. Why anyone believes he should be able to wake the dead with his toy mystifies me.
There are different classes of idiot though, a bike with a blown out glasspack or a just-over-the-limit custom exhaust is in a different world from a pencil dicked moron with open pipes blatting around to enjoy the racket echoing off houses - they should take those bikes straight to the crusher. Hell, have a crusher beside the noise test stop.
The problem is getting an enforceable and reasonable testing method.

I'm with Bodi on this one.
Cars around here don't keep loud exhausts very long, likely due to citations.  Thump speakers are another issue, that seems mostly ignored by law enforcement.  It's just an alternate method of the Cock's crow syndrome, really.

There are still a lot of loud pipe Harleys shaking my windows from three blocks away where a stop light exists.  Of course, these overgrown infants have to keep blipping the throttle on the POS so it doesn't die on the spot.  (And to have anyone nearby look daggers at them.)  But, they are true "weekend rebels", with their uncreased shiny new leathers who have paid big money for the right to annoy anyone within the widest radius earshot.

The only difference between a Hoover vacuum cleaner and a bike with loud pipes is the position of the dirt bag, and they both suck.  

Cheers,

For the record, I happen to be a HD rider as well as my CB400. I am honestly surprised at the level of anti-Harley opinions on this forum and quite frankly, am disgusted by it. We Harley riders have an equal respect for any fellow riders who are on two wheels. It is childish and immature to take such a pitiful approach towards ones personal choices such as which motorcycle to Ride. I truly appreciate all bikes and their riders and would never take such a stance as to ridicule one group of riders with such venom!

For example "There are still a lot of loud pipe Harleys shaking my windows from three blocks away where a stop light exists.  Of course, these overgrown infants have to keep blipping the throttle on the POS so it doesn't die on the spot.  (And to have anyone nearby look daggers at them.)  But, they are true "weekend rebels", with their uncreased shiny new leathers who have paid big money for the right to annoy anyone within the widest radius earshot."


I am of the opinion that certain folks take their personal choices to such a level as they start to encroach on others freedom of choice to such a degree that it's offensive to say the least. It's no wonder certain ethnic groups are at each others throats over what they think is a better choice and are willing to give their lives for it!!

Let's share the forum like we share the road!!!

[Retro Rocket]

For the record, I happen to be a HD rider as well as my CB400. I am honestly surprised at the level of anti-Harley opinions on this forum and quite frankly, am disgusted by it. We Harley riders have an equal respect for any fellow riders who are on two wheels. It is childish and immature to take such a pitiful approach towards ones personal choices such as which motorcycle to Ride. I truly appreciate all bikes and their riders and would never take such a stance as to ridicule one group of riders with such venom!

I am of the opinion that certain folks take their personal choices to such a level as they start to encroach on others freedom of choice to such a degree that it's offensive to say the least. It's no wonder certain ethnic groups are at each others throats over what they think is a better choice and are willing to give their lives for it!!

Let's share the forum like we share the road!!!

Well for a start its a SOHC Honda forum so go cry on a Harley forum about the perceived lack of respect mate. Most if not all Harley related comments here are about noise and are completely justified. Do you happen to frequent Harley forums mate.? They just #$%*in love hanging #$%* on Jap bikes  so if you are expecting a wave of support or sympathy then you are in the wrong place....
If you think all or most Harley riders think like you do then you are sadly mistaken...
Funny #$%*....

[RatBikeRandy]

Darcy - I agree with you.  Even though this is a Honda forum, I own or have owned and appreciate all kinds of motorcycles including Harleys.  There is a huge undercurrent of hate toward Harley owners on this forum that I don't think you would find on other MOTORCYCLE forums.

[Retro Rocket]

You blokes can ride what you like but turning this into a Harley bashing thread is bull#$%*, ITS A HONDA FORUM.....The undercurrent of hate is also bull#$%*, i don't like them but thats not hate, show us some hate threads guys. You lot are just paranoid and hang around looking for a Harley comment then pounce....I would like to see the hate threads guys.....

[72 yellow]

my bike being loud is for my safety I'm the smallest thing on the road i need to be heard or the big guys wont notice that I'm even there

I call BS.  
If you are relying on others for your safety, you are just an accident waiting to happen.  You are far better off with loud horns, unless you are afraid YOU won't notice THEM either.  If the latter is the case, get ready for some pain.
Rather, I suspect you are using the loud pipe excuse 'cause you like it loud and want to be noticed.  It's the same reason that Cocks crow, and rutting animals make loud noises.

Good for them. It's time to stomp on idiots with stupidly loud exhausts. You can't have open pipes at a race track any more. Why anyone believes he should be able to wake the dead with his toy mystifies me.
There are different classes of idiot though, a bike with a blown out glasspack or a just-over-the-limit custom exhaust is in a different world from a pencil dicked moron with open pipes blatting around to enjoy the racket echoing off houses - they should take those bikes straight to the crusher. Hell, have a crusher beside the noise test stop.
The problem is getting an enforceable and reasonable testing method.

I'm with Bodi on this one.
Cars around here don't keep loud exhausts very long, likely due to citations.  Thump speakers are another issue, that seems mostly ignored by law enforcement.  It's just an alternate method of the Cock's crow syndrome, really.

There are still a lot of loud pipe Harleys shaking my windows from three blocks away where a stop light exists.  Of course, these overgrown infants have to keep blipping the throttle on the POS so it doesn't die on the spot.  (And to have anyone nearby look daggers at them.)  But, they are true "weekend rebels", with their uncreased shiny new leathers who have paid big money for the right to annoy anyone within the widest radius earshot.

The only difference between a Hoover vacuum cleaner and a bike with loud pipes is the position of the dirt bag, and they both suck.  

Cheers,

For the record, I happen to be a HD rider as well as my CB400. I am honestly surprised at the level of anti-Harley opinions on this forum and quite frankly, am disgusted by it. We Harley riders have an equal respect for any fellow riders who are on two wheels. It is childish and immature to take such a pitiful approach towards ones personal choices such as which motorcycle to Ride. I truly appreciate all bikes and their riders and would never take such a stance as to ridicule one group of riders with such venom!

For example "There are still a lot of loud pipe Harleys shaking my windows from three blocks away where a stop light exists.  Of course, these overgrown infants have to keep blipping the throttle on the POS so it doesn't die on the spot.  (And to have anyone nearby look daggers at them.)  But, they are true "weekend rebels", with their uncreased shiny new leathers who have paid big money for the right to annoy anyone within the widest radius earshot."


I am of the opinion that certain folks take their personal choices to such a level as they start to encroach on others freedom of choice to such a degree that it's offensive to say the least. It's no wonder certain ethnic groups are at each others throats over what they think is a better choice and are willing to give their lives for it!!

Let's share the forum like we share the road!!!

This is my personal observation.  When I ride my BSA, most Harley riders will wave or acknowledge me.  When I ride my CB750,  I am mostly ignored by the Harley guys.  Makes no difference to me if anyone waves or not, but the  Harley guys seem to be a lot more clannish.  Again just my own observation. 

[faux fiddy]

There are still a lot of loud pipe Harleys shaking my windows from three blocks away where a stop light exists.  Of course, these overgrown infants have to keep blipping the throttle on the POS so it doesn't die on the spot.  (And to have anyone nearby look daggers at them.)  But, they are true "weekend rebels", with their uncreased shiny new leathers who have paid big money for the right to annoy anyone within the widest radius earshot.

The only difference between a Hoover vacuum cleaner and a bike with loud pipes is the position of the dirt bag, and they both suck. 

Cheers,

Flagrant Attention GetterS

[TwoTired]

For the record, I happen to be a HD rider as well as my CB400.

Well, which one is louder?  And, are they louder than stock?

I am honestly surprised at the level of anti-Harley opinions on this forum and quite frankly, am disgusted by it.

And, I am disgusted by loud bike owners.  My observation is that 9 out of 10 loud bikes are Harleys.

We Harley riders have an equal respect for any fellow riders who are on two wheels.

You know darn well that is not universally true.

It is childish and immature to take such a pitiful approach towards ones personal choices such as which motorcycle to Ride.

My point is that it is childish and immature to insist you drive the loudest bike possible in residential areas.  It doesn't matter what brand.  I simply observe that most of them are riders of Harleys.

I am of the opinion that certain folks take their personal choices to such a level as they start to encroach on others freedom of choice to such a degree that it's offensive to say the least.

You mean to say that if it is your personal choice to make everyone else miserable with insanely loud pipes, we should all just tolerate it as YOUR personal freedom?  How does that NOT encroach on everyone else's personal freedom to enjoy sleep, restful recouperation from illness, soft music, a quiet read, or quiet passages of tv/movies?

I know Harleys can be quiet.  But, I recall hearing only two examples in my lifetime.  I was able to congratulate one of them.  The other one quietly motored away minding his own business.  I've got no problem with quiet Harley riders, and wish them well.  It's super rare to observe those, though.

[DarcyCB400F]

Didn't realize there was so much immaturity amongst fellow riders... I am ashamed to be considered a motorcycle rider if it means being associated with the likes of some of you narrow minded riders.

I "thought" this was a cool forum... I am starting to understand why there is an ignore option!!

Some of you are acting like schoolyard bullies... nice work for adults I must say!

Reminds of something someone has been recently quoted "you are either with us or agin us"... so typical

[axehole54]

I believe that opinion's are like a$$holes everyone's got one... This doesn't have to be a hate fest... why draw a line in the sand?  Ex: Some people like quiet luxury cars, some people like glasspacked muscle cars and some people like import sounding exhaust... No matter what one person says it's gonna upset someone else who isn't in the same category... stereotypes exist and living them down can be difficult... Valid points (to some degree) from either side of the fence are acceptable but why are we getting angry about opinions??? Does it really matter? didn't this post start off talking about noise laws? Not everyone driving a bike with loud exhaust is trying to make themselves loud but at the same time its a level of extra assurance that maybe that little old lady doing 25mph is more inclined to look in her mirror before switching lanes if she hears the sound of something... Anyone ever been to a foreign country?  people honk their horns constantly so they can be heard because they pretty much have to so they aren't run over... So lets all stop picking on eachother... Pleeeasee?
Just my 2 pennies

[Bodi]

I haven't seen a lot of HD "hatred' here. I like to ride them now and then and owned one once, every bike has a different feel and there aren't many I don't like. There's a definite hatred that emanated from some of the HD faithful though... I think it started in the 60s when Japanese bikes took over the market and a 450 Honda or a 305 Suzuki could ride circles around the v-twins. The animosity between "them and us" got pretty nasty. V-twin gatherings regularly featured "smash a riceburner" events and Japanes bike riders had to avoid some motorcycle races because of the risk of their bike being burned by mobs of the v-twin faithful: Laconia was infamous for this.
Nowadays the outright violence has faded but there's still a separaration bordering on hostility. Popular weekend riding spots have voluntarily segregated parking - the HD and clones in one area and the spirtbike guys at another. Your bike won't get torched if you go to the wrong place but you may get some attitude and comments.
Sportbike riders can be total a-holes and v-twin riders can be totally nice.
I think we vintage riders should all get along.
A v-twin can be a great engine. An inline four can as well. I like parallel twins, too. Singles have their place. Whatever moves you.
My observation is that most offensively loud-for-loudness-sake bikes are v-twins. There are loud sportbikes too of course. Their riders seem more concerned with performance than just being loud and open pipes do not make horsepower... just noise. A sportbike with a "race" pipe can be reasonably quiet putting around town, a plopping and blatting v-twin with unbaffled pipes is always cacophonous. Neither should be tolerated on public roads.
Arguing that noise makes you safer is moronic. You have a horn for that. If you believe that helmets are unsafe for some nutbar reason, don't wear them, I don't care, it won't wake me up or scare the dogs and if your brain decorates the pavement it's nada to me. If you believe you have a right to annoy the world so that some mythical old lady driver will avoid killing you, get real or get off the road.

[scottly]

In my experience, neither loud pipes, nor an air-horn gave me any protection from careless drivers.

[axehole54]

People will definitely hit you, given the chance... but to some extent the loud pipes do increase awareness. Honestly have you ever been driving a car and heard a bike before you saw it? I'm sure I have, and I'm watching for us what about the idiot who can't see anything that's not more than 4 ft wide?... and there I go arguing

[Grnrngr]

In my experience, neither loud pipes, nor an air-horn gave me any protection from careless drivers.

+1  you gotta watch your ass cuz no ones gonna watch out for you...

[754]

Well I for one, notice A FAIR AMOUNT of H-D bashing on here..

 I think its a bit immature to not to not accept other types of bike enthusiasts..  been around both sides, and there are plenty of metric and V-twin a-holes.... no shortage on either side..

 I call bull#$%*e on  TT only having heard 2 quiet Harleys.. I mean where in North America could you ride for at least a year without riding past at least (stock exhaust) 2 E'Glides or cop H-D's ?.. I think its more like you are not noticing the quiet ones..

[Roach]

People will definitely hit you, given the chance... but to some extent the loud pipes do increase awareness. Honestly have you ever been driving a car and heard a bike before you saw it? I'm sure I have, and I'm watching for us what about the idiot who can't see anything that's not more than 4 ft wide?... and there I go arguing

i have heard bikes coming well before i see them it does help any noise helps when you are dealing with other drivers your horn isn't always a constant reminder to people that you are there. mind you that being said you still have to be a defensive rider.