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It appears that whenever I ride a quiet bike here on Long Island, (and for the record that is my preference), I wind up getting cut off by someone in a car who is unaware I am there in their blind spot. Riding in, or passing through an autos blind spot is just unavoidable. I really like the tone and level of my 94 airhead, but unfortunately it needs to be a bit louder for me to be noticed. I know this is a long standing debate among bikers but maybe there is some truth to the saying "loud pipes save lives". I think there are many places in the country where quite pipes are best, but it doesn't seem to work here. I had this problem with my R65, and my R100R as well. As soon as I made them a bit louder, problem solved. I presently have a Y pipe, but apparently with the stock muffler it is still too quiet.
I got "pushed" across a double yellow last week from a turn lane. When I got along side him he had that surprised look...oops.

Gibson wrote:It appears that whenever I ride a quiet bike here on Long Island, (and for the record that is my preference), I wind up getting cut off by someone in a car who is unaware I am there in their blind spot. Riding in, or passing through an autos blind spot is just unavoidable. I really like the tone and level of my 94 airhead, but unfortunately it needs to be a bit louder for me to be noticed. I know this is a long standing debate among bikers but maybe there is some truth to the saying "loud pipes save lives". I think there are many places in the country where quite pipes are best, but it doesn't seem to work here. I had this problem with my R65, and my R100R as well. As soon as I made them a bit louder, problem solved. I presently have a Y pipe, but apparently with the stock muffler it is still too quiet.
I got "pushed" across a double yellow last week from a turn lane. When I got along side him he had that surprised look...oops.

Hmmm, plausible but I would be thinking in terms of a loud horn (with a relay added to the wiring to handle the current) would be more effective. A long blast would likely piss the driver off but a quick 'toot' would probably only mildly irritate him.

Ken

I hate loud bikes and that is one of the reasons why I first selected BMW.

This question brings out another question. Will electric bikes be even more dangerous? I suspect that they use a good horn, but this is interesting. I will ask Zak Vetter about this.

Better yet, did you consider moving to another location, say, one with riding weather in winter, maybe CA?

I stay out of people's blind spots as much as possible, in fact if possible I avoid ever being next to a cager. Or any other vehicle for that matter. Of course it's difficult to do this if traffic is too heavy, which it probably almost always is in your neck of the woods. If I were you I would either 1) move out of NYC or 2) not ride the MC in heavy traffic (it ain't no fun anyway).

It is not a matter that a horn would solve. People change lanes quickly. If they know your there in the first place, you don"t need the horn. I like the bike quiet too. First reaction needs to be to save your hide!

Duane Ausherman wrote:I hate loud bikes and that is one of the reasons why I first selected BMW.

This question brings out another question. Will electric bikes be even more dangerous? I suspect that they use a good horn, but this is interesting. I will ask Zak Vetter about this.

Better yet, did you consider moving to another location, say, one with riding weather in winter, maybe CA?

I think electric bikes will be more dangerous unfortunately. Because our bikes have such a short wheel base, they are in the blind spot of drivers more often, and for a longer time period. Fortunately many modern cars have warning systems for blind spots. Rider alertness is still key.
Long Island is a very nice place, but there are times and places, probably like most locations where traffic will be heavy. I took a 70 or so mile ride last night with very light traffic (and really enjoyed nothing but the sound of the wind...and ticking rocker arms).
I'm not talking Harley drag pipe loud, but I believe that a little more exhaust note maybe would increase profile for those pre occupied drivers...

Gibson wrote:. . . I'm not talking Harley drag pipe loud, but I believe that a little more exhaust note maybe would increase profile for those pre occupied drivers...

I believe you're right. But loud(er) pipes are sooooo politically incorrect. But I have a solution. Instead of loud pipes let's have a mid range horn and piezo tweeter that emulate the sound of a cement truck backing up. That would, I think, really get the attention of preoccupied drivers.

We have the technology!

Ken

Great idea! Or maybe the sound of a large diesel.

Here is an app for train horns that will work on your android phone, now we need a blue tooth link to a speaker on the bike. https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... orns&hl=en

I'm not a believer in "loud pipes saves lives". In fact, I'm more the "loud pipes loses rights" type.
But we're not going to convince you of that. Therefore, here are a couple of options:
http://www.epcostainless.com/mufflers.htm#2
which includes this link
http://www.epcostainless.com/bmwr100r.mpg
Note this is a "dual" system with exhaust on both sides, which gives you some more noise on the left side of the bike
or
http://www.siebenrock.com/en/products/t ... 11005.html