Loud Pipes No Good, Huh?

Then read this:

http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2008/06/12/oakland-police-department-wants-louder-pipes-on-its-harleys

The Oakland Police Department put louder pipes on their fleet because,
"It seems the cops just didn’t feel safe on toned-down bikes. 'There’s
an old motorcycle adage that you are heard before you are seen,' said
Deputy Chief Dave Kozicki, explaining the department’s decision to
toss the bikes’ muted factory-issued mufflers in favor of the more
high-volume pipes. Kozicki cited an accident three months ago in which
an Oakland officer riding a toned-down cycle was struck by a motorist
who said he hadn’t heard the officer approaching."

The department had loud pipes before and went back to stock. When
stock pipes were put back on the bikes, "According to Kozicki, the
decibel drop sparked a chorus of complaints from other officers, who
said they felt less safe. So last year the department launched a
$1,200 study in conjunction with the city’s risk management division
to determine whether A) the louder motorcycles contributed to
officers’ safety, B) were detrimental to their hearing, and C)
complied with noise standards. Kozicki acknowledged that whatever
safety-related findings the study produced were largely anecdotal.
Still, after everything was taken into consideration, the department
concluded “it was in the best interest of the officers to put more-
audible pipes back on,” Kozicki said."

"Oakland officials acknowledge that the noisy pipes, when tested,
averaged 93 decibels - well above the federal legal noise limit,
according to the Motorcycle Industry Council."

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Loud Pipes No Good, Huh?
    ... Deputy Chief Dave Kozicki, ... high-volume pipes. ... an Oakland officer riding a toned-down cycle was struck by a motorist ... according to the Motorcycle Industry Council." ...
    (rec.motorcycles)
  • Re: Loud Pipes No Good, Huh?
    ... The Oakland Police Department put louder pipes on their fleet because, ... Deputy Chief Dave Kozicki, ... according to the Motorcycle Industry Council." ...
    (rec.motorcycles)
  • Re: LOUD PIPES SHAVE WIVES!
    ... kind of pipes to run on my motorcycle, ... cause mine has been paid for a long time ago.. ... paid for it and ride it.. ...
    (rec.motorcycles)
  • Re: LOUD PIPES SHAVE WIVES!
    ... kind of pipes to run on my motorcycle, ... cause mine has been paid for a long time ago.. ... paid for it and ride it.. ...
    (rec.motorcycles)
  • Re: Things not to do with a pipe, #117
    ... did any of those South Carolina good ... ole boys riding along in their F-150s see you attempt this maneuver? ... seen trying to shove pipes up their butts while riding motorcycles all ... especially on a motorcycle in public in front of god-fearin' ...
    (alt.smokers.pipes)