If you’ve ever driven a car that was excessively loud, you’ll probably be surprised to learn that most chopper motorcycles are quite quiet. That’s because they have stripped down parts, leaving the engines and exhaust pipes exposed. Obviously, this makes choppers louder, but there are also safety reasons for the increased noise.
Straight pipes
Choppers with straight pipes have an extremely loud exhaust note when they start up. The purpose of a muffler is to reduce the noise of exhaust gases and the combustion process. It also allows the exhaust to escape at a slower pace. A muffler also helps prevent dangerous emissions from being released into the atmosphere. Without a muffler, a rider would be exposed to noxious fumes that would be dangerous for others.
Most states prohibit straight pipes, but they are legal in some areas. Check with your local government to determine if it’s legal where you live. Some cities also have their own regulations regarding the use of straight pipes. If you want to install one on your bike, be aware that you could get in trouble if it’s too loud. Police are known to stop riders with loud exhausts.
Although straight piping can make choppers more visually appealing, it is also a significant safety risk. Straight piping can expose the oxygen sensor, which adversely affects the performance of the engine. It’s important to note that a straight pipe may not work with your motorcycle’s fuel injection system. You may also end up with a damaged exhaust valve.
Large mufflers
Choppers are notoriously loud, but there are some ways to reduce the noise. One option is to install aftermarket exhaust systems. These are designed to reduce noise by re-directing sound waves away from the engine. There are several types of mufflers available.
Motorcycle mufflers are relatively small – several inches long – and aren’t as large as those found in cars. The reason for this is that motorcycle exhaust pipes are shorter and have little room for a larger muffler. In addition, the distance between the exhaust port and the end of the exhaust pipe is 10 to 15 feet on a car, compared to just 3 feet on a motorcycle.
However, modifying the mufflers is not always a good idea. In some cases, the mufflers can break down over time, which is what makes a motorcycle so loud. If you’re considering making changes to the mufflers on your motorcycle, check your local laws and regulations to make sure you don’t violate any noise ordinances.
Excessive noise
Choppers are often noisy, but the louder they are, the more dangerous they can be. They can cause a driver to swerve and make it difficult to hear or see. In fact, one hour of exposure to 94 decibels can damage a person’s hearing. Motorcycles that are over 100 decibels are also dangerous for others. This noise can be heard for miles, and is a public nuisance and health hazard. It can also have an adverse impact on the quality of life in the community.
There are laws that protect motorists from the noise, but many people question their effectiveness. One major reason is that police departments lack the resources to enforce them. For example, catching violators of the noise laws requires sound meters, which most PDs cannot afford. In addition, many officers are not trained to use these meters, so their enforcement is limited.
Many bike riders prefer the classic sound. Others claim that the loud sound helps drivers pay attention to them and reduces accidents. The loud straight pipes, however, decrease performance at low rpms, but they improve racing performance. While this is an advantage for racers, it doesn’t necessarily work well for city riding.
Safety
A recent tragedy involving a helicopter in the southern California hills has cast a shadow over helicopter safety. And even if the general aviation industry’s fatal accident rate is low, it is still a concern for travelers who don’t regularly fly. Several New York City helicopter accidents have also drawn public attention, including a fatal crash of an Agusta A109E in June, which killed the pilot, and another that killed five people over the East River two winters ago. However, there are many positive developments in helicopter safety.
In the past decade, the number of fatalities from helicopters has dropped dramatically. In fact, it has decreased by 50% from the first half of the century. However, many quarters have expressed concerns and called for stricter helicopter safety regulations. For instance, some members of Congress have proposed legislation that would require helicopters to carry warning and terrain awareness technology. The bill is called the Bryant and Gianna Helicopter Safety Act of 2009 and would force helicopter operators to carry more equipment that improves the safety of their aircraft.
Airbus Helicopters is committed to fostering a culture of safety throughout the company. This is reflected in the way they manage risk and in the way they engage with their supply chain. Its efforts are also part of an industry-wide initiative, the Vertical Aviation Safety Team.
