Aftermarket Exhaust
The Fight For Sound
Today’s auto manufacturers do all they can to insulate the driver from the noise that is coincidental with the act of driving. Add stereos, texting, cell phones, tinted windows, and visibility as well as attention is diminished. Even though it hasn’t been scientifically proven, it’s rational that ‘loud pipes save lives.’
Noise Free America and Ted Rueter want noise laws to be enforced.
He asserts too much noise hampers Americans’ sleep and productivity, aggravates the symptoms of autism in children, triggers post-traumatic stress syndrome in military veterans and is just plain annoying.
Michigan’s ABATE managed to repeal its helmet law in 2012, now its goal is to exempt motorcycles from EPA restrictions on noise and emission levels.
Ground Up Motorcycle Build
Harley-Davidson motorcycles from the factory comply with all federal sound level standards.
“We know that we can enjoy good sound quality and performance without making excessive amounts of noise,” said Patricia Sweeney, corporate communications director for Harley-Davidson. “At the end of the day, this issue is about respect. It’s the riders’ respect for their surroundings, but it’s also a noise-sensitive community’s respect for riders’ freedom.”
“I think the first thing is to draft a letter to H-D asking them to stay out of the situation,” explained Bandit of Bikernet.com. “What we do with their product after we buy it is none of their business. After all, Ford doesn’t tell you not to take a 4WD truck off road because the environment needs protection.”
Read all about the ongoing debate in the Detroit Free Press .
