California Senate tells motorcyclists to pipe down [Updated]

Motorcyclists who swap their bikes' stock exhaust systems for so-called loud pipes may be more likely to get a traffic ticket under a California bill that passed the Senate on Monday. SB 435, also known as the Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act, gives law enforcement officials the ability to cite noise pollution violations under the California Vehicle Code, reinforcing a 27-year-old federal regulation that is rarely enforced.

Under the proposed law, motorcyclists pulled over for other traffic violations could also be cited for illegally noisy exhaust pipes and fined $50 to $100 for a first violation -- a fix-it ticket that could be dismissed with a proof of correction. Subsequent offenses would result in fines of $100 to $250. The bill, which has also passed the Assembly, is headed for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign. It would apply to motorcycles and after-market parts from the 2013 model year forward.

"The noise pollution caused by illegally modified motorcycle exhaust systems is a major quality of life issue across the state," SB 435's author, Sen. Fran Pavely (D-Santa Monica), said in a news release issued Monday. "Basic common sense and decency dictates that when a motorcycle drives by and sets off every car alarm on the street, that is too loud.

[Updated on Wednesday, 9:45 a.m.: The Motorcycle Industry Council, the Irvine-based trade association that represents motorcycle manufacturers and parts suppliers, opposes SB 435.

"It is not a practical solution to address excessive motorcycle noise," said MIC Vice President Pamela Arnette. Instead, Arnette said, the council recommends the J2825 standard developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers "as a fair, practical and economical enforcement tool." J2825 is a stationary sound test and specifies the type of sound meter to be used.]

 According to Senator Pavley, "Many of the modifications which are aimed at making a bike louder -- for example removing the catalytic converter -- also make the bike exponentially more polluting. This has direct, measurable and negative impacts on public health."

 

SB 435 is a watered-down version of a bill first introduced in the senate in February 2009. The earlier version of SB 435, which had also targeted illegally modified motorcycle exhaust systems but for emissions violations and would have required biennial smog checks for motorcycles, met too much resistance from bikers' rights groups and was amended last year.

The retooled version of SB 435 focuses only on exhaust-pipe-tampering and bikes that exceed the EPA-regulated 80-decibel limit for bikes manufactured since 1985. While an illegally noisy exhaust often goes hand in hand with a bike that exceeds allowable emissions, the 2010 version of SB 435 does not specifically address the smog-forming pollutants resulting from illegally modified bikes. It does, however, hold the potential to also reduce emissions -- if it's enforced. 

According to the Air Resources Board, which backed the smog-check version of SB 435, motorcycles account for less than 1% of vehicle-miles traveled in the state yet account for 10% of passenger vehicles' smog-forming emissions; swapping a compliant tailpipe equipped with a catalytic converter for one without emissions controls can emit as many as 10 times more smog-forming pollutants per mile.

-- Susan Carpenter

Photo: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[America the free]

Waaaaaaa !!!! pipes are too loud , Get A life ! California always taking away my freedom. Yes I'm moving out of California. This state makes me sick!! What about the trash trucks that arrive at 7:00 a.m the jets taking off and landing, Semi trucks blasting down the highway. What about the drug and gang problem, the graffitti , child molesters , Etc. The multi billion dallar deficit. Only California has these laws to drive people out. Enviornmentalist and green peace activist have destroyed this state.

[Oscar Gonzales]

I agree with this bill. I have been riding motorcycles since 1965, and in Los Angeles freeway traffic. Loud pipes are annoying, not safer and usually accompany more pollution.

As a rider I know that bikes are not as visible as other cars so I adjust for that. I also don't ride so fast that drivers mis-estimate my speed and position. Many accidents involve over-confident, inexperienced riders riding "over their head". A loud pipe does nothing to fix that.

Performance can be improved with pipes but bikes are so fast nowadays that it does nothing for street riding (it is okay on the track). Some bikes do 180 mph, do you need 182?. A good rider on a 250 Ninja is faster than a squid on a GSXR1000 with a Yoshimura pipe.

I have lived in L.A. since I was a kid and back then pollution was terrible, my lungs would burn. I appreciate the cleaner air and want to help make it cleaner. A pipe changes the fuel/air ratio and the optimization the design engineers planned. Following a modified bike, I can smell the pollution.

I am in favor of aftermarket pipes, they can save weight and maybe sound better, but only if they could meet California requirements. I was looking for one for my Yamaha FZ-1 but couldn't find one. If the CARB could make it easier for manufacturers to do that I would be in favor of that.

[wolf9walker]

While I admit that the loud pipes sound cool its not so cool for the people that you pass, like people with their windows down, or people walking, and these bikers rev their engines right next to you.

Originally I wasn’t for this law, but many of these bikers seem to not care about others. Tonight one went by my 4yr old son and I and gunning his engine as he did. 2 hours later I still cant hear normally out that ear. This also has happened many times before. But this broke the camel’s back.

If you want to change my mind back to your side, bikers. There are two things you can do, 1. mainly be considerate of those you pass, there is no need to full throttle the engine as you do, 2. Get pipes that aim the sound right at your head. See how you like the sound blowing in your eardrums

[Mike H]

Any bike rider who tells you they're putting on a louder exhaust system for safety purposes is joking with you. Yes, riding a bike in the LA area is dangerous (I rode for 10 years) due to the traffic conditions that place you close to cars. Yes, there are people driving cars who shouldn't be driving, eating, reading, chatting, texting while driving, and there are many bikers who also ride irresponsibly. But the incredibly loud exhaust is meant to be cool and bad. Most of the sound is evident from the rear, after they've gone by. Why would an exhaust system be allowed that is literally deafening, when playing a car radio loud is not?

[Al]

Its not enough to flaunt your $20,000 bright shiny toys, you have to make sure everyone hears you as well. Attention whores! We're sick of the noise pollution in our neighborhood from modified bike exhausts. Its always some weekend warrior Hells Angel wannabe! I guess the psychology behind this is that their compensating for something else that's seriously lacking in size.

[Bill]

AB 435, another kick in the butt for the motorcycle riders in California. Motorcycles noise is, yes, a big problem compared to all the other problems that the State Government has created for the taxpayers!! Yeah, right! I have a Harley with after-market loud exhaust and yes, it has saved me getting run over by cars and trucks more then once. I also have a bright orange vest and white helmet with my high beams on all the time and so people in cars can hear and see me in heavy commute traffic! If you haven't ridden a motorcycle in California in heavy traffic then keep your opinion to yourself! You see most people driving cars or trucks could care less about a person on a motorcycle. If they kill you all they will say is "oops, I didn't see them" while they were on their cell phone or had a loud IPod in their ears, radio turned up high, eating, putting makeup on or even reading the newspaper besides being drunk! Yes, I have seen it all. I know some bikes are probably too loud but, hey, what about the loud exhaust on pickup trucks and cars or the neighborhood lawn service with their loud leaf blowers, garbage trucks, powersaws, chainsaws, nailguns or the neighbors barking dog! Where is the line drawn?? Oh, and the smog in California, emissions from motorcycles! I think the exhaust on motorcycles with catalytic convertors is rediculous. Smog is a result from large industry, cars, trucks, and large truck tractor Semi's more then motorcycles because of engine size, and the number of cars on the road compared to two wheel vehicles. One last smog maker in California is the yearly wild fires that polute more in one day then all the vehicles emissions do in a year! What are we going to do about that!!
Where do we stop when it comes to taking our freedoms away from the people. Yes, I am concerned about our environment but sticking it to the people riding on two wheels so they can't be noticed while riding is bad Politics and not fair to the motorcycle community!

[CM]

I am overjoyed by this law...loud motorcycles are a complete freaking nightmare. I live a few blocks away from a biker bar and every night we are treated to an onslaught of noise as the selfish pieces of sh** head for the highway right through the quiet residential area, waking up all the dogs and setting off alarms in their wake. You jerks that think you have the absolute right to inflict that obscene noise on the rest of us can just go to hell as far as I am concerned. I don't really give a damn about the pollution, I am concerned with the freaking noise pollution.

And as for lane splitting being safe...the other day while driving in very slow traffic, I looked over my shoulder and in both my left side and rear view mirrors about 10 times before starting to change lanes...then as soon as I started to move over, some dipshit suddenly appeared in my side mirror as he tipped his bike over in the middle of two lanes of traffic. The only thing that saved him from being hit was the fact that the traffic was almost stopped. It is impossible to predict when someone is going to pull up like that...I was doing EVERYTHING right as I prepared to change lanes, but couldn't read the mind of the fool lane-splitter (and the idiot couldn't even pick up his own bike for pete's sake, I had to get out of my car and help him).

And yes, before you ask...I DO ride...but I ride a bike that doesn't torture anyone's ears...and I would never split lanes.

[Michael B]

I didn't "misquote" anything. I didn't paraphrase anything, either. The quote was indeed from Professor Harry Hurt but the study cited by the article was not the Hurt report (a study conducted over 30 years ago), the article cited a study conducted by the University of Southern California for the USDOT in 1996. If you would have actually read the article you would know that in 1996 The University of Southern California study determined that lane splitting is safe. Not having read the Hurt report I can only assume, based upon the the quote from Professor Hurt cited in the article, that the 1996 study reinforced his 1979 findings about lane-splitting. Lane-splitting is safe (under the right circumstances) Hi-Viz is safe, loud pipes saving lives is a myth. As for the middle-age thing - I started riding on the street in high school and never stopped. I've been riding for 31 years and averaging about 12,000 miles a years. Do the math. God willing, I'm about eight years away from half a million miles.

[Dave]

This law will not change anything. Most cops ride Harleys and won't enforce it. As for the comments of every middle aged man going through mid-life crisis and buys a Harley. What a joke to hear this. You either can't afford a Harley, can't ride, wife won't let you have one or your just a kook plain and simple. Yes I am middle age and there is nothing more fun and satisfying than riding our bikes/toys. I personally modified my exhaust and yes I did it for the sound and recently a neighbor complained about my bike being to loud. FYI It was the first time on my bike in 2 weeks and it only sets off car alarms here and there. The police came to my house and personally said cops ride Harleys with loud pipes too not to worry about it and just ride slower through my neighbor hood which I always do. This law id like Jaywalking and will; never be enforced. "LIVE TO RIDE AND RIDE TO LIVE".

[Steve]

Just a comment for my fellow motorcyclist; Michael B, please don't miss quote anything on the Hurt Study, have you read this report? I caution you about the mention of speed and "lane sharing".
California CHP considers this lane sharing, passing on the left, passing on the right, but done done "safely". So, there is only the safe speed that L.E. determines as the motorcyclist does his or her lane sharing. Purely subjective and at the discretion of L.E..
The Hurt Study was used to determine why there were so many motorcyclists injured or killed. The data was used to architect the CMSP/MSF Course.
Digress- SB 435 will only cause more economic hardships on the aftermarket industry and the trades that support it. Another blow to the U.S. Economy, one more won for the Ca. Gov. When will this type of abuse of power change.
Noise, WHY AREN'T THEY (SENATE) FOCUSING ON THE REAL PROBLEMS?

[Alan]

I acknowledge the CHP guideline for lanespliting. But I don't see many abiding the speed limit of 25-30. Most times the bike is passed traffic moving 30 mph and above. So, lets get real. I've seen the guys that do it right, but the make up less than 10% of the bikes on the daily commute. Last night I checked, 24 passes in traffic moving 35mph or above.

So its not just the cage drivers, eh.

[ZZRBiker]

Folks, be realistic. Exhaust pipes face rearward, so most of the noise goes rearward. Cars with windows rolled up, A/C blasting (not to mention sound systems), the driver talking on the phone or with a passenger - they can't hear you. Think about the last time a motorcycle with loud pipes passed you on the freeway. Even if you heard it coming, where was the bike by the time you registered that it was an approaching motorcycle and you started LOOKING for it? Exactly, it was already next to you. Unlike many animals, we humans rely far more on our eyes rather than our ears.
When it comes to a (near) collision between a car and a motorcycle, what does the car driver always say? "I never SAW him!" No one EVER says, "I didn't HEAR him!" To all the die-hards out there who absolutely swear that your pipes have saved your life HUNDREDS of times: did you EVER, even once, stop that driver and ask if he/she heard you?
Making yourself more visible is far more effective than a loud pipe. In fact, according the the biggest motorcycle crash study ever done worldwide ("Hurt Report", UCLA 1979) modified motorcycles are over-represented in crashes. Loud pipes waste lives. Pretty ineffective as a crash avoidance method.

[Michael B]

On lane splitting I'll say it again since some people haven't bothered to read the longer comments. THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL HAS DETERMINED THAT LANE SPLITTING, UP TO A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH, IS SAVER THAN RIDING IN A LANE.* Don't comment on something for which you have not done any real research and clearly know nothing about. Be honest with yourselves: you hate lane splitting because you can't stand someone getting ahead of you in traffic. For those of you that spent $50,000 to $100,000 or more on a sports car that can go 200 mph only to sit in traffic while a $4000.00 motorcycle passes you by... it sucks to be you, you're an idiot.

*A study conducted four years ago by a University of Southern California researcher supports that claim.

The study, commissioned by the U.S. Department of Transportation, concluded that lane splitting is safer than sitting in stop-and-go traffic, where bikers are far more likely to be "sandwiched" between two cars.

"For a motorcyclist, that's the safest place to be," Professor Harry Hurt said shortly after releasing his study. "A lot of people think it's a hazard, but the cold, hard facts are that it's not."

http://articles.sfgate.com/2000-10-30/news/17664760_1_lane-splitting-motorcyclists-bay-bridge

[Marty from Modesto]

Loud motorcycle riders and people who drive vehicles with boom boxes are the SAME IN MY BOOK.

Where do all you obnoxious motorcycle riders live? Maybe we can wake you up every weekday morning at 2:45 AM when I commute for work. Throw a couple of firecrackers at your front porch. If you won't let me sleep in my own home then you shouldn't sleep either.

[Xen]

It is fairly obvious that some motorcycle riders modify their exhausts for a 'cool sound'. Simple observation and some common sense tell us that. These people then justify their desire to make noise by playing the 'safety card'.

Do some research. 25% of motorcycle crashes are single vehicle - usually the motorcycle leaving the road. A loud exhaust is not going to get the tree to move out of the way. Out of the rest of the crashes the last DOT study showed that 75% were the motorcycles fault. That shows us that more than 80% of the crashes were the motorcycles fault, not another vehicles.

If you're going to modify your exhaust are least be honest with yourselves and the rest of us - you're doing in for the sound / noise, not for safety. A study showed that only about 10% of riders in crashes had any formal safety training. If you were interested in safety then you would spend your money on rider training, not a straight pipe. If you were interested in safety then you would wear high visibility clothing. If you were interested in safety then you would wear a helmet designed to protect the neck and jaw. If you were interested in safety then you would use daytime running lights. Just don't pretend that you're interested in safety when you're not.

Finally, my bike has a device from the factory for warning drivers. Its called a horn.

[Nameless motorcyclist]

After reading many of the comments all I can say is wow. There are a lot of people with anger issues. After moving out here the one thing I have realized is Californians in general have no regard for the people of California but if it has to do with the environment or animals you pull out all the stops.

Please don't tailgate. The person in front of you is someones child, or parent, or sibling, but overall they are a HUMAN BEING same as you! If you can't slow down a bit to potentially save someone's life then find another way to get around. So ask yourselves, how close do I follow a motorcyclist. Do I give them the space a human deserves. My commute is 52 miles and following traffic flow with the car versus the 70-75 on the bike is a difference of about 3 minutes. If you need those 3 minutes, wake up earlier.

When I look down and see I'm doing 90 while being passed I have to start wondering how many accidents happen on the freeways a day? How many fatalities in a car happen a week? Is the loss of a human life worth those 3 minutes? Wake up Cali. My bike is loud cause you read books, or text, or do your makeup in your car instead of focusing on the road and paying attention to your surroundings. Anyone that objects, do the riders a favor and put yourselves in our boots before you start condemning us to vehicular homicide. Before you judge any of us I challenge any non-rider foaming at the mouth like some I've read to tempt your fate like the rest of us and then you might understand.

[kristian]

There is no excuse for loud pipes. Any argument offered in their defense is after the fact rationalization. Tweaked exhaust is simply a desperate attempt for attention, and trust me, no one wants to pay any attention to you. I cannot stand that sound of bikes going down the street and they should be subject to the exact same noise regulations as cars. Good look with enforcing this law though because almost every cop on know has a Harley and they would be in violation.

Also, lane splitting should be illegal. There are lanes for a reason and bikes driving between cars is a dangerous nuisance. If you don't like your commute, get a new job or move closer to your work. Don't be a nuisance to everyone else on the road.

[Trista]

Well I really think this is uncalled for, People have there car alarms set to wear if an ant walks across it goes off, so it cant be blamed on us motorcyclist, thats just not cool, you can even shut a car door and peoples alarms will go off, so hey dont blame the Bikes, not saying that some people get a little carried away when reving it up, but really have to say people can hear and see you then, and your not road meat, Becasue most of the time people dont look for us who ride motorcycles. What about all the cars and trucks out there that leak oil all over are roads and stink, you guys arent giving them tickets now are you and there making are air smell real good arent they! This is crazy,leave the motorcyclist alone, they arent hurting anyone or anything. Loud pipes save lifes, I know it saved mine! Loud pipes have nothing to do with saying Im a rebel or anything else!

[John Rambo]

Like I never grew up... Hey!!! Look what I can do...ooohhhhh... I am so bad... Look at me... look at me... Look at me... are I not so manly... If you take my loud pipes away I will attach cards to my forks and let the spokes hit them... I think they should just override our immaturity and only allow us to ride "good citizen" cycles with a maximum of "no sound" and 20 electric Horsepower.... hence the cards.... Time to grow up boys... Next thing you know you will be putting some emblem in your truck showing some cartoon kid pissing on another vehicle manufactures logo... Like I said... grow up.

[danny balzer]

Loud pipes save lives...excessively loud pipes are ridiculous and piss people off causing new laws to be passed that piss more people off.

Rubber side down

[John]

I ride a motorcycle daily for commuting. My bike is completely stock. I lane split because the traffic is so horrendous it takes me about an hour and 45 minutes to go 50 miles if I'm driving my car. In my experience, many drivers lose half their IQ when they get behind the wheel of a car. I've seen so many inattentive drivers on the freeway it's amazing that we don't have more accidents (most are rear enders from inattentive drivers). I can completely understand the need for louder pipes so drivers are made aware of our presence, but seriously, do we need pipes that can be heard 3 blocks away? As for my motorcycle, yes, I do feel that I need to make it louder so people can hear me as I approach them. I've been run off the road several times because the car swerved in front of me cutting me off and I wasn't going fast. I was able to recover and stop the bike without crashing. Most of the drivers kept on going but one did stop to apologize and he said "I'm so sorry, I didn't SEE you." I prefer to keep my bike stock so now I just rev the hell out of the engine to make noise when I approach a car that appears to have inattentive driver at the wheel. Like I said, I can understand the need for noise to alert drivers of our presence but please, bikers, if your pipe is so loud that it can be heard several blocks away, IT'S TOO LOUD and there is no justification for it other than "Hey, look at me! I'm a rebel!"

[Hue J]

Be real.... loud pipes might make another driver notice you earlier, but most bonehead drivers are just boneheads. Having a loud pipe won't keep them from being a bonehead.
Loud pipes sound killer ......admit it. Wear a full face helmet fools. There aren't seatbelts on bikes.
Harley riders act like a bunch of 12 year olds any hoo. Just admit that you don't need a loud pipe.... you want one. Everyone on a Harley has a "look at me!" attitude.... just like when they were 12.... "Hey mom, look at me do this wheelie on my bicycle!!....... weeeee!" Friggin hilarious.

[linjaynes]

Excuse me california senator but you obviously have never rode & or been on a motorcycle in traffic. Your State has some of the fastest drivers I have ever seen, except New york. They yap on there cell's ,even though it's illegal in Cali & they literally do not appear to even be aware they should share the road with a bike. The reason pipes are loud especially on a Harley is for safety reasons, it's to be able to be heard, so you dont run us down, as that apparently is the only time we are noticed if were loud & or you have hit us & that means were dead lady. Not all of us are ignorant & or insensitive to your delicate ears, however what about noisy car alarms ,that go off in my neighborhood every time a police car, ambulance & autos with loud exhaust systems go by? & usually in the wee hours of the morning . lets just put the Motorcycles all together on a cali freeway & you can all just run over them all @ once & that way it will be easier & cheaper to pick up our remains @ one time, as quiet pipes mean death on a california freeway, as for me, i will glady just pay your fine's & stay alive.
"HEY SENATOR THERE LOUD FOR A REASON"

[Michael B]

I've been riding street bikes since my junior year in high school, 31 years. I ride safe, aware, and considerate. Lane splitting in slow heavy traffic is considered by the CHP to be safer than riding in a lane due to the number of accidents involving an inattentive driver rear-ending a motorcyclist and crushing the motorcycle and rider between the inattentive driver's automobile and the one in front of the motorcyclist. The only accident I've had in California happened less then a minute after I stopped lane splitting and safely merged into the lane to my right. The CHP, however, does consider 25 mph to be the maximum safe speed when lane splitting.

As for loud pipes, since sound is produced by the movement of air and exhausts do so to the rear of the motorcycle I have my doubts about their efficacy. Overall evidence of loud pipes saving lives appears to be purely anecdotal. Hi-viz riding apparel, helmets, and reflective surfaces, however, have been proven to make riders more visible from all angles. Unfortunately motorcycle forums are filled with riders who justify not using such gear because of the way it looks. Some of us prefer to forgo being fashionable in order to defend ourselves from the drivers in southern California.

I know this will sound harsh but I can find no other position to take on the subject due to the amount of evidence I witness daily when commuting and riding throughout southern California. Southern California drivers, in my opinion, seem to posses a severely reduced intellectual capacity which prevents them from understanding that the act of driving an automobile or truck requires a critical level of attention. The number of high school drop-outs (over 50% by some estimates) in southern California would seem to support my opinion on this. Overall, they consistently display a pathologically diminished sense of value for human life that can only be described as savagery to the point of their believing such sociopathic behavior is normal or even something to be proud of. I believe the level of crime in southern California and lack of community involvement in crime prevention and reporting supports this part of my opinion (I lived in an area of Glendale where the only time I ever saw the police respond to a crime was when I called - my roommate refused because, he said, "its none of my business"). In general southern California drivers appear bereft of any sort of moral compass, strength of character, or sense of personal responsibility.

I consider the drivers I encounter on southern California roads to be violent in nature; people who believe that getting to their destination is more important than the life of another person and if given the opportunity to get away with killing me while I'm riding my motorcycle will do so without remorse. By riding with this in mind I can defend myself from their pathological tendencies.

[mick d]

"According to the Air Resources Board, which backed the smog-check version of SB 435, motorcycles account for less than 1% of vehicle-miles traveled in the state yet account for 10% of passenger vehicles' smog-forming emissions"

How about a link to the raw data supporting this assertion.

[demoman]

has everyone forgotten how much noise a gas lawn mower puts out, let alone the polution as well. polution is not actually an issue, because there have always been 2 pipes from the factory, but only one had a converter in it. the addition of a converter was just to make the whiners happy. it only cleaned one cylinder anyway, so how do you test to see how clean it is?

[Two Buck Chuck]

I'll stop lanesplitting when you cagers start paying attention to what's going on around you. You think it's dangerous for me to split lanes? Try being the cream filling between Car 1 that slammed on its brakes because the driver was doing her makeup and nearly rear-ended the car in front of her, and Car B that didn't slam on its brakes because the driver was too busy texting. No thanks, I'll keep lanesplitting.

And to the knucklehead talking about how much "babysitting" he has to do to avoid US, here's a thought: drive following the rules you learned in driver's ed -- signal before turning, stay in your lane, pay attention to the traffic around you, watch your mirrors -- and you won't need to worry about us. You'll be driving predictably, so we'll NEVER hit you. Those #1 lane MC accidents only happen when jackasses like you dive into the next lane without looking or signaling.

[JD]

This is not an issue that the California legislature should be worrying about. Nuisance? Try SAFETY measure. Loud pipes make it more likely that one of you cage drivers might actually HEAR what you NEVER look for, motorcycles that are on the road. The number one excuse people give for killing a motorcyclist is that they didn't see the biker. If you HEAR a bike, you're more likely to look around a little. THEN maybe fewer bikers will be wiped off the road by careless drivers. By the way legislators... how about a damn BUDGET!? That's what you're SUPPOSED to be working on!

[Alan]

Funny how the loud pipe crowd doesn't understand that cell phones are just as bad for car drivers as well. Both should be outlawed. Unfortunately for the "idiot driver" issue the only solution by well be genocide.

But I find it laughable that all the loud pipe advocates run tail and hide when Lane Spliting is brought to the table. No justification for it but you sure won't give it up. I figure if you're willing to risk your lives with "idiot" driving by spliting lanes, then what does it matter if you pipes are loud or not. Your just asking to be a greasy spot on the road with that attitude.

[Miguel]

Loud pipes DO NOT save lives. This has been proven in numerous studies and is a myth. Do a little research and you can confirm for yourselves.

[Leonard C. Marshman]

So, Soccer Mom can take her mini-van to Midas, little Johnny can take his Honda to "Tuner Car Emporium", and
dad can take his Chevy 1/2-ton 4X4 to Four Wheel parts,
and they can all get after-market exhausts with no
problem. But if a motorcyclist dares to try and run
a non-OEM "pipe", that's illegal? That's un-fair and
a restraint of trade against after-market motorcycle
exhaust manufacturers. Oh, by the way, a couple of
years ago the Oakland P.D. found their new BMW cop-
bikes were too quiet so they, you guessed it, ADDED
LOUDER EXHAUSTS FOR RIDER SAFETY. What's good for the
goose...

[melibto]

Another useless piece of legislation. Applies to Model year 2013 and later. Many of the motorcycles now on the road, will still be on the road 10 -15 years from now and will be exempt.

[Ray]

Only people that ride will understand how loud pipes can save your life. don't expect anyone to realize that until they have driven on any highway on a motorcycle. my wife dis-agreed with me about changing the pipe on my motorcycle until we were nearly plowed off the freeway because the guy did not see us.....and sense i have changed my pipe, its been over a year and i haven't had any incidents of almost being hit since. I mean yes there are pipe that are way to loud that should only be used on a track. the people that are complaining are only thinking about themselves and not the life that could be putting in danger from making these bikes quite. I feel it its really wrong and unfair to make this law in-place. only reason there doing this is because someone is getting paid to put this law in place. There hasnt been any issues before so why now. If you have a niaghbor that has a loud bike that comes wakes everyone up in the morning all you have to do is ask him could you try and keep it a little quitter and im sure your problem will be solved. Motorcycle and motorcyclist generate alot of revenue for our state.

Its not a crime to have a loud bike. Your not hurting or putting anyone's life in danger from a loud pipe.

There are already to many laws that are bullsh*t so why add something on to allow cops to horas innocent people even more.

If you really stop and think about where are tax money is going????? Its going to people that are worried about motorcycle pipes, come on are tax money could be used towards something better than this. I could think of a million things to put are tax money toward than someone sitting in a chair getting pair more that $30 an hour to sit there and decide that motorcycle are to loud.

[Bolivar Shagnasty]

I own three motorcycles. I have ridden many miles. One of my bikes is a Harley
Davidson. I have looked for years for experimental evidence that "loud pipes save lives." None exists that passes design scrutiny. The only "evidence" is anecdotal. ( My bro had loud pipes and that car would have hit him if it didn't!) Loud pipes are simply an excuse;"Lookey at Bad Old Me!!"

[ron]

we have a law concerning this problem.CA. V.C. 27150 (a) Every motor vehicle subject to registration shall be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise, and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
are cops is just to lazy to do there job.

[Marina]

Yup. Lane splitting. That's what gives all the cellphone-talking, tv-watching, texting, twittering, Facebook-checking, tie-knot fixing, not-paying-attention-to-traffic the gyp and makes them hate motorcycles.
And of course loud motorcycles in particular since they make it harder to hear the phone conversation!

Get over yourself, folks! In every civilized country where motorcycles are at all common (that means in Europe and Japan), lane splitting is legal. It very rarely causes accidents, and when it does, it is usually because a car driver made an illegal move very suddenly without looking or giving signal.

When car drivers stop texting it might be appropriate to ban loud motorcycle pipes.

[Chris Lange]

"If it's enforced."Will the media or the agencies involved monitor this critical factor? Does watered-down SB435 contain language addressing fines or public censure for lack of enforcement? It ought to.

As far as I am concerned, no motorcyclist belongs in my neighborhood who chooses noise and noxious tailpipe emissions over many available alternatives.

What wimps our leadership turn out to be. Perhaps proponents of healthy kids and longevity should haul out videos of asthma attacks or bring damaged or dying family members to the halls of state government before legislators kiss them off with bills that don't really honor this greater constituency--California families

[Randy L]

This is wrong.

But, since they're regulating noise, how about shutting pelosi up.

[Wazoo2u2]

The argument that loud pipes save lives is a canard. People can see motorcycles if they have headlights on, and most motorcycle injuries/ are single vehicle asscidents. I have come close a few times with bikers when they come up fast between lanes in slow moving traffic. Bikers who just want to have loud pipes are self absorbed drama queens whose need for attention is more important than consideration of every one els for miles around.

[Jason]

This state has its head so far up its ass, the lump in the throat is a goddamn nose. Noise pollution, that's the stupidest thing I have ever heard! So now my Chopper is to loud, waaaaaa. So what's next, my supercharger wine in my mustang is also noise pollution?? This is in the same book as now I can't drive on my cell phone, without a damn ear piece, or my front windows are tinted and they are too dark!

I hate, hate this goddamn state! California is becoming a Policed state more and more every day! Hopefully in five years I can move back to Arizona, where I can carry a gun if I choose too. I can have my windows tinted as dark as I want, I can drive and talk on my cell phone...and no one is going to wine about my exhaust on mu chopper! This state has turned into a special interest heaven! Hopefully when the big earthquake comes, this goddamn state will fall in the ocean.

[Josue]

"Wahh wahh! I'm a big fat 50+ year old guy on a Harley and I want drivers to hear me because I'm scared to get run over because my helmet isn't DOT approved and I can't react fast because my butt and arms hurt from the V-twin and super high handlebars, and i'm a little drunk from just being at the biker bar. Wahh wahh! I'm a big fat adult baby."

Harley riders are lame, they need to shut their loud motorcycles off, shut their loud egos off, stop crying and start being alert riders. If they want saftey, they should wear DOT approved helmets.

[Dan]

Saying that loud mufflers are a safety feature is just nonsense. They are attention seeking devices masquerading as safety ones.

[El Guapo de la ciudad de Los Angeles]

Loud pipes save lives. Motorcycles are 30 times more vulnerable than cars in getting sideswiped in congested traffic. Often times it's best one hears the cycle before seeing it thus avoiding an accident. The noise that bothers me most are car alarms. Let's make them illegal.

[jeannie]

I bet law enforcement is going to enforce this on the rice burners and look the other way on harley davidson bikes. TYPICAL.

[HMAN]

John D.... adapt... use it as a wake up alarm....

[HMAN]

Jay
the bikers getting killed was intentional.
how do you think the EPA could attain 0% emissions from motorcycles.
Smart move dont you think??

[HMAN]

Motorcycle mike
I totally agree with you, all the noise (no pun intended) about the cell phone law and more people are driving , holding back traffic because they are not talking on the cell phone .....they are texting... this should be easy pickings for the police
on the street or the fwy when there is a lot of traffic look for the car with space for 3 or 4 cars in front of it... chances are ....TEXTING.

[kid plumper]

Screw you Mr. Loud motorcycle. Thanks for waking me up in the middle of the night, or disturbing a quiet time because your penis is too small and you need a loud machine to be heard. Everybody hates you guys and am stoked when I see an idiot motor cycle rider laying in the street being cool when he's covered in blood. It's called KARMA

[roninkai]

Just like that South Park episode...

[bill]

its about time for something like this. next they need to make the license plates bigger so they can actually be SEEN and get rid of the stupid "lane splitting." this is not the 1920s - there is too much traffic for that and very few riders actually do it safely. how many sig alerts are due to "motor cycle dwn" etc in the number one lane. most riders have no idea how much baby sitting car drivers must endure to coddle their extended adolescence. there is no resonable argument against these reforms. most of them are just trouble makers and the stakes are way too high. how many countless times are the riders that do wheelies on the fwy? anyway, people are very tired of the faux outlaw mentality.