Law would crack down on roaring motorcycles (Another reason to hate California)

MSNBC ^ | 21 September 2010 | ALEJANDRA MOLINA

[Terrence DoGood]

"As the popularity of motorcycles increases, loud pipes become offensive to the general public out there," Scott added.

The roaring motorcycles -- primarily Harleys -- have led to a bill that would target motorcyclists who remove factory-installed emission control devices mandated by the federal government and replace them with custom, aftermarket parts that often make their bikes louder and more polluting.

SB 435 had been approved by the state legislature and now is sitting on the Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk. The Harley-riding governor has until Sept. 30 to sign the bill into law or veto it.

If the governor puts his stamp of approval on the measure, motorcyclists would be required to post a visible, unaltered Environment Protection Agency stamp to confirm the exhaust system is clean burning and does not exceed 80 decibels -- about the same noise level as a vacuum cleaner. The stamp would only be required for motorcycles and aftermarket parts made after 2013.

"The noise caused by illegally modified motorcycle exhaust systems is a major quality of life issue across the state," said state Sen. Fran Pavley, a Democrat from Agoura Hills. "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

First-time offenders would be fined up to $100; tickets could be voided if the owners bring their bikes back into compliance. Subsequent infractions would be subject to fines of $100 to $250.

[SZonian]

Yep! Angeles Crest Highway almost claimed me as a stat because of that very thing. I went up shortly after the runoff from snowmelt had finished for the year, but didn’t take into account all the sand that would be on the inside of the curves.

Bouquet Canyon Road was another a few years before that because of a curve I misjudged. Went in too fast and the compound curve closed up on me.

I miss riding and get a wistful look in my eye whenever I see someone obviously enjoying their ride, but I’m just not willing to risk it any longer. Too many responsibilities.

[longtermmemmory]

The helmet is facing into the grill...

the fact is that federal law already covers this. This sticker notion is still just a tax and spend issue.

ALL the debate about motorcycle loudness is a distraction. Keep in mind, pre 1980’s motorcycles have no noise restrictions because that was the applicable law at the time. It is like pre 1973 cars and catalytic converters.

[freedomfiter2]

It’s their owners that are.

[SeeSac]

There is nothing sweeter on this earth than the sound of 100 bikes rolling by in a tribute ride. I'm nearly deaf but I enjoy feeling the vibration rattle my rib cage. You real guys know what I'm talking about.

Only the deaf would appreciate the sound of 100 harleys ... No thanks. I still have my hearing.

[BunnySlippers]

What about irresponsible people who have hugely LOUD parties? These people impinge on my rights to enjoy my home. My rights to a peaceful existence.

[TChris]

You should stick to subjects that you know something about.

And you're the psychic who knows what I know and whom? Mmmm kay.

[TChris]

As a biker (riding for 55 years), I have to agree with you. Very loud pipes are the stuff of adolescent behavior (e.g. like noisy, irritating, spoiled brat children), hurt the image of motorcycling and are harmful to people's health. I don't know that I'd send them to Gitmo, but I'd certainly fine their a$$ big time.

Thanks for the post.

I agree, and everyone I ride with feels pretty much the same way. We ride because we love the ride, not to get attention or impress anybody.

My most recent ride was up to 12 hours a day, and I wish I could have kept going.

[TChris]

as for those silly enough to have a mere “six inch” exhaust on their untuned engine, their long term hearing loss seems penalty enough.

Except that the penalty gets spread around (yes, to a lesser degree) to lots of people who have no choice.

If you are longing for deafness, please don't pursue your goals in front of my home.

[Melas]

And you're the psychic who knows what I know and whom? Mmmm kay.

Psychic? You're the one pretending to be psychic. I'll quote for you:

Bikers like loud exhaust because it's the audio equivalent of giving the world the finger.

That's you pretending that you know what bikers think well enough to ascribe motive to their likes and dislikes. And getting it quite wrong I might add. However you wouldn't know, since you're obviously not a biker.

Since I am a biker, I can plainly see that your ascription above is wide enough of the truth to reasonably assume that you had no earthly idea what you were talking about, hence I called you on it. ESP not required.

[TChris]

Yeah, and you like to have loud, blasting pipes because of the "safety".

Gotcha.

[SeeSac]

What about irresponsible people who have hugely LOUD parties? These people impinge on my rights to enjoy my home. My rights to a peaceful existence.

You have bad neighbors? Call the police.

[SeeSac]

I couldn’t have put it better!

TChris: “Bikers like loud exhaust because it’s the audio equivalent of giving the world the finger.”