Boomer07
Registered
Bass, or deeper tones, is omni-directional so while someone might be able to hear it they have zero idea where it originates, so it's not really effective as a warning device. In the interest of full disclosure, I am a strong proponent of the quiet option myself, no need to attract undue attention to my constant twisting of that throttle thingy. However, science seems fairly clear that any uni-directional sound is bound by the Doppler effect, therefore a rear facing exhaust either projects sound in one direction or produces a tone so deep that it's impossible to determine from whence it originates. Either way you slice it, I don't rely on anecdotal evidence to keep me safe, I am a believer that I am on an invisible bicycle and that most cagers are moderately retarded.I love when people claim that loud pipes cant be heard in front of the bike because the pipes are not pointed forward. Can you not hear a loud stereo coming up behind you? A loud v8? Drag pipe v twin? How about a jet coming from behind...subsonic of course?!
Whatever. If loud works for u, great. If not, great. I have been pulled out in front of many many more times on quiet bikes than loud bikes period. Loud has def saved my ass more often than not. Quiet pipes would be nice during hooligan moments sure.
Troy