In PA, just North of my Maryland border, the local police were very interested in sound levels and last year set up "listening" posts and were handing out a lot of tickets. The word spread on where these spots were (they love to sit around the Ephrata/York area on Bike Breakfast Sunday's) and folks were trying to avoid them. I never got stopped, only HD guys who were running straight pipes. But, this year, I haven't seen or heard of any such stops. I guess priorities/funding changes. (no Sunday OT $$ for stop sites...)
On my America, I have lightly modified Specialty Spares pipes that are in no way "too loud" and much quieter than most HD's.
On my '66 chopper, I have straight pipes, no mufflers. It's pretty loud and raspy. But, that thing is so tiny and without some noise, the bike seems to be invisible. I don't ride it nearly as often as my America, but the folks who turn over on me or pull out in front of me is far higher than the America. A crack of my throttle alerts folks changing lanes who don't see me in their mirrors. I don't think there is a completely steadfast rule on this, but in that scenario, the pipes definitely help me avoid an accident. I am respectful with the throttle when starting and putting out of my neighborhood.
Last edited by ssjones; 08/27/2010 8:00 AM.
